Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project highlights inspiring stories of contemporary Indigenous people. 

About

Featuring nearly 100 photographs accompanied by a selection of 3D artworks by acclaimed Native American artists, Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project highlights contemporary narratives from Indigenous individuals and communities across the country. The Red Road Project, founded in 2013 by Danielle SeeWalker and Carlotta Cardana, seeks to provide a platform for Native Americans to share their stories in their own voices, challenging historical accounts that often overlook and misrepresent their perspectives.  

This exhibition showcases photographs and stories collected between 2013 and 2024, aiming to redirect the narrative surrounding contemporary Native America. The collection includes landscape and portrait photographs, offering a glimpse into the lives of community activists and leaders who walk "the red road," a symbolic expression in many Native communities for living purposefully on a path of positive change. Additionally, the exhibition introduces a new set of photographs and stories collected during a special Bay Area residency in February 2024, highlighting the unique stories of Indigenous people in Northern California and, specifically, the Bay Area. 

Augmenting these captivating photographs is a selection of 3D works by celebrated Native artists that further explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of Indigenous peoples. Re-Discovering Native America seeks to acknowledge the historical trauma endured by Native American communities while  celebrating their resilience, resistance, and revitalization in the face of ongoing challenges. 

Artwork Credits

1. The Red Road Project, Badlands, 2014, photograph (analogue) on fine art giclée paper, 24 x 24 inches (image is resized).
2. The Red Road Project, Chico Farm pond swim, 2014, photograph (analogue) on fine art giclée paper, 24 x 24 inches.
3. The Red Road Project, Luna, Sequoia and salmon, 2014, photograph (analogue) on fine art giclée paper, 12 x 12 inches.
4. The Red Road Project, Wyoming Wild Horses, 2015, photograph (analogue) on fine art giclée paper (image is resized).

Re-Discovering Native America Workshops

In addition to the exhibition Re-Discovering Native America: Stories in Motion with The Red Road Project, Bedford Gallery will offer workshops and programming that are open to the public.

1. Open Air: Family Make & Meander
   10:30 - 12 pm, Saturday, May 18
   

   Get outside and join a Walnut Creek Open Space Ranger on a naturalist walk through the City’s cherished Open Space while learning all about our local flora and fauna, plus a nature-inspired art project. All ages welcome!

2. Floral Design Workshop
   5:30 - 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 13
   Join Walnut Creek florist Stacie Beers of Earth’s Laugh as she shares arranging techniques and cut-flower tricks of the trade as you unleash your inner-designer on a bountiful centerpiece of your very own!