Living Earth Festival: Always Becoming

Celebrate the transformational power of clay and the evolution of the iconic outdoor sculpture installation Always Becoming (2007) by Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha'p'o Owingeh [Santa Clara Pueblo]) at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Saturday and Sunday, April 25–26, 11 AM–5 PM. Join the museum for a weekend of stories, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances, and more centered on the relationship between art and the earth. Check out the full schedule of activities.

While at the museum, support sustainability at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe. This April, chef Alex Strong is commemorating Earth Day with a special Chef’s Table on April 22, showcasing seasonal, sustainably sourced ingredients. On April 26, join her again at the Chef’s Table for elk quiche and Southwest quiche. For a sweet treat, enjoy a cherry blossom cupcake from the cafe to celebrate the flavors and beauty of spring in Washington, D.C. 

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the museum will host programs reflecting on the ever-evolving nature of the country, communities, and future we share through the unique lens of Always Becoming. The site-specific sculptures by Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha'p'o Owingeh [Santa Clara Pueblo]) on the southern exposure of our Washington, D.C. museum were constructed using Native building techniques. Made entirely of natural materials, including clay, straw, sand, soil, and wood, the sculptures were designed to reveal their inner structure over time. Their transitory nature reflects the relationship between Indigenous cultures and the land. 

This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years. 

Image: Nora Naranjo Morse (Kha'p'o Owingeh [Santa Clara Pueblo], b. 1953). Always Becoming, 2007-present, Washington, D.C., USA. Sculptures made of natural materials. Museum commission from the artist, 2007. 26/5840. Photo by Norwood Photography