ah'-wah-nee

The AH’-WAH-NEE exhibition will be on view in the Donna Beam Gallery from November 1–December 10, 2021, and the symposium will take place November 4 and 5, 2021 at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art Auditorium and the Paul Harris Theatre during Native American Heritage Month. The symposium begins with an artist’s talk on Thursday, November 4, followed by discussion panels during the day and a performance by Jean LaMarr in the evening on Friday, November 5, funded, in part, by WESTAF (the Western States Arts Federation) and the National Endowment for the Arts. On November 5 the AH’-WAH-NEE symposium events will precede UNLV’s College of Fine Arts Art Walk 2021, when the College welcomes over 2000 visitors to campus to celebrate the arts and our diverse cultures through art exhibitions, dance, music, performance and more.

The goal at the heart of the AH’-WAH-NEE project is to teach Indigenous histories and contemporary issues to UNLV students, faculty, staff,

and the Las Vegas community while connecting and engaging with the regional Tribes whose stories will be told through art and conversation. Representation matters. Indigenous voices have been ever present on the frontlines. The issues of Native women’s rights have always been deeply connected to the lands and continue to shape the artistic methodologies and activism around this wave of Indigenous feminisms.

“The voices of Indigenous women have always been valued amongst Indigenous communities,” Fawn Douglas underscores. “To share our words is a gift to those willing to listen. To share our stories through art is a gift from the spirit that will touch those willing to open their minds and hearts. AH’-WAH-NEE is our heart song.” Jerry Schefcik, Director of UNLV Galleries, commented that, “The significance of this project cannot be overstated. The Donna Beam Gallery is elated to present the work of these remarkable Native American women artists.”