Laura Ortman at the American Federation of Arts 2025
In spring of 2025 during my tenure at the American Federation of Arts (AFA) I worked with contemporary artist, composer, and musician Laura Ortman (White Mountain Apache) on a site specific performance for the AFA's 2025 Spring Luncheon. The luncheon's programming featured a conversation between Jeffrey Gibson and the Metropolitan Museum of Art curator Jane Paneta. With the AFA's development and communications team, I worked closely with Gibson and his studio to organize the event program. I encouraged the AFA to include its first ever live performance at a benefit event and advocated for Ortman's practice. Working with Ortman was the highlight of my experience at the AFA and I am truly grateful for her fierce experimentation and talent. 
participating artists
Laura Ortman (White Mountain Apache) is a multidisciplinary musician, composer, artist, and collaborator. As a musician, she is well-versed in violin, piano, electric guitar, and vocals. She has collaborated with numerous artists, including Tony Conrad, Jock Soto, Raven Chacon, Nanobah Becker, Okkyung Lee, and Jeffrey Gibson. Ortman has performed at many notable venues, including The Whitney Museum of American Art, Guggenheim Museum, La Biennale di Venezia, Brooklyn Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, among others. She is the recipient of awards, including the 2026 First Peoples Fund Native Performing Arts Fellowship and the 2025 Pioneer Works Music Residency, most recently. Please visit Ortman’s website for a full biography and detailed information.