April 2023: Indigenous Art & Apparel Design Newsletter

By in Native

April 2023: Indigenous Art & Apparel Design Newsletter
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The Native American Law & Policy practice group at Dentons US LLP brings you the latest on federal policies, legal news, and events in the Indigenous art and fashion world. 

Congressional Update: 

Proposed Amendments to the Indian Arts and Craft Act

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA) (Pub. L. 101-644) is a “truth-in-advertising” law that bars sellers from misrepresenting products as “Indian-made” if such products are not in fact made by Indians (as defined in the Act), or individuals certified as Indian artisans in accordance with the Act. Persons violating the Act may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has released a discussion draft of legislation that would update the Indian Arts and Crafts Act called the “Amendments to Respect Traditional Indigenous Skill and Talent (ARTIST) Act of 2023.” According to the Committee press release, the draft legislation is intended to “support creative economies and strengthen enforcement of current law and protections against counterfeit competition for Native artists and their works” and “reflects direct stakeholder input as well as years of Committee oversight and broad commitment to the protection of Native cultural patrimony and revitalization of Indigenous languages.” A link to the text of the discussion draft may be found here. A link to a one-page summary of the discussion draft may be found here. 

Deadlines: The Committee is holding a listening session on the discussion draft today, April 26, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. EDT.  A registration link to participate in the session may be found here. A link to the live video of the event may be found here. In addition, the Committee is accepting written feedback on the discussion draft, and comments are due by May 19, 2023 to Artist@indian.senate.gov.

Interior Update: 

Proposed Amendments to Regulations Implementing the Indian Arts and Craft Act

The U.S. Department of the Interior (Interior) wants to hear from Native artists regarding proposed changes to how the Indian Arts and Crafts Act is implemented. “Arts and crafts are important to Native communities, both culturally and economically,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “Updating these regulations to include modern forms of art and craft work will support Indigenous artisans and craftspeople.” A link to the proposed changes may be found here. Starting this month and running through August, Interior is holding a series of listening sessions regarding the proposed changes. Questions to be discussed at the listening sessions include whether revisions sufficiently account for the range of Indian arts and crafts that Indian artists are presently creating and whether the law should apply to Native Hawaiian Organizations.

Deadlines: Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 1, 2023 to consultation@bia.gov.  In person listening sessions and tribal consultations are ongoing now. The first virtual tribal consultation is scheduled for August 2, 2023 at 2 p.m. EDT.  A link to more information may be found here.

Legal News:

A Texas man has been sentenced in federal court for selling counterfeit Native American goods after fraudulently selling jewelry online by marketing it as “genuine Indian handcrafted”, “Native American Indian Handmade,” “Zuni” and “Navajo,” although the merchandise really came from a manufacturer in the Philippines. Kevin Charles Kowalis, 60, was sentenced to five years of probation for mail fraud and misrepresentation of Indian goods under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. “This sentencing is important in the fight to end this type of fraud,” said Assistant Director Edward J. Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. “Our dedicated team of special agents works on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to protect American Indian and Alaska Native artists and the consumers who purchase authentic Native American art and craftwork.” A link to the full press release may be found here.

More Information and Upcoming Events:

  • The Indian Arts and Crafts Board posts American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native American (AI/AN) art and craft marketing events that are judged on its website to promote authentic AI/AN products and as a service for potential consumers. A link to the webpage may be found here.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior are hosting an Inaugural Buy Indian Industry Day Matchmaker event today, April 26, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. The purpose of this marketplace is to provide an opportunity for Native American and tribally owned small businesses to engage directly with and present your company’s goods and/or services to contracting and program officials from HHS and Interior.  A link to more information may be found here. 

Explore the Earth and beyond

By in Printmaking

Explore the Earth and beyond
This weekend offers a plethora of nature- and space-themed activities and events to learn more about the world around you. If science isn’t your speed, however, there’s plenty more to do, including a soccer Fan Fest, a 5K around Lake Lansing, Taylor Swift cover shows and a Burlesque Extravaganza.

Marta Churchwell: Sculpture garden to grow even bigger

By in Native

Marta Churchwell: Sculpture garden to grow even bigger

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With its design as a reflective, nature-filled space, it seems only fitting that Mercy Park is filled with art, specifically the Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden.

