As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of Idyllwild Arts, the Native American Arts Center is holding a series of Thursday evening engagements from January to April where we will meet in person to learn more about the history of Native American Arts at Idyllwild Arts and explore goals for the future! We are thrilled to host these in-person engagements in the newly renovated Birchard Building, which is now the official home of the Native American Arts Center. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for evenings full of inspiring stories, light appetizers and beverages. The Michael Kabotie Lecture series is named after Native Arts summer faculty program collaborator, Michael Kabotie, 1942-2009, (Hopi). Michael’s inquisitive and trickster spirit lives on in these compelling conversations that Michael advocated for greatly during his time at Idyllwild Arts.
Following a significant world event (World War II), creative minds convened in the pines with a simple, innovative, and complex goal: to create a community of artists who would use their artistry to connect the world in a meaningful way. Alongside founders Max and Bea Krone, their special friend, Ataloa (Chickasaw), helped pave the way. What would follow would be years dedicated to the transmission of Indigenous knowledge, with some of the world’s most prolific and game-changing Indigenous artists involved.
This conversion will focus on the journey and the fascinating points of pride made along the way. Moderated by the Executive Director of the Native American Arts Center, Shaliyah Ben, we welcome the following special guests, who have both attended, taught, and participated in events throughout the years.
Thank you for helping us change lives through the transformative power of art.