Demian DinéYazhí- “Protect The Sacred Voice,” 2024.

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College revealed its newest exhibit, “Constellations of Place,” with an opening reception held on January 15.

The exhibit is a part of the Power of Place initiative in the Southwest region of Colorado, and was produced in collaboration with the State of Colorado’s USA 250, CO 150 year anniversary.

“Constellations of Place” was guest-curated by Meranda Roberts, a member of the Yerington Paiute Tribe and a Chicana, who collaborated with members of the CSWS, the FLC Department of Reconciliation and the Four Corners Bridging Institute for over two years to create the exhibit, said Cristie Scott, the CSWS Curator of Exhibitions and Educational Outreach.

“Constellations” takes up the entirety of the CSWS main gallery, in contrast to previous exhibits, and will be there until Dec. 18.

“We had two shows occupying the whole gallery,” said Scott. “It's very rare for us to have the whole space emptied out for one show.”

Roberts was selected to guest-curate following a search for diverse curators to lend their voice to the exhibit, said Scott.

L-R: Jason Garcia/Okuu Pín- “La Virgen de Guadalupe,” date unknown; Artist Once Known- “Miniature Altar with Virgin Mary” and “Miniature Altar with Jesus,” date unknown; Artist Once Known- “Virgin Lady de Guadalupe Candle Holders,” date unknown.

“We had a small survey where we had people who were local community members express some of the topics that were important to them,” Roberts said.

For “Constellations,” Roberts spoke to students and members of the public and aimed to help people understand the diverse histories of the Southwest Colorado and Four Corners regions, she said. 

“As a Native curator, a lot of the time an institution wants you to drive a narrative a certain way or have very specific stereotypes of what Native people are,” she said. “But I was trusted with this vision, and that really honored me.”

Throughout the four sections of the exhibit are many works of art, including sculptures, beadwork and traditional flat style pieces. Art pieces come from the center’s own collection along with 13 guest artists from various backgrounds, as stated on the CSWS website.

One featured guest artist is Linda Baker, an FLC alum, who provided buckskin cuffs titled “Men’s Cuffs,” which are not just art pieces, but are useful and meaningful for the people they are for, Baker said.

“Whatever family member they’re for, they travel,” she said. “They see dust. They see sunlight. They’ve been in rainstorms and been held by kids with sticky hands. So these things actually have a life.”

Linda Baker- “Men’s Cuffs,” 2025. 

Another major focus of “Constellations” is getting diverse groups and voices involved, which is where the new FLC Department of Reconciliation came in. 

Directed by Rosalinda Linares-Gray, the department worked with Paul DeBell, associate professor of political science, CSWS staff and Roberts to bring the exhibit to life, said DeBell.

The college isn’t stopping at just the exhibit, and instead plans to move forward with events and programs that further encourage diverse conversations, DeBell said. 

One such program, which he called “learning communities,” will be launching next semester and is currently looking for applicants of all ages and backgrounds, DeBell added. 

Roberts also mentioned future plans, expressing her hopes for guest-artist appearances at the CSWS along with other talks and showcases involving the artwork. 

“I'm so blessed and happy that it's being received the way that it is right now,” Roberts said.  “I think that it asks the right questions for people to think about. I hope it’s a reflective experience for anyone who sees it.