JACKSON, Wyo. — Renowned Wind River artist Al Hubbard is set to unveil his latest collection, “Way Back Now,” at the Center Theater Gallery from May 3 to June 21. 

The exhibit marks Hubbard’s first showcase in Jackson, featuring a series of captivating mixed media works on canvas that delve into the intricate connection between past, present and future.

The public is invited to join the artist for a special reception on Friday, May 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Center Theater Gallery, where attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with Hubbard and gain insights into his creative process.

“Collaborating with Al Hubbard and the Center for the Arts to bring ‘Way Back Now’ to our community is a source of great excitement for Central Wyoming College,” says Susan Durfee. “Hubbard’s work resonates deeply with our mission of enriching lives through education and connection, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling and cultural heritage.”

Al Hubbard. Photo: CWC Jackson

Hubbard’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his cultural roots and personal experiences. Raised with pride in his Northern Arapaho and Navajo heritage, Hubbard’s upbringing off the reservation in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Las Vegas, Nevada, fostered a profound appreciation for tribal cultures.

His relocation to the Wind River Reservation at a young age further shaped his perspective, sparking a lifelong journey of storytelling through memory and experience.

Drawing inspiration from his surroundings and formal education at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hubbard’s multidisciplinary approach encompasses acrylic painting, printmaking techniques, photography, mark-making, and image transfer. 

Through his exploration of textures, colors, and indigenous material culture, Hubbard intricately weaves together layers of acrylic mediums, creating visually striking compositions that reflect the historical processes and conceptual indigenous way of life.

“Weaving stories within a collective construct is the essence of my artistic responsibility,” Hubbard says. “My paintings serve as vessels for preserving and manifesting the teachings of an oral tradition.”

“Way Back Now” is presented in collaboration with the Center for the Arts and Central Wyoming College, underscoring their commitment to fostering cultural engagement and artistic expression within the community. The exhibit, which closes on June 21, promises to captivate audiences with its profound narrative and vibrant visual language.