First Friday Grand Opening: Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael

On Friday, September 1, the Early Days: Indigenous Art from the McMichael exhibition will have its U.S. debut at the Heard Museum in the Virginia G. Piper Grand Gallery. Early Days includes historical and contemporary art showcasing the diversity and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada.

Along with being the first in Phoenix to experience this memorable exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to meet artist James Johnson (Tlingit) as he demonstrates carving techniques and shares his approach to his art. At 6 p.m., James will conduct an artist talk, sharing his perspectives on key pieces from the exhibition.

The Café and Cantina will be open late with a delicious selection of food and drinks, and, as always, admission to the Heard will be FREE.

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About James Johnson:

James Johnson is an award-winning Tlingit Artist and Carver, born and raised in Juneau, AK. He belongs to the Tlingit Ch’áak’ Dakl’aweidi Clan (Eagle Killerwhale). James’s great great grandfather was Chief Gusht’eiheen (“Spray off the Dorsal Fin”) of the Dakl’aweidi of the Xutsnoowú Kwáan (Angoon, Alaska). His great grandfather was Chief Jimmy Johnson, and his grandfather was Chief Peter Johnson. Whom he is named after – James Peter Johnson. James’s strong ancestral history led him to purse the Tlingit art form. His late father, Franklin Johnson, first encouraged him to begin carving. James has now dedicated his life to perpetuating the Tlingit art form, honoring his ancestors through his work.

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