What would today’s leading Indigenous artists say to their younger selves? Wisdom from the Future pairs their artwork with personal reflections revealing powerful stories of inspiration, challenge, and growth, along with insights into their artistic approach and creative processes. The exhibition features twenty-five of the most renowned Native artists, including:
- Kay WalkingStick (Cherokee)
- Norbert Peshlakai (Diné)
- Preston Singletary (Tlingit)
- Tony Abeyta (Diné)
- Verma Nequatewa (Hopi)
- Nora Naranjo Morse (Tewa, Kha’P’o Ówîngeh)
- Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty
(Fort Peck Assiniboine/Sioux) - Barbara Teller Ornelas (Diné)
- Richard Zane Smith (Wyandot)
Stay true to yourself, and carry yourself with humility, integrity, and grace. Be a good relative and honor your ancestors. Don’t be afraid to try new things, trust your instincts, and follow your passion. Work hard, keep learning, and never stop.
—Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty
(Fort Peck Assiniboine/Sioux)
Big Quyana to you Denise for keeping on your path. I am grateful for your early sacrifices and hard work to help get me where I am today. Your early works still give me feelings of pride and admiration. I love the journey of this life. Sincerely, your older self.
—Denise Wallace
(Chugach Sugpiaq/Alutiiq)
Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty (Fort Peck Assiniboine/Sioux, b. 1969), Wakitantanka (Strong-willed) Pandemic Survivalist, 2021. Cloth, glass seed beads, ribbon, penny, porcupine quill. Gift of Mary G. Hamilton.
Denise Wallace (Chugach Sugpiaq/Alutiiq, b. 1957), Yup’ik Woman Dancer, 2001. Fossilized ivory, silver, 14k gold. Bequest of Dr. E. Daniel Albrecht.