Welcome to the Ancestral Rich Treasures of Zuni, or ARTZ, a unique cooperative that stands as a testament to the artistic legacy of the Zuni Pueblo. Founded on August 10, 2019, ARTZ is the first and only multi-artist owned and managed business in the Zuni Pueblo. This cooperative was established in a building formerly known as the Old Post Office, a site with its own history, now transformed into a vibrant center for authentic Zuni art. ARTZ was conceived as a solution to a pressing issue: the need to authenticate and protect Zuni art from imitation and fraud, which spans from nearby regions in New Mexico to countries like China and the Philippines. Visitors to ARTZ are not just stepping into a gallery; they are entering a hub of cultural preservation and artistic excellence. Here, you will encounter an array of Zuni art forms, including pottery, textiles, paintings, carved fetishes, and the world-renowned Zuni silver inlay. The cooperative provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, ensuring that each piece is certified as genuine Zuni craftsmanship. ARTZ is not just about displaying art; it is committed to education and artist empowerment. Regular workshops are held to educate visitors on the distinctions between authentic and inauthentic Zuni art. The cooperative also supports its members with resources for financial management, social media, and customer service. In collaboration with partners like the A:shiwi College and Career Readiness Center and the Cooperative Catalyst of New Mexico, ARTZ is a community effort supported by foundations such as the W. K. Kellogg Foundation NM and the Chamiza Foundation. This collaboration ensures that the cooperative is not only a place of business but also a learning environment for both artists and visitors. As you explore ARTZ, you may have the opportunity to meet some of the artists themselves, gaining insight into the stories and techniques behind each piece. The cooperative is an integral part of the Zuni Pueblo ArtWalk, which allows visitors to engage with artists in their studios and homes, providing a deeper understanding of the Zuni culture and artistic process. ARTZ is more than a gallery; it is a living space where the past and present of Zuni artistry converge, offering visitors a genuine connection to the cultural heritage of the Zuni people.
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