The sculpture garden that is part of the park at 26th Street and McClelland Boulevard is a conception of Rotary Club of Joplin and Joplin Daybreak Rotary Club, and their vision just keeps growing. Since 2019, sculptures have been added annually with the total sitting at 19 today.

Next month, it will grow by six more sculptures.

The new pieces, bronze like all the park’s sculptures, are coming from the collection of the late Harry M. Cornell, who has left a large footprint in the local arts community. Cornell, the former president and CEO of Leggett & Platt Inc. at Carthage and a major art collector, was the lead donor in construction of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex at Seventh Street and Joplin Avenue.

His legacy will also include these six new sculptures in addition to those he had donated prior to his death a year ago.

Cornell had a penchant for Western art, so it’s not surprising that four of these new sculptures will be in Native American designs.

Two of them were created by Navajo artist and sculptor Ed Natiya. Based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, he is becoming one of America’s leading Native American artists.

One of Natiya’s life-size sculptures is an interpretation of two young lovers on their wedding day, the bride holding a vase symbolizing their uniting as one. His other sculpture is a depiction of a Native American eagle dancer, which honors the connection between man, animal and earth.

A third sculpture in a Native American style is by the late Joe Beeler, a Joplin native who became a nationally acclaimed Western artist and sculptor. His piece is the image of a flute player sitting on a rock.

The fourth sculpture of Native American design features the image of a woman sitting on a rock. One of the two other sculptures is the image of a child feeding a rabbit and another is the likeness of two children with a flower container.

The Joplin Senior Center, which is adjacent to park, has volunteered to plant flowers in the sculpture’s container, said Barbara Hicklin, a member of Daybreak Rotary Club.

At this time, the Rotary clubs are working on acquiring bases for the sculptures, which will be followed by the pouring of concrete foundations for them. Sid Davis, a local Rotarian and contractor, will install the pieces sometime next month, Hicklin said.

Meanwhile, the Rotary clubs will host a work day at the sculpture garden from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6. The public’s help in clearing weeds, planting flowers, and laying mulch at the sculptures would be accepted.

Hicklin noted that people who are unable to assist during the cleanup may help through cash donations toward the costs of insurance and maintenance of the sculptures. While the city parks department maintains Mercy Park as city property, the sculptures are owned by a nonprofit named Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden, which is responsible for their maintenance and insurance, Hicklin said. Donations may be made at https://rotarysculpturegarden.org/donate.

The sculpture garden has become a popular attraction to Mercy Park, particularly for walkers. It was designed as a passive park with no play space because it is located on what the community considers sacred ground. It’s the site of Mercy Health Systems’ former St. John’s Regional Medical Center, which was destroyed in the 2011 tornado. Several people lost their lives there.

The park was selected for the sculpture garden because of its natural, contemplative setting with water features surrounded by a network of paved walkways that cut through the landscaping and a small meadow.

The idea of a local sculpture garden has its roots in the Benson Sculpture Garden at Loveland, Colorado. Local Rotarian Bob Headlee has family near Loveland and during visits there, he took trips to the Benson garden, which features more than 180 sculptures.

At Headlee’s urging, Hicklin and her husband, Jim, visited the Loveland garden, and upon their return they began brainstorming with Headlee about developing a local sculpture garden.

After the idea was pitched to the Rotary clubs and it was met with approval, a sculpture garden board was formed, and it began working with the city to develop the garden.

Dedicated in 2019, the garden began with nine contemporary and traditional sculptures. Three sculptures were added in 2020 and again in 2021, and four were added in 2022. Created by eight artists from across the country, the pieces were purchased and donated to the garden by local arts patrons, local Rotary clubs, and a Greeley, Colorado, anesthesiologist.

