Red Star Rising

By Rebekah Powers | January 2025

Kevin Red Star is a prominent artist who has changed the face of Indian art in the modern world. Born in 1943 on the Crow Reservation in Lodge Grass, Montana Kevin’s grade school discouraged any association with his tribal culture. Yet, he was to become one of the prominent leaders in Native American Art.

“I hope to accomplish something for the American Indian and at the same time achieve personal satisfaction in a creative statement through my art.”
— Kevin Red Star

“Warrior Prince”, Lithograph ca. 1980 – 30.5″ x 22″

With all the factors Red Star had against him as a child, he also grew up in a creative home that reinforced self expression. But it was the intervention by the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe that lifted him from probable obscurity to him being the “star” that he is today.

At a crucial time in history, the school was a visionary effort to nourish Native American art and culture of that resulted in a breadth of talent and productivity that elevates and procures its place in history. Personally visiting Native American villages and reservations nationwide, the founders of the school searched for the most talented young people to recruit from each one. And that is how they discovered Red Star.

“Chief With Two Women”, Lithograph 103/150 – 22.5″ x 30.5″

Kevin went on to attract national and international attention, becoming known for paintings of ceremonies, warriors tipis, and his attention to the historical details from the Crow (Apsaalooka) culture. Every element in his paintings is significant within the context of his tradition.

Chimayo Trading is now showing Kevin Red Star in our expanded adobe gallery rooms. Take a stroll through history and immerse yourself in the shining vision, bold compositions and exciting color combinations of the imminent artist: Kevin Red Star.

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Come to the gallery to see where History Meets Art in Taos..

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Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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