Join us in celebrating the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary through the stories, knowledge, and voices found in 50 special books from the IPCC Library collection. This curated selection features titles for readers of all ages and interests, offering meaningful ways to explore, honor, and celebrate Pueblo culture.
Each week, for the remainder of 2026, we will spotlight one or two featured titles. The selected books are available to view in the IPCC Library Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Helen Hardin (Tsa-sah-wee-eh): A Straight Line Curved
For many visitors, the murals in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s courtyard offer an unforgettable first encounter with Pueblo storytelling through art. The vibrant colors, the sense of emotion, the sacredness, and the movement lead you to pause and reflect: What is the story being told? What is the message the artist has left behind? Helen Hardin, who painted the mural The Chorus, shared that her mural represented song, music, and prayer. “I am expressing music in color. Many of the other murals portray dancers. I have given them a song to go with the dance.” Knowing that she’d be asked about the masks in her mural, she also said, “Don’t look for meaning, my paintings are to enjoy.”
Today’s spotlight book is Helen Hardin’s story and is part of the boxed set that explores the only female painting dynasty recorded in history. The dynasty included Helen; her mother, Pablita Velarde; and her daughter, Margarete Bagshaw. The set includes Pablita Velarde, In Own Words; Helen Hardin, A Straight Line Curved; and Teaching My Spirit to Fly, a memoir by Margarete Bagshaw.
Commissioned by Helen’s daughter Margarete, author Kate Nelson drew from a substantial collection of scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia to help tell Helen’s story. One account shares a memorable backstory about Helen’s mural at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Helen was nearly finished when the plaster on the exterior wall unexpectedly deteriorated and began to fall away. The first mural had to be removed, and Helen had to begin the entire process again.
With numerous color images of Helen’s artwork, photographs from her life, and personal anecdotes throughout, Nelson creates a portrait that feels intimate and engaging. Rather than offering a dry retelling of an artist’s catalog, this biography reads more like a conversation between friends and should absolutely be put at the top of your reading list.
We invite you to stop by the IPCC Library and spend time with this week’s featured book. While you are here, take a closer look at Helen Hardin’s mural in the IPCC courtyard and explore the collection to learn more about Helen, her family, and this remarkable painting dynasty.