Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival

Free All-Day Community Event!
Saturday, November 11 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Highlighting the continued vibrancy and artistic traditions of Native American communities – and the local tribes who helped shape San Antonio – the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to enjoy its annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. The event is FREE and includes admission to the Briscoe, making it a perfect way to celebrate the important role Native Americans played in shaping the West while enjoying art and artifacts that highlight Native American history.

The FREE community festival features live performances, storytelling, artist demonstrations, pottery and carving, as well as Native American-inspired food, including REZR’vation Only, a food truck featuring Native American-inspired cuisine that is owned and operated by a registered member of the Navajo Nation. The event starts with a Native American spiritual blessing, followed by a ceremonial drum circle that invites everyone to join.

The annual event is named in honor of the Payaya people who were indigenous to the San Antonio area. “Yanaguana” was the word they used to describe what is now known as the San Antonio River. The festival groups with historical roots in the San Antonio area and highlights a core pillar of Western art featured in the Briscoe’s collection. The festival has been held annually since the museum opened, with 2020’s event taking place virtually.

Crafts happening throughout the day!

Pinch Pot
Leather Medallions
Traditional Basket Weaving
Big Community Basket
Paper Plate Baskets
Cardboard Loom Weaving

Coloring Pages
Ledger Art Coloring Pages
Reading Zone
Make Your Own Spin Drum
Make Your Own Bison Hide Art

Ongoing Artist Demonstrations & Artists Selling

Tim Blueflint (Fine Art Flutes and jewelry)
Kevin Quannie (Katsina Carving)
Shane Hendren (Jewelry)
George Levi (Ledger Art)

All ongoing artist demonstrations will be located in the Jack Guenther Pavilion.