Traditional Niimíipuu (Nez Perce) Practices in Modern Art

Join The Hive® Artist-In-Residence, Kellen Trenal for a presentation about their art practices utilizing traditional niimíipuu (Nez Perce) design to create contemporary (he)artwork.

Kellen Trenal uses traditional niimíipuu (Nez Perce) creative practices to create contemporary art. Kellen is completing a residency at the Hive® where they continue work on a collection of wearable art pieces that fuse cultural regalia with modern apparel. Come join Kellen for an artist talk about where their work comes from both historically and creatively. The blending of historic and modern is a core element in Kellen’s work and part of their philosophy in making the traditional accessible.

About Kellen: “My artistic journey is guided by my cultural background. I am Black (African) American as well as niimíipuu (an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe). As a mixed heritage, Indigiqueer (2Spirit, LGBTQIA+) artist, my work honors the traditions of my past while creating space for these marginalized communities that have been historically excluded in mainstream media, in land/climate justice, in governmental policy, as well as overall cultural sustenance. I am a graduate of University High School in Spokane Valley. After traveling the world via college studies, work in the performing arts, and anthropological research, I am back in the area sharing my experiences through my (he)artwork.”

Please join us for this presentation and discussion.