The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) in Santa Fe will open a new exhibition titled "Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures" in October 2025. The exhibition focuses on climate change and environmental degradation as seen through Native art and traditional ecological knowledge. It will be held in the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery, aligning with the museum’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Sunday, October 12.
"Essential Elements" explores the four classical elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—and their importance to life, Indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural practices. The exhibition features works by artists Leah Mata Fragua, Michael Namingha, Shayla Blatchford, Mallery Quetawki, Tony Abeyta, Rowan Harrison, Bob Haozous, and Cannupa Hanska Luger. Luger’s short film "New Myth" will also be screened during the event.
Danyelle Means, Executive Director of MIAC, stated: "Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Essential Elements uplifts the voices of Native artists who are drawing on traditional knowledge to confront the realities of environmental change. This exhibition challenges all of us to see the deep interconnection between culture, land, and sustainability, and to act before more is lost."
The exhibition includes visual art, film screenings, and community-based projects that address issues such as droughts, wildfires, extractive industries’ impact on land use, and biodiversity loss. It also highlights Indigenous resilience and innovation in facing these challenges.
To mark both Indigenous Peoples Day and the opening of "Essential Elements," MIAC has scheduled a series of public programs on October 12. Activities include air-dry clay workshops under the Outdoor Ramada; bundling Indian Tea (Cota) gathered from MIAC’s grounds; storytelling for children at Roland’s Discovery Center; performances by White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers at Milner Plaza; free Pueblo food at Meem Auditorium; a presentation by Kenny Duncan (San Carlos Apache) about Apache culture; an encore dance performance; and a guided tour of the new exhibition with Elisa Phelps, Head of Curatorial Affairs.
Admission to MIAC will be free on October 12 due to support from Sandia Resort and Casino as well as Pueblo of Sandia.
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture operates under New Mexico's Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. Its mission is to serve as a center for stewardship and understanding regarding the artistic and cultural achievements of Native peoples in the Southwest.
