This summer, we get a celebration of women in wildlife art in Jackson and Eiteljorg Indian Market in Indianapolis (and more).
Through July 31
Diagonal Camera: Photographic Perspectives from Mid-Century Mexico
Centering upon the work of Mexican art photographers Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Lázaro Blanco, Mariana Yampolsky, and Rafael Doníz, this exhibition highlights artists who framed urban and rural life in Mexico in abstract form. The show reveals the ways in which they dramatized typically Mexican subjects by framing them along the photograph’s diagonal. Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block, Tucson, Arizona, 520.624.2333, tucsonmuseumofart.org
Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Ventana a los Magueyes, 1974, gelatin silver print. Collection of Dr. Ronald and Mrs. Katherine Margolis.
Through August 7
American Plains Artists Juried Exhibit and Sale
This celebration of the art of the Plains features realistic and representational artworks depicting the many beauties of the American Great Plains — the landscape, wildlife, people, and way of life. The event kicks off with an opening reception in the Quartermaster Building on June 23. Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, San Angelo, Texas, 308.249.1488, americanplainsartists.com
Sherry Blanchard Stuart, The Wind Speaks, oil on linen, 14.25” x 26”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
Through August 14
Ascendant: Expressions of Self Determination
Since the advent of the “Kiowa Six” in 1926, the University of Oklahoma has played a key role in the development of Native artists. This exhibition features works by a group of remarkable Native art students enrolled at OU between 1946 and 1954, including Chief Terry Saul (Chickasaw, Choctaw), Walter “Dick” West (Cheyenne), and Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota). It presents the development of these artists who followed in the footsteps of the “Kiowa Six” and demonstrates their legacy. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman, Oklahoma, 405.325.3178, ou.edu/fjjma
Oscar Howe, Waci (He is Dancing), 1973, watercolor on paper, 28” x 23”. Courtesy of Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman; The James T. Bialac Native American Collection, 2010
Through August 16
Bonheur & Beyond: Celebrating Women in Wildlife Art
Rosa Bonheur (1822–1899) was one of the most famous women artists in the 19th century and one of the most esteemed animal painters in history. This exhibition featuring Bonheur’s works alongside a selection of historic and contemporary pieces by women artists from the permanent collection celebrates the 200th anniversary of Bonheur’s birth and the museum’s 35th anniversary. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeart.org
Rosa Bonheur, Chamois Mother and Baby, 1888, oil on canvas, 10.25” x 13.25”. Gift of the 2003 Collectors Circle, National Museum of Wildlife Art
Through October 2
Apache Stories
Apaches have been some of the most misrepresented people in popular culture, through early newspaper stories, dime novels, and movies. True Apache stories of courage and endurance are revealed through their cultural traditions and artistic expressions. Focusing on the Apaches of Arizona, this exhibit shows the continuing traditions in Apache art and culture through works of art and artifacts. Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, Arizona, 928.684.2272, westernmuseum.org
Craig Dan Goseyun (San Carlos Apache), San Carlos Dancer, 1992, bronze, 7” x 12” x 12.5”, Eddie Basha Collection
June 25
Artesian Arts Festival
This in-person event features a diverse selection of visual art, including paintings, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, quillwork, textiles, basketry, metalwork, photography, mixed media, regalia, traditional dress, weaponry, and much more by approximately 50 Chickasaw artists. There will also be live music, dance performances, and food trucks. The online art market, open to any member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, runs August 25–August 1. Sulphur, Oklahoma, 580.272.5520, chickasaw.net
June 25–26
Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival
At this 30th annual Indian market and festival, more than 140 Native artists will show and sell their artwork—from paintings and carvings to jewelry, pottery, beadwork, weavings, and more. This year’s signature artist, Mary Louise Tafoya, a Kewa Pueblo jeweler known for her one-of-a-kind mosaic creations, will be on hand. Enjoy Indian fry bread and cultural performances, including music, dance, and storytelling, as well as family art-making activities. See the museum’s new Native American Galleries, opening the same weekend. Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, eiteljorg.org
Mary Louise Tafoya (Kewa Pueblo); Bird motif pendant/pin; black jet backs inlay materials of turquoise, orange spiny oyster shell, mother of pearl shell, yellow serpentine, light green serpentine, speckled pipestone, white clam shell (that borders the bird) and cross-cut olive shells; 1.50” x 3.50”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist
June 30–July 2
Red Earth Festival
With intertribal Native dwellings as a backdrop, this festival of Native art and culture celebrates its 36th anniversary with an art market featuring the works of some of America’s most celebrated Native artists. Weekend events include artist demonstrations, hands-on arts and craft stations, live music, and special tribal dance presentations. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.427.5228, redearth.org/redearth-festival/
July 1–3
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Consistently ranked among the nation’s top arts festivals, this event transforms Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood into a juried fine art and fine craft market. The festival features artworks by 250 juried artists, live music, performances, Creation Station for kids, food, and more. Cherry Creek North Shopping District, Denver, 303.355.2787, cherrycreekartsfestival.org
July 1–October 31
Heartwork: Artistry by Modern First American Women
See unique perspectives and stories of First American women through the art of four Native painters — all native to Oklahoma — at the new exhibition opening at Exhibit C Gallery. Natalie Miller (Chickasaw), Joyce Nevaquaya-Harris (Comanche, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Crow), Amber DuBoise-Shepherd (Navajo, Prairie Band Potawatomi, Sac and Fox), and Danielle Fixico (Chickasaw, Muscogee) will showcase their work. Exhibit C Gallery, Oklahoma City, 405.767.8900, exhibitcgallery.com
July 2–3
Heritage Festival
This celebration of the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Colorado Plateau region features a Native market with artworks from more than 200 juried artists. You can also taste Hopi piki bread hot off the stone, learn how native plants are used to dye fibers for rugs, play Zuni games, and enjoy authentic Native music and dance. Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona, 928.774.5213, musnaz.org