(September 16, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA) In Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community in Native Art, three contemporary Plains Indian artists—John Pepion (Blackfeet), Brocade Stops Black Eagle (Crow), and Jessa Rae Growing Thunder (Dakota/Nakoda)—reflect upon their relationships with works created by their Ancestors. The three Native culture bearers and artists have each curated a section of the exhibition, framing works from the Autry’s collection that originated within their respective communities within one of the three concepts at the heart of the exhibition.

Featuring selected works from the Autry’s Native American collections, Creative Continuities explores cultural meanings, histories, and concepts through the lens of three themes: Knowing, Create, and Transference. The artists’ words comprise much of the narrative presented throughout the gallery, and objects are referred to by their respective Indigenous language names, followed by their English translations.

To connect with these works is to have an understanding of and an association with cultural traditions, history, and knowledge. Historical works are the foundation of the creative practices of many contemporary Native artists, serving as an inspiration and guiding path for artistic production and improvisation. 

This exhibition encourages museum visitors to experience historical objects through the eyes of contemporary Native artists, and understand how, for many Native communities, artistic production continues to play an important role in cultural activities. When viewed through the contexts of place, family, and community, the objects can be more deeply understood. 

Through this unique combination of cultural items and stories about Native American art, Creative Continuities aims to educate visitors about the diversity of Native American culture, history, and tradition that crosses tribal boundaries, past and present. When Native artists have the space to offer an informed understanding of the communities, histories, and traditions that underpin these objects, their voices become the focal point. The Autry aims to be a venue where these conversations happen. 

Works in this exhibition include beadwork, drawings, horse regalia, and various other works used for daily life. Organized by Joe D. Horse Capture, Vice President of Native Collections, Chief Curator, and Ahmanson Curator of Native American History and Culture, this four-year project included partnerships with each of the artists and visits to their home communities, reflected in the media incorporated within the gallery.

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