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“Udderly” Amazing Butter Cow Sculpture Coming to the Reno Rodeo

By in Sculpture

“Udderly” Amazing Butter Cow Sculpture Coming to the Reno Rodeo
RENO, Nev. – The “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” is churning up something extra special – the state’s first butter cow sculpture, carved by renowned artist Sarah Pratt, will be on display in the Double R Marketplace at the Reno Rodeo from June 15–24, 2023. The history of butter cows traces back over a century — the first buttery bovine made an appearance in 1903 at the Ohio State Fair. In 1911, J.K. Daniels sculpted the Iowa State Fair’s first butter cow and was succeeded by a select roster of famed sculptors, including Norma “Duffy” Lyon, also known as the “Butter Cow Lady.” Duffy crafted the illustrious butter cow at the Iowa State Fair for 46 years until her retirement in 2006 when she passed the reins to her long-time apprentice, Sarah Pratt. A Des Moines native, Pratt deftly chisels pure-cream Iowa butter into uncanny sculptures, including replicas of Superman, wild bison, the Apollo 11 mission, and of course, the beloved butter cow. Pratt is bringing her moo-ving artistry to the Silver State for the 2023 Reno Rodeo where she will sculpt a butter cow to be admired by thousands of visitors. Her creamy creation pays homage to farmers… Continue Reading

Guide and facts of 40th Gathering of Nations

By in Native

Guide and facts of 40th Gathering of Nations
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Tens of thousands of people representing hundreds of tribes are expected to celebrate the fortieth Gathering of Nations. The three-day event kicks off Thursday evening for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.The Miss Indian World pageant will take place Thursday evening, featuring 27 contestants. The more than two dozen women competing come from Canada and across the United States.The next Miss Indian World will spend the next year traveling globally to promote cultural awareness and diversity, along with the Gathering of Nation’s Pow Pow. The Thursday competition will see the winner crowned on Saturday at the Gathering of Nations pow-wow.The annual pow-wow, takes place at Tingley Coliseum in Expo New Mexico, is known to be the largest in the nation and Canada.More than 3,000 singers and dancers are expected to compete across several competitions. There will be more than 800 Native artists and traders displaying art and making some available for purchase.The four-decade celebration will see the return of its stage 49; a music stage that will play music on Friday and Saturday. The stage is setting the day theme for both pow-wow gatherings.The parking lot and ticket gates open each day at 9 a.m. Here’s how you can see the Gathering of Nations for yourself and others.Ticket informationEveryone over 2 years old must have a ticket to attend eventsMiss Indian World pageant tickets will be available to purchase at gate 8 of Expo New Mexico from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ThursdayTickets for the traditional presentations show for Miss Indian World will be on sale from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Albuquerque Convention CenterSaturday and Sunday event tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at gate 8 of Expo New MexicoPow-wow tickets will only be available for box office purchase Friday and SaturdayEvent scheduleThursday: The Miss Indian World presentations will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Kiva Auditorium at the Albuquerque Convention CenterFriday and Saturday: Pre-pow-wow presentations will start at 10 a.m. and end 15 minutes before the noon start time for the Gathering of Nations pow-wow at Tingley ColiseumStage 49 will provide an all-day theme for the two pow-wow days; Friday will be ‘Rocking the Blues’ and Saturday’s theme is ‘Funky Reggae’The pow-wows will conclude with a singing and dancing competition Parking For Thursday parking at the Albuquerque Convention Center, primary parking will be at the convention center garage located at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Broadway.Other parking spots Thursday will be available at the civic plaza garage on Marquette and 3rd Street. Parking at Expo New Mexico for the two days of pow-wow gatherings will be at gates 7 and 8 with handicap parking available.Parking fees will be charged for all three-day event locations.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

Tens of thousands of people representing hundreds of tribes are expected to celebrate the fortieth Gathering of Nations. The three-day event kicks off Thursday evening for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The Miss Indian World pageant will take place Thursday evening, featuring 27 contestants. The more than two dozen women competing come from Canada and across the United States.

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The next Miss Indian World will spend the next year traveling globally to promote cultural awareness and diversity, along with the Gathering of Nation’s Pow Pow. The Thursday competition will see the winner crowned on Saturday at the Gathering of Nations pow-wow.

The annual pow-wow, takes place at Tingley Coliseum in Expo New Mexico, is known to be the largest in the nation and Canada.

More than 3,000 singers and dancers are expected to compete across several competitions. There will be more than 800 Native artists and traders displaying art and making some available for purchase.

The four-decade celebration will see the return of its stage 49; a music stage that will play music on Friday and Saturday. The stage is setting the day theme for both pow-wow gatherings.

