Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry at Gallery One
New art exhibition features the rich cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of more than 22 Native American artists
The Albuquerque Public Art Program’s Gallery One and Art Off the Rails presents Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry. The exhibition opens Thursday, March 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., with performances by Zuni Olla Maidens.
Native Voices is a dynamic showcase curated by Cameron Ward of Art Off the Rails. It centers on themes of heritage, challenging traditional Native narratives, and contemporary Indigenous expression. Featured are 22 Native visual artists, three Native dancers, and two Native singers from New Mexico, Montana, California, and Arizona. Through multidisciplinary storytelling and performance, Native Voices offers an intentional and evolving portrayal of Native artistry rooted in resilience, sovereignty, and lived experience.
Featured artists include Craig George, Karma Henry, Jared DeCelles, Marcus Moquino, Cherille Williams, Charles Montoya, Hiro Cash, Jacquelyn Yepa, Juniper Rose, Elizabeth Brock, Gloria Abieta, Roland Cheresposy, Rhiannon Dee, Dal’Suhu Not-Afraid, Camryn Growing Thunder, Brian Taafe Cordova, Rachel Espinoza, Brandon Barela, Michael Ullibari (Hidden Doors), Tino Jojola, Amanda Erickson, and Cameron Ward. Works range from sculpture, photography, textiles and clothing, painting, film, and sculpture.
“Gallery One’s exhibitions always reflect the diversity of our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Art in public places like this matters because it sparks conversation and keeps creativity accessible to everyone.”
The Zuni Olla Maidens, performing at the opening reception, are a nationally acclaimed all-female dance and song ensemble from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. For over 70 years they have honored ancestral women through song, dance, and the iconic practice of balancing hand-painted Zuni pottery (ollas) on their heads. As cultural ambassadors, the Olla Maidens preserve Zuni language, music, and traditions, performing at major festivals and institutions, with their regalia held in the Museum of Indian Arts and Cultures. In 2024 they were awarded the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship for their lifetime achievement and contribution to Native cultural heritage.
“Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry is about more than showcasing art; it’s about connecting past, present, and future,” said Cameron Ward. “As a curator, I invite audiences to experience not only the depth and vibrancy of Native art, but also the ongoing creativity of artists who are building and sharing their work beyond the reservation. This exhibition highlights evolving stories of Indigenous people across the United States, fostering new connections while honoring our roots and the lands we call home.”
To extend the exhibition experience, a free screening of She Cried That Day will take place on Sunday, April 12, from 1:00 to 4:45 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Albuquerque Museum. Directed by Amanda Erickson of Sees Clearly Productions, this powerful documentary follows one family’s journey through grief and resilience as they seek justice for a loved one lost to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) crisis. As part of the film’s broader Good Heart Medicine Tour, the screening is designed to go beyond a viewing experience to create space for reflection, dialogue, and community connection through grounding remarks and a facilitated post-film conversation inspired by the tour’s “Auntie Circles” model. Through intimate storytelling, the film honors the strength of Indigenous women, families, and allies while calling for awareness, accountability, and collective healing.
Learn more about Art Off the Rails and Native Voices at www.artofftherails.design or by following Art Off the Rails on Instagram @aotr.design.
Native Voices: Celebrating Native Artistry will be on view through May 8. The opening reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. Gallery One hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gallery One is located on the first floor of City Hall at 1 Civic Plaza NW. Learn more at www.cabq.gov/galleryone.