News from MIAC/Lab

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

Santa Fe, NM –The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture proudly presents Engaging the Future: The Goodman Fellowship Artists, a dynamic exhibition showcasing the work and words of nineteen contemporary Native artists at various stages of their careers.

Opening on March 2, 2025, this exhibition, in the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery, highlights the artistic excellence and diverse creative expressions of these rising and established artists across multiple disciplines, including printmaking, photography, painting, jewelry, film, fashion, and mixed media. 

 Building a career as an artist is challenging, regardless of talent. External support, particularly in the early stages, is critical for success. Access to materials, tools, and technology fosters growth and experimentation, while public exposure helps artists build name recognition and establish a sustainable career. Engaging the Future underscores the importance of such support by featuring artists who have benefited from the MIAC Goodman Aspiring Artist Fellowship an initiative dedicated to empowering Native artists. 

 "Engaging the Future is a testament to the power of recognition and support in advancing the careers of Native artists," said MIAC Head of Curatorial Affairs, Elisa Phelps. "Through the Goodman Fellowship, we are able to provide a foundation for these talented individuals to flourish and bring their unique perspectives to the world." 

 The exhibition features 2025 Goodman Fellow Auri Poseyesva (Hopi), alongside past recipients including Rapheal Begay (Diné), Carly Feddersen (Colville Confederated Tribes), Cree LaRance (Ohkay Owingeh/Hopi/Navajo), Sikuyva Dawavendewa (Hopi), Kalem Aguilar (Santo Domingo), Jade Valerie Calabaza (Santo Domingo), Myron Denetclaw (Navajo), Duhon James (Navajo), Robert Whitehair Begay (Navajo), Jontay Kahm (Plains Cree), Terran Last Gun (Piikani), David Naranjo (Santa Clara/Ohkay Owingeh/Cochiti), Ethan Nopah (Navajo), Jacob Olascoaga (Tlingit/Mescalero Apache descendant), Triston Noah Pajarito (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Mikayla Patton (Oglala Lakota), Abraham Peina (Zuni), and Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose (Navajo/Southern Ute). 

 "Engaging the Future: The Goodman Fellowship Artists exemplifies MIAC’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Native artists at all stages of their careers,” said MIAC Executive Director, Danyelle Means (Oglala Lakota). This exhibition not only showcases the incredible talent of these artists but also highlights the importance of investing in the future of Native art. We are honored to celebrate their creativity, innovation, and contributions to contemporary Indigenous expression." 

 Since 2016, the Goodman Aspiring Artist Fellowship at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture has provided financial assistance to contemporary Native artists. Established by Dr. Malcolm and Connie Goodman through the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, the competitive annual fellowship seeks to support artists who demonstrate promise early in their careers. Many Fellows have gone on to be juried into the prestigious SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market, secure representation from major galleries, be featured in museum exhibitions around the country or receive prestigious fellowships from institutions such as the Joan Mitchell Foundation and the Native Arts and Cultures Fund. 

About the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.