ZUNI, NM (Mar. 19, 2025) — On Sunday, March 16, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project hosted an Artist Summit and Art Market for community members at Ho’n A:wan Park. Made possible with support from the Chamiza Foundation and First Nations Development Institute, the special event brought together approximately 20 established artists from Zuni Pueblo for four hours of knowledge sharing, after which 14 vendors showcased and sold their art to the public.
According to Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director, the summit was designed to empower, uplift and support Zuni artists who engage in entrepreneurship, leadership and advocacy work. It also provided access to a variety of resources for artists in Zuni.
“At the Artist Summit, we celebrated the power and potential of a Zuni artist,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “Not only are our artists creators who bring incredible beauty into the world, they are culture bearers who help educate us about the roots and purpose of the artwork.
“They also are accomplished business owners who constantly advocate for our community,” she continued. “They advocate for us every time they fight for what their artwork and expertise are worth, and every time they engage with the public at art shows. An art show is an opportunity for cultural exchange, because they are telling our story from our perspective and connecting with people who want to learn.”
The day started at 8 a.m. with breakfast, homemade bagels from ZYEP Food Sovereignty Coordinator Brittny Seowtewa. After an official welcome and opening remarks, attendees went into their first session at 9 a.m.
“Our first session was ‘Tax Information’ with Darlynn Panteah, our ZYEP board treasurer and owner of the Zuni-based tax preparation business Panteah & Associates LLC,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “Artists have a lot of questions about how to do their taxes, how to form an LLC and how to handle all the paperwork. This was a really useful presentation.”
At 10 a.m., ZYEP hosted an Artist Resource Panel to help educate attendees about available resources in Zuni. Kandis Quam, ZYEP art leader, discussed the benefits of membership in the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni (ARTZ) Cooperative; Tyrell Westika shared information about the A:shiwi Tribal College & Career Readiness Center’s entrepreneurship program; and Daryl Shack provided details about Artwalk Studio Tours in Zuni.
“It’s incredible what we have available right here in Zuni,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “For example, Tyrell can help artists and business owners develop their websites, take professional photos and even produce their artwork if they require costly assets such as a kiln and silk-screening equipment.
“Daryl also emphasized that an artist is creative and innovative by nature,” she added. “That makes you your own greatest resource.”
At 11 a.m., attendees engaged in the second session, “Empowerment.” Keith Edaakie of Zuni-based Edaakie Art talked about his personal journey as a working artist and art show participant, sharing tips and tricks.
The session’s second presenter was Cassandra Tsalate. She has completed multiple ZYEP programs, including the Emerging and Advanced Apprenticeships and the Grand Canyon Cultural Demonstration Program, and she currently works as an intern at the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center while she pursues her education in museum studies.
“Cassandra discussed how artists can use their art every day to become a better Zuni artist, focusing on the practicality of it,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “She planning to plant a garden this year using traditional tools like watering bell pottery. She will assess how the garden grows, compared to years when she used contemporary tools. It’s an experiment to see how we carry our art forward, holding onto our traditional knowledge and cultural roots while adapting to changing circumstances.”
Joining Edaakie and Tsalate was fellow Zuni artist Mikey Owaleon, who has created “Mandalorian” concept art for Lucasfilm among his many projects. He discussed the ways art brings generations together — and how that benefits young people.
“Mikey shared stories about this grandfather, and how art was an opportunity for them to connect,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “He spoke about what it means to have that bonding, how it builds kids’ confidence, and how we can recreate that.”
The ZYEP Art Summit came to a close at 12 p.m. Major Market catered a grab-and-go lunch, and the youth project provided $100 gift cards for all participating artists.
“They chose to spend this time with us instead of working on their art, so we were honored to do this for them,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We also were very grateful to have opportunities to connect with some artists we’ve never worked with. They were all so amazing.”
Finally, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., ZYEP opened the doors to the public art market. Fourteen vendors offered items ranging from baked goods and knitted items to paintings and fetishes, and the A:shiwi Tribal College and Career Development Center set up a booth so attendees could learn more about admissions and programming.
“In the years since we started our apprenticeships, we have discussed at length how we can best support our youth artists and help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “Offering more art markets, more opportunities for them to showcase and sell their work, is an important step.
“I would like to give a huge shout-out to ZYEP Program Manager Tara Wolfe, Art Coordinator Elroy Natachu Jr., Art Leader Kandis Quam and Art Leader Liam Simplicio,” she added. “They were instrumental in putting this special event together, and I am grateful to each of them for their hard work and their dedication to our youth artists and our community.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
