Albuquerque, N.M. (November 3, 2017) - The Native American Student Art Show (NASAS) will feature students using the artistic medium of their choice to creatively express their interpretation of an assigned theme in this juried art show on display in the South Rotunda of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) located at 2401 12th Street NW, from November 4, 2017 through January 5, 2018. The show's opening and reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017.

The theme inspiring this year's group of young Native artists is The Power of Stories, which correlates with the IPCC's current temporary exhibition, Long Ago. "Storytelling is a fundamental part of our existence as Pueblo people as a way to pass down our histories and knowledge over generations. Our lives are filled with stories and there are many amazing ways to share them through the arts," says Rachel Moore (Hopi), Curator of Exhibitions. "We are eager to invite the diversity, vibrancy, andcreativity of our school-aged children to our center."

Every student artist whose work is displayed will receive a certificate of participation, and the IPCC will award cash prizes in the following categories: Mixed Media, Drawing/Painting, Jewelry, Three-Dimensional, and Best in Show. The young artists have the choice of making their works available for sale during the show, with 100 percent of each purchase going directly to the young artist. Cash prizes and sales of their artwork will help encourage Native youth to remain connected to their culture while opening doors to future sources of income as they continue to explore and hone their artistic skills.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center founded NASAS in 1979 to encourage Native youth to learn a craft and develop their own creativity, recognizing that the future preservation and evolution of Native culture lies with today's children. "They are the bearers of our culture and have unique and honest perspectives to share," says Moore. "Through art they will be able to share those perspectives, explore their own creativity, and delve into their understandings of this year's theme."

The exhibit is free with museum admission, and can be seen seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.