FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Valley Arts Council Presents IMPRINT: Native American Stories
Experience the Current Exhibit through December 19, 2024, at the Arts HQ Gallery. Wednesdays - Sundays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Culminating Mural Unveiling and Reception on December 19th at 5 PM.
West Valley Arts Council (WVAC), is thrilled to announce it's latest exhibition, IMPRINT: Native American Stories, an art showcase honoring the rich cultural heritage of Arizona's Native American communities. The public is invited to attend the exhibit that runs now through December 19, 2024 at the Arts HQ Gallery, Wednesdays - Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Admission is free. The exhibit celebrates the voices and contributions of Arizona Indigenous artists through diverse artistic expressions and storytelling.
"Our Native American exhibit is one of the cornerstones of our IMPRINT Multicultural Series, said WVAC Executive Director, Kathy Knecht. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to bring such beautiful and inspirational art to the West Valley Community."
Culminating Event: Mural Unveiling and Reception
On the final day of the exhibit, December 19 from 5-7pm, the public is invited to attend a closing reception to celebrate the unveiling of a new mural by Native Artist, Garrett Etsitty. The mural, titled "Unifying Cultures" will be installed adjacent to the lovely Joe Tyler Sculpture Garden on the north side of the building.
The stunning mural incorporates iconic imagery familiar to Arizona's cultural landscape—such as hummingbirds, cacti, and intricate textiles—paired with abstract and geometric elements for a dynamic, "futuristic" aesthetic that reflects the forward-thinking spirit of the city of Surprise. The Artist describes the mural's design as "an interplay and interweaving of textile patterns from all over the world, connecting the community and acknowledging the beauty of cultural diversity."
WVAC envisions "Unifying Cultures" as an iconic point of interest for visitors to the City of Surprise Civic Center, providing a visually engaging photo-op that also serves as a platform for cultural education and connection. Special thanks to Desert Diamond Casinos for their support of the installation.
About the Muralist: Garrett Etsitty (Dine’) was born and raised in Chinle, Arizona. From the petroglyphs on the canyon walls to the stories passed down from his elders, his work draws upon the inspiration of what it means to be a Dine’ person. Garrett uses complex unions of vivid colors and layers to articulate an indigenous understanding of thought, creation, and ideology that moves beyond time and space. Learn more about the artist at www.garrettetsitty.com, Instagram: @krng_1n3.
Exhibit Details
IMPRINT: Native American Stories exhibition invites visitors to experience diverse artworks that speak to identity, resilience, and community, with each piece carrying stories deeply rooted in tradition, yet relevant to contemporary life. Located at the Arts HQ Gallery, 16126 North Civic Center Plaza, Suite 102, Surprise AZ, the exhibit is open Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The exhibit ends with a closing reception and mural unveiling on December 19th from 5-7pm.
