Nora Naranjo Morse facts for kids

Nora Naranjo Morse, born in 1953, is a talented Native American artist and poet. She lives in Española, New Mexico, near Santa Fe. She is a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, which is part of the Tewa people.

Her amazing artwork is displayed in many museums. You can find her pieces at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minnesota. Her work is also at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. There, her sculpture called Always Becoming won a special outdoor art competition in 2005. In 2014, she received an award from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation for her visual art.

Early Life and Learning

Nora Naranjo Morse was born in 1953 in Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. Her mother, Rose Naranjo, was also a potter. Nora is a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo Tribe.

She finished high school in Taos, New Mexico, in 1971. Later, she earned a bachelor's degree from Santa Fe College in 1980. In 2007, she received an honorary doctorate degree from Skidmore College.

Her Artwork

Nora Naranjo Morse first started making sculptures using clay. She was inspired by the old traditions of making Pueblo Clowns. She created her own special character named "Pearlene." Nora wrote stories about Pearlene's adventures in her poetry book called "Mud Women."

In her later artwork, Nora Naranjo Morse often talks about how Native Americans are sometimes shown in unfair ways. She also uses her art to ask important questions within her own community.

Where Her Art Lives

Nora Naranjo Morse's art can be found in several important collections.

Her large outdoor art project, Numbe Wahgeh, is part of the 1% for Art Program in Albuquerque. Her artwork, Our Homes, Ourselves, is proudly displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Other pieces by Nora Naranjo Morse are in the collections of the Albuquerque Museum, the Heard Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Nora Naranjo Morse's art has been shown in many places. Her work was part of the "Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists" show in 2019 at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

She has also shown her art at the Heard Museum and the Wheelwright Museum. Her work has even been displayed at the White House and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.

Awards and Recognitions

Nora Naranjo Morse has received several awards for her amazing art.

In 2003, she won a Contemporary Art Fellowship from the Eiteljorg Museum for her project called "Path Breakers." She also received a Dubin Fellowship in 1993 from the School of American Research. In 1982, she was given a fellowship from the Southwestern Association on Indian Affairs.

See also

In Spanish: Nora Naranjo Morse para niños