For more than 75 years, Florida State University has been proudly connected to the Seminole name. The relationship has evolved far beyond athletics into a decades-long collaborative partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, built on consultation and mutual respect.

“Florida State University’s most cherished relationship is with the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said President Richard McCullough. “Built on friendship, mutual respect and support for one another, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper over the years as we continue to explore new ways to work together for the benefit of the university and Tribe, as well as our state and nation.”

“Built on friendship, mutual respect and support for one another, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper over the years as we continue to explore new ways to work together for the benefit of the university and Tribe, as well as our state and nation.”

— President Richard McCullough

As Florida State University celebrates its 175th anniversary, this relationship remains central to the university’s identity and responsibilities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our longstanding relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, who is leading the yearlong anniversary celebration. “We are honored to call ourselves Florida State Seminoles, a responsibility that is shared by our entire university community to represent the name with dignity and respect. This revered tradition is an important part of our history.”

Origins

After FSU became coeducational in 1947, students selected the name “Seminoles.” At the time, the decision was made without consultation or permission from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Over the past 80 years, however, the relationship has developed into one of the university’s most significant partnerships.

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The Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Center (NAIS) partnered to welcome Seminole artist Wilson Bowers to the museum for a collaborative painting event.  

Students, faculty, staff and community members came together on Feb. 27 to complete a colorful patchwork-inspired painting, which will be displayed at NAIS, in the Greene-Lewis House at 525 W. College Ave., following its completion.  

“We are honored that the museum is able to serve as a place where artists like Wilson Bowers can come together with the community, share their work, and form lasting and meaningful connections through events like this,” said Kaylee Spencer, Museum of Fine Arts director. “It’s wonderful to know that this piece of art will remain here on campus, where the creative experiences it generates become woven into the memories and placemaking of our community. We are deeply grateful to Wilson for inspiring this moment and for so generously sharing his creativity and knowledge with us.”  

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Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts and the College of Fine Arts have announced a schedule of exhibitions, workshops and symposia for the spring semester.

The programming spans the college’s network of gallery spaces, including the Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA), the William Johnston Building (WJB) Gallery, the Fine Arts Building (FAB) Gallery and the Facility for Arts Research (FAR).

“This spring, we’re excited to welcome a series of world-class exhibitions and arts-focused experiences to FSU,” said Kaylee Spencer, director of the Museum of Fine Arts. “By working with visionary partners on campus and beyond, we’re able to bring this exciting season to fruition. We can’t wait to share these works with the Tallahassee community.”

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A Florida State University faculty member has been awarded a highly competitive international fellowship to trace and preserve the architectural and environmental relics of slavery, ranging from presidential homes to city streets.

Assistant Professor Kathleen Powers Conti is the first researcher from the Department of History and fifth from FSU to earn a MacDowell Fellowship. Conti will spend May and June at the 450-acre MacDowell estate in Peterborough, New Hampshire, using the artist-in-residence opportunity to complete her in-progress book, “Fingerprints in Brick: Race, Memory, and Historic Preservation in the American South.”

“I was overjoyed to find out I had won a MacDowell Fellowship,” said Conti, who is also an affiliated faculty member with FSU’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Center. “This is an extraordinary opportunity, both for my research and creative practice, and I am excited to have the privilege to work among so many other artists and scholars.”

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(Updated 12:20 p.m. Jan. 28, 2026) 

Florida State University’s Office of Research will host the 2026 Festival of the Creative Arts, a campuswide event that highlights the voices, talents and creativity of FSU faculty and students in February and early March.

Departments from across campus will celebrate the innovation and creative excellence that results from combining various modes of expression and disciplines.

“Each year, the Festival of the Creative Arts celebrates interdisciplinary engagement across campus with events that include faculty and student participation,” said Iain Quinn, festival director and FSU’s Research Fellow in the arts and humanities. “In addition to ongoing research conversations that develop from one festival to another, there are also new collaborations and multiple first performances.”

Several events are offered for K-12 students and families, including “It’s the Weather!” at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee on Saturday, Feb. 7. There will also be a premiere of a new performance work involving digital art and music.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the historic and contemporary connections between art and science with multiple hands-on activities,” Quinn said. “The festival is always a special opportunity for everyone to be inspired by the creative spirit that defines FSU.”

