Greetings!
River Trading Post has been around for a little over twenty years, and was the creation of Joe Zeller of South Barrington, IL. In January, Joe lost his hard-fought battle with cancer. We celebrate his life while we mourn his passing, and are grateful that he offered his friendship and shared his love of Indian art and culture with us throughout the years.
Joe started River Trading Post after retiring from the advertising business to, as he described it, "keep out of trouble." After opening the original store in Dundee, IL, he went on to open a store in Scottsdale and another in Santa Fe (which has since closed.) We think he underestimated how much trouble he could really get into as he traveled throughout the Southwest, meeting artists and collectors, buying and selling the art he loved. As he would say after an exhausting day, "fun though!"
Joe was President of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) for many years, and a champion for integrity and authenticity in the creation, buying and selling of American Indian art. He was a kind and generous person, and always stepped up to lend a hand. As one artist said recently, "Joe was the most genuine person I knew; it was never about the profit, but the passion." We miss that passion and enthusiasm as well as the sage advice and council he provided, but most of all we miss his free-thinking and openness to new concepts and experiences, and his ability to make even the hardest work seem like play.
Before Joe left us, he asked us to sell all the inventory and furniture in Dundee, and close the store. He asked that we offer everything to our most valued customers and friends (you!) first.
So, we have updated our
website to reflect our rock-bottom prices. The store in Dundee will be open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and by appointment so you can view our remaining inventory in person. (Masks are required and store occupancy will be limited in accordance with CDC Guidelines.)
Call us for an appointment at 866-426-6901.
The store in Dundee will be open to the general public and furniture will be available for sale beginning March 20th, so order your favorite art before then!
The Scottsdale store will be open and will continue to offer high-quality Native and non-Native art, during regular business hours, and on the
website.
Please leave a message for Joe's family
here and consider making a donation to your favorite non-profit in his memory. Some suggestions are:
The Heard Museum
Phoenix, AZ
The Wheelwright Museum
Santa Fe, NM
Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers
Pipestone, MN
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Relief Fund
Window Rock, AZ
