Through October 9
Tom Jones: Here We Stand

In his first major retrospective, contemporary Ho-Chunk photographer Tom Jones deploys his lens to explore personal and deeply felt issues of race, identity, and cultural appropriation. Spanning 25 years of Jones’ career, the exhibition features 120 photographs from 16 bodies of work echoing his consistent message: Native American communities are diverse, changing, and multidimensional with a commitment to family, land, and tribal community. Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend, Wisconsin, 262.334.9638, wisconsinart.org.

Through October 30
Edith Heath: A Life in Clay

Through historic objects, photographs, documentary video, and personal memorabilia, this retrospective exhibition tells the story of Edith Heath, the groundbreaking founder and designer of Heath Ceramics, who transformed the ceramics industry, won industrial building awards, and developed new ideas for fire-resistant building materials. Driven by the power of good design and a commitment to her craft, Heath’s vision continues to live on 75 years later through her stoneware and tile. Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, California, 510.318.8400, museumca.org.

Through October 31
Southwest Silver, 1850 – 1940

Exploring rarely seen works, this exhibition documents nearly a century of the evolution of Navajo, Pueblo, and Zuni silver jewelry from its earliest years through the decades prior to World War II. It showcases 150 unique silverworks from the museum including concho belts, bridles, bracelets, bow guards, earrings, and squash blossom necklaces, all of which demonstrate stylistic and technical advances evident in jewelry made in the Southwest. Heard Museum, Phoenix, 602.252.8840, heard.org.

Silver and turquoise bow guard, 1895–1915, by a once-known Diné (Navajo) artist. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Harvey III, photo courtesy of Heard Museum, Craig Smith.

Through November 27
Explore: Selections from the South Dakota Art Museum Collections

Featuring artworks by artists such as Oscar Howe, Diana Behl, Andrew Standing Soldier, Paul Peterson, and Charles Greener, this exhibition contains beloved favorites as well as rarely viewed treasures. South Dakota Art Museum Collections, Brookings, South Dakota, 605.688.5423, sdstate.edu/south-dakota-art-museum.

Oscar Howe, Eagle Dancer, casein on paper, 1953–1957. South Dakota Art Museum Collection, 1980.05.02. Transfer from Bureau of Indian Affairs © Oscar Howe Family

Through December 31
Liberty & Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House

This special exhibit glimpses behind the scenes into the lighter side of life in the White House with entertaining first-family anecdotes, interactive multimedia, and amusing artifacts that unveil presidential pranks, inside jokes, and more. Revealing how humor has evolved from the days of our Founding Fathers to the present makes it readily apparent that laughter remains vital to a thriving democracy. George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas, 214.200.4300, bushcenter.org/humor

The George W. Bush Presidential Center's special exhibit, Liberty & Laughter: The Lighter Side of the White House

Through December 31
Modern Women│Modern Vision: Photography From the Bank of America Collection

Revealing the bold and dynamic ways women have contributed to the development and evolution of photography, this exhibition comprises 100-plus images made between 1905 and 2015 by trailblazing female photographers. Among those featured are Cindy Sherman, Imogen Cunningham, Carrie Mae Weems, Dorothea Lange, Diane Arbus, Bernice Abbott, Tomoko Sawada, Ruth Orkin, Barbara Kruger, and other photographers. Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, California, 917.808.7000, crockerart.org.

Imogen Cunningham (American, 1883–1976), Magnolia Blossom, 1925. Gelatin silver print, 11 x 13 in. Bank of America Collection.

Through January 7, 2023
Abeyta | To’Hajiilee K’é

This exhibition tells the story of Navajo artist Narcisco Abeyta, daughters Elizabeth and Pablita, and son Tony, all master artists in their own rights. Their works include paintings, sculpture, and jewelry that provide a cultural history and perspective of two generations of Navajo life and art, and a continuum in art practice and storytelling. Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, 505.982.4636, wheelwright.org.