All events are free of charge, and no reservations are required. For more information, visit research.fsu.edu/fca.

The full list of events includes:

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

Poets at the Party
7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre, Katherine W. Montgomery Hall

A special collaboration between dance, hospitality, music and poetry featuring multiple premieres across disciplines.

Participants: Darcie Ogando Almánzar, Jacob Andrews, Lilian Baker, Shea Boeker, Jacob Grice, Isabelle Hagley, Caroline Laganas, Raúl Parra, Natalie Eleanor Patterson, Camille Pepper, Christell Victoria Roach, Jan Schwalbe, Sophia Upshaw, Hugh Wilhelm, Kuan-Yu Yang and members of the FSU Trombone Choir. 

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

It’s the Weather!
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

Come and learn about the weather and nature in works of art while discovering scientific facts about the world around us. This event features hands-on activities led by faculty from the departments of art history, art education and music education, as well as the first performance of a new interdisciplinary work with digital art and music. Great for K-12 students.

Participants: Angelina Ciardi, Eren Gümrükçüoğlu, Ann Harrington, Stephanie Leitch, Marlo Ransdell, Keith Roberson, Sara Scott Shields, the FSU Guitar Ensemble and the National Weather Service Tallahassee.

SUNDAY, FEB. 8

Storytime Under the Stars
6 – 7 p.m.
Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

Experience an evening of nostalgia and wonder at the Fogg Planetarium, where classic stories come to life under a celestial canopy of stars. This event is specially designed for young children and their families.

Participant: Christine Hansen.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

Arts-Health-Humanities Symposium VI
12 – 2:30 p.m.
Claude Pepper Center

This annual festival meeting of faculty and students — from design, medicine, music education, music therapy and musicology — continues conversations about current research and future interdisciplinary collaborations. Includes poster presentations by art therapy and music therapy.

Participants: Michael Bakan, Daejin Kim, Adriana Lizardi-Vázquez, Parintorn “Pim” Pankaew, James Riley, Tana Jean Welch and Racheal Yap.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

Classics Symposium
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Beth Moor Lounge, Longmire Building

Join a celebration of Ancient Greek and Latin poetry featuring an evening of readings of ancient texts and creative performances by students and faculty.

Coordinator: Virginia Lewis.

MONDAY, FEB. 16

Nickel Boys
6 – 9 p.m.
Askew Student Life Center

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, “Nickel Boys” chronicles the powerful friendship between two young African American men sentenced to Nickel Academy. Co-presented with the FSU Civil Rights Institute.

Participants: Ted T. Ellis, Keithen Mathis, Dennis Moore and Mark Schlakman.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

The Art of Walking
12 – 1:15 p.m.
Bradley Reading Room, Strozier Library

Walking in the city is not only a form of physical exercise and transportation, but a social and cultural practice described as flânerie. The lecture will amble through some of the major French figures who wrote about the flâneur’s and flâneuse’s kaleidoscopic encounters with the sights and sounds of urban life. Co-presented with the Milton S. Carothers Faculty Lecture Series.

Participants: Aimée Boutin and Meaghan McSorley.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20

Lay of the Land
Symposium: 2 – 5:30 p.m.; Opening: 6 – 8 p.m.
Facility for Arts Research

“Lay of the Land” is a Department of Art faculty exhibition and symposium exploring the beauty, complexity and fragility of the landscapes we inhabit.

Participants: Department of Art Faculty.

SUNDAY, FEB. 22

Chamber Music of Frank Martin
4 – 5:30 p.m.
Longmire Recital Hall

A concert devoted to the music of the great Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974), offering an exceptional opportunity to hear his distinctive voice across numerous contrasting ensembles.

Participants: Stijn De Cock, Geoffrey Deibel, Amy Dill, Suzanne Lommler, Mary Matthews, Dylan Principi, Pamela Ryan, Gregory Sauer, Natalie Sherer, Marcy Stonikas, Shannon Thomas and Valerie Trujillo.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25

The Contemporary Film – Finding Your Family
6 – 9 p.m.
Askew Student Life Center

An evening of cinematic exploration with panel discussions about the many definitions of family. Screening of a collection of student shorts followed by a Q&A conversation with members of FSUFILM faculty.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 27-28

24-Hour Create-A-Thon
Feb. 27, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Feb. 28, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pitches, Performances, Awards: Feb. 28, 2 – 4 p.m.
Innovation Hub

FSU students from across campus work in interdisciplinary teams to develop new works that celebrate creativity as a foundation of innovation across the disciplines. Registration opens Jan. 26.

