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About Us
The Woodland Indian Art, Inc is a non-profit organization created to expand the awareness and appreciation of Woodland Indian art and culture through education, events and markets. We bring Woodland Indian artists together to showcase the distinct artistic styles and cultures of tribes from eastern United States. By growing appreciation of their diversity, we help grow their economy through the sales of their art work.
Our Story
The organization was founded by Loretta and Stan Webster in 2004 because of Loretta's love for raised beadwork and as an avid collector of Woodland Indian Art. Throughout her remarkable professional and most successful artistic career, and for sixteen years, Loretta was at the helm of the Annual Woodland Indian Art Show and Market.
Since its inception in 2004, inside the Bear Paw Art Gallery, Loretta, Stan and a few Oneida artists developed the WIASM. Furthermore, they established by-laws and an all Native voluntary Board of Directors, became incorporated as the Woodland Indian Art, Inc, a non- profit corporation, applied for and received 501c3 status from the IRS. Loretta resigned from the Board of Directors of WIA, Inc in December of 2022 and in January of 2023, she was unanimously recommended and approved as an ex officio member of the Board.
Loretta passed away in August of 2023, but her legacy lives on within the arts community and beyond. We share this story in recognition of the many contributions Loretta brought to the Woodland Indian community.
Our Values
We value Native American artist for their role in preserving our culture and native identity.
We value volunteerism as an indicator that individuals want to give back and take pride in their community.
We value Native American Art as an important component in the economy of Tribal communities.
We value partnerships and relationships with Tribes, States, and communities. It is only through collaboration that we can succeed and achieve our mission.
Our Vision
To be nationally and internationally recognized and trusted as the premier destination for Woodland Indian arts and culture.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to expand the awareness and appreciation of Woodland Indian Arts and Culture through education, events and markets.
WIA, Inc. Board of Directors
John Breuninger
Board President
Garth Webster
Treasurer
Kirby Metoxen
Board Member
Sherry King
Board Administrator
Eric Doxtator
Board Vice President
Toni House
Board Member
Dawn Reiter
Board Member
Thank You
Thank you to our generous supporters! Woodland Indian Art, Inc. is deeply grateful to the organizations that fund our mission to promote and celebrate Indigenous Woodland art and culture. Your support helps us provide opportunities for Native artists, host impactful events, and preserve the rich artistic traditions of our communities. Together, we are fostering creativity, cultural expression, and economic growth for Indigenous artists.
Our Supporters
Take a moment and see what our partners have to offer at the links listed below.
We appreciate the numerous sponsors of each artist award and the many volunteers who make the show possible. This event could not happen without the coordination and help of many people. Art show volunteers agree it is vital that native tribes hold onto their unique cultural identity by celebrating their respective art forms and styles.
Woodland Indian Art, Inc., (WIA, Inc.) support and follow the guidelines put into place by The Indian Arts and Craft Act of 1990.
Indian Arts & Crafts Act of 1990
"The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craft products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell, any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the IACA, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the IACA, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000.
Under the IACA, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized tribe of the United States, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian tribe.
The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1934. The IACA broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.
All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the tribal enrollment of the producers so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market art or craftwork using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe did not actually create the art or craftwork.
For example, products sold using a sign claiming "Indian Jewelry" would be a violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act if the jewelry was produced by someone other than a member, or certified Indian artisan, of an Indian tribe. Products advertised as "Navajo Jewelry" would be in violation of the IACA if they were produced by someone who is not a member, or certified Indian artisan, of the Navajo tribe.
Before buying Indian art and craftwork online, at powwows, annual fairs, juried competitions, and other events, check the website policy page or event vendor requirements regarding the authenticity of products being offered for sale. Many events list the requirements online, in media advertisements, promotional flyers, and printed programs. If the event organizers make no statements on compliance with the IACA or on the authenticity of art and craftwork offered by participating vendors, you should obtain written verification from the individual vendors that their Indian art or craftwork was produced by tribal members or by certified Indian artisans." --As published by the US Department of the Interior