MESA, Arizona — March 2, 2026 — The Art Gallery at Mesa Community College (MCC) is now showcasing Rooted in Relations: Authenticity and the Power of Indigenous Sovereignty. This exhibit features the work of more than 25 artistsspanning contemporary and traditional mediums and will remain on display until April 2, 2026. The Art Gallery at the college’s Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., is free and open to the public Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery will be closed for spring break from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, March 22. 

This compelling group exhibition celebrates the interconnection, strength and sovereignty that flow from Indigenous relationships with land, language, culture and community. 

As part of the exhibit, the gallery will host guest speaker Sinnagwin (Roger McKinney) at 2 p.m. on March 10, a professional artist, minister and member of the Kickapoo Nation of Kansas. Sinnagwin’s work reflects his perspective as an Anishinaabe artist and explores the spirit and cultural heartbeat of “Turtle Island” through Indigenous storytelling. 

The gallery will also feature a poetry reading by Arizona Poet Laureate, Dr. Laura Tohe, at 12 p.m. on March 11. Tohe is a Diné poet, writer and librettist of the Tsénahabiłnii (Sleepy Rock People) clan, born for the Tódich’inii (Bitter Water) clan. She grew up in Crystal, New Mexico, near the Chuska Mountains on the Diné homeland. Her poetry and writing have appeared in numerous literary journals and have been translated internationally. 

The Art Gallery at MCC is located behind the MCC Theatre. Complimentary parking for gallery visitors is available in the southeast campus lots. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the gallery is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and observed holidays.

For additional information about the exhibition, visit: mesacc.edu/events.

# # # 

Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.