Christmas Exhibition and Sale
Select works by Poeh Arts Faculty and Students
December 3, 2004 – March 5, 2005
The Pueblos of New Mexico have always found occasions to celebrate events occurring during the course of an annual cycle of life including the changes in season and special occasions. Winter is a time for being with family and community to share warmth, stories, ceremonies, and dances.
With the introduction of Catholicism, the Pueblo people also adopted these celebrations (including Christmas) and incorporated them into their regimen of ceremonials and dances. The traditional celebrations included various ceremonial dances and festivities that recognize the importance of special events in their lives and Christmas is even more exceptional with the exchange of gifts and ceremonial dances for all to enjoy!
The Poeh Museum continues this tradition with exhibitions of beautiful art, ceremonial dances, and núu phaa (also known as bonfires and luminarias), which are believed to light the way for those bearing gifts for the Christ child.
The Poeh Museum’s Núu phaa Exhibition also serves as a beacon for visitors to follow as well as to introduce many artists who represent all the Pueblos of New Mexico and tribal nations from throughout the United States and Canada.
The art featured in this exhibition is as varied as the age and tribal affiliation of the artists themselves! The Pueblo of Pojoaque invites all visitors to come and join tribal members in celebrating the annual festivities including the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) and the Núu phaa Exhibition as well as enjoy beautiful art and the warmth of núu phaa’s during this very extraordinary and special time of the year.
