Wisdom from the Future Symposium

In Conversation with Indigenous Artists: Past, Present, & Future

What would today’s leading Indigenous artists say to their younger selves? Wisdom from the Future pairs artwork with personal reflections revealing powerful stories of inspiration, challenge, and growth, along with insights into the artists’ creative processes. The exhibition features 28 of the most renowned Native artists, and four are joining us in-person for a Wisdom from the Future symposium!

Our morning panelists include Shonto Begay (Diné), Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha’P’o Ówîngeh (Santa Clara Pueblo)), and Doug Hyde (Nez Perce/Assiniboine/Chippewa). The artists will reflect on the evolution of their artistic practice, looking back at their successful careers and looking ahead to their current work and future plans.

Following a lunch break on your own, our afternoon panelists include Anita Fields (Osage), Tony Abeyta (Diné), and Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty (Fort Peck Assiniboine/Sioux). The artists will discuss the theme of the exhibition and notes they would write to today’s young artists.

We will wrap up the discussion with a presentation of the Heard Museum’s Creative Aging Workshops led by Community Engagement staff members Patty Talahongva, Marcus Monenerkit, and Lucia Leigh Laughlin as they highlight the successful programs that involve leading artists and intergenerational classes in a variety of media.

Featured image: Anita Fields (Osage, b. 1951), Chaos and Order #2 (detail), 2003-2005. Ceramic, 20 x 16 1/2 x 6 in. Bequest of Ann G. Ritt, Heard Museum Collection.