The Indian Center Current Exhibits

Current Exhibits

Tsate Kongia: Walking in Two Worlds, the Life of Blackbear Bosin

Exhibit Dates: permanent exhibit

The exhibit gives an in-depth look into the personal and professional life of Bosin, one of the founders of the Indian Center and the man behind Wichita's iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture. Tsate Kongia was Bosin's Kiowa name. It means "Blackbear" and belonged to his great-grandfather, a Kiowa chief. The exhibit includes paintings, photographs, vintage film footage, live audio tapes made by Bosin and interviews with people who were close to him. Bosin was an internationally recognized Comanche-Kiowa sculptor and acrylic/watercolor painter from Oklahoma who adopted Wichita as his home in 1940. Primarily a self-taught artist, Bosin helped enhance a better understanding of his culture by presenting scenes and tales of his beloved Indian heritage beautifully to the world. National Geographic gave Bosin his first national recognition in March 1955 with the publication of his painting "Prairie Fire".

Keeper Reimagined
Opening date: May 4, 6-8pm
On exhibit: May 4-19
Northeast Magnet art students answer the question, "What would the Keeper of the Plains look like if you were asked to create it?"
Finding Center
Opening date: April 27 - May 23
An art experience presented by individuals in the Envision Arts Program who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled.
Adorned in Silver
Opening date: April 27, 2018
The original Native American silver smith, a Navajo, learned to work silver and iron, from Mexicans hired by a Trading Post owner in the late 19th Century. Modern jewelers still use many of these early methods. The adaptability of tribes, like the Navajos, who quickly learned from the Mexicans the art of the silver smith, brought the Native Americans to become the most productive, skilled turquoise artisans of the jewelry world. Their products serve as symbolic messengers of the Native American ideals and ways.
Food Traditions
Our relationship to the earth through food culture surrounds many parts of our lives. Many American Indian traditions and rituals center on the gifts received from Mother Earth and the fruits of the land. This exhibit examines that relationship.
Elements: Earth
Earth is the final installment of our Elements exhibit series, featuring the medicine wheel, or circle of life. The medicine wheel encompasses all of the earth and the life within it. We will explore our relationship to the earth and its place in the medicine wheel.
Indians in the Arts
Many people are aware of traditional American Indian arts. What might be less commonly known, however, is that these art forms are expanding and adapting as our cultures expand and adapt. American Indians create art that honors their heritage and traditions, but combine that with their lived experiences as modern indigenous people. The art found in this exhibit takes a tiny fragment of some of the recent work being created by individuals and groups that can acquaint the public with the contemporary cultural traditions of talented and dedicated artists.
Zuni Fetishes and Carvings
Fetishes are objects that are filled with the spirits of powerful beings. Zuni people carve stone animals to heal and help the person who has it. Learn about Zuni fetishes and the carvings that are made to resemble them.
Pottery: Formed and Fired
Pueblo pottery is as varied as the pueblos in which it is created. The Indian Center has 150 pieces from 17 pueblos that showcase the artistry that goes into the making of this art.

About Us

Mid-America All-Indian Center
650 N Seneca | Wichita, KS 67203
P: (316) 350-3340

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Mission Statement

The Mid-America All-Indian Center serves as a cultural center and museum dedicated to educating people about and preserving the heritage of the American Indian.

This organization received funding for general operational support from the City of Wichita.