THE THREE FIRES: Contemporary Anishinaabe Artists
@ FOMA Gallery
333 Montezuma Ave., Unit B
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Admission - FREE
Opening Reception: Thursday, August 13, from 4:00–8:00 PM
This 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:
Kelly Church
Richard Church
Dennis Esquivel
Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007)
Nonamey
Cherish Parrish
Cressandra Thibodeaux
Holly Trevan
Arnold Shawanoo
Walker Jason Wesaw
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.
Artist Demonstration with Kelly Church
Friday, August 14 | 12:00–2:00 PM
FOMA Gallery | Santa Fe
Join nationally recognized Anishinaabe artist Kelly Church (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians) for a special afternoon exploring two of the Great Lakes region's most treasured art forms: black ash basketry and birch bark biting. Church will share finished works, historic baskets, raw materials, and discuss the cultural significance of these living traditions, including the urgent threat posed by the invasive emerald ash borer to black ash forests. Throughout the demonstration, visitors will have the opportunity to watch traditional black ash basket weaving techniques, learn how splints are prepared, and even create a small black ash animal to take home. Kelly will also exhibit her intricate birch bark bitings and, if fresh birch bark is available, demonstrate the rare art of creating these delicate symmetrical designs. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to experience Anishinaabe cultural traditions firsthand through one of their foremost contemporary practitioners.
FOMA Gallery Hours
Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday: Closed (or by appointment)