Beyond the Art

In this episode, Petala Ironcloud outlines the rigorous, analytical methods he uses to dissect contemporary media frameworks and examine the systems that control indigenous representation. His professional philosophy is anchored by the definitive belief that "representation is never neutral." Petala details how his writing process involves looking past the surface aesthetic of a piece of art to in...

This episode pulls back the curtain on the complex legal, historical, and procedural mechanics defining the ongoing crisis at Hickory Ground. The discussion centers heavily on how institutional frameworks like NAGPRA (the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) can catastrophically fail the very communities they were codified to protect. Listeners will hear an analytical breakdown...

In this episode, Cara Romero details her meticulous and layered approach to building theatrical, high-production visual narratives. Formally trained in black-and-white composition, Cara adheres to the philosophy that if a visual concept does not function in monochrome, it will not succeed in color. However, she intentionally leans into an intense, highly produced use of color and controlled lighti...

Edgar Villanueva’s story begins within the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, but his path was uniquely shaped by his experience as an "urban native" growing up in Raleigh. Being the only Native student in his school for most of his life, Edgar navigated a dual identity, spending summers in his tribal community while living a suburban life during the school year. It wasn't until college that he fully...

Native art isn’t a relic. It’s a dispatch from the present — and the Rockwell Museum’s new exhibition, Native Now, makes that impossible to ignore. In this episode, host Joe Williams sits down with Amanda Lett, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at the Rockwell, and Randee Spruce, Seneca Nation artist and independent curator, to unpack one of the most significant contemporary Native American a...

On this episode of Beyond the Art, we sit down with filmmakers Ben West, alike mteuzi, and Yancey Burns from Rena Flying Coyote Collective, a Native-led nonprofit using film as a tool for social change. They share how their personal paths—from rural Appalachia and small Oklahoma communities to art school and public interest law—eventually converged through the acclaimed documentary Imagining the I...

In this episode of Beyond the Arts, Joe sits down with Jamie Gentry, a Danakhtak and Mamaleila Kla artist from the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation, whose moccasins are as much about relationship and story as they are about footwear. Jamie shares how being raised deeply rooted in culture, potlatches, and family travel shaped her sense of belonging and her path toward making moccasins as a way of life. Jamie r...

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Arts, we sit down with Cary Morin, a master of American Roots music and Crow tribal member, to explore his four-decade journey from playing piano as a child in Great Falls, Montana, to becoming an internationally recognized guitarist and songwriter. Cary shares how picking up his brother's guitar in sixth grade sparked a lifelong passion, and how his sound e...

In this powerful episode of Beyond the Arts, we sit down with Dr. Lars Krutak, known globally as "the tattoo anthropologist," to explore the profound world of indigenous tattooing traditions. For nearly 30 years, Lars has traveled to over 50 countries, working with 50-60 indigenous communities to document tattooing practices that are rapidly disappearing. His journey began in 1996 in Alaska, where...

In this episode, we sit down with Eric-Paul Riege, who takes us on a journey through his artistic legacy rooted in a lineage of weavers and fiber artists. Eric shares how these early memories of craft have shaped his creative process, often interweaving elements of story, ceremony, and space. Through his work, Eric explores the relationship between memory and material, creating totems that capture...

Robert King, a former physician turned ceramic artist, shares his unromantic entry into pottery—inspired by an online video, he quickly acquired a wheel and kiln, firing imperfect pots while building skills rooted in his Choctaw basket-weaving heritage, where traditional pots were lost to displacement. Relocating to a stark, windy landscape, King forges a deep bond with the land, sourcing wild cla...

In this episode of "Beyond the Art," we delve into the inspiring journey of Erik Brodt, co-founder of Ginew, a Native American brand that redefines indigenous identity through fashion. Erik shares how Ginew was born from a desire to create clothing that tells authentic stories, reflecting the values and heritage of Native American culture. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a bra...

In this captivating episode of Beyond the Art Podcast, host Joe sits down with Pyet, a dynamic chef known for her innovative fusion of Native American and Mexican cuisines. Pyet takes listeners on a journey through her rich culinary heritage, beginning with her family's taquerias and leading to her current roles as an executive producer and actress. Her story is one of resilience and creativity, a...

