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Roshii Montaño leads a gallery talk on an exhibition of contemporary sculptures by five Native American artists, including three generations of the Growing Thunder family.
All times are local to the venue · America/Phoenix
A figure’s clothing can carry evidence of a particular place and historical moment. At the Heard Museum’s Curator Talk | Majestic Figures, curator Roshii Montaño (Diné) offers a perspective on sculptures whose makers draw on deep knowledge of regalia design and construction.
Majestic Figures: Contemporary Sculptures by Native American Artists centers on a gift of 23 sculptures from Charles and Valerie Diker. The artists are Rhonda Holy Bear, Jamie Okuma, Joyce Growing Thunder, Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty and Jessa Rae Growing Thunder, Ph.D.; the last three represent successive generations of the Growing Thunder family.
The Heard describes the figures as references to the artists’ cultural backgrounds and to specific moments in history, with designs informed by the regions and periods they depict. The exhibition also recognizes the artists’ work as researchers, historians and keepers of regalia knowledge. Some sculptures take years to make, building on decades of preparation.
Further reading: Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Majestic Figures: Contemporary Sculptures by Native American Artists - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty’s Horse and Rider, made in 2003 and featured on the talk’s event page, offers a way into the material complexity of the work. Its components include hide, cloth, glass beads and porcupine quill, alongside paint, hair, feather, metal and wood.
That range is worth keeping in mind when viewing the exhibition: the sculptures bring together materials and regalia knowledge in works that the museum connects to particular histories. Montaño’s half-hour talk offers a curator’s perspective on the exhibition, rather than a hands-on demonstration.
Further reading: Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Majestic Figures: Contemporary Sculptures by Native American Artists - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
Montaño leads a half-hour look at Majestic Figures from a curator’s perspective.
Meet at the Info Desk for the talk in O'Connor Gallery. The desk is just past the Admissions Lobby.
Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
The museum sells admission online in advance; check its ticket page for current pricing. Admission also covers the galleries and exhibitions.
Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗ · Tickets | Heard Museum ↗
Backpacks and umbrellas are not permitted in the museum, but complimentary lockers are available. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted in the galleries.
The Heard Museum is at 2301 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, at Encanto Boulevard. Free on-site parking is available; the museum says designated accessible parking is in the east lot.
The Encanto/Central Valley Metro light-rail stop serves the museum entrance. For rideshare pickup or drop-off, use the designated curved area behind the museum near the Courtyard Café.
Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗ · FAQ | Heard Museum ↗
Tuesday, January 12, 2027, from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗
The talk is included with museum admission. Check the museum’s ticket page for current admission prices.
Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
Meet at the Info Desk, just past the Admissions Lobby. The talk is in O'Connor Gallery.
Curator Talk - January 12, 2027 | Majestic Figures - Heard MuseumArtboard ↗ · Plan Your Visit | Heard Museum - Phoenix, ArizonaArtboard ↗
The museum offers complimentary wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
The museum welcomes children of all ages; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
2301 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-29 against the linked sources.