Art Exhibit Showcases Native American Comic Book Heroes

From The Press Democrat: Art Exhibit Showcases Native American Comic Book Heroes

The annual Comic-Con event in San Diego might not be until next summer, but Santa Rosa is gearing up for a comic celebration of its own: One that celebrates contemporary comic books written by Native Americans featuring Native American heroes and vintage comics that portray characters of Native American descent.

This amazing art exhibit celebrates #ownvoices comic books featuring Native American Comic Book Heroes that portray characters of Native American descent. — Art Credit: Eric Wilderat

The free exhibit, titled “Beyond Stereotypes: Native Americans Restyle the Comic Book Universe,” will include original artwork. Local artists include Kashia Pomo, Eric Wilder, Arigon Starr; Kickapoo author of the tongue-in-cheek graphic novel “Super Indian.”

It opens Oct. 15 at Santa Rosa Junior College’s Jesse Peter Multicultural Museum and runs through Dec. 19.

Rachel Minor, the museum’s supervisor and curator, said the exhibit is designed to introduce visitors to Native American comics and challenge outdated narratives that depict Native American characters as stereotypes. The exhibit comprises 45 items in all, including framed art, digital prints, framed comics and action figures.

“The general theme I want to get across with this exhibit is that Native Americans are artists in their own right,” she said. “These people are creating art just like anyone else. It’s not only ‘native’ art.”

Read more about the Art Exhibit Showcasing Native American Comic Book Heroes on The Press Democrat.