THIS IS US: Contemporary Art from the Great Basin Native Artists

Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson Street, Carson City, NV

On view from November 21, 2025 - October 2026

THIS IS US: Contemporary Art from the Great Basin Native Artists is an art exhibition to commemorate the 10^th year anniversary of the founding of the Great Basin Native Artists (GBNA).  The beginning of this regional art group came from a need in the community to find Native American artists in the region, document their work and create more opportunities for the artists with ongoing exhibitions, events and learning workshops.  Over the past ten years, GBNA has grown into an important art staple in the region and has amassed a growing collection of contemporary Native art from all reaches of the Great Basin and California. Some of the artists in the GBNA collection include Ben Aleck, Fawn Douglas, Jack Malotte, Jean LaMarr, and Steve Nighthawk. In addition to the GBNA collection, the Nevada State Museum will be exhibiting some pieces from their permanent collection especially chosen to compliment the GBNA collection with art pieces including Jacque Rickard’s large pictorial beaded basket, a piece from Burch Kochamp that debuted in the original Under One Sky art exhibitions in 2002, and a large illustration from regional artist Marlin Thompson, titled Coyote Stories.  As curator of the Great Basin Native Artists, it brings me great joy to share these unique artworks and these amazing American artists with our community. -MMM

  Image credit: Kim Avanna Lawson, Mamie (Songoe’e) Hummingbird, 2023, monoprint

GBNA Gallery Exhibtions:

Reflections: Kim Avanna Lawson

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May 5, 2025 - October 31, 2025​

Kimberly Avanna Lawson (Walker River Paiute/Tlingit), is a multidisciplinary artist focused on mixed media painting and photography.  She earned an AFA degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, NM in creative writing and went on to earn her BFA degree from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2003.   Lawson participated in a group called the Indigenous Arts Coalition during and after her time at SFAI, who produced many contemporary Indigenous exhibitions in the Bay Area.   She currently resides in Nevada and participates with regional Indigenous arts exhibitions.

Nevada Museum of Art

I am so excited to share with you the upcoming exhibitions that will premier at the Nevada Museum of Art this spring 2025. I have been working closely with the museum for over a decade to help bring Indigenous artists from the Great Basin to a wider audience. I hope you can come out and see all of the amazing art and celebrate together at these events. All three exhibitions co-curated by Ann M. Wolfe and Melissa Melero-Moose (Fallon Paiute).

March 22, 2025–December 31, 2027: Reno, NV

Of the Earth: Native American Baskets and Pueblo Pottery at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street. Works from the permanent collection including new commissions. https://www.nevadaart.org/art/exhibitions/of-the-earth-native-american-baskets-and-pueblo-pottery/

March 22–November 16: Reno, NV

The Art of Judith Lowry at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street. Retrospective for this Mountain Maidu/Pit River/Washoe painter. https://www.nevadaart.org/art/exhibitions/the-art-of-judith-lowry/

March 22–November 16: Reno, NV

The Lowry & Croul Collection of Contemporary Native American Art at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street. Exhibition features highlights from the personal collection of Judith Lowry. https://www.nevadaart.org/art/exhibitions/the-lowry-croul-collection-of-contemporary-native-american-art/

April 25 & 26: Reno, NV

Threads of Tradition: Celebrating 25 Years of the Great Basin Native Basketweavers Association at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 W. Liberty Street. Weaving workshop for tribal citizens: Friday, April 25, ticketed event. Community basket celebration: Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am–4:00 pm, free and open to the public| https://www.nevadaart.org/event/threads-of-tradition-community-day/

Great Basin Native Artists Gallery

Exhibtion:

Karma Henry: Where My Eyes Have Walked

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DECEMBER 6, 2024 - April 24, 2025​

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