Good Relations: Contemporary Native Artists In The MAM Collection

Celebrating contemporary Native artists is a cornerstone of MAM’s mission. As the museum marks its 50th anniversary and the retirement of Executive Director Laura J. Millin, we honor her visionary work in establishing the Contemporary American Indian Art Collection (CAIAC) with Jaune Quick-to-See Smith in 1997 and the Lynda M. Frost Gallery of Contemporary Native Art in 2006.

What began with Quick-to-See Smith’s generous donation has grown into a collection of over 300 works by leading Native artists—now the most requested and loaned part of MAM’s holdings. As artist John Hitchcock states, “Indigenous artworks now are about survival, existence, and our futures. To quote Jaune, ‘We are still here.’”

This exhibition offers a glimpse into the depth and power of the CAIAC, featuring works both well-known and newly displayed.

Thank you to the Holiday Inn for generous exhibition support and to Montana Public Radio for additional support.