Art, Gender, and Community II
February 24–25, 2008

The Art, Gender, and Community seminar brought together 11 Native women artists in various points of their careers to discuss their own work, issues relating to women in the arts, and the future of Native American art. The seminar culminated in a panel discussion, one-day exhibition, and book.

In November 2007, six preeminent Native women artists met to discuss the meaning of art, gender, and community for Native women and how these three issues intertwine and impact their own work. Gloria Emerson, Diane Reyna, Eliza Naranjo-Morse, Sherry Farrell Racette, Felice Lucero, and Erica Lord were in attendance.

This first session led to a second session in February 2008, in which each of the original six brought another Native woman artist with them. Lara Evans, TahNibaa Naataanii, Heidi Brandow, Shannon Letandre, and Dyani Reynolds-Whitehawk joined the mix to create a group of 11 remarkable artists. While the original six made presentations about work they had begun that was inspired by the first session, the group as a whole discussed their personal histories and furthered discussions about issues affecting Native women today.

In June 2008, these 11 artists reconvened for the last time at the Indian Arts Research Center to present their completed works. This final meeting resulted in a one-day exhibition titled, Playing, Remembering, Making: Art in Native Women’s Lives as well as two panel discussions examining art, gender, and community.

This meeting of minds and creativity created a safe space for Native women to freely discuss concerns, joys, and controversial issues that affect their lives and their communities. The Indian Arts Research Center looks forward to the publication documenting the extraordinary results of this seminar in the near future.

Art, Gender, and Community
November 15–16, 2007

The Art, Gender, and Community seminar brought together 11 Native women artists in various points of their careers to discuss their own work, issues relating to women in the arts, and the future of Native American art. The seminar culminated in a panel discussion, one-day exhibition, and book.

In November 2007, six preeminent Native women artists met to discuss the meaning of art, gender, and community for Native women and how these three issues intertwine and impact their own work. Gloria Emerson, Diane Reyna, Eliza Naranjo-Morse, Sherry Farrell Racette, Felice Lucero, and Erica Lord were in attendance.

This first session led to a second session in February 2008, in which each of the original six brought another Native woman artist with them. Lara Evans, TahNibaa Naataanii, Heidi Brandow, Shannon Letandre, and Dyani Reynolds-Whitehawk joined the mix to create a group of 11 remarkable artists. While the original six made presentations about work they had begun that was inspired by the first session, the group as a whole discussed their personal histories and furthered discussions about issues affecting Native women today.

In June 2008, these 11 artists reconvened for the last time at the Indian Arts Research Center to present their completed works. This final meeting resulted in a one-day exhibition titled, Playing, Remembering, Making: Art in Native Women’s Lives as well as two panel discussions examining art, gender, and community.

This meeting of minds and creativity created a safe space for Native women to freely discuss concerns, joys, and controversial issues that affect their lives and their communities. The Indian Arts Research Center looks forward to the publication documenting the extraordinary results of this seminar in the near future.