The Precious Things We Share: The Past, Present, and Future of Indigenous Picture Book Art

Wáanegugish means “the precious things we share” in the Nipmuc language, an apt term to describe this first-of-its-kind exhibition that celebrates and centers Indigenous picture book artists from what is now the United States and Canada. The exhibition covers more than 200 years of storytelling history through more than 80 works in four sections. The exhibition culminates with the rise in children’s book art and stories created by Indigenous artists over the past two decades. These artists’ collective efforts come together to create positive dynamic representations of historical and contemporary Native lives and cultures. 

The Carle and Dr. Lee Francis IV are working with an Advisory Group of Native community leaders, artists, publishers, philanthropists, educators, and writers to develop this exhibition. The exhibition is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Federal grant award ID: MA-256047-OMS-24) and Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Curated by Dr. Lee Francis IV (Laguna Pueblo).

What to Expect

This exhibition covers 200 years of publishing history over four sections. Since Time Immemorial explains how many North American Indigenous peoples created elaborate and dynamic stories through material culture prior to European contact and colonization, by exhibiting artwork and objects made by contemporary artists who reinterpret and honor traditions of craft. In Early Books, visitors will be able to see first editions of books by Native artists and authors from the early twentieth century. The Rise of Illustrative Natives explores contemporary publishing. The Seventh Generation elevates the voices of young Native artists and showcases artwork of the stories and pictures that inform the next generation of readers.