Art exhibit combining Native life, 'Star Wars' heads to Tempe Center for the Arts in 2025

An art exhibit returning to Arizona in 2025 combines native life and perspectives with Star Wars, and re-imagines some of the franchise's most recognizable characters.

The exhibit, previously called "The Force is with Our People," has a whole new name and includes 19 artists from different tribes.

It’s now called "The Return of the Force."

The exhibit includes jewelry, paintings and woodwork that will remind audiences of some of their favorite characters in the galaxy.

Guest curator Duane Koyawena says it also includes a moving, life-size R2-D2, which has been popular with audiences.

“The R2-D2 which we call the Hopi R2 because he’s painted with Hopi pottery design, was created for the first exhibit ‘The Force is With Our People.’ And he became a big attraction when the exhibit came down," Koyawena said.

Samantha Honanie, who is Hopi and Diné, helped with the exhibit. She says it will be an educational opportunity for audiences.

“I’m hoping that it also is a stepping stone for people who are interested in Indigenous people and Native American people to kind of gain further perspective into how we live, who we are through the entryway of Star Wars, which is a fun first step," Honanie said.

The exhibit originated at the Museum of Northern Arizona with works from Indigenous artists specifically from the Colorado Plateau. It has since traveled and expanded to include Indigenous artists from multiple tribes.

"The Return of the Force" was recently in Colorado and will be at the Tempe Center for the Arts starting in January.