Winston Publishing

portfolio Bridging Cultures, Creating Conversations The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art's Commitment to Indigenous Voices PARIS GIBSON SQUARE MUSEUM OF ART The Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, amidst the evolving landscape of art where diversity and dialogue are prized, emerges as a beacon of inclusivity and cultural conversation. Under the stewardship of Nicole Evans, the museum's curator of exhibits and collections, and the dedicated museum staff, a fertile ground has been prepared for the flourishing of indigenous voices. ese efforts culminate in the creation of platforms where artists from indigenous backgrounds are not only invited to showcase their talents but are also supported in a multitude of ways. Evans articulates this mission with clarity and purpose: "It's important to us that we create bonds and bridges of conversation with our indigenous community." A shining testament to this commitment is the evocative WITHIN exhibition on display during Western Art Week. e exhibit presents an array of murals, sculptures, and paintings craed by the exceptionally talented Blackfeet artists Louis Still Smoking and John Isaiah Pepion. e genesis of WITHIN was sparked by a conversation initiated by Evans with Still Smoking and Pepion, envisioning a collaborative effort to produce a mural that critically examines themes of education, knowledge, and the disruption of native culture, history, education, and language—all within the historic confines of a building that once served as an educational institution from 1896 to 1975. e collaboration between Evans, Still Smoking, and Pepion was one of deep reflection and mutual exploration. "It grew within ourselves," notes Pepion, highlighting the personal and collective journey embarked upon in the creation of the exhibition. Still Smoking adds, "John and I have our own points of view, but the thing we have in common is that we are both Blackfeet and we share that experience. I think the title ' Within' is really an expression of who we are as Blackfeet people within this area." By Susie Wall Published by permission of Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Photo: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Published by permission of Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. Photo: Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art. 46 • portfolio 'Within' is the result of Louis Still Smoking (L), John Isaiah Pepion (R), and Nicole Evans, curator of exhibits and collections, collaborating on an exhibit that would, "Create a mural within the space that interrogates the ideas of education and knowledge, while keeping in mind the disruption of native culture, history, education, and language, all within a building that's foremost reason of existence is education," says Evans. The 'WITHIN' Exhibition, featuring the mesmerizing murals, sculptures, and paintings of acclaimed Blackfeet artists Louis Still Smoking and John Isaiah Pepion, is on display at the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art during Western Art Week.

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