Chris Pappan: Honoring Heritage

As a citizen of the Kaw Nation, Osage, Lakota, and European descent, artist Chris Pappan pays tribute to his Native American heritage through his vigorously detailed art. As an avid believer that time is a circular concept and everything comes back around, Pappan uses his art as a way to connect with his ancestors. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.

SWAIA Fashion Week: The First U.S. Native Fashion Week

If you’re a fan of the Met Gala, you may have seen American actress Lily Gladstone in a black dress and cape decorated in star-shape jewelry by men’s and womenswear designer Gabriela Hearst and indigenous jeweler Keri Ataumbi or Quannah Chasinghorse wearing a stunning multicolored beaded neck piece by beadwork artist Heather Dickson. These two took this year’s Met Gala by storm and drew attention to amazing works by indigenous designers.

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Angel Reese: Classy On The Court

From breaking records on the court to slaying red carpets at the Met Gala, WNBA player Angel Reese has proven to the world that she can do it all. Her journey as an athlete is nothing short of inspiring, going from a decorated high school basketball player to forward for the LSU Tigers to power forward for the Chicago Sky. 

The basketball star is originally from Randallstown, Maryland. Basketball runs deep in her family. Both of her parents were basketball players when they were in college. Her younger brother Julien plays basketball as well. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Hunter Blaze Pearson: Made in California

As his name suggests, Hunter Blaze Pearson uses bright, blazing colors. The multidisciplinary visual artist depicts psychedelic American iconography on a variety of objects, ranging from shoes to canvases to whiskey bottles. This spring, Pearson’s “American Dream” was a part of the Brea Gallery’s 39th Annual “Made in California” exhibition, and it won the “Director’s Choice” award. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Melanie Martinez: Imaginative Performer

Behind wild costumes, conceptual lyricism and eccentric alternative style, artist Melanie Martinez’s music tells stories of Martinez’s own struggles with growth and self discovery. With over-the-top performances, creepy melody lines and music that references a plethora of child-like objects, Martinez has made a place for herself in the industry through her mystic visual performances and her whimsical vocals. 

You are unauthorized to view this page.