The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) has announced the opening of a new exhibition titled "Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures." This exhibition, which explores climate change and environmental degradation through Native art and traditional ecological knowledge, will open in October 2025 at the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery. The opening coincides with the museum’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Sunday, October 12.
"Essential Elements" focuses on the classical elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—that are crucial to life as well as Indigenous knowledge systems. The exhibition highlights how Native artists address the climate crisis through creative expression while advocating for environmental justice. Featured artists include 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 exhibition.
Danyelle Means, Executive Director of MIAC, said that "Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis." She added that "Essential Elements uplifts the voices of Native artists who are drawing on traditional knowledge to confront the realities of environmental change."
The exhibition presents visual art, film, and community-based practices that address issues such as droughts, wildfires, extractive industries, and biodiversity loss. It also honors Indigenous knowledge systems' resilience and innovation in offering sustainable future pathways.
To celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day and the exhibition's opening on October 12th, MIAC will host a day filled with family-friendly programs focused on Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship. Activities include air-dry clay activities under the Outdoor Ramada throughout the day; storytelling for children at Roland’s Discovery Center from 10:30 to 11 a.m.; performances by White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers at Milner Plaza; free Pueblo food at Meem Auditorium; a presentation by Kenny Duncan on Apache culture; and a tour of "Essential Elements" led by Elisa Phelps.
Free admission to MIAC on October 12 is made possible by Sandia Resort and Casino along with Pueblo of Sandia.
The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture operates under New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs' leadership. It serves as a center for understanding artistic achievements among diverse peoples from Native Southwest regions.
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