Luzene Hill (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) is among the Native artists participating in the inaugural exhibition at K Art in Buffalo. Hill is a multimedia artist best known for socially engaged conceptual installations and performances. Hill’s work reflects interdisciplinary scholarship in visual art, women’s studies and Native American culture. She advocates for Indigenous sovereignty and employs Indigenous motifs to assert female agency and challenge male dictated hierarchies. (Courtesy K Art/Facebook)

New York’s second-largest city will soon be home to the nation’s only Native American-owned art gallery featuring contemporary Native artists.

“Our entire team is excited to open K Art to the public for the world to see the work of contemporary Native American artists in a dedicated space,” said K Art founder and owner Dave Kimelberg in a press release. “Historically, museums are the primary platform for Native artists, but the number of shows dedicated to contemporary Native American art is very small and the number of artists featured in these shows is even smaller. We intend to focus on promoting these artists whose stories have not previously been told in the way they deserve to be. Our first exhibition will be an eye-opening and enthralling experience for both the artists who will showcase their work and those who view the exhibit.”

Kimelberg, an attorney and entrepreneur, hopes the gallery will facilitate discussions on the underrepresentation, marginalization, stereotypes, history and contemporary culture of Native Americans.

K Art’s inaugural exhibition will open on December 4, and be curated by Art Director Brooke Leboeuf. It will feature a survey of national Native contemporary artists. Confirmed Native artists participating in the inaugural exhibition include Gina Adams, Jay Carrier, Jeffrey Gibson, Luzene Hill, Peter Jemison, Brad Kahlhamer, Meryl McMaster, and Duane Slick. For more information on all participating Native artists, visit thek.art.

K Art’s 2,000 square feet will be located at 808 Main Street in Buffalo’s historic Allentown historic district.