Miah Chalfant, 24 MONTANA & NEW MEXICO
Style & Inspirations: My work blends contemporary Indigenous art with the visual language of the American Wild West. I draw inspiration from the 444,000 acres of grasslands, shale cliffs and ponderosa pine trees that make up my home, [the Northern Cheyenne reservation] in Southeastern Montana.
Art Education: I studied at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. My foundation in art comes from elders teaching me the importance of ledger art and translatinghow I see the world through art.
Best Art Advice Received: Mistakes are a part of the process of being a successful artist, if you think you know everything then you’ll never learn from them again.
Favorite Studio Music: My favorite studio jams range from Marty Robbins’ classic cowboy tunes to Mac Miller’s bars and beats, it really depends on the piece I’m working on.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: My favorite work of another artist is [the work of] Kent Monkman…Monkman’s work highlights modern Indigenous narratives while referencing historical works that have impacted the art world for centuries.
Artistic Goals: Preservation for my people and to continue Indigenous storytelling traditions while expanding the space Native artists occupy in both contemporary and Western art worlds. I hope my work encourages younger Native artists to see their lives and experiences as worthy of being documented and celebrated.
Other Passions: From my studio to the rodeo arena, my passions are as big as my ambitions. Starting colts to be riding is a big chunk of my free time.
Contact info: shewhomakesmarks.comPrice Range: $40-$20,000
Included in “21 Under 31 | Young Artists to Watch, 2026” from the August/September 2026 issue.
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