Gary Avey—founder, publisher and executive editor of Native Peoples magazine—passed away in his Phoenix home on Dec. 20, 2005, of complications from lung cancer. A widely known and beloved figure in the American Indian arts and cultural community, he launched Native Peoples in 1987, dedicated to “the sensitive portrayal of the arts and lifeways of the Native peoples of the Americas.” But this was just the last jewel of a lifetime of endeavor.
Gary Avey serving frybread at last year's Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market.
Gary was born in Phoenix on June 5, 1940, and was the third generation of his family to be involved in the arts in Arizona. His paternal grandmother became an art teacher in Mesa in 1920—perhaps the first public-school art teacher in the state. His father, George Avey, paired with Raymond Carlson in 1938 to transform a state highway department pamphlet into Arizona Highways magazine.
Graduation from Arizona State University with a bachelor of science in 1965 was followed by an Army commission. After several years on the East German border as a captain in the 2nd Armored Cavalry, Gary returned to ASU to complete the coursework for a master of arts in art education. Freelance graphic design work led him to his first position in the publishing realm, as art director at the printing firm W.A. Krueger. In 1979, he was selected editor of Arizona Highways. Under his direction, the magazine grew to its all-time-high circulation of 500,000, and he oversaw production of many fine large-format books, calendars and even the state road map!
In 1985, he was appointed deputy director of the Heard Museum, where, among his other duties, in 1987 he launched a modest quarterly museum magazine called Native Peoples. Taking a huge leap of faith, but believing the publication could flourish as an independent venture, Gary left the museum in 1988 to focus on the magazine. Under his guidance, the magazine grew into an attractive, thought-provoking, self-supporting bi-monthly magazine recognized around the world.
Gary also found time to serve in many capacities as a volunteer, administrator and organizer. Among other positions, he served on the board of directors of St. Luke’s Hospital for about 15 years, for many years on the board of the Phoenix Indian Center, and six years as chairman of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. He was a board member of Arizonans for Cultural Development, and on the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix. One of his proudest final appointments was his appointment as committee chairman for arts and cultural development for MPAC, funded by the Flynn Foundation. In 2002, he received the Arts Advocate of the Year Award from Business Volunteers for the Arts, and in the fall of 2005, he was honored with an award from Native American Recognition Days of Arizona for his many services performed for the Native American community.
Every week for most of his life he served in the food line at St. Vincent de Paul church in Phoenix, and rang the bell every holiday season for the Salvation Army. He simply enjoyed wishing strangers merry Christmas saying, “God bless you.”
Gary believed in doing, and his pluck, his humor, his determination and his vision will be missed.
By Daniel Gibson
We have watched your publication from its conception with great pride, and it is with great sorrow that we say good-bye to Gary Avey. Gary was a real human being who helped so many people understand Native America, from our history to our art and humor, as well as providing inspiration for our future. He will be deeply missed. Our prayers go out to Gary on his next great adventure and to all those who loved him.
Michael Horse (Mescalero Apache/Yaqui/Zuni)
Pennie Opal Plant (Yaqui/Mestiza)
Gathering Tribes Gallery
Berkeley, California
Gary Avey was one who used his gifts wisely. He created a way for people to celebrate life by stimulating their creativity and liberating their imagination. He raised the spirits of Native peoples and restored our pride. He gave us an opportunity to provide for our families through our carvings, weavings and music. He gave us a powerful voice in the art world and transformed the way in which we are perceived by the world. Gary Avey leaves us but for a short time. We know we will walk with him in the Creator’s land where we may reflect on the wonderful journey that has intertwined our destiny with his. Niawen:kowa
Joanne Shenandoah (Wolf Clan, Oneida Nation), musician
Doug George (Bear Clan, Mohawk Nation), author
Six Nations Iroquois, New York
I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by people of immense competence all my life—and I am grateful. What separates the good from the great, however, is the presence not only of competence, but also of transcending passion. In these terms Gary Avey was a great man whose unflagging passion to support and celebrate contemporary Native life was transformational—and we shall miss profoundly his committed and humanistic presence.
W. Richard West, Jr. (Southern Cheyenne)
Founding director, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, D.C.
Gary Avey was a generous, thoughtful and committed man. There was a place in his pages for people with art, ideas, cultures or politics that are unpopular, non-commercial or misunderstood. I so appreciated his process of arriving at the justice of a position, his respectful way of dealing with those on other sides and his vigor in pursuing a judicious end. His life stands as a fine example of fairness, honor and happiness in the pursuit of truth. I am proud that he was my friend.
Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne/Muscogee)
President, The Morning Star Institute; columnist, Indian Country Today; and founding board member, National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, D.C.
There was Gary the “Show-Up Man.” If Gary wasn’t there, then there must not have been an event. He always made the effort to be at an event and he always seemed to enjoy himself. There was Gary “the Nike Man.” He just did it—without a lot of noise and fanfare. It came so naturally, and he did so much. There was also Gary “the Arizona Man.” A son of Arizona, he loved everything about his native state, particularly its Native people. He embraced the culture and the art of Native people—of Arizona and throughout America. In turn, he earned their trust and friendship…. Rich in accomplishments, rich in friends and rich in good works. You can’t ask more of a man than that.
Frank Goodyear
Executive director, Heard Museum
Phoenix, Arizona
Gary Avey was an adventurous, spiritual and humble man. I recall Gary’s excitement when he told of a sighting of a sandhill crane standing beside the road en route to our first meeting. Describing the crane, he shared his belief in the seen and unseen worlds that indigenous people know as reality. His belief in the goodness of all people and understanding and respect for Native American culture was evident in all of his works, especially his stewardship of his creation, Native Peoples magazine.
Gene A. Keluche (Wintu)
Native Peoples board member
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Gary believed in and was deeply committed to his mission. He gave a voice and platform to Native Americans to present themselves, their wisdom and creative vision in a truthful way.
Aysen Kiva New
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Gary Avey, Gary Avey, Gary Avey, Gary Avey: You left us. We are saddened to lose such a remarkable friend. We are honored to have known you and witnessed your good work in bringing the very best of Native art and culture to the forefront. You paved a good path, a new path, and we will miss your can-do attitude, your special sense of humor, and many other things.
Della Warrior (Otoe/Missouria)
Former director, Institute of American Indian Arts
Santa Fe, New Mexico
