Opening: The Three Fires: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists
We warmly invite you to the opening reception of The Three Fires: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists on Thursday, August 13, 4-8 pm, at FOMA Gallery in Santa Fe.
This major exhibition brings together 10 contemporary Anishinaabe artists whose work spans painting, photography, basketry, mixed media, and sculpture. Rooted in the enduring cultural traditions of the Three Fires Confederacy—the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Potawatomi Nations—the exhibition celebrates the vitality, diversity, and continued evolution of Anishinaabe artistic expression across generations. Rather than presenting a single artistic voice, The Three Fires highlights a constellation of artists whose practices are united by shared cultural heritage while remaining deeply individual. Through their work, visitors encounter stories of identity, memory, land, kinship, resilience, spirituality, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and contemporary life.
The participating artists and organizers extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Denene D. Quintal and Salvador Salort-Pons of the Detroit Institute of Arts for the extraordinary care, respect, and consideration they brought to Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation. Dr. Quintal’s thoughtful curation and the Museum’s continued support established a powerful blueprint for how a modern Indigenous exhibition can honor artists, culture, and community.
Featured Artists
Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007)
Kelly Church
Cherish Parrish
Richard Church
Dennis Esquivel
Arnold Shawanoo Walker
Jason Wesaw
Holly Trevan
Cressandra Thibodeaux
Nonamey
Together, these artists represent the remarkable breadth of contemporary Anishinaabe art. While each voice is distinct, their work reflects a shared commitment to cultural continuity, creative innovation, and the enduring spirit of the Three Fires Confederacy. Whether you are a longtime collector of Indigenous art or discovering these artists for the first time, The Three Fires: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists offers an opportunity to experience the richness and diversity of Anishinaabe creativity during Santa Fe’s celebrated Indian Market week.