The parking lot and ticket gates open each day at 9 a.m. Here’s how you can see the Gathering of Nations for yourself and others.

Ticket information

  • Everyone over 2 years old must have a ticket to attend events
  • Miss Indian World pageant tickets will be available to purchase at gate 8 of Expo New Mexico from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday
  • Tickets for the traditional presentations show for Miss Indian World will be on sale from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Albuquerque Convention Center
  • Saturday and Sunday event tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at gate 8 of Expo New Mexico
  • Pow-wow tickets will only be available for box office purchase Friday and Saturday

Event schedule

  • Thursday: The Miss Indian World presentations will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Kiva Auditorium at the Albuquerque Convention Center
  • Friday and Saturday: Pre-pow-wow presentations will start at 10 a.m. and end 15 minutes before the noon start time for the Gathering of Nations pow-wow at Tingley Coliseum
  • Stage 49 will provide an all-day theme for the two pow-wow days; Friday will be ‘Rocking the Blues’ and Saturday’s theme is ‘Funky Reggae’
  • The pow-wows will conclude with a singing and dancing competition

Parking

  • For Thursday parking at the Albuquerque Convention Center, primary parking will be at the convention center garage located at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Broadway.
  • Other parking spots Thursday will be available at the civic plaza garage on Marquette and 3rd Street.
  • Parking at Expo New Mexico for the two days of pow-wow gatherings will be at gates 7 and 8 with handicap parking available.
  • Parking fees will be charged for all three-day event locations.

Photographer Allen Morris Plays with Light

By in Photography

Photographer Allen Morris Plays with Light

“industry” by Allen Morris, from The Same Dirt project.

Meet the 2023 Hal Prize photography judge

Allen Morris. Photo by Skott Chandler.

We are only days away from the opening of the 2023 Hal Prize, and this year, we’ve been working with our partners – Write On, Door County and Peninsula School of Art – to create what we hope will be one of the best contest years yet.

Each month leading up to the contest’s close, we’ll introduce you to our four judges: Toya Wolfe, fiction; Edward McPherson, nonfiction; Sean Hill, poetry; and Allen Morris, photography, who is the featured judge this week. 

Morris is a photographic artist and an assistant professor at Black Hills State University in South Dakota. His bodies of work examine the relationship between humans and their environments, with a particular interest in the impact they have on the creation and evolution of human identity on social, personal and political levels.

What follows is an excerpt from a recent Door County Pulse podcast episode with Morris that has been condensed and edited for clarity. Listen to the full episode below.

Grace Johnson (GJ): Your style is described as “alternative processes,” which is different from what we have usually had in the photography category. Can you explain that style?

Allen Morris (AM): I have been a certified photo nerd for a very long time. One of the things that I think is really amazing about being a photographer is that, no matter what approach we take to the medium – whether we’re shooting editorial photos or more fine-art work – we’re kind of wizards, and we get to manipulate things with chemistry and light. 

In contemporary-art circles, it’s become this sort of space in photography where you don’t necessarily have to make printed images anymore. You can expand to light-based manipulation onto sculptures or drawings or paintings. That’s kind of in my wheelhouse these days.

GJ: Has there been anything that you’ve discovered along the way that has really stuck with you – something that you have wanted to try to get into?

AM: I think, for me, the world of photography is so wide open, and I get super excited about any aspect of it. I’m so happy to do any workshop or any class about any facet. But I think what really excites me is when students start to see and experience the photograph outside of the frame – whether that’s the printed frame or the viewfinder frame – and start to really think about not necessarily what a photograph is, or has been, but what it can be.

GJ: Do you have any advice for people entering the Hal Prize competition in the photography category?

AM: I think any opportunity that we have as self-described artists, or certified and pedigreed artists, to get our work in front of a jury or our peers – and fresh eyes – is absolutely worth its weight in gold. There’s something really amazing that happens in that process, when you put your work out into the world. 

Give it a try, and in the best-case scenario, you might win a prize. Worst-case scenario, you’ve got the experience of submitting work and working within those guidelines that are so common for galleries and competitions and those sorts of venues. I think it’s always worth a shot.

The 2023 Hal Prize competition opens May 1. Submