The Heard Museum in Phoenix is shining a light on a remarkable life and an extraordinary collection. October Art: The Collection of Delores Browne Abelson honors the ballerina, teacher and gallerist who championed Native American artists of the Southwest for decades.
On view through November 1, 2026, the exhibition features about 35 works by celebrated artists including Gwen Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo), Hazel Koyiyumptewa (Hopi), Harry Fonseca (Nisenan Maidu), Stella Charvarria (Santa Clara Pueblo) and Dan Namingha (Hopi). Visitors can also discover letters, photographs and pamphlets from Abelson’s personal archive, offering an intimate glimpse into her world.
The exhibition’s title pays tribute to October Art Ltd., the New York gallery Abelson founded in 1984, where she devoted a decade to championing Native artists of the Southwest. A former principal dancer with the New York Negro Ballet who broke barriers in the 1950s, Abelson later turned her passion for advocacy into a lifelong mission supporting Native arts.
October Art invites everyone to celebrate a legacy of generosity, friendship and deep respect for Native artistry — a beautiful reason to visit the Heard Museum this fall. More information at heard.org.
Photo: Heard Museum — Harry Fonseca (Nisenan Maidu/Native Hawaiian/Portuguese, 1946–2006), Untitled (Ballet dancers in practice), 1984, lithograph. Gift of Delores Browne Abelson Trust.