Coordinator: Ken Baldauf.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Interlocking Art: A Mixed Media Gala
6 – 9 p.m.
Student Union

Club Downunder and the Department of Student Engagement present an evening of student creativity across the arts, culminating in an annual fashion show.

Exhibitions

Water Ways: Indigenous Ecologies and Florida Heritage
Elizabeth A. Cecil (Curator)
Co-presented with the FSU Native American and Indigenous Studies Center.
Museum of Fine Arts

Akimbo: A Solo Exhibition by Zoë Charlton
An installation and animated film exploring themes of memory, place, and resilience in the Tallahassee Landscape.
Museum of Fine Arts

Lay of the Land
Department of Art Faculty
Facility for Arts Research

The Art of Healing – Ted T. Ellis
Robert Manning Strozier Library

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A Florida State University graduate student has earned a prestigious writing award for his research into Indigenous landscape histories and sacredness that informs modern land-management practices.

Dean Michel, a Department of History doctoral candidate, has earned the $25,000 Carter Manny Writing Award for 2025 from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts to support the completion of his dissertation, “A Watery Grave in the Desert: Termination, Survivance, and the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.” He is the first student from FSU and from any Florida university to earn this award.

“The writing award will allow me to really buckle down in making sure my dissertation is ready for me to defend this spring,” Michel said. “I see it as an investment from the foundation and them saying they believe in my project and want me to give it my full attention. This is also a great way to show the significance of my research.”

“The writing award will allow me to really buckle down in making sure my dissertation is ready for me to defend this spring. I see it as an investment from the foundation and them saying they believe in my project and want me to give it my full attention. This is also a great way to show the significance of my research.”

— Dean Michel, Department of History doctoral candidate

The Carter Manny Awards, first granted in 1996, support outstanding doctoral dissertations contributing to new narratives of current interpretations and knowledge of architecture. The Graham Foundation promotes architecture’s role in culture, art and society, and the writing award recognizes emerging scholars during the writing stage of a doctoral dissertation, whose work challenges and impacts the architectural field at large.

Michel, an enrolled member of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, focuses on Indigenous studies and Indigenous knowledge related to climate, land and water management.

His doctoral research bridges Indigenous and governmental perspectives regarding land management and our relationship with different lands, such as the Acquisition of Indian Land for Parker Dam and Reservoir Project Act passed in 1940. The act allowed the U.S. federal government to acquire land owned by Native Americans to construct Parker Dam, subsequently destroying the reservation.

“My research connects Indigenous perspectives with the ideas of colonialism, built environments and architecture,” Michel said. “When we’re looking at infrastructure, there are tremendous consequences from it. Land where Native Americans are typically forced to live, such as reservations, are areas that are only meant to camp on temporarily. I’ve spoken with tribe elders that witnessed tremendous death and trauma on these lands. How do people return to these areas, build their homes there and build their lives?”

His dissertation highlights how modern resource management depends on Native Americans and the environment to sustain built environments like large cities.

One of Michel’s priorities is helping people gain a better understanding of the respect with which land should be held, along with clearer intentions for how land should be managed.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Dean,” said Andrew Frank, Native American and Indigenous Studies Center director, Allen Morris Professor of History and Michel’s doctoral adviser. “He’s tackling an important, complicated, and deeply personal project, and this award recognizes him as an emerging leader in the field. The Carter Manny Award provides more than financial support. He’ll lead scholars from various disciplines to pay attention to new paths he’s charting for scholars of Native America and to the important work being done in FSU’s NAIS Center.”

“I couldn’t be prouder of Dean. He’s tackling an important, complicated, and deeply personal project, and this award recognizes him as an emerging leader in the field.”

— Andrew Frank, Native American and Indigenous Studies Center director

A first-generation college student, Michel received his bachelor’s degree in history from Chadron State College in Nebraska in 2018. In 2022, he earned his master’s degree in history from FSU.