Diné artist Kaleb Lee takes us on a journey through the vibrant and intricate world of beadwork, a passion ignited in his youth and nurtured by family influences. Kaleb's story unfolds with a road trip to a powwow in Washington, where the colorful tapestry of beads and storytelling captured his imagination. Through cultural exchanges with tribes like the Cree, Kaleb's artistry has blossomed, weavi...

Join us on Beyond the Arts as we welcome the incredibly talented Michel Dumont, a queer Métis, two-spirited artist from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Michel captivates us with stories of turning discarded materials into stunning works of art, inspired by the terrazzo floors of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. From vintage tiles to wearable art crafted from packing tape, cellophane, and LED lights, Miche...

Join us for a compelling exploration of the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICC) with our guests Justine Stilborn and Eli Hirtle. We examine how this organization, founded in 2005, has become a vital network for Indigenous artists and curators across Canada and beyond. Eli shares his personal journey from feeling isolated in the curatorial world to finding a supportive community through the ICC....

Jana Schmieding, a dynamic actor, writer, and comedian, takes center stage as she shares her journey from the bustling classrooms of New York City's public schools to the vibrant sets of Hollywood. With roles in critically acclaimed shows like "Rutherford Falls" and "Reservation Dogs," Jana's path is marked by a deep commitment to authentic Indigenous representation. Her story is not just about pe...

Join us for an enlightening journey with Roger Kuhn, a two-spirit indigenous queer artist, musician, and advocate, as we explore the intricate tapestry of identity and healing through art. Roger shares his profound connection to his roots, growing up in rural North Dakota as part of an interracial family. Listen in as he candidly discusses the challenges of being "othered" due to his racial and ge...

What if creating art could transform cultural narratives and bridge different worlds? Join us in an inspiring conversation with Leonard Harmon, a groundbreaking artist who intertwines traditional Indigenous artistry with the gritty vibrancy of Bronx street culture. Leonard opens up about his personal journey, influenced by his late uncle, Leonard Allen Harmon, and how his experiences growing up in...

Join us for an enlightening exploration with Hone Bailey, a master of traditional Maori weaving, as he reveals the intricate tapestry of his life's work and cultural heritage. Discover how Hone's upbringing in the vibrant community of Koromatua, coupled with the teachings of his strict parents, laid the groundwork for his artistic journey. His early experiences at kōhanga reo, or Maori language pr...

Join us for an exhilarating ride as we showcase the inspiring journey of Lil' Mike and Funny Bone, the electrifying duo known as Mike Bone. From the vibrant streets of Oklahoma City to the grand stages of America's Got Talent, these brothers have crafted a path that mingles humor, faith, and music into a unique artistic compass. You'll hear Funny Bone's transformation from an inquisitive onlooker...

Join us for a captivating exploration of artistry and resilience as we welcome Kent Estey, an inspiring artist who has defied the odds to share his creative journey. Kent, who began his art career later in life, brings a rich tapestry of emotion, memory, and ancestral connection to his vibrant works. Discover how Kent found his voice in painting, transitioning from an educational background to an...

The artistic odyssey of Elizabeth James-Perry, a distinguished Wampanoag artist whose journey is steeped in cultural heritage and environmental consciousness. In our conversation, Elizabeth shares the poignant moment of receiving the NEA Heritage Award, a testament to her lifelong dedication to preserving native artistry. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also of honoring a legacyâ...

Despite a valiant effort by KOSU listeners and public media supporters nationwide, Congress has voted to rescind $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This money had already been promised and budgeted for at KOSU and public media stations across the country. Losing it is devastating, and one NPR estimate shows that roughly 18% of the country’s public radio stations will close...

In the next few days, the U.S. Senate will consider a package that would devastate many public radio stations by clawing back two years of previously approved funding. At KOSU, it would significantly impact our ability to provide emergency alerts and Oklahoma news. You can help by calling Senator Lankford and Senator Mullin to ask them to resist the rescission because of the impact it would have o...