Elizabeth Abeyta; Untitled (Trickster); 1984; clay, paint, leather, turquoise, silver, shell, and beads; Private collection. Photo credit: Addison Doty

Through January 8, 2023
Black Pioneers: Legacy in the American West

The first of its kind, this exhibition explores the path of Black history in the West with a timeline of 50 original pictorial quilts, beginning with Esteban’s arrival in the American West in 1528 and continuing through the Civil Rights Movement. Dispelling the myth that Black people in the West were mostly cowboys, it shows rich diversity in their occupations and achievements in society, religion, education, and the arts. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg, Florida, 727.892.4200, thejamesmuseum.org.

Through January 8, 2023
Western Eyes: 20th Century Art Here and Now

Exploring regional developments of modernism—including American realism, Indigenous modernism and Native American art, and Mexican modernism—this exhibition highlights Southwestern modernist painting and sculpture and displays stylistic developments including abstract expressionism, minimalism, and pop. New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, 505.476.5072, nmartmuseum.org.

Agnes Pelton, Awakening (Memory of Father), 1943, oil on canvas, 22” x 28”. Collection of the New Mexico Museum of Art, Museum purchase, 2005 (2005.27.10. Photo credit: Blair Clark

Through January 22, 2023
Speaking With Light: Contemporary Indigenous Photography

Through approximately 75 photographs, videos, three-dimensional works, and digital activations by 30-plus Indigenous artists, this major museum survey explores ways Indigenous artists have leveraged their lenses to reclaim their representation and affirm their existence, perspectives, and trauma. Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 817.738.1933, cartermuseum.org.

Through January 29, 2023
Storied Strings:  The Guitar in American Art

The first exhibition to explore the instrument’s symbolism in American art from the early 19th century to the present day features 125 works of art and 35 musical instruments. It travels to Frist Art Museum in Nashville, May 26 – August 13, 2023. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, Virginia, 804.340.1400, vmfa.museum.

Thomas Eakins (American, 1844-1916), Home Ranch (detail), 1892, oil on canvas, 24" x 20". Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Thomas Eakins and Miss Mary Adeline Williams, 1929-184-12

September 2 – 17
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Festivities kick off with an online auction of studio paintings of the Grand Canyon September 2 – 16. Twenty-two artists capture the beauty of the canyon “en plein air” along the South Rim, September 10 – 17; these artworks will hang in historic Kolb Studio for an exhibition and sale, September 18 – January 16, 2023. A quick draw with on-site purchases takes place September 16. Various locations, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, 480.277.0458, grandcanyon.org.

Amery Bohling, The Great American Chasm, oil on canvas, 24” x 36”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist

September 10 – 24
Bosque Art Classic

Representational drawings, paintings, and sculptures — many with a Western flair — are among the 175 – 200 juried artworks from roughly 120 artists featured in this year’s exhibition and sale, opening to the public September 11. A kickoff ceremony is scheduled for September 10; the online sale opens September 12. All art remains on display through end of show. Bosque Arts Center, Clifton, Texas, 254.675.3724, bosqueartscenter.org.

September 10 – October 2
Western Visions Art Show + Sale

Artworks by more than 170 contemporary wildlife artists come available in live auction and intent-to-purchase sale formats at this year’s annual fundraiser. The exhibit opens September 10. Attend the signature event September 15 in person, online, or by proxy. Unsold works remain available September 16 – October 2, and all art stays up through October 2. National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming, 307.733.5771, wildlifeartevents.org.

Renso Tamse, The Ravens and the Wolf, watercolor on board, 12.50” x 26”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist

September 10 – October 9
Quest for the West Art Show and Sale

This premier Western art event known for its festive atmosphere features newly created paintings and sculptures by more than 50 of today’s leading Western artists. Among the opening weekend events are a miniature-art sale and fixed-price luck-of-the-draw main sale (absentee bids accepted). The show opens to the public September 11; all art will remain on view through October 9. A related exhibit of landscape paintings by artist Denis Milhomme opens the same weekend and continues through October 16. Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, 317.636.9378, quest.eiteljorg.org.

