Exhibit Showcases Native American Art

Native American art and artists are being celebrated through a new exhibition that is taking place at the UTA Libraries. The Native Now exhibit is on the sixth-floor atrium of the Central Library through the end of the semester. 

The exhibit is sponsored by the UTA Native American Student Association, the Art & Art History DEI Committee, and the Office of Cultural Engagement and Social Change. 

Sampson Dewey, UTA Native American Student Association President, stated that the exhibit showcases unique pieces of art that tell their own story. 

"Our biggest goal in this exhibit was to bring a contemporary voice of Native American Artists, not just to UTA, but to the entire community," Sampson said. "Many times, when Native art is being shown or is on display, it is usually a little bit older art. Stuff that has been dug up and found. This exhibit was our way to show that there are still Native American artists out there who are still doing great work." 

One of the artists' works on display is from Jason Lujan, who is a member of the Chiricahua Apache Nation. 

The Tacoma Art Museum website states that Lujan's work explores interconnectivity. He strives to create an international sense of place in his work through his personal experiences.  

"Jason is in the art department at the University of Calgary in Canada. He is a Native American Student Association and UTA alum," Sampson said. "In the exhibit, Jason has a print of two Bell Helicopters named after two Native American tribes, the Comanche and the Kiowa." 

Sampson stated that another set of Lujan's helicopter prints is currently on display at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 

Along with Lujan's work, the exhibit features historic artifacts recovered by paleontologists, items from individuals' art collections and newer artists. 

"We have a sculpture by one of our elders that passed away a few years ago. His name was Eugen Brown, and he was one of our biggest supporters of the Native American Student Association," Sampson said. "He made this wonderful sculpture based on a book that he had. The book is out there, too, right next to it. It all comes from that book from which he drew inspiration." 

Sampson encourages everyone to come out to see the exhibit. He hopes that people will be inspired by what they see and gain a greater appreciation of Native American Art.