Connected to the Earth

Keepers of The Land showcases Native American artists from Oklahoma.

As part of the Sovereign Santa Fe event at La Fonda on the Plaza, Keepers of the Land is a special multimedia collaborative exhibition featuring contemporary Native American artists specifically from Oklahoma.

Kayla Anley (Cherokee), Relic, charcoal on paper. 26½ x 40”

“The exhibit itself explores the connection to the lands we live on as Indigenous people, each artist creating their own work showing what being a steward and caretaker of the land means to them—whether that be through traditional stories, personal experiences or preservation and conservation efforts,” says show curator and artist Carly Treece (Mvskoke/Cherokee) of Tvlse Studios. “There are both traditional and contemporary pieces in the exhibit, with works ranging from paintings to beadwork, traditional moccasins and even textiles. Exhibiting the multidimensional talents of Native artists within our communities showcases the many different aspects and layers we have as Native people from different tribes.”

Artists include Amanda Rutland (Mvskoke), Brittany Postoak (Mvskoke), Jamie Bennett (Mvskoke), Chris Thompson (Seminole), Walela Knight (Choctaw/Cherokee) and Jessie Haase (Cherokee), among others.

In total, Keepers of the Land features 17 established, mid-career and emerging artists from nine different tribal nations in Oklahoma. “The majority of the artists in the exhibit are women from many different walks of life,” Treece adds. “Knowing the artists’ work, I usually have a vision of how the pieces will go together. Some of the artists are established, award-winning professionals, and some are just starting their careers. It is important to have both in my exhibits.”

Jaime Misenheimer (Choctaw), Red Tree, oil on panel, 20 x 16"