Native Art Market

September 28, 2024
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Native artistry and culture at our Native Art Market on September 28. Explore the work of ten talented Native artists, offering unique handcrafted items and artwork. Savor delicious food from local food trucks, and don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a plant walk led by Tanagidan Winyan, where you’ll learn about indigenous plants and their cultural significance. Come and experience a day filled with creativity, community, and connection to nature.

Native Plant Walk at Caponi Art Park

This plant walk will teach participants how to engage in a loving relationship with our plant relatives. We all need to honor and protect grandmother Earth, and her gifts for our future generations to come!

Food Trucks

Celebrate Native Art and Tradition: An Interview with Tanagidan Winyan

On September 28th, Tanagidan Winyan is bringing her beautiful Native Art Market to Caponi Art Park for the first time. The Market will feature authentic handmade goods and art from talented Native artists and several food trucks and vendors to keep you snacking throughout your visit.

Winyan, the owner of Blue Hummingbird Women Indigenous Gift Shop in St. Paul, tells Caponi Art Park, “I come from medicine clans on both Dakota and Ojibwe sides, and was raised harvesting and making medicine”. Winyan writes children’s books and is devoted to promoting the health of the Earth and Water, taking care of our environment. She began vending around the twin cities at markets and powwows and eventually opened her shop in St. Paul.

“Quarterly we do markets at the wellness center,” says Winyan. “We have around 20 different vendors, it has taken off and we have gotten such a great turnout. The opportunity came about and I thought it would be really beneficial to be able to purchase authentic Native American goods (in Eagan), and we have a list of vendors that love to do markets in new places and meet new people.” At this market, you can expect to see an array of vendors with everything from authentic Native American beadwork, screen printed art and jewelry, to foraged jams, baking mixes and all sorts of sweet treats. “There is even,” tells Winyan, “A brand new business with Native-Inspired slushies!”

One of Caponi Art Park’s more well-hidden secrets is our lush landscape full of unique, even rare Native plants. Tanagidan Winyan tells Caponi Art Park, “I got to walk around Caponi Art Park, see the plants and fell in love”. Winyan will be leading a Native Plant Walk around the park during the market. “First and foremost, all of the teachings were passed down orally,” she says. “It’s not stuff you can find online, but traditional storytelling. It will be a beautiful experience for everyone involved.” Participation is free, but registration beforehand is required (and almost full!)

When asked what she is most excited about for the upcoming market, Winyan says, “Honestly, I think all of it, I’m excited for my vendors to be out there sharing their knowledge, meeting new people we might not have gotten the opportunity to in St. Paul”. We can’t wait for the market, coming to the park September 28th.

We are honored to host Tanagidan Winyan and all of the vendors bringing their beautiful art and rich culture to share with our community. This event is perfect for individuals and families alike and we hope to see you there.