The Sundance Gallery opens a pop-up gallery in Naperville
For 38 years, Janet Smith-Peterson has maintained a commitment to promoting Native American arts and jewelry through her business, The Sundance Gallery.
She's now the only gallery left in the Chicago area offering authentic Native American jewelry, pottery, art and crafts. This holiday season, The Sundance Gallery has "popped up" in Naperville at 103 S Washington St.
Open through the end of December, the gallery also will be hosting demonstrations and educational presentations from various top Native American artists.
"I love being able to bring artists into our gallery so customers can see how they work, learn about the process, and appreciate all the skill and time it takes to create these beautiful pieces," Smith-Peterson said.
The Sundance Gallery features both new and vintage items, but all items are authentic, handcrafted by Native American artisans. "Our handcrafts, rugs, pottery and jewelry are priced across the spectrum, so we have items for the serious collector as well as the emerging collector of Native art and jewelry," she added.
Smith-Peterson has owned "brick and mortar" gallery locations in Naperville, Downers Grove, St. Charles and, most recently, Geneva. But with the changing retail landscape, reinvention is the name of the game.
"While we closed our permanent gallery location in Geneva this past spring, we have strong online sales through thesundancegallery.com, trunk shows and events, and we're planning another pop-up location for the spring," she said.
"Retail these days is all about being flexible. While we do have a loyal customer base, pop-ups allow us to bring the work of these artists to new audiences through various retail locations. There's nothing that excites me more than sharing the culture and art of the Native American people," Smith-Peterson said. "To me, The Sundance Gallery isn't just a job, it's my calling."
The Sundance Gallery is open at 103 S. Washington St. in Naperville, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 28.
During the month of November, The Sundance Gallery also will be hosting Caroline Shapiro of Range Rider Gallery, with a collection of vintage Western Wear and boots.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., they will welcome Range Rider Gallery into the downtown Naperville pop-up gallery. Now through Nov. 27, you will have the opportunity to see and purchase some distinctive vintage western wear, boots, leather bags and more! Caroline Shapiro is your host of all things cool, vintage and western. Range Rider hours are: Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Thursday, Nov. 17, enjoy an evening of songs and stories with Ron Kanutski at 7 p.m. Bring your hand drums or rattles and join Ron Kanutski in sharing songs, stories, and teachings of the Ojibwe (Anishnawbe) people to promote healing and the good life. Ron's gift is his natural ability to bridge traditional Ojibwe healing methods and ceremonies shared by elders with mainstream healing modalities to provide unique learning experiences and opportunities.
There will be a Navajo and Zuni jewelry show featuring the Supersmith Collection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. See the work of designer David Rosales at the gallery and enjoy the opportunity to purchase contemporary inlay jewelry created by Navajo and Zuni artists. There will be hundreds of Supersmith Collection items to choose from.
On Sunday, Dec. 4, owner Janet Smith-Peterson will share her story, her knowledge and passion for Native American jewelry. "Surrounded By Beauty: My Love Affair With Native American Jewelry" will begin at 1 p.m. Learn about the history of American Indian jewelry, various tribal styles, types of turquoise, and more.
For information, visit thesundancegallery.com or www.facebook.com/thesundancegallery/.