Reflections on the ArtPrize Journey and What Comes Next

ArtPrize 2025 has come to a close, but for me, the journey of Echoes of Valor: Portraits of Native Heritage continues.

During the exhibition, I was humbled by the conversations sparked by these portraits — stories shared, memories honored, and the recognition that art can be a bridge between past and present. The WOOD TV feature brought even more voices into the dialogue, and I am grateful for that spotlight on the cultural weight behind this work.

Echoes of Valor remains on extended exhibition

Though the competition has ended, Echoes of Valor remains on extended exhibition at Clear Sky Eyecare in Grand Rapids. This means the portraits are still available for the public to experience in person — and for collectors to acquire.

To learn more about the portraits or inquire about acquisition, visit the full collection page here: Echoes of Valor: Portraits of Native Heritage.

Each portrait was drawn in graphite for its intimacy and precision, capturing the resilience of Native leaders and communities. My hope is that these works continue to resonate, long after the ArtPrize crowds have dispersed.

If you missed the chance to see them during ArtPrize, I invite you to visit the venue, explore the collection online, or watch the televised feature that captured the heart of this project:
See the WOOD TV Interview on Echoes of Valor

The story doesn’t end here. It continues with each person who engages, reflects, and carries these voices forward.