The Crownpoint Navajo Rug Auction
Crownpoint, New Mexico

Weavers waiting for auction to begin. Photo by Anne Galer

Founded over 50 years ago by Crownpoint Trading Post owners, the late Lavonne and Bill Palmer, the Crownpoint Rug Auction is a genuine Navajo event featuring contemporary, handmade, all-wool Navajo rugs and the weavers who make them. In 2014 the Navajo Rug Weavers’ Association of Crownpoint took over management of the auction and turned it into a prime venue for buyers and weavers of genuine Navajo rugs.

The auction takes place once a month (usually the second Friday) at the Crownpoint Elementary School. Weavers from all over the Navajo Nation bring in their rugs starting at 4:00 pm and the rugs are laid out on tables for buyers to inspect. Rug submission/inspection ends at 6:30 pm and the auction starts at 7:00 pm. It can run until 10:00 pm or later if there are many rugs to be sold. Rugs sell from less than $50 to thousands of dollars.

Buyers can pay for rugs with cash, credit cards or by check.
Weavers receive checks issued by the Navajo Weavers’ Association for their sold rugs the night of the auction.

AUCTION DATES 2019

January 11, 2019
February 8, 2019
March 8, 2019
April 12, 2019
May 10, 2019
June 14, 2019
July 12, 2019
August 9, 2019
September 13, 2019
October 11, 2019
November 8, 2019
December 13, 2019

Auction Bidding Wayne Connell & Delbert Autry Auctioneers. Photo by Anne Galer

Food is available from the school cafeteria featuring Navajo tacos and other local specialties.

In addition to the rug auction, vendors selling quality Navajo jewelry, art and crafts set up in the school gym. Vendor space fees are 4 by 3 foot $15.00, 5 by 3 foot $20.00. You provide your own tables and chairs.

Directions: Crownpoint is located about 30 minutes north of I-40 (Thoreau exit #53) on state highway 371. Turn west at the sign for Crownpoint. The Elementary School is located about a mile towards town, just past the Post Office on the north side of the road.

For More Information:
Our email is newcrownpointrugauction@gmail.com.
Address: PO Box 454, Crownpoint, NM 87313
The Crownpoint Chapter Office phone is (505) 786-2130/2131
Or call Marcella Hale 505 362-8502.
Email: mmhale@hotmail.com

Rug Viewing. Photo by Anne Galer

Where to stay: There is no lodging in Crownpoint and the new Elementary School parking lot is usually locked after the auction.
Motel accommodations are available just off of I-40 in Gallup (50 miles west of Thoreau) and Grants (30 miles east of Thoreau).
Camping is available at Bluewater Lake State Park (Prewitt exit off I-40), Redrocks State Park (Gallup) or in private campgrounds/RV parks in Grants, Gallup, and Farmington.

copyright © 2019 Crownpoint Rug Auction