CURRENT EXHIBITION

From the Railroad to Route 66: The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico. Starting with the arrival of the railroad in 1880, Pueblo and Navajo artisans collaborated with non-Indian dealers to invent artifacts that had no purpose but to satisfy the demand for Indian goods. From its inception, the curio trade comprised cottage industries, retail spaces, and a vast mail-order trade, and objects were sold by the thousands.

From the Railroad to Route 66:
The Native American Curio Trade
in New Mexico
May 18, 2008–April 19,2009

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The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary and historic Native American art with an emphasis on the Southwest. Main gallery exhibitions change twice a year. Smaller galleries feature one-person shows by Native American artists and photographers, or items relating to the main gallery exhibition.

The museum and the Case Trading Post museum shop sponsor talks, seminars, meet-the-artist receptions, and many other events. A private, not-for-profit institution, the Wheelwright Museum does not charge an admission fee, and most of its events are free. Donations are welcomed.

This year the Wheelwright celebrates its 70th Anniversary as New Mexico’s oldest, independent, non-profit museum!
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JUST RELEASED! The Native American Curio Trade in New Mexico Jonathan Batkin, 2008 10.5 x 8 inches, 336 pages, 151 color illustrations, appendix with information on more than 200 silversmiths who worked in curio shops before World War II. Hardcover $85; softcover $55. To reserve a signed copy, click here!