Michel is currently conducting research in Washington D.C. thanks to a Mellon Fellowship in Democracy and Landscape Studies presented through the Dumbarton Oaks Fellowship and supported by Harvard University. The nine-month fellowship, which began in September, includes a nearly $20,000 stipend and funds research on landscape histories and neglected or forgotten narratives.

This fall, Michel was also awarded the Department of History’s Walbolt Dissertation Fellowship, granted based on rigorous research in addressing historiographical questions.

“Dean’s work is unique because it combines the history of architecture, public policy and Native American history,” said Department of History Chair Jennifer Koslow. “In the 1930s, the federal government embarked on numerous infrastructure projects with the goal to better people’s lives, but these projects came at a cost for many Indigenous peoples. Dean’s research investigates the complexity and unexpected consequences on Indigenous peoples, such as those that stemmed from New Deal programs. His ability to tackle difficult stories and make them relevant to the present makes his project stand out.”

To learn more about Michel’s work and research conducted in the FSU Department of History, visit history.fsu.edu.

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Seminole Tribe of Florida artist Erica Deitz saw her painting, “Osceola’s Vision,” in its full scale for the first time on Friday at an event hosted by Florida State University’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Center.   

“It surpassed my expectations because I’ve been seeing other people’s photographs of it, but it just doesn’t do it justice,” Deitz said. “It’s pretty awesome to see it on such a large scale.” 

Deitz describes the mural as “a representation of Osceola’s vision to see his people live freely and prosper, all under the guidance of his forefathers and medicine men.” Osceola was an influential leader of the Seminole Tribe in Florida. 

The mural, a 24-by-16-foot acrylic painting, is displayed on the mezzanine level of FSU’s Student Union. 

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A new Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts exhibition is highlighting how water shapes cultural geographies and artistic practice, featuring artists from Florida and all over the world.

“Water Ways: Indigenous Ecologies and Florida Heritage” is hosted in collaboration with the FSU Native American and Indigenous Studies Center (NAIS), the Department of Religion and the Council on Research and Creativity. The exhibition, which opens Sept. 18, 2025, with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m., includes a slate of programming to be held now through its closing March 14, 2026.

The title plays on the dual meaning of “ways,” exploring both the physical paths and routes shaped by water as well as the ways — or various methods and practices — through which Indigenous communities express their relationships with water.

“The exhibition highlights how Florida’s Indigenous material heritage embodies ways of living with water and relates these practices to parallel traditions across the Americas and Asia,” said Elizabeth A. Cecil, Timothy Gannon Associate Professor of Religion and the exhibition’s curator. “Water Ways also invites reflection on pressing environmental issues, including water access, ecological change and climate resilience, by highlighting how communities have long understood and responded to the challenges of living with water.”

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A Florida State University faculty member has received a statewide teaching award for her impact as an educator in the field of historic preservation from a nonprofit that promotes the protection of Florida’s historic sites and heritage.  

Kathleen Powers Conti, an assistant professor in FSU’s Department of History, earned the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Roy E. Graham Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation Education and was honored at the Preservation on Main Street Conference in Fernandina Beach, Fla. 

“I’m honored that my colleagues nominated me for this award, and I’m so grateful I get to work with such amazing faculty and students here at FSU,” Conti said. “I love getting to show students how they can take what they’ve learned in a history classroom and apply it in a wide variety of careers including with the National Park Service, museums, and local, state and federal governments.”  

“Professor Conti implements hands-on activities that allow students to move from acquiring foundational knowledge to engaging in acts of creation. Her accolade highlights how FSU’s history program is important to Floridians who want to preserve the historic fabric of their communities.”  

– Jennifer Koslow, Department of History chair

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Florida’s history and heritage. The Roy E. Graham Award is named in memory of historic preservation architect and educator Roy Eugene Graham and recognizes professional educators who have made long-term contributions to historic conservation education, ensuring future generations will continue to preserve Florida’s history and most endangered places. 

“My interdisciplinary teaching style is enriched by my professional experiences as a public historian as well as my academic research on interactions between built and natural environments,” said Conti, who joined FSU’s faculty in 2022. “I love showing students how to apply classroom learning to real-world projects with community partners. This allows my students to build a portfolio of sample work projects with polished examples of their research, analysis and writing for future employers.”  

