Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Native Art Icon, Dies at 85

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, an influential Native American artist and activist, passed away at 85 due to pancreatic cancer. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation, her work over five decades poignantly addressed the socio-political struggles of Indigenous peoples. Smith's art was marked by a blend of traditional Native symbols and modernist influences, as seen in her notable exhibitions at the Whitney Museum and the Denver Art Museum. She was the first Native American artist to have her work acquired by the National Gallery of Art in 2020. Beyond her artistic contributions, Smith was a pivotal figure in curating exhibitions that elevated contemporary Indigenous art. Her legacy continues through the many artists she inspired and mentored, as evident in major art shows like those at the Zimmerli Art Museum.