In this talk, Erick Krigsvold, VA Pamunkey artist and Karenne Wood Artist in Residence at the HRC in 2025-26, explores the throughline between their contemporary practice and the traditional craft techniques passed down through generations of his ancestors. Working in digital and screen printing, Krigsvold examines how Indigenous art forms — long categorized as "craft" rather than "fine art" — are perceived, valued, and exhibited differently than work labeled "contemporary" or "modern," even when the techniques, materials, and conceptual depth are deeply connected. Drawing on his own extensive body of work alongside examples of traditional pieces from his community, Krigsvold will unpack how these categories are constructed, who benefits from maintaining them, and what's at stake — culturally and economically — when Indigenous art is filtered through a Western lens that separates "craft" from "art." The talk will include a visual presentation pairing the artist's contemporary work with traditional pieces, inviting the audience to consider not just what changes between the two, but what doesn't.

About the Speaker

Erick Krigsvold is a Pamunkey citizen, culture bearer and artist living in
Richmond, VA. His work tells visual stories of Native Americans across the
country with a focus on Virginia tribes and culture. Driven by his desire to
explore and celebrate his Indigenous identity, Erick combines digital drawing
with traditional techniques such as screen printing. Erick speaks with students
and schools about Virginia Native history and culture and uses his website and
social media accounts to facilitate tribal education and awareness. He
advocates his mission of Indigenous Education Through Art through his work at
Pow Wows and other Artist markets throughout Virginia. Erick is elevating the
under-represented Native American voice in Virginia and ensuring that the rich
stories of Virginia’s Indigenous people are not forgotten. His work can be found
at thenativestatesproject.com and on Instagram @thenativestatesproject.