VMFA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month 2021
During Native American Heritage Month and throughout the year, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites you to join its ongoing celebration of the artistry and cultures of America’s Indigenous peoples. From the museum’s permanent collection to programs and educational content, there are many opportunities to learn about the art, artists, and cultural contributions that represent the past, present, and future of Native American heritage.
To honor its commitment to inclusive storytelling, VMFA continuously expands its offerings of educational and cultural experiences to include resources and programs that showcase enriching voices and perspectives. Here’s a specially compiled list of programs and events to immerse yourself in as you celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts unveiled a statement of acknowledgement that honors the Indigenous peoples of the land on which the museum is located. Read here the statement that now greets visitors at the museum’s main entrance and in its Native American Art galleries.
Explore the Collection
Native American Art
Online and in the Galleries
Study the works of art online and visit VMFA to delight in a diverse collection of Native American artwork that spans geography, media, cultures, and time—from prehistoric to contemporary.
Learn More
Programs & Events
3 in 30 Program: American Land, American People
Tue, Nov 2 | In-Person at VMFA
Thu, Nov 4 | Virtual
Dr. Johanna Minich, VMFA’s Assistant Curator for Native American Art, shares three newly installed works by Indigenous artists in the American galleries. Delve deeper online by visiting Collection Story: American Land, American People.
5th Annual Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival
Fri–Sun, Nov 19–21 | In-Person at VMFA
Events run all day and include films and panel discussions with prominent Native American filmmakers, performers, artists, and other speakers.
Related Videos
Artist Talk: Raven Custalow
In April 2021, Raven Custalow, a Virginia Native artist of Mattaponi and Rappahannock ancestry and an enrolled member of the Mattaponi tribe, joined VMFA for a discussion about her artwork.
Community Conversation: The Natural Bridge and the Monacan Indian Nation
This fascinating conversation, inspired by the 2021 exhibition Virginia Arcadia: The Natural Bridge in American Art, included Monacan tribe member Victoria Ferguson and her husband, Dean Ferguson. Also read a related blog post that VMFA published in April 2021.
Hear My Voice YouTube Playlist
The playlist showcases works of art, artist profiles, and an artists’ panel discussion related to the 2017 exhibition at VMFA.
VMFA Strategic Plan 2021–25
VMFA is always setting its sights higher and, guided by its latest Strategic Plan, striving to become a more vibrant, inclusive cultural leader.