At FSU, Conti teaches courses covering historic preservation, museum studies, public history, architectural history and environmental history for both graduate and undergraduate students. In these courses, she emphasizes the importance of participating in place-based learning at historic sites and often engages students in real-world preservation projects. 

“In my historic preservation class, students research and analyze a building of their choosing in Tallahassee to create an entry for the Florida Master Site File, our state’s official inventory of historical and cultural resources, and write a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places,” Conti said. “With place-based learning, our class travels to a historic site or landscape to explore and analyze it together, ensuring students get well-rounded, real-world experiences.” 

Conti also advises student research projects as an instructor for the history department’s senior seminar, a capstone course in which students develop their own research projects and is an affiliated faculty in the Native American and Indigenous Studies Center at FSU.  

Outside of teaching, Conti’s chapter in “Architectures of Slavery: Ruins and Reconstructions” was recently published by University of Virginia Press and she serves as a co-principal investigator for a $300,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation analyzing how to better identify and protect historical and cultural resources. 

“My research helps people and communities preserve the stories and places that matter to them,” she said. “This preservation is important for us today but also to ensure these stories and places are protected for future generations.” 

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Kaylee Spencer, who joined Florida State University in August 2024, has stepped into her new role as director of the university’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA).

MoFA, the largest academic art museum in the Big Bend, is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum features 9,000 square feet of exhibition space and a permanent collection of more than 7,000 objects.

Spencer brings a strong background in art history, both in academia and community engagement. She taught at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for 20 years, holding key leadership roles including assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Art Department, where she oversaw the university’s art gallery.

This spring, Spencer is co-curating “Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art” with Michael Carrasco, associate dean of research for the College of Fine Arts and associate professor of art history. The exhibition will run from April 3 to Dec. 5.

“I am excited about my first show,” Spencer said. “This exhibition puts examples of ancient Andean art in conversation with works created by contemporary artists from various locations in South and Central America. In collaboration with the FSU Native American and Indigenous Studies Center, it aims to highlight the rich artistic traditions of Indigenous heritages.”

The exhibition will feature a range of artworks, including ancient Moche and Nasca ceramic objects and new contemporary acquisitions by Ana De Orbegoso and Nadín Ospina. Additionally, there will be rarely exhibited works from FSU’s collections of Maya textiles and ancient Andean ceramics, metalworks and other objects, highlighting continuity and transformation. By showcasing these works, the exhibition hopes to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of Latin American Indigenous art and its ongoing resonance in contemporary art practices.

What brought you to Florida State University?

I am trained in art history and hold a doctorate in the field. My teaching experience in a studio art department has shaped a collaborative and engagement-focused approach to art history. This environment fostered a unique way of teaching art history, emphasizing exploration of the ways that art history can be adapted to support and enhance the careers of future studio artists.  

Additionally, I held several administrative roles at UWRF that provided me with valuable insights into university operations and community engagement. I also served as a Chancellor’s administrative fellow, where I was deeply involved in fundraising efforts for a science and technology building, which involved working with leaders across campus, in local government, businesses and the community. 

One of my recent projects involves working with a Los Angeles-based development company to plan a museum dedicated to Latin American art. This museum aims to explore how education and exploration of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the diverse populations of Southern California can inform and inspire the future. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of both academic and administrative aspects of university operations, ultimately leading to my current role at Florida State University. 

What are your research areas and focus as an art historian and curator?

My research primarily focuses on the ancient art of the Americas, particularly Mesoamerica, which includes regions like Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. I specialize in ancient Maya art. This area of study is often new to many students, and I find it rewarding to introduce them to such complex and visually engaging artistic traditions that are oftentimes far outside of the realm of how they’ve been asked to think about iconography, space and meaning before.  My approach to teaching emphasizes careful looking and understanding broader contexts, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists, anthropologists, epigraphers and museum professionals. In my research, I am interested in how architecture, public sculpture and portable art objects create environments that encourage certain ways of looking and moving. I like to consider how these aspects of site planning and object creation relate to collective memory and shared ideologies. In addition, I am interested in how these artistic traditions have been preserved and transformed over time, and how they continue to influence contemporary art practices in the region. 

