While the Heard Museum was gearing up for the 67th Annual Indian Fair & Market on traditional O’odham land in Phoenix, a strong O’odham presence was felt just a few blocks away at the opening reception for the new gallery called Vah’ki, on February 27.  

Vah’ki (ancient house or pit house) is an O’odham word that refers to specific ancestral villages that once flourished throughout the Valley. The Vah’ki was a place of gathering for ceremony, trade, games, politics and more.

The gallery is in Phoenix at the Mood Room on 3121 N. 3rd Ave. Suite 100 (inside Park Central).

Vah’ki features artwork from over 20 Native artists (more than half are O’odham), including Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members Dwayne Manuel and Penrose Fulwilder, SRPMIC resident Thomas “Breeze” Marcus and SRPMIC employees Amy Davila, Chandra Narcia and Natasha “Rezmo” Martinez. Some of the artwork is for sale.

According to Breeze, the space is owned by local 501(c)(3) organization ArtLink. The space was not going to be used during the month of March, so he timed it just right and asked if he could open a temporary gallery.

Breeze and Manuel had been kicking the idea of the gallery around for a while and both took the wheel and handpicked local artists to coordinate with. 

“I’m the curator, the installer and the janitor,” joked Breeze.

The timing of the opening of the gallery was intentional, he said.

“What I noticed going to the Heard Market and a lot of Native market fairs, you don’t see a strong O’odham representation there,” said Breeze, acknowledging the handful of talented O’odham artists who participate at Heard each year.

As Vah’ki opened its doors officially, many familiar faces began arriving through the entrance. There was a comforting sense of family that resonated around the room.

The vibe was chill; and cumbia and Peruvian chicha-inspired instrumental band LA LOM could be heard over the speakers as people congregated.  

One piece of art that stood out was “Aci:m Tohono Toka Ha-Ciciwidam” by Tohono O’odham Nation artist Seneca Ortega.

The canvas is rich in purple and blue colors, representing the Tohono O’odham Nation flag. Four toka players are the main focus, with past toka players looking down from the stormy sky. Toka is a traditional game played by O’odham females.

Ortega is a student of Manuel’s at Tohono O’odham Community College, where Manuel is an art instructor.

“He’s inspirational because, knowing that he’s O’odham and who he is in the art world, all the stuff he’s done as I’ve gotten to know him, I thought to myself, ‘I want to do something like that,’” she said. “I want to carry that ‘O’odhamness’ about yourself out there and show people this is who I am, this is who we are. We’re here.”

Ortega said she’s pretty much a self-taught artist. This was one of her first times working with acrylics and canvas. She usually uses graphite, markers, pencils and pens.

“I’m still diving in headfirst,” said Ortega, who has been in recovery from drugs and alcohol for a little over three years. “This is a part of my wellbeing. Just the power that it gives me. That’s what I want to express. This is a tribute to my Tohono O’odham toka sisters. This is for them.”

Vah’ki is available to view through March 30.

Vah’Ki Artists

Dwayne Manuel

Audrey Pekala

Penrose Fulwilder

Missy Mahan

Jivik Siiki

Joshua Yazzie

Zachary Justin

Cora Quiroz

Jetsonorama

Gloria Martinez-Granados

Savage Skins

Antoinette Cauley

Marco Albarran

Amy Davila

Chandra Narcia

Martin Moreno

Natasha “Rezmo” Martinez

Bobby “Dues” Wilson

Seneca Ortega

Douglas Miles

Piersten Doctor

Thomas “Breeze” Marcus