MIAC | September 2024

Words cannot express how wonderful the opening of the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery was on Thursday, August 15. Some of our biggest supporters were invited early to witness the unveiling of the new space featuring the inaugural Driving the Market exhibition. Guests of honor included JoAnn and Bob Balzer, Uschi and Bill Butler, Della Warrior, Senator Ben Ray Luján and so many more. Afterwards, over 500 people showed up to the museum to celebrate the opening. The party lasted late into the evening and included the band Earth Surface People, DJ Garronteed and musician Keith Socola. The celebration continued throughout he weekend with curator talks, film screening, educational activities and more.

Beverly Morris and JoAnn Balzer (Photo Compliments of Michael Pettit)

A big congratulations to the MIAC and DCA team for this successful exhibition and event. Plus a huge thank you to Joann and Bob Balzer who made the construction of this gallery possible, and to Bill and Uschi Butler for funding the gallery well into the future with the Friends of MIAC Endowment Fund. Click this link if you would like to make a gift to support the growth of this important endowment to support contemporary Native art.

Looking forward, MIAC has another fascinating Native Narratives program coming up. The Importance of Our Native Language and Culture panel discussion on September 28 will feature three powerful voices - Dr. Nonabah Sam, Diné/Tesuque Pueblo, Dr. Christine Sims, Acoma Pueblo and Darrin Rock (Santa Clara Pueblo). Click here to purchase your tickets today. Enter promo code MNMFMEMBER for free admission. This series is generously funded by the Gale Family Foundation.