How do you plan to foster collaboration across different departments at FSU in your role at MoFA?

Fostering collaboration across different departments at FSU is a key priority for me. I plan to engage with various academic and cultural departments to create interdisciplinary exhibitions and programs that reflect the expertise and interests within our university. By connecting different disciplines and perspectives, we can enrich the museum’s educational mission and create a more vibrant and inclusive community. 

I am excited about the opportunity to reach across different departments at FSU and engage with the community. My goal is to foster a collaborative environment that connects various disciplines and perspectives, enriching the museum’s educational mission. I am also looking forward to working on curricular engagement and community outreach initiatives to enhance the museum’s impact on both students and the broader community. 

What has been an interesting thing you have noticed since arriving on campus?

The first thing I noticed was that the energy among the faculty, staff and students on the FSU campus is truly vibrant and infectious. There is a palpable buzz of excitement and enthusiasm that permeates the campus, driven by a passion for learning, creativity and community engagement. Whether through scholarly/academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, or social events, people at FSU are always eager to participate and make the most of their university experience. This dynamic atmosphere not only fosters a strong sense of community but also inspires everyone to strive for excellence and innovation in their respective fields. 

The second thing that surprised me was the strength of FSU’s art collections. I knew the MoFA had an excellent collection before I applied for the position, but I was shocked and delighted to discover that there are pockets of incredible textiles, ceramics, and contemporary paintings housed in various departments and colleges across the university. I can’t wait to help tell the story of FSU’s extraordinary fine art collections.  

What advice would you give to students and young professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in art history and museum curation?

Show up, let yourself be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask to be involved. Some of the most meaningful and career-defining moments in my life started simply because I asked if I could contribute to something. Initiative goes a long way — you never know where a single “yes” might lead. 

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Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts will open two new exhibitions this month, focusing on Latin American Indigenous art and showcasing the work of FSU’s graduating Master of Fine Arts (MFA) studio art students.

“Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art”

April 3 – Dec. 5, 2025

“Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art” will open Thursday, April 3, highlighting contemporary Latin American art alongside rarely exhibited treasures from FSU’s collections and include Mayan textiles, ancient Andean ceramics, metalwork and other artifacts.

This exhibition is presented in partnership with FSU’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Center (NAIS) and co-curated by the museum’s director, Kaylee Spencer, as well as Michael Carrasco, professor of art history and associate dean for research in the College of Fine Arts.

“The NAIS Center and I are thrilled that MoFA has put this marvelous exhibit together,” said Andrew Frank, director of NAIS. “Indigenous artists are often excluded from discussions of modern art and discussed only in the past tense. This exhibit lets us see the living creativity of Latin American Indigenous artists past and, perhaps most notably, present.”

“Conversaciones” draws on FSU faculty expertise in ancient Latin American art history and archaeology and aims to spark dialogue about the meaning of the featured works across time.

“We’re excited to bring rarely exhibited works from FSU’s collections into dialogue with powerful pieces by contemporary artists,” Spencer and Carrasco said in a joint statement. “‘Conversaciones’ offers a space for reflection on how Indigenous traditions endure, adapt and innovate — challenging us to rethink the boundaries between past and present, resilience and reinvention.”

“‘Conversaciones’ offers a space for reflection on how Indigenous traditions endure, adapt and innovate — challenging us to rethink the boundaries between past and present, resilience and reinvention.”

— Kaylee Spencer and Michael Carrasco, co-curators of the exhibition.

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Florida State University’s Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Center held a Jan 16-17 symposium that connected the two federally recognized native tribes of Florida and the larger community through a collaborative and ongoing conversation.

The “Two Tribes of Florida: A Shared Environment” symposium brought members from both the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to FSU’s campus to explore some of the various issues these two modern tribes face in how their history is presented, how their cultures are maintained, and how the tribes have maintained an essential role in guiding the state of Florida into the future.

“We are thrilled that this center brings people together to have these conversations and foster these relationships to honor and celebrate Indigenous voices,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “This symposium really reflects Florida State University’s deep respect for and our commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities – not only studying and promoting their history but partnering with them as we move forward.”

The symposium began with an opening reception at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 16, followed by a full day of panels and discussion on Friday, Jan. 17, in FSU’s Miller Hall.

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