Ashley Holland, the Eiteljorg's assistant curator of contemporary art, was drawn to her heritage by such contemporary manifestations as "Apparitions: Past and Present" by James Luna, a single-channel video installment. (Danese Kenon / The Indianapolis Star)

Growing up in Alton, Ill., Ashley Holland, 24, enjoyed visiting her grandparents in Oklahoma.

She knew then that she was a descendant of the Cherokee nation of Oklahoma, but it wasn't until she began graduate school that she truly connected with her heritage.

"Growing up in the Midwest I was a little removed from it all. I think what drew me in was some of the contemporary Native American art," said Holland, assistant curator of contemporary art at the Eiteljorg Museum.

Among her favorite artists are Rick Bartow, a Wiyot of Northern California, who is known for his pastel-on-paper etchings of deer, coyote, ravens and hawks; and Shelley Niro, a Mohawk of the Bay of Quinte, who is known for her films and photography.

"Through my job I've been able to meet some of these artists. They've influenced me and shaped where I want my career to go," said Holland.

After graduating from DePauw University, Holland worked part time at The Children's Museum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art while completing her master's degree in museum studies.

She was hired in June at the Eiteljorg, where she coordinated a November symposium introducing the 2007 Eiteljorg Fellows -- renowned American Indian artists. The Fellowship exhibit representing photography, drawing, and printmaking continues through Saturday.

Holland's recent project is coordinating "Our People, Our Land, Our Images," a collection of photographs of American Indians by American Indians, which opens Friday.

"I'd like to stay involved in promoting and creating a greater knowledge of Native American art," said Holland. "Sometimes people overlook it because they think it's a niche that only certain people can enjoy."

-- T.J. Banes / The Indianapolis Star