Denis Milhomme, Peaceful, 2022, oil on Ampersand fine gesso board, 12” x 16”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist

September 10–November 27
Birds in Art

Again celebrating avian marvels through fresh artistic interpretations, the 47th annual exhibition presents more than 100 original paintings, sculptures, and graphics created with the past three years by 118 worldwide artists ― 95 whose work was selected by the jury and 23 who were named master artists in previous years. An illustrated catalog featuring every artwork along with artists’ statements accompanies the exhibition. Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin, 715.845.7010, lywam.org.

Alan Woollett, Three’s a Crowd, 2021, polychromos pencils on Fabriano artistico paper.

September 12 – 25
Escalante Canyons Art Festival

Between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, in the heart of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, this festival celebrates the stunning public lands of Utah’s canyon country with plein air competitions, art exhibits and sales, demonstrations, workshops, an arts and crafts fair, live music, guided walks, and more. Various locations, Escalante, Utah, 435.616.1075, escalantecanyonsartfestival.org.

September 15 – 17
Trappings of Texas

This annual exhibition and sale of contemporary Western art and custom cowboy gear celebrates this year with 40-plus artists. Ticketed opening-weekend activities include artist demonstrations, a preview party, opening reception, exhibit, sale, and breakfast at Big Bend Saddlery. The exhibition remains on display through November 5. Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine, Texas, 432.837, museumofthebigbend.com.

September 16 – 17
Jackson Hole Art Auction

Offering quality wildlife, sporting, figurative, landscape, and Western art by renowned past masters as well as contemporary artists, this year’s auction includes such artists as John Clymer, William Gollings, Bob Kuhn, and Carl Rungius. Center for the Arts, Jackson, Wyoming, 866.549.9278, jacksonholeartauction.com.

September 17 – 18
Prescott Indian Art Market

Enjoy a weekend of premier Native American art from more than 100 artists — including 2022 featured artist Marilyn Ray, an Acoma potter known for her whimsical storytellers and figurines. Experience Native American culture through stories, art, demonstrations, performances, and more. Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona, 928.445.3122, sharlothallmuseum.org/piam.

September 22 – 24
Roundup Exhibition & Sale

Now in its 39th year, this annual exhibition and sale features more than 100 artworks by about 40 artists from around the country, artist demonstrations and lectures, chuck wagon cooking demos, a VIP reception on the 22nd, and more. The ticketed sale takes place on September 24. All art remains on display through October 29. Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, Texas, 830.896.2553, museumofwesternart.com

September 23 – 24
Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale

This Western-themed fine-art sale features a broad range of stylistic interpretations of the West in oil, watercolor, pastel, sculpture, and mixed media by 110 artists. Enjoy food, drinks, live music, and a spirited auction on Friday as well as the Saturday morning quick draw in Robbie Powwow Garden. Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, 307.587.5002, buffalobillartshow.com.

September 23 – 25
SLOPOKE Fine Art of the West

Thirty-seven juried artists return to the ranch and training facility of famed horse trainer Monty Roberts for this fine-art exhibition and sale, which features contemporary as well as representational and abstract art. This year’s awards judge is Michael Obermeyer, president of the California Art Club. The Silver Mountain String Band from Los Angeles will perform at the awards ceremony on Friday evening. Flag Is Up Farms, Solvang, California, 805.570.8088, the-slopoke.com.

Whitney Garner, Tonto Dusk, oil on linen, 20” x 30”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist

September 23 – 30
Steamboat Art Museum’s Plein Air Event

With access to historic ranches and conserved lands normally inaccessible, 50 artists capture the beauty of the Yampa Valley September 23 – 30. A five-week exhibition and sale of their paintings opens October 1 and runs through November 5. Steamboat Art Museum, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 970.870.1755, steamboatartmuseum.org.

