Travois First Fridays

Friday, June 1 featuring “Life Is Breathtaking” by Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota)

6-8 p.m.: Exhibition open to the public
6:30 p.m.: Artist talk

Travois supports American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities and tribes in achieving their vision for economic and community development. Over 23 years, Travois has secured $1.3 billion dollars for affordable housing, education, health services, water infrastructure, and climate adaptation in Indian Country.

Art is a vibrant contributor to Native economies and a culture bearer for Native people. Travois is expanding our service area to highlight the strength and modern-day vitality of Native artists and to stimulate art purchases and commissions within one of the nation’s leading art scenes: Kansas City.

Born in North Dakota on the Standing Rock Reservation, multidisciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger comes from Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, Austrian, and Norwegian descent. His artist statement explains that his “work communicates stories of complex Indigenous identities coming up against 21st century challenges, including human alienation from and destruction of the land to which we all belong.” Luger “provokes diverse publics to engage with Indigenous peoples and values apart from the lens of colonial social structuring.”

Luger’s practice combines critical cultural analysis with dedication and respect for the diverse materials, environments and communities he engages. He is known for his ceramic innovations, interpreting the material with patience and experimentation. He also tells stories using fiber, steel, cut-paper, video, sound, performance, monumental sculpture, land art installation, and social collaboration. Luger holds a BFA in studio arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts. He was a recipient of the 2016 Native Arts & Cultures Foundation National Artist Fellowship Award and has participated in artist residencies and institution lectures throughout the nation. He maintains a studio practice in New Mexico. His work is collected and exhibited internationally.

Learn more on his website, Facebook and Instagram.

Preregister and receive two drink tickets at the event (21+). All ages are welcome to attend the event.

After 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 1, please register at the door upon your arrival. 

By registering, you agree to receive email updates from Travois.