Native American Art Guide

For centuries Native American and Pueblo people have painted petroglyphs, depicting their relationship with the natural world. They have also made carvings, sculptures and fetishes from stone, wood or clay for decorative and ceremonials use, passing these forms down from generation to generation. Fine art painting and sculpture using material like alabaster, marble and glass are relatively new mediums for Native American artists, first practiced in the 20th century by young artists who were inspired by their traditions and Euro-American art forms. In creating their groundbreaking contemporary work, these artists still honor and celebrate their culture by drawing from traditional themes, forms and designs. Native American painting and sculpture has become a vibrant and innovative art form that often depicts contemporary subjects and reaches new audiences.