Art in the American Southwest

Art in the American Southwest has a very unique flavor. Turquoise, bone and amazing rugs. And though some will take you to a traditional gallery, much can be found around the corner.

There are museums in the Southwest that you can go to to see the artistic history of this area, but the real beauty is found on reservations, at roadside stands, and more. If you want this style of art, don't be fooled by the stuff you find online, though some of it can be authentic... If you want real southwestern art, you need to pave the streets... or prairies.

To ease you into this style of art, I would introduce you to the Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas.

Begin with the Audubon collection, where you will find beautiful and lifelike rendition of much of the fauna found in the American Southwest, John James Audubon as well as John Woodhouse Audubon have collections here. From there, visit the Karl Bodmer collection, and see paintings and engravings by this photo journalist who existed before photography did. See gritty and real artistic renditions, of life in the American Southwest. As you continue, visit the Taos Society wing where you will see more stunning renditions of Native life in the American Southwest.

And now to the real treasures.

Visit the museum's Native American collection where you can view beautiful, timeless pottery, ancient and modern basketry by the Navajo, including water baskets, gorgeous turquoise and silver jewelry, and world renown Navajo blankets and rugs.

Just looking at this style of art behind glass is one thing, but if you want a piece of your own Americana, then you need to hoof it to roadside carts with handcrafted jewelry, rugs, blankets, or leather or cloth with beautiful bead embellishments. You will often find handmade crafts at some fairs throughout the region, and close to some reservations, you will find merchants selling hand made wares. This is the true art of the American Southwest.

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Yes, it is made to protect the consumer, but what does it do for the artist? Yes, you aren't going to buy something bought from Wal Mart sold as real because of this act, but I think on the flip side, it really drives up the price, making it harder for a non-known artist to sell their wares to tourists and collectors. It is kind of a shame, but if you are interested in owning local art, it is worth it to do some research into what you are getting. Ask questions of the artist you are purchasing from, and if you are holding a Kachina doll, remember that it is not a doll in the way that we know it, it is a cultural and religious artifact for the Hopi people.