Special sponsored content provided by Madison College.
Madison College is set to host a groundbreaking exhibit this November, showcasing the vibrant and diverse talents of Indigenous artists from across Wisconsin. The exhibit, curated by Madison College tribal liaison Ahjinakwe Micaela Salas, marks a first for the college in celebrating the depth and breadth of Indigenous artistry, with a mix of traditional and contemporary works on display.
The exhibit, open to the public, will feature approximately 15 artists, carefully selected from 25 submissions. Salas said the collection includes a variety of media, from photography and canvas paintings to sculptures, beadwork, and even digital art.
“We have a mix of everything,” Salas said, emphasizing the representation of multiple tribes from across the state. “It was just really important for me to give Native artists in Wisconsin an opportunity to showcase their artistry in all forms.”
The exhibit aims to challenge preconceived notions about Indigenous art. While many might associate it solely with traditional crafts, such as beadwork or traditional clothing, this showcase will also highlight contemporary interpretations and innovations within Indigenous artistic expression. Salas notes,
“We’re still continuing our traditions, and we are incorporating it into things going on in the contemporary space,” said Crystal Tuttle, one of the featured artists.
One of the works Tuttle will contribute to the exhibit is a deeply personal triptych that tells the story of her Menominee language journey. Each piece, measuring 36 inches square, combines painting and collage with elements of beadwork to add dimension and texture.
“These paintings include images from people in our community who mean a lot to me and reference historical moments in Menominee history—language loss, treaty rights, and cultural resilience,” Tuttle said. The result is a powerful blend of personal and communal storytelling that bridges past and present.
For Tuttle, the exhibit is not just an opportunity to display her work but also a platform to amplify the voices and stories of Indigenous communities. “Art has always been a part of my life, but recently, I’ve been pushing to get it into public spaces,” she said. “I want people to see the diversity and wealth of creative expression among our communities.”
Salas hopes that visitors will leave the exhibit with a broader and more nuanced understanding of Indigenous identity.
“When people think about Indigenous history, they often focus on the pain and suffering,” she said. “This exhibit highlights our strength, resilience, and excellence. We are so much more than the negative parts of our history.”
The exhibit is part of a larger effort by Madison College to foster connections with Indigenous communities. In addition to the art showcase, the college will host a beading workshop led by Paige Skinandor and collaborate with local schools on workshops focusing on math instruction for Native students.
Salas sees her role as tribal liaison as a vital bridge between Madison College and the broader Indigenous community. “It was important for me to use my position to elevate Indigenous artists and provide them with this platform,” she says. “This exhibit is about honoring their artistry and giving them the exposure they deserve.”
As the exhibit prepares to open, both Salas and Tuttle emphasize the importance of community support.
“We want as many people as possible to come out, linger with the art, and take something meaningful away,” Salas said. Light refreshments and an informal program will accompany the opening reception from 4:30 – 7 pm on November 14, with many of the artists present to discuss their work.
Tuttle hopes the audience will appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in the exhibit. “This is a chance to see the ways we’re continuing our traditions while making them relevant in today’s world,” she says. “It’s about creating art that stays true to our Indigenous lens while engaging with broader audiences.”
The exhibit promises to be a transformative experience, offering a window into the rich cultural heritage and dynamic creative spirit of Indigenous communities in Wisconsin.
