FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chelsea O’Neill

Jordan Blakesley

(303) 658-0605

PAHPONEE, AWARD-WINNING ARTIST, PRESENTS “NATIVE AMERICAN POTTERY IDEOLOGY” AT SOUTH SUBURBAN RECREATIONAL CENTER’S GOODSON CENTER

Finished Pieces at Free May 9 Lecture will be Showcased at Tesoro Cultural Center’s

Indian Market & Powwow, May 14-15, 2016

MORRISON, Colo. – April 15, 2016 – Pahponee, a self-taught clay artist and descendant of the Kickapoo and Potawatomi Nations, will host “Native American Pottery Ideology,” a free hour-long lecture at the Goodson Recreation Center (6315 S. University Boulevard) on Monday, May 9, from 3-4 p.m. The award-winning potter is an avid supporter of Morrison, Colo.’s Tesoro Cultural Center, and presents her work at the nonprofit’s annual Indian Market & Powwow; the finished pieces displayed at “Native American Pottery Ideology” will be exhibited for sale at the Indian Market & Powwow, hosted at The Fort (19192 Hwy 8, Morrison), on May 14 and 15.

“Native American Pottery Ideology” will touch on three primary themes: Pahponee’s tribal heritage and how the traditions of her ancestors have evolved into a modern lifestyle; how she uses pottery to communicate tradition and create new stories; and the sources of her inspiration, her process and why she chooses to work with clay.

“Every time I create something new, I focus on bringing to life a culture, a history, a story, a tradition,” said Pahponee. “That is why I love to share my inspiration and my process. Creating pottery is like telling the story of my ancestors. It’s also why I love Tesoro Cultural Center. The organization preserves and protects the culture that makes me who I am, and it helps to tell those stories to the modern world through art.”

Pahponee has spent years experimenting with a hand-dug clay and commercial clay; her experimentation and research has resulted in technical excellence in clay properties, tools, hand building and firing techniques. Mastering several pottery techniques has allowed Pahponee to create distinctive pottery that expresses her personal style and innovative spirit.

In celebration of early Southwestern history,artists will sell their wares and demonstrate their crafts at Indian Market & Powwow, juried by the Council for Indigenous Arts and Culture. More than 50 inter-tribal American Indian dancers and drum groups will share their ancestral heritage through traditional dance and regalia. The Colorado Governor’s office has recognized the annual Indian Market & Powwow as the largest authentic American Indian art show in Colorado, and for the past four years, has issued Proclamations of Official Indian Market & Powwow Days directly from the office of Governor John Hickenlooper.

Alongside celebrations of art, dance and cultural heritage, Tesoro’s Indian Market & Powwow honors outstanding American Indian Veterans each year, in observance of Armed Forces Day, in order to thank them for their service. This year’s honoree is Terry Knight, Ute Mountain Ute, of the U.S. Air Force.

For more information on “Native American Pottery Ideology,” please visit the South Suburban Recreational Center Catalog. This programming is made possible by Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) in support of Tesoro Cultural Center. Please vote YES to reauthorize SCFD and keep cultural programming alive in Colorado.

For more information on Indian Market & Powwow, call (303) 839-1671, visit or view the informational video.

About the Tesoro Cultural Center

The Tesoro Cultural Center (Tesoro means “treasure” in Spanish) is committed to protecting and making available to the community the artistic treasures of our American past. All Tesoro events are inspired by Colorado’s rich history and shared experiences with Southwest, Spanish, Mexican, Native American, African American and early European cultures. From art and cuisine to historical re-enactments and music, the Tesoro Cultural Center’s mission is to create enriched, community-based events and educational outreach programs designed to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage. For more information, please visit

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