Closure of Indian Craft Shop Results in Complex Legacy

The Indian Craft Shop, a revered institution presenting handmade arts and crafts by federally recognized American Indians, closed its doors on June 6, after 87 years of cultural and artistic contributions. Located near the White House in the Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, it was more than a shop; it was a haven for education and appreciation of American Indian art. Established in alignment with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board’s mission to promote Native American arts through economic ventures, the shop became a beacon of authenticity and quality.

Susan Pourian, the director, underscored its educational value, stating it was “a space that touches people with American Indian art.” Pourian, the sole employee post-pandemic, announced her retirement, leading Guest Services, the shop’s operating company, to close the store. The company expressed the privilege of serving both the Department of the Interior and visitors over the years. A new operator is being sought by the Interior Department to maintain the shop’s legacy, under the same conditions including adherence to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act and preserving its cultural significance.

Artists like George “Shukata” Willis and Artie Yellowhorse cherished their association with the shop. Pourian was praised for valuing artists, helping boost their visibility and sales significantly. The shop fostered relationships with collectors and art enthusiasts, previously serving as a principal outlet for American Indian art before the National Museum of the American Indian opened in 2004.

As the shop transitions, there’s a call for expanding representations to include diverse art forms and more inclusive definitions of American Indian art. Critics argue for a broader embrace of contemporary themes alongside traditional forms, enabling the shop to reflect the continuing evolution of Native cultures. The closure has raised awareness about preserving and adapting the representation of Native art within historic and modern contexts, ensuring its vibrant and dynamic legacy endures.