Albuquerque’s Indigenous Murals: A Visual Journey of Discovery

 

Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. as historian Robin Dunitz explores Albuquerque’s rich collection of murals by Indigenous artists, from historic works at the Maisel Trading Post and the Sunport to contemporary pieces across the city. The presentation highlights how these artworks reflect personal stories, tribal traditions, and the blending of ancient and modern cultures.

“Albuquerque probably has more murals by Indigenous artists than any other city in the country. My presentation will share a range of murals from the historic Maisel Trading Post paintings of 1939 and the Sunport murals of 1945 by Pop Chalee to the diverse works at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the many contemporary murals found all over town.  Some are well-known landmarks, while others are more hidden, either indoors or in less-traveled locations. Their content captures many personal stories, tribal traditions, and the artists’ efforts to balance their ancient cultures with their contemporary lives.  I am sharing as an outsider, a recent transplant to New Mexico, and am no way pretending to be an expert, but rather I see myself as on a learning journey, believing these works deserve to be seen as widely as possible.”

The program will be held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.

Robin Dunitz was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received a BA in History from the University of California Berkeley in 1978. She began documenting murals in LA in 1984 after a trip to Mexico City exposed her to the famous mural masterpieces found there. She eventually wrote a guide book to LA County murals, and co-wrote a heavily illustrated book on California murals as well as one on African American murals nationwide with fellow photographer Jim Prigoff. Robin and Jim created an exhibit showcasing Black murals, which traveled to 8 venues around the country, including the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Museum. She moved to Albuquerque in 2021 and soon found herself photographing Indigenous murals all over New Mexico. She published her first postcard book on this topic in 2022, followed by a second one the next year. In Spring of this year she helped organize an exhibit of new work by 7 Indigenous New Mexico muralists at the South Broadway Cultural Center.