‘Gregg Deal’s (Pyramis Lake Paiute) Merciless Indian Savages’ opens in Fort Garland

THE public is invited to a free opening day celebration for the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center’s newest exhibition, “Gregg Deal’s (Pyramis Lake Paiute) Merciless Indian Savages,” featuring a special appearance by the artist. The event is on Friday, June 24, at 11 a.m.

In the exhibition, nationally renowned contemporary artist Gregg Deal leads visitors through an Indigenous exploration of what American Democracy means in Indian Country. Deal’s works reveal a political process that marginalizes Native peoples in the service of American myth-making. 

The celebration will honor the history, beauty, and strength of Indigenous people beginning with a performance by the Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers at 11 a.m.  At noon, Deal will discuss the history and inspiration for the exhibit. The event will conclude with a poetry reading and discussion by Indigenous poets, including former Albuquerque Poet Laureate Jessica Helen Lopez. To make the day extra special, June 24 is the date in 1858 that Fort Garland officially opened and is now known as “Fort Garland Day.”

In addition to Merciless Indian Savages, the museum will also be opening a Ute STEM exhibition on June 24 with a variety of interactive children’s activities. Both exhibitions will be available at Fort Garland through September 2022.  The museum opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on June 24. Admission will be free all day.  Find more information here.