Curated by Rhiannon Skye Tafoya
AUGUST 30 – OCTOBER 18, 2025
What does it mean to be a Cherokee person? There are a lot of nuances surrounding this question, as it always will. However, Jakeli Swimmer, Michelle Long, & Keli Gonzales directly show us the utmost important aspects of being a Cherokee person. In each of their art practices, details of Cherokee Language, Cherokee Community, Cherokee Lineage, and Cherokee History and Politics emerge as different entities to deliver the answer to the previous question. Their art speaks of their daily lives, in which they are committed to and immersed in Cherokee Language, Culture, and Community.
FIRST FRIDAYS
SEPTEMBER 5, OCTOBER 3 | 5-9PM
All First Friday events are free and open to the public. We hope you’ll be able to make it to all or one of our receptions!
ARTISTS PANEL DISCUSSION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 5:30 – PM
McCarty Auditorium, Art + Architecture Building, UT Campus
Join us for a conversation between exhibiting artists Rhiannon Skye Tafoya, Jakeli Swimmer, Keli Gonzales, and Michelle Long.
CARTOONING + CHEROKEE HISTORY WORKSHOP
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 5:30 – 7PM
UT Downtown Gallery | 106 S. Gay Street
Join featured artist Jakeli Swimmer for a workshop on cartooning and Cherokee history. Seating is limited to 20 attendees.
RSVP required, visit tiny.utk.edu/cartoon
MCCLUNG FAMILY FUN DAY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, TBD
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Join museum educators and Jakeli Swimmer at the McClung Museum for a day of activity and crafting. For more information visit https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/family-programming/
This exhibition and related programming are supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts for All program, with co-sponsorship from the UTK School of Art Programming Committee.
