Joy Harjo Honored at Smithsonian Annual Gala

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery bestowed one of its prestigious 2025 Portrait of a Nation Awards upon the distinguished Mvskoke (Creek) poet, performer, and writer, Joy Harjo, recognizing her profound and transformative contributions to American literature and national culture. The accolade was presented during the museum’s 10th annual Portrait of a Nation Gala, a high-profile event held at Union Station.

Celebrating Influence and Ingenuity

Harjo, who holds the distinction of being the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate and stands as one of the nation’s most influential Native literary voices, was honored alongside a highly select group of cultural and business leaders. Her fellow recipients included financial titan Jamie Dimon, animal science innovator Temple Grandin, and world-renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

A central moment of the evening was the unveiling of a newly acquired portrait of Harjo by artist Joel Daniel Phillips. This striking work, which had never been publicly displayed prior to the Gala, is scheduled to go on view later in the year at the National Portrait Gallery. It will be featured as part of the special exhibition, “Portrait of a Nation: 2025 Honorees,” which is set to run through October 25, 2026.

In her acceptance remarks, Harjo graciously centered her community and the formative influences on her life and work. She acknowledged the enduring role of her "earliest mentors and teachers" as her fundamental foundation, noting that without them and others, she "would not be here as a Portrait of a Nation honoree." She paid profound tribute to her people, stating, "I acknowledge my Mvskoke Nation people. Our tribal nation has been cited as the oldest world democracy. They are my heartbeat." Harjo also expressed her indebtedness to the extensive genealogy of American poets, musicians, and artists who continue to inspire her, as well as to "all the singers and healers for justice." The award itself was presented to Harjo by the acclaimed writer Sandra Cisneros.

The Art of History and Patronage

The Gala served as a successful black-tie fundraiser, drawing more than 360 guests from the spheres of arts, business, philanthropy, and public service. The proceeds generated by the event are dedicated to supporting the museum’s core operations and endowment. Lead sponsors for the evening included major institutions such as General Dynamics, JPMorgan Chase, and David M. Rubenstein.

The accompanying exhibition, which was curated by Rhea L. Combs, will also showcase newly commissioned portraits of the other honorees. These include a portrait of Temple Grandin by David Lenz and one of Steven Spielberg by Kate Capshaw, alongside a newly acquired photograph of Jamie Dimon by Jason Alden.

Elliot Gruber, the acting director of the National Portrait Gallery, emphasized the fundamental purpose of the awards. He stated that the Portrait of a Nation Award was established to highlight the simple but powerful truth that "history is made by those among us." Gruber concluded by expressing the pleasure of recognizing the year’s honorees with newly acquired and commissioned portraits that "represent the creativity and ingenuity of both the artist and the sitter."