The ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery is set to host one of the year’s most highly anticipated and culturally significant art events: Journeys in Spirit 2025: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art. This annual exhibition, which will run May 22-June 24, offers an extraordinary opportunity for art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts to experience a wide range of Native American artistry, reflecting both the rich traditions and the evolving creative expressions of Indigenous people. Produced in collaboration with the Museum of Indigenous People, this year’s show promises to be a vibrant and diverse showcase of traditional and contemporary Native American art.
Innovation and reflection
More than just an art exhibition, Journeys in Spirit is meant as a celebration of Native American culture, identity, and history, seen through the eyes of artists who continue to shape the landscape of Indigenous art. Visitors to the gallery can explore an expansive array of artistic forms, including paintings, basketry, jewelry, photography, beadwork, ceramics and much more. Each piece offers a unique insight into the diverse and rich cultural heritage of Native American communities from across the nation.
The exhibition will feature works from Native American artists of various tribal backgrounds, including Hopi, Cherokee, Dine’, Yaqui, Choctaw, Muskogee Creek, Yavapai and others. This eclectic mix of artists presents a tapestry of artistic styles, each deeply rooted in its respective community’s traditions and spiritual beliefs. What makes Journeys in Spirit particularly special is that many participating artists continue to live within their tribal communities, keeping their work directly connected to spiritual and cultural practices that have been passed down for generations. While living outside these communities, others continue to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage, blending traditional techniques with modern influences to create works that are both innovative and reflective of the past.
The exhibition at ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery will be a visual feast for those seeking deeper understanding of the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Native American people through art. Whether through the intricate beadwork of a necklace, the bold colors of a contemporary painting, or the meticulously crafted ceramics that embody the spirit of Native craftsmanship, the exhibit promises to offer a profound exploration of the diverse ways Native artists express their cultures and identities.
A rich cultural and educational experience
At its core Journeys in Spirit 2025 is not simply an art show, it’s an immersive experience that encourages visitors to explore the stories and spiritual connections embedded within each artwork. For Native Americans art is not just a form of self-expression, it's a method of storytelling and preserving traditions, history and cultural values. Each piece presented in the exhibition reflects one artist’s aesthetic journey, community experiences, and personal connection with their roots.
The show aims to serve as an educational tool, providing visitors opportunities to meaningfully engage with Indigenous artists. During the opening reception on May 23 attendees can interact directly with the artists. This personal interaction allows visitors to build understanding of the cultural significance of each piece, learn about the artist’s creative process, and discuss the history and symbolism behind the work.
Through this event ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery fosters an environment of cultural exchange, helping build bridges between Native communities and the wider public. It provides a platform for Native artists to share their stories, expressing their heritage while embracing new avenues for creativity and innovation. It offers economic opportunities for the artists themselves, empowering them to continue their work and sustain their communities.
Building on tradition
Art has always held a central role in Native American communities. Historically it was a means of communicating sacred knowledge, telling stories and reinforcing cultural identity. But that role has evolved; in the contemporary world it also serves as a tool for maintaining cultural ties, preserving traditional practices, and as response to the challenges that Native communities face. Native artists often use their work to reflect on issues such as the preservation of cultural heritage, the impact of colonization, and the resilience of Native people in the face of adversity
This year’s Journeys in Spirit show reflects these complex layers of identity, history and creativity. From traditional techniques like pottery, weaving and beadwork to incorporating modern elements like mixed media, digital art and abstract expression, Native American art continues to evolve in ways that blend the past and present. The works featured in the exhibit highlight the diversity and dynamism of Native American artistry, underscoring the importance of art as a means of cultural survival and transformation.
By showcasing both traditional and contemporary works, Journeys in Spirit 2025 provides a unique opportunity for viewers to see the ongoing dialogue between past and present within Native American art. It highlights how Native artists continue to draw on their cultural traditions while embracing new forms of expression and engaging with contemporary issues. This intersection of tradition and innovation is at the heart of the Journeys in Spirit experience, and it speaks to the enduring relevance of Native American art in the modern world.
A meaningful cultural experience
The Journeys in Spirit 2025 exhibition at the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery is a must-visit event for those looking to deepen their understanding of Native American art and culture. The event is not just about appreciating beautiful works of art — it's about engaging with the stories, traditions, and ongoing journeys of Native communities. As visitors explore the exhibition they will be reminded of the profound cultural significance of art, its role in preserving heritage, and its power to inspire change and dialogue.
Featured artists
These artists represent diverse tribal backgrounds and artistic practices, each contributing to the rich mosaic of Native American art. Their work embodies the spirit of their cultures while pushing the boundaries of what Native art can be in the 21st century.
For more information about the Journeys in Spirit 2025 exhibition and the artists involved, please visit the official website at Tisartgallery.com/journeys-in-spirit.
