Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is launching an open call for American Indian and First Nations sculpture artists in the United States and Canada. 🌟

Your sculpture could be the newest addition to the historic Heard Museum grounds in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona. One artist applicant will be selected by a juried committee to create a permanent outdoor sculpture that honors the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.

Visit heard.org/opencall for eligibility guidelines, application info, and more. 🌟

The Corn Dancer (Ka’e) Kachina appears in many dances, representing a prayer for the growth and good harvest of corn.

Kerry Lyle David has over 40 years of experience in making kachina dolls and only uses hand carving tools. The Hopi artist credits his knowledge and skill to the teachings of his grandfather, Abbott, his father, Leslie, and uncles, Gorman and Neil David Sr.

Now available in the Heard Museum Shop, visit us in-store or online today!⭐ Open to the Public 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.*⭐ Shop Online 24/7 at heardmuseumshop.com

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Featured artwork: Kerry David (Hopi/Navajo), Corn Boy Ka'e Kachina Doll, n.d. Measurements: 7 3/4" tall x 2 1/8" wide x 1 7/8". Available for purchase in the Heard Museum Shop at the time of this post.

This pendant by artist Sonwai recently made its way from Arizona to New York as a loan for “Hopi Kachina Dolls: Blessings for a Balanced World,” now on view at the Brooklyn Museum through June 27, 2027. 🌟

The exhibition brings together 120 works to explore the Hopi tradition of Kachina dolls (tithu), gifted primarily to Hopi girls and women, from the perspective of their recipients.

We’re honored to share this example of Hopi artistry from the Heard Museum’s collection and connect Indigenous creativity to audiences across the nation.

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Verma Nequatewa/Sonwai (Hopi, b. 1949), Pendant, 1997. 14K gold, opal, fossilized ivory, coral, sugilite, turquoise, 3 1/8 x 1 x ½ in. Heard Museum Collection, Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Craig Smith.

A citizen of the Seneca Nation, Marie Watt’s artistry explores the connections between people, materials, and stories. Her work spans sculptures, textiles, and mixed-media installations, including the large-scale “Companion Piece” that’s currently on view in the Heard Museum’s “Substance of Stars” exhibition.

Recently featured in The New York Times & TIME100, this recognition highlights the impact of Watts’ distinctive artistry while bringing Indigenous perspectives to a wider audience. ✨

Happy World Teacher’s Day! From museum educators to teaching artists, today we’re celebrating those who inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Thank you for helping connect learners of all ages to Indigenous creativity and culture. 🎨

The Heard Museum is proud to offer Teacher Resources from classroom curriculum ideas to printable coloring worksheets. Learn more at heard.org/teacher-resources.

Join us for an Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at the Heard Museum! In honor of Indigenous traditions, creativity, and resilience, this year’s theme is “Imagining Tomorrow Together.”

🌀 Hoop Dance by Derrick Davis, Cooper Nez, + Ballet Arizona
⭐ Traditional Aztec Dance by Grupo Coatlicue
🎤 Special Guest Comedian & Writer Joey Clift
🪉 Harp Performance by Mesa Public Schools
🎨 Family-Friendly Art Activities

This Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration is included with Museum Admission.

See more event details at heard.org/ipd.

This fall, find something unique for your collection or get ahead on holiday shopping at the Heard Museum Shop. 🍂

This sterling silver corn cuff bracelet is now available for purchase in-store or online. Made by Anthony Lovato, the Santo Domingo artist specializes in unique tufa cast jewelry featuring both traditional and contemporary elements.

⭐ Open to the Public 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.*
⭐ Shop Online 24/7 at heardmuseumshop.com

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Featured artwork: Anthony Lovato (Santo Domingo Pueblo), Sterling Silver Corn Cuff Bracelet, n.d. Measurements: 2" wide at top tapering to 1" at back, 7 3/4" inside circumference, 7 1/2" across top of cuff, 1 1/8" wide opening at back for approximately 7 1/2" wrist. Available for purchase in the Heard Museum Shop at the time of this post.

“Creating is a lifelong journey; as you mature moving forward with your work, you will become your own best teacher.”
— Dan Namingha (Hopi-Tewa)

There’s still one more opportunity to experience Wisdom from the Future with one of the Heard Museum Curators who helped bring the exhibition to life. Join Olivia Barney (Diné) in the galleries for a 30 min Curator Talk as she explores the artistry and inspiration behind the exhibition.

📅 Thurs, Oct 15 at 11:30 am
🎟️ Included w/ Admission
🔗 heard.org/events

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Featured artwork: Dan Namingha (Hopi-Tewa, b. 1950), Desert Bloom, 2004. Acrylic on canvas. Gift of Stephen and Lynda Nacht. Heard Museum Collection, Phoenix, Arizona.

Congratulations to Chip Thomas on being named a 2026 MacArthur Foundation Fellow!

A muralist and physician whose work centers on bringing Indigenous stories into public spaces, Chip Thomas in collaboration with Esther Belin (Diné) joined us at the Heard Museum in 2020 to create a powerful exterior mural reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Native communities.

We’re honored that this meaningful work is part of the Heard Museum’s history and celebrate this recognition of Chip Thomas’ impactful artistry.

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Featured images (in order of appearance):
Photo courtesy of John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Detail and installation views of Song of Lament, Heard Museum, 2020.

As the Heard Museum approaches its 100th Anniversary, the Walk In Beauty centennial campaign focuses on building a future where Indigenous creativity thrives, American Indian artists have an even greater platform to share their voices, and people of all ages find new ways to learn, create, and connect.

Projects include new and dynamic creative spaces, a reimagined presentation of collections, and more.

Want to be part of what’s next? Visit heard.org/walkinbeauty.