As anticipation builds for Blue Rain Gallery’s Annual Celebration of Native American Art, we had the opportunity to visit two of this year’s featured artists: Jesse Littlebird and Helen K. Tindel. These studio visits offered a rare glimpse into the passion, process, and purpose each artist brings to their work—illuminating the future of Native expression through the lens of two dynamic and distinct creative voices.
Each August, the Annual Celebration brings together Indigenous artists from across the country to share new bodies of work, engage with collectors and community, and honor the continuum of Native creativity. More than a showcase, the event is a gathering of generations—where tradition, innovation, and cultural resilience converge.
Jesse Littlebird, a multidisciplinary artist of Laguna and Kewa Pueblo heritage, continues to expand the reach of contemporary Indigenous art through his bold, abstract expressionist paintings. His latest works explore themes of ancestral memory, place, and personal identity, rendered through vibrant layers of color and mark-making that pulse with emotional resonance. In his studio, Jesse shared how storytelling remains central to his practice, each piece an intimate yet expansive reflection on culture, tension, and transformation.
In addition to his studio work, Jesse is making a powerful impact in the public sphere. His most recent project is a large-scale mural located at Central Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Albuquerque. Commissioned by the City of Albuquerque and created in collaboration with another local artist, the mural is a striking tribute to Native presence in urban space. It bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and public engagement, bringing cultural symbolism to the heart of the city.
Helen K. Tindel approaches painting with a sensibility that is both intuitive and deeply rooted. Known for her luminous palettes and ethereal compositions, Helen’s new series bridges modern aesthetics with cultural reverence. Her work feels meditative—soft and dreamlike—inviting quiet reflection on spirit, place, and connection.
Helen draws strength and inspiration from her maternal heritage from Santa Clara Pueblo, which informs the spiritual undertones of her work. Raised in an artistic household, she also credits her father, a professional framer, with instilling in her a deep appreciation for craft. In a rare blending of roles, Helen builds and frames her own canvases, a practice that reflects her holistic approach to making art: grounded, thoughtful, and wholly her own.
Both Jesse and Helen embody the forward momentum of Native art. As younger voices in the contemporary Native art movement, they represent a new generation of artists who are redefining what it means to be Indigenous and creative in the 21st century. Their work is not just a continuation of legacy, but a bold reimagining of it.
At Blue Rain Gallery, we believe in nurturing this next generation. Supporting young Native artists is not just part of our mission, it is central to it. By providing space, mentorship, and opportunities for exposure, we invest in the future of Indigenous expression, ensuring that the stories, visions, and innovations of today’s artists continue to inspire for generations to come.
Join us August 13–16 in Santa Fe for the Annual Celebration of Native American Art at Blue Rain Gallery. With artist receptions, exhibitions, live demonstrations, and performances, the event is a vibrant invitation to experience the dynamic range of Native art today.
