A Contemporary Look at Native American Art at The monOrchid for Art Detour

PHOENIX - Feb. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- The monOrchid and Shade Projects is proud to present Douglas Miles and Apache Skateboards: A Retrospective. Douglas Miles is a Native American contemporary artist that lives and works on the San Carlos Apache-Akimel O’odham reservation. Many may recognize Douglas as the founder of Apache skateboards and the Apache Skate Team; he is a versatile artist working in a variety of media: painting, printmaking, photography, and street art. The exhibition aims to examine the work and progress that Miles has achieved over his 25 years of creating, exhibiting, celebrating his heritage, and reflecting on the realities of life on the reservation.

Inspired by his family and community, Miles blends together areas of his heritage, pop-culture, and fine art. Through his artwork, Apache skateboards, and “What Tribe Project,” Miles is able to give the viewer a better understanding of what it means to be a Native American artist. Miles is bringing attention to contemporary Native American art, which is not always embraced by traditional institutions while also questioning what fine art is in today’s market. The monOrchid’s Assistant Curator Nicole Royse is excited to bring this exhibition to the monOrchid and the community stating, “Douglas Miles is an inspiring individual, creating artwork that is both contemporary and meaningful. He uses his art to give a voice and to bring awareness to his community while focusing on empowering the youth through the arts and skate boarding.”

The show will be on display March 1-30, 2013 with a free public reception with the artist on First Friday, March 7 from 6 - 10 p.m. Art Detour will commence on March 8^th with the gallery open to the public from 11am-5pm, followed by an evening reception from 6-9pm including “Glimpse of the Artist: Douglas Miles at 7:45pm. Sunday, March 9^th the gallery will be open from 11am-5pm, featuring a special performance by The Upper Strata at 12:30pm. A closing reception will be held Third Friday, March. 21^st from 6 - 10 p.m. The monOrchid gallery is located at 214 E. Roosevelt in the heart of Phoenix's downtown arts district and the building is open daily. Please contact the gallery at art@monorchid.com for media inquiries or a private appointment to view this exhibition.