2025 Marshall McKay Seminar for Empowering Native Knowledge | Plains Indian Art
Niitsitapii (Blackfeet/Blackfoot), saakaan Akki saats tsaw (Blanket Strip), circa 1900. Buckskin, beads, quills, and flannel. The Jane Virginia Dexter Baldwin Memorial Collection, gift of Mrs. Anita Baldwin. Autry Museum; 630.G.129
This year’s convening will delve into Plains Indian pictographic drawing and tribal beadwork, examining how these distinctive styles inform the work of contemporary Plains artists, who draw inspiration from the creations of their tribal groups and Ancestors. Featuring knowledge keepers, Native artists, and museum experts, the seminar seeks to empower Native knowledge by valuing diverse voices and examining topical subjects that impact Native communities and beyond.
Schedule
9:00 a.m. Doors open
9:30 a.m. Breakfast
10:00 a.m. Welcome and introductions
- Steve Aron, Calvin and Marilyn Gross Director and President and CEO, Autry Museum of the American West
- Joe Horse Capture, VP Native Collections & Engagement, Chief Curator, Autry Museum of the American West
- Rick West, Former President and CEO, Autry Museum of American West, and Founding Director of Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
10:15 a.m. Overview of Plains Indian Art
- John Lukavic, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts, Denver Art Museum
10:40 a.m. Overview of Oceti Sakowin Oyate
- Jessa Rae Growing Thunder (Dakota/Nakoda), artist
- Jeremy Red Eagle (Nakoda descent), artist
- Discussion (Joe)
11:40 a.m. Plains Pictographic drawing
- John Pepion (Blackfeet), graphic artist
- Avis Charley (Dakota/Dine), artist
- Discussion (Amanda)
12:30 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Exploring Tribal Beadwork Styles
- Mary-Ann Parker (Kiowa), Assistant Curator, First Americans Museum
- Mikailah Thompson (Nimîipuu), artist
- Brocade Stops Black Eagle (Crow)
- Discussion (Joe)
3:15 p.m. Final thoughts: Joe Horse Capture
3:30 p.m. Close