Fred Cleveland 1984 Bien Mur Navajo Artist Signed Poster

Signed 1984 commemorative poster by Fred Cleveland (Navajo artist), created for the Bien Mur Indian Market Center Ninth Anniversary, held May 5, 1984. The artwork depicts ceremonial Navajo dancers with feathered headdresses and traditional attire, rendered in Cleveland’s distinctive watercolor-inspired style. The image is plate-signed “CLEVELAND 84” and additionally hand-signed in ink “Fred Cleveland, Navajo Artist.”

This poster is part of a limited annual series commissioned by the Bien Mur Indian Market Center, a major Native American arts venue on the Sandia Pueblo near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The series highlights notable Native artists, and Cleveland’s 1984 design is among the most sought after for its refined technique and strong cultural representation. Professionally double matted and framed, this example displays beautifully and remains a meaningful collectible of Southwestern Native art history.

Condition
Good condition overall, showing no damage. The colors remain vivid, with only light toning and minimal edge wear consistent with age. Frame and matting are clean and stable, ready for display.

Dimensions
Overall: 33 × 27 inches
Visible image area: 27 × 21 inches

Provenance / Context
Fred Cleveland is a respected Navajo artist known for his ceremonial and narrative paintings. Born in Ganado, Arizona, he belongs to the Bitter Water and Kayonnie clans and draws influence from traditional Navajo weaving and sand painting. His works have been exhibited at major Native art shows and museums throughout the Southwest.

The Bien Mur Indian Market Center operated on the Sandia Indian Reservation and was one of the largest Native arts markets in the Southwest during the 1970s and 1980s. Cleveland’s posters for Bien Mur, produced in limited quantities each year, are prized for their cultural authenticity and connection to this historic venue.