Two Santa Fe Ties Among 2023 MacArthur Foundation Fellows

Two prominent figures with connections to Santa Fe have been named among the 2023 MacArthur Foundation fellows. The foundation announced that artists Jeremy Frey and Tommy Orange are recipients of the esteemed fellowship, commonly referred to as the “genius grant.” Each fellow will receive $800,000 in unrestricted funding to support their creative endeavors.

Jeremy Frey, who hails from the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation and currently resides in Eddington, Maine, is celebrated for his craftsmanship as a seventh-generation Indigenous basketmaker. In 2011, he earned the best of show award at the Santa Fe Indian Market, becoming the first basketry artist to achieve this distinction. His work is characterized by a unique blend of tradition and innovation, resulting in technically precise and visually striking woven artworks. The MacArthur Foundation notes that Frey personally handles every aspect of the basketmaking process, and his creations have been showcased in prestigious galleries and museums across the United States. Following the announcement, the Santa Fe Indian Market community expressed their pride in Frey’s achievements through a social media post.

In contrast, Tommy Orange, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and currently based in Oakland, California, has made a name for himself as a fiction writer. His debut novel, There There, was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The MacArthur Foundation describes Orange’s work as capturing a rich tapestry of Native American experiences, navigating through various timelines and narrative perspectives. In a previous interview, he encouraged students at the Institute of American Indian Arts to treat writing as a disciplined craft, emphasizing the importance of persistence in the literary world.

Understanding the Selection Process

The fellowships awarded by the MacArthur Foundation are based on three primary criteria: exceptional creativity, a proven track record of significant accomplishments, and the potential for future advancements facilitated by the fellowship’s support. The selection process can be extensive, often taking years before individuals are chosen. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation aims to empower its fellows, allowing them the freedom to pursue innovative projects without the constraints of traditional funding.

This year’s cohort was officially announced on September 27, 2023, highlighting the contributions of diverse artists and thinkers who are making significant impacts in their respective fields. The recognition of Frey and Orange underscores the ongoing influence and creativity emerging from the Santa Fe community, showcasing the blend of traditional practices and contemporary storytelling.

Both Frey and Orange exemplify the rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation that define Native American artistry today. Their achievements not only shine a light on their personal journeys but also highlight the broader narrative of Indigenous representation in the arts. As they embark on this new chapter with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, their work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.