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BIG NEWS, Billings! Our very own Wendy Red Star, the incredible visual artist and member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation, has just been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship—aka the GENIUS GRANT! Wendy will receive a staggering $800,000 over the next five years, no strings attached. That’s right, she can spend it, however, she pleases—whether it’s fueling new projects, diving deeper into her creative process, or simply enjoying the freedom to dream big.
Wendy Red Star, a proud member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation, has made waves as a visual artist who tackles important issues head-on. She uses archival materials—old photographs, records, and artifacts—and breathes new life into them. Her work brings Native American perspectives to the forefront, making viewers rethink the stories we’ve been told about history. And she does it all with an incredible mix of boldness, artistry, and depth.
Her art isn’t just locally loved—it’s globally recognized. Wendy’s work is featured in over 60 public collections across the world, including the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. It’s no wonder she caught the MacArthur Foundation’s eye; they select individuals who they believe are pushing boundaries and poised to make an even greater impact.
So what does this “genius grant” mean for Wendy? In short, it means creative freedom. The grant is completely unrestricted, allowing her to explore new ideas, take on ambitious projects, or experiment in ways she may not have been able to before. The MacArthur Foundation gives these awards to people they believe are “on the verge of something extraordinary,” and Wendy is without a doubt one of them.
For Billings and the Native American community, this recognition is huge. Wendy Red Star’s work not only honors the rich history and culture of the Apsáalooke Nation, but it also reminds the world that Native voices are powerful, and their stories matter.
We couldn’t be more proud to see Wendy’s incredible talent recognized on such a grand stage. With this grant, she’s free to soar even higher—and we can’t wait to see what she’ll create next. Wendy Red Star is a true creative force, and Billings is lucky to have her as part of our community!