Orville Giguiento, Yampa’s Twin Butte, watercolor, 13” x 19”. Photo credit: Courtesy of the artist

September 30 – January 29, 2023
Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild

This retrospective exhibition contains 40 classic images by world-renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen. Personally selected by him as his legacy photographs, they include Polar Dance, of polar bears appearing to dance, Mountain Outlaw, of a grizzly bear charging through the snow, and the famous Catch of the Day, which captures the exact moment a spawning salmon leaps right into the waiting jaws of a massive brown bear. The Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org.

October 1 – January 2, 2023
Traditional Cowboy Arts (TCAA) Exhibition & Sale

Presenting the best in saddlemaking, silversmithing, bit and spur making, and rawhide braiding, this annual show and sale showcases one-of-a-kind, handcrafted collaborative and individual works by active and emeritus TCAA members exemplifying the finest skills in the traditional cowboy arts. All items remain on display through January 2, 2023. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.478.2250, nationalcowboymuseum.org, tcowboyarts.org.

October 8 – 9
Cherokee Art Market

After a two-year hiatus, this celebration of authentic Native art returns to Tulsa’s Hard Rock in an in-person format. The 17-year-old juried market, one of the largest in Oklahoma, features artwork by more than 150 elite Native artists representing nearly 50 tribal nations. Artists compete in eight classes to earn top honors and special recognition. The family-friendly event also includes daily artist demos. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma, cherokeeartmarket.com.

Toneh Chuleewah, copper bracelet, 2019.

October 8 – 10
Abiquiú Studio Tour

Enjoy autumn weather and the golden cottonwoods of the Chama river valley as it takes you deep into the Abiquiú landscape and the village of Abiquiú, New Mexico. Visit with and take in the work of some 90 artists at nearly 35 homes and studios. Various locations, Abiquiú, New Mexico, 505.257.0866, abiquiustudiotour.com.

October 15, 2022 – February 26, 2023
Jeffrey Gibson: They Come From Fire

Redressing the exclusion and erasure of Indigenous art traditions from the history of Western art as it explores the complexity and fluidity of identity, this immersive, site-responsive installation by multimedia artist Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Band Choctaw, Cherokee) transforms the exterior windows of the façade of the museum’s main building and its two-story interior Schnitzer Sculpture Court with suspended glass panels, text, and photographic imagery. It coincides with Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe, opening October 29. Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon, 503.221.2811, portlandartmuseum.org.

October 21 – 29
Sedona Plein Air Festival

This weeklong celebration of extraordinary landscapes and world-renowned artists includes unique workshops, and free events presented by the Sedona Arts Center. Experience up to 30 master painters creating their masterpieces on location, paint outs (including opening and closing Main Street paint outs), an exhibition, and lectures. Various venues, Sedona, Arizona, 928.282.3809, sedonapleinairfestival.org

October 29, 2022 – January 29, 2023
American Silence: The Photographs of Robert Adams

Celebrating the art of this seminal American photographer, this exhibition of some 175 images taken from 1965 to 2015 explores the reverential way Adams looks at the world around him and “the silence of light” that he captures on the prairie, in the woods, and by the ocean. Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada, 775.329.3333, nevadaart.org.

Robert Adams; Denver; printed c. 1981; gelatin silver print, 6 3/16” x 7 1/4”; Yale University Art Gallery; Purchased with a gift from Saundra B. Lane, a grant from the Trellis Fund, and the Janet and Simeon Braguin Fund. © Robert Adams, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

November 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Visual Narratives: First American Photography

The new exhibit at Exhibit C explores First American heritage and culture through the lens of five artists from varying backgrounds and tribal affiliations. Artists featured are Philip Busey Jr. (Cherokee), Jim Trosper (Chickasaw), Kelly Langley, Ph.D. (Chickasaw), Peggy Fontenot (Patawomeck, Potawatomi), and Lester Harragarra (Kiowa, Otoe-Missouria). Exhibit C, 405.767.8900, Oklahoma, exhibitcgallery.com.

