Bringing together Native American artists from across North America, is the American Indian Arts Festival, featuring contemporary and traditional examples of jewelry, pottery, sculpture, basketry, beadwork and more. In addition, the festival, held at the Autry Museum of the American West, has cultivated an experience for collectors and enthusiasts that also includes performances, demonstrations and hands-on activities. 

Dancers at the 2024 American Indian Arts Festival. Image by Davrin Morales. Photo courtesy of Autry Museum of the American West.

 

“There is such an incredible variety of artistic expressions by both emerging talents and established masters,” explains Robyn Hetrick, museum senior director of public programs. “Some artists have been part of our festival family for decades, and we’ve had the privilege of watching their work evolve and mature over time. Some even began as youth artists in their parent’s booth and have matured into fine artists in their own right. Collectors will find stunning jewelry that showcases meticulous craftsmanship, colorful textiles that tell cultural stories, pottery created using techniques passed down through generations, intricate beadwork that demonstrates remarkable patience and skill, and contemporary pieces that might surprise those expecting only ‘traditional’ forms. The beauty of this festival is witnessing how these art forms remain vibrant while evolving today.”

Festival attendees at the 2024 edition enjoy artworks and experiences. Image by Davrin Morales. Photo courtesy of Autry Museum of the American West.

 

One such contemporary piece at this year’s festival, “unlike anything we’ve featured before,” says Hetrick, is a fully functional droid from the Star Wars universe, titled HOPI R2. “When artist Duane Koyawena and engineer Joe Mastroianni created this piece, they weren’t just making art—they were challenging the false narrative that Indigenous traditions and modern technology occupy separate worlds,” Hetrick notes. “Visitors won’t just admire HOPI R2 from afar; they can interact with it and engage directly with the creators about this groundbreaking fusion of heritage and innovation.”

Attendees will also find heartfelt and engaging artworks from artists like Shannon Stevens (Laguna Pueblo/Hopi), known for her photographic portraits of Native American and Indigenous people on their homeland. “We, as Native people, are intrinsically tied to the land and most comfortable in our home environment,” Stevens adds. “A couple years ago I began photographing our elder Native/Indigenous people in New Mexico. These sessions take place in different pueblos and are provided free of charge. I wanted to do this because older Native people are not comfortable going into a JCPenney or mainstream photography studio to have their photographs taken. My mom inspired this because I knew that she would not be comfortable having her picture by just anyone, especially a non-Native.”

Shannon Stevens (Laguna Pueblo/Hopi), Helping Soo-Oh, digital photograph printed on metal, photo taken with DSLR camera, 30 x 20”

 

One of Stevens’ festival pieces, Helping Soo-Oh, was taken in Kykotsmovi, Arizona, the artist’s hometown. “The younger Hopi lady was a loving mother, who despite her own serious illnesses, cared happily and full time for the elder Hopi woman,” Stevens shares. “I asked both [women] if I could photograph them and they gladly obliged. This photograph embodies the burden that so many Natives lovingly bear, willingly caring for our elders at home when they can no longer care for themselves.”

Festival artist Avis Charley (Spirit Lake Dakota/Navajo (Diné)) approaches her work with a sense of cultural responsibility and focus on dignity, accuracy and representation. “I’m known for figurative work that centers on Native women and explores storytelling, connection and empowerment,” she says. “I use the female form to show links between past and present. I love layering color, texture and details in clothing and accessories.”

Avis Charley (Spirit Lake Dakota/Diné), Venice, 2024, oil on canvas, 40 x 30”

 

Pottery by Bob Lansing (Navajo (Diné)), will be available the 2025 festival.

 

For Charley’s piece Venice, 2024, she says, “[This] reflects a pivotal moment in my journey as an artist navigating international art spaces. It’s a visual record of my recent trip to the Venice Biennale with our MFA cohort from the Institute of American Indian Arts. We were there to support Jeffrey Gibson (Choctaw/Cherokee), who represented the United States with his pavilion. Our group performed a one-hour piece titled The Place in Which We Story before Gibson’s monumental red sculpture. I created this painting as soon as I got home, hoping to capture the magic and vibrancy of that moment.”

Experience these wonderful works and so much more during the festival dates, June 7 to 8, at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. For more information on tickets and the full schedule of events, please visit www.theautry.org/AIAF. —

June 7-8, 2025
American Indian Arts Festival
The Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 667-2000, www.theautry.org

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