NATIONAL RECOGNITION
MICHELANGELO FOUNDATION
This year, two of Keoni’s works are featured in Islands of Light, the Michelangelo Foundation’s international exhibition presented on San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. The exhibition brings together approximately 400 artists from more than 70 countries, showcasing over 800 works that celebrate excellence in contemporary craftsmanship.
Inspired by the islands of the Venetian lagoon, Islands of Light creates a visual narrative that connects individual makers from around the world—each an island of talent, knowledge, and tradition within the broader landscape of craftsmanship. Conceived by renowned designer Es Devlin, the exhibition uses water, mirrors, movement, and light to guide visitors through an immersive exploration of the creative process, illuminating the artists, their workshops, tools, materials, and the extraordinary objects they create.
Michelangelo Foundation Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light
SMTIHSONIAN FINE CRAFT SHOW
The Smithsonian Fine Craft Show presents the finest in American crafts and design. A panel of jurors look for unrivaled quality and creativity, and select no more than 120 artists to exhibit annually. Keoni is honored to have been selected to exhibit in 2021 and 2020. The show features work in all facets of design and media. Serious collectors and casual visitors will find one-of-a-kind art at all price ranges. Keoni is one of a small handful of wood artists to be represented.
“Artists that are juried to participate are chosen by a distinguished panel of art experts that changes each year. Keoni’s work was selected based on his mastery of, and unique style of wood carving. As a show chair, I am doubly pleased to learn the artwork is story-driven, inspired by tribal traditions. The work stands on its own, but the background adds a special layer of context that makes the work even more extraordinary,” said Twig Murray, Smithsonian Fine Craft Show Co-Chair.
C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM
The mission of the C.M. Russell Museum is to collect, preserve, research, interpret, and educate on the art and life of Charles M. Russell; the art and lives of his contemporaries; and the art of preceding and ensuing generations that depicts and focuses on the culture, life, and country of Russell’s West. Artist Keoni was selected as one of only 79 contemporary western artists to exhibit at The Russell’s First Strike Gallery.
BY WESTERN HANDNS
By Western Hands is an organization honoring traditional Western craft, teaching, and preserving artisan techniques. Keoni received recognition in 2018 as, at the time, one of only 35 artists inducted to the Artisian’s Guild and recognized for creating exceptional Western and Southwestern artwork.
By Western Hands: Preserving the Legacy of Western Designs
