Note: All submitted events must be approved before they appear in the calendar.
Public Events Calendar
April – May 2022
New in New York City
Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe
Open through Sept. 11
View this major retrospective of the Yanktonai Dakota artist’s work. One of the 20th century’s most innovative Native American painters, Oscar Howe (1915–1983) challenged stereotypes and created pathways for Native painters. His legacy of innovation and advocacy continues to inspire generations of Native artists to take pride in their heritage and resist stereotypes. The exhibition catalog, Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe, is available at our store in New York.
New in Washington, D.C.
For families visiting with young children, look for the new Family Poster Prompts throughout the museum and take a closer look at our collection objects. Also, remember to get the QR code to enjoy new bilingual (English-Spanish) audio guides that can be accessed via your personal device.
Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight
Open through Jan. 29, 2023
Follow Raven on a multisensory journey from darkness into light. “Raven and the Box of Daylight,” features works from internationally acclaimed artist Preston Singletary (Tlingit American, b. 1963), and tells the story of Raven, the creator of the world and giver of the stars, moon, and sun.
Through an immersive, multisensory experience, Raven takes visitors on a journey of the transformation of darkness into light. In addition to Singletary’s striking glass pieces, the exhibition features storytelling paired with original music, coastal Pacific Northwest soundscapes, and projected images.
Organized by the artist and Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington. Guest curated by Miranda Belarde-Lewis (Zuni/Tlingit), PhD. The multisensory visitor experience was designed by zoe | juniper.
Youth in Action: Indigenous Youth Poet Warriors
April 1, 1 – 2 p.m., online
Free, advance registration is required
americanindian.si.edu/calendar
How does poetry inspire change? In celebration of the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, Joy Harjo (Mvskoke [Creek] Nation), Native youth poets jaye simpson (Sapotaweyak Cree Nation), Kinsale Drake (Diné), and Sareya Taylor (White Mountain Apache/Diné) share how this “poet and champion of justice” has inspired their own writings. Moderated by Kelly Caballero (Tongva).
The program is free, but advance registration is required. A direct link to view the program will be emailed to registrants 24-48 hours before the program. The program will be available on demand after it premieres.
This program is part of the Youth in Action: Conversations about Our Future series, which features young Native activists and changemakers from across the Western Hemisphere who are working towards equity and social justice for Indigenous peoples.
Living Earth Festival: Saving Sacred Spaces
Panel Discussion and Film Screenings
April 22 – May 15, online
americanindian.si.edu/calendar
Across the country, sites sacred to Indigenous communities are at risk due to environmental changes, population growth, tourism, and natural resource extraction. As part of the museum’s Living Earth celebrations, several community members will participate in a panel discussion about their efforts to protect sites of cultural significance. Dr. Rosita Kaaháni Worl (Tlingit) talks about X’unáxi, or Indian Point, in Juneau, Alaska; Dr. LilikalaKame‘eleihiwa (Native Hawaiian) shares updates on Mauna Kea, Hawai‘i’s highest mountain; and Angelo Baca (Diné/Hopi) provides an update on the status of the restoration of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.
In addition, four films will be screened. These feature stories about water management in protection of sacred sites and Indigenous peoples’ spiritual and cultural connections to land.
Shásh Jaa’: Bears Ears(USA, 2016, 23 min.)Director: Angelo Baca (Navajo/Hopi)
Water Flows Together(USA, 2020, 11min.)Directors: Palmer Morse, Taylor Graham, Matt MikkelsenProducer: Colleen Cooley (Diné)However Wide the Sky: Places of Power(USA, 2021, 57 min.)Director: David AubreyAssociate Producer: Jhane Myers (Comanche/Blackfeet)Into Americas Wild(USA, 2020, 40 min.)Director: Greg MacGillivray
Photo of Indian Point courtesy of Sealaska Heritage Institute
Raven and the Evolution of Glass Artist Preston Singletary
Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8, 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
americanindian.si.edu/calendar
Learn about the acclaimed artist Preston Singletary. Hear him talk about his art, his evolution as an artist, as well as his inspiration for the current exhibition “Raven and the Box of Daylight.” In this engaging, in-person program, Singletary will discuss the influence of the Tlingit trickster Raven on his glass work. As part of the program Gene Tagaban, a renowned storyteller, will perform live to bring Raven to life.
