Phoenix Indian Center’s Silver & Turquoise Ball Presented by Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise Sets Fundraising and Attendance Records
Randy Kemp was Honored with the Leon Grant Spirit of Service Award
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Indian Center’s 40th Annual Silver & Turquoise Ball, presented by Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise, set records for fundraising and attendance for the second year, raising necessary dollars to support its vital programs and services. The event took place on October 20, 2023, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, with the theme “Celebrating Our Voices.”
“Each year, I am humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support for the Silver & Turquoise Ball benefitting the Phoenix Indian Center,” said Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, CEO of Phoenix Indian Center. “From the artisans and businesses who donate to our auction, the patrons who show up year after year to celebrate us, and the team who puts this experience together for our guests, this is truly a community event. And it’s because of these individuals, that the Phoenix Indian Center can continue to provide essential services and programming to the urban Native American population here in Phoenix.”
The Silver & Turquoise Ball featured over 280 silent auction items — including American Indian art, jewelry, gifts, and services from local businesses — valued at over $100,000. Native American painter, printmaker, and award-nominated flute player Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Muscogee-Creek/Euchee) was honored with the Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Award. Guests enjoyed live entertainment and an Indigenous-inspired dinner curated by featured Chef Denella Belin (Diné).
Setting history as the first tribally-owned enterprise, Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise served as the Presenting sponsor. Other noteworthy sponsors for the event include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community Health & Advancement, Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, AZ Central/The Arizona Republic, CKP Insurance, Diamond Sol, JPMorgan Chase & Co., ASU, Boeing, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Cox Communications, Casino Arizona at Talking Stick, Discover, Freeport-McMoRan, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, PENTA Building Group, and SRP.
To view the press release, click here.
About Randy Kemp
Renowned painter, printmaker, and award-nominated flute player Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Muscogee-Creek/Euchee) will be honored with the Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Award at the 40th Silver & Turquoise Ball, presented by Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise. The sold-out fundraising event will take place on October 20, 2023, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, with the theme “Celebrating Our Voices.”
The Leon Grant Spirit of the Community Award was established in 2013 to recognize an individual or organization for their service, commitment, and dedication to the greater good of the American Indian community. It is named for Leon Grant, Phoenix Indian Center’s first executive director and one of its founding members.
“Through his multidisciplinary artistic endeavors, Randy has exemplified the concept of Celebrating Our Voices,” said Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, CEO of Phoenix Indian Center. “His artwork has been exhibited around the world; he has produced, lent his voice to, and directed significant events benefitting our Native youth; and has recorded award-nominated music. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient of this award.”
Randy Kemp is a member of the Choctaw, Euchee and Muscogee Creek tribal nations of Oklahoma. He is retired from Arizona State University, where he had more than 30 years of experience as an environmental graphic designer. He is an alumnus of the Katherine K. Herberger College of Arts at Arizona State University, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree specializing in painting and printmaking. Randy is a noted artist in the contemporary American Indian art world.
He is a multidisciplinary artist whose body of work includes painting, printmaking, installation, music, and performance. His artwork has been exhibited in prestigious museums, galleries and private collections throughout the world. He was selected to perform a Native American flute music prelude for President Barack Obama at Arizona State University’s graduation ceremony commencement.
Kemp was a founding member of the Mayo Clinic Hospital “Sonata del Sol” music program, providing flute music for palliative care patients and families. As a member of Actor’s Workout Inc., he created a one-man show of the incredible anti-war speech of Chief Joseph (Nez Perce). Kemp has traveled to Australia and New Zealand communities as a part of an Indigenous Cultural and Arts exchange program through Scottsdale Community College.
Other works include music performances and collaborations. Randy has produced an independent recording that was nominated for the Native American Music Award (NAMA) in the “Best Spoken Word” category. Works in film and visual arts include acting credits in the short film, “Chief” filmed on the Salt River Pima Indian Reservation. He has also produced and directed a short film entitled “Metropolitan Rezervation,”—short stories of Native American homeless and survivors, presented in partnership with the PBS television series American Experience/“We Shall Remain,” a citizen storytelling film project.
To view the press release, click here.