Living Stories: Contemporary Woodland Native American Art

Floral Artwork

Living Stories: Contemporary Woodland Native American Art

This exhibit explores the evolving relationship between traditional Woodland Native American art and its contemporary interpretations, featuring the works of living artists who are pushing these traditions forward.

 
A figure in birchbark armor standing in front of the words "Living Stories"

Featuring

  • Christal Ratt (Pidabinikwe) – Algonquin Anishnabe
    Valaria Tatera – Bad River Ojibwe
  • Martina Gauthier – Menominee
  • Le’Ana Asher – Ojibwe
  • Sharon Hoogstraten – Citizen Potawatomi
  • Jennifer Stevens – Oneida/Lakota
  • Monica Rickert-Bolter – Prairie Band Potawatomi
  • Jim Terry – Ho-Chunk Nation

Living Stories is part of Art Design Chicago, a citywide collaboration initiated by the Terra Foundation for American Art that highlights the city’s artistic heritage and creative communities. 
Living Stories is funded by the Terra Foundation for American Art.

 

Open from January 27, 2025 – June, 2026

Reflected through the artists’ works and perspectives and the rooted in Great Lakes and Woodland Indigenous cultures, the exhibit explores themes of Ancestors’ spirituality, Balance in nature, Identity and representation, and Expressions of survival. As you go through the exhibit you’ll have chances to reflect on these themes, what they mean to you, and how you relate to them.

“Our art breathes. It moves.

It tells of who we were – who we are – and who we are becoming.

When you look at our creations

you’re not seeing artifacts

you’re witnessing living stories.”

GINM_logo_500px