November 4 – 5
Cowboy Artists of America (CA) Annual Exhibition & Sale

This annual event presents artworks by 18 active and seven emeritus CAA members. The weekend includes a preview showing, meet-and-greets with artists, artist demos, Saturday morning Q&A with CA old-timers, and more. It all culminates when approximately 110 artworks ― oils, watercolors, drawings, and sculptures ― come up for purchase in a set-price, draw box sale on Saturday night. Online and in-person proxies are available. Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Halls, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas, cowboyartistsofamerica.com/sale.

November 11
Small Works, Great Wonders

This unique sales exhibition offers traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures at affordable prices. Mingle with some of the nation’s finest artists at an opening-night reception. Sale art goes on exhibit November 5 prior to the fixed-price draw sale on November 11; unsold work remains on view and available through November 27. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, 405.478.2250, swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Michael Coleman, Mountain Torrent, oil on linen, 36" x 42". Courtesy of the artist

November 11 – 13
Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival

Celebrate recycling and art at this family-friendly event that brings together artists who transform discarded materials into artistic wonders. It includes an art market, juried art exhibits of student as well as adult art, make-and-take activities, and the popular “trash fashion: and costume contest on Friday night. Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, 505.603.0558, recyclesantafe.org.

November 19
Yanaguana Indian Arts Celebration

Named for the word the Payaya people, who once inhabited the region around San Antonio, used to describe the waterway now known as the San Antonio River, this festival offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American culture. It features Indigenous artists, musical performances, dancing, storytelling, artist demonstrations, Native-inspired food, workshops, and lectures celebrating Native culture. Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, 210.299.4499, briscoemuseum.org.

A traditional powwow-style drum circle, featuring United San Antonio Pow Wow, kicks off Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Courtesy of Briscoe Western Art Museum

November 19 – December 3
The Great American West

Don Oelze, Kim Wiggins, William Acheff, Darcie Peet, and R.S. Riddick are among the 57 artists participating in this year’s art show and sale. A daytime preview and reception take place on November 19 before approximately 110 new paintings and sculptures are sold in an intent-to-purchase draw that evening. Unsold works remain on view through December 3. Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, Arizona, 520.299.2607, settlerswest.com.

November 20
Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Western Art Show

View juried original works by more than 200 established and emerging artists online ahead of Mountain Oyster Club’s 53th annual sale on November 20, when Tucson’s famous private club opens its doors to the public. Tickets must be purchased in advance by requesting an invitation online or by phone. Mountain Oyster Club, Tucson, Arizona, 520.623.3417, mountainoysterclub.com.

November 25 – December 24
Holidays at the Heard

The Heard rings in the season with live performances, artist demonstrations, and holiday shopping specials at its award-winning museum store. Experience traditional and contemporary American Indian music, dance, and art, and find special gifts for your loved ones. Heard Museum, Phoenix, 602.252.8840, heard.org.

December 17 – 18
Youth Winter Show

Begin collecting art, jewelry, pottery, and more at this show that features children and grandchildren of artists associated with the Palace of the Governors’ Portal Program demonstrating and selling their own arts and crafts. New Mexico History Museum, Santa Fe, 505.476.5200, newmexicohistorymuseum.org.

More Events To Check Out

November 12
Native American Artisan and Craft Fair
West Lake Forest Train Station, Lake Forest, Illinois, mitchellmuseum.org.

November 18–19
Alpine Art Walk
Various venues, Alpine, Texas, artwalkalpine.com.

November 18–19
Fall Artisans Market
Tucson Museum of Art & Historic Block, Tucson, Arizona, tucsonmuseumofart.org.

December 2–4
Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
Mill Street, Tempe, Arizona, tempefestivalofthearts.com.

December 2–4
Winter Holiday Arts Market
First Americans Museum, Oklahoma City, famok.org.

December 3
Indian Art Market
Mid-America All-Indian Center, Seneca, Kansas, theindiancenter.org.

December 3–4
SWAIA Winter Indian Market
Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Santa Fe, swaia.org.