Kentucky: Native Reflections

Piqua Shawnee tribal member Helen Danser, chair of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission, discusses the artwork of Carrie Rogers, Native Inspired-Shawnee, and Brigit Truex, Enrolled Member-Abenaki Nation of Missiquoi, during an opening reception at the Gateway Regional Arts Center in Mt. Sterling. Photo courtesy Kentucky Arts Council

The Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and the Kentucky Heritage Council worked together to produce Native Reflections, a traveling exhibit of artworks by Native American artists living in Kentucky. This juried show honors and celebrates indigenous cultures and confronts the common misconception that Native American culture is reflective only of past history. Native Reflections demonstrates both the traditional roots and diverse contemporary creative life of the Abenaki, Catawba, Cherokee and Navajo cultures present in the state. Featured works include landscapes, abstracts, photography and three-dimensional works from enrolled members of recognized tribes as well as artworks inspired by their cultures. Members of more than 200 tribes live in Kentucky, and this exhibit is helping the public to appreciate and understand the significant contributions Native Americans make to the state’s cultural life.

The project began with a call for entries and resulted in 23 artworks by 12 artists, selected by a panel of Native Americans organized by the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission and the Heritage Council. Venues hosting the exhibition include art galleries, educational institutions, public libraries and other public spaces. For more information about the exhibit, listen to this KyArtsCast podcast or contact KAC Folk and Traditional Arts Director Mark Brown.