One of Allan Houser’s greatest contributions was not only the extraordinary body of work he created, but the artists he inspired. As a founding faculty member of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), Allan believed that every artist should discover an authentic voice—one rooted in heritage, yet unafraid to explore new ideas.
That philosophy continues to guide the Allan Houser Gallery today.
We are proud to present Gregory Lomayesva, an artist whose work reflects the same spirit of curiosity, individuality, and creative independence that Allan championed throughout his life. Gregory reminds us that art is never static—it evolves with each generation, continually finding new ways to tell the human story.
Art has always been woven into Gregory’s life.
Born and raised in Santa Fe, Gregory is the son of William “Bill” Lomayesva, a Hopi artist, and Marie Romero Cash, one of New Mexico’s most respected Spanish Colonial artist, writer, and cultural educators. During the formative years of IAIA, Bill was a student while Marie worked as a secretary at the school. It was there they met, married, and raised three children.
That history creates a meaningful connection to Allan Houser.
While Bill was studying at IAIA, Allan Houser was helping shape the school’s Sculpture Department and encouraging young Native artists to honor their heritage while pursuing their own artistic vision. Gregory grew up in an environment where art was not simply admired—it was lived. That foundation would inspire him to forge a path entirely on his own.
Today, Gregory has become one of the Southwest’s most original contemporary artists. Internationally recognized for his paintings, sculpture, and mixed-media works, he draws from his Hopi and Hispanic heritage while embracing influences from Renaissance painting, Pop Art, music, and contemporary culture. His colorful carved masks, expressive paintings, and sculptural forms create a visual language that is unmistakably his own.
Gregory often describes himself not simply as a Native artist, but as “an American artist with Hopi roots.” Rather than recreating tradition, he transforms it—blending symbolism, humor, vibrant color, and imagination into works that are both deeply personal and universally engaging.
“The future of Native art is not found in repetition, but in artists who honor where they come from while having the courage to imagine what comes next.”
That sentiment beautifully reflects both Allan Houser’s philosophy as an educator and Gregory Lomayesva’s approach as a contemporary artist.
The image featured in this exhibition offers a rare glimpse of Gregory’s creative process. Rather than presenting a finished sculpture, it invites viewers into the studio through a work still in progress. Like Allan Houser’s sketches and maquettes, it reminds us that every great work of art begins with an idea—one that evolves through patience, experimentation, and craftsmanship before reaching its final form.
At the Allan Houser Gallery, we believe one of the most meaningful ways to honor Allan’s vision is to continue providing a place where artists with distinctive voices can be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. Gregory Lomayesva’s work is not an extension of Allan Houser’s, it is uniquely his own. Yet it reflects the enduring belief that the strongest artists respect tradition while having the courage to move beyond it.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate an artist whose work embodies that spirit of originality, imagination, and creative independence.
Gregory Lomayesva
Paintings • Sculpture • New Work
On View August 12–16
Opening Reception
Wednesday, August 12
5:30–8:30 PM
Allan Houser Gallery
125 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 112
Santa Fe, New Mexico
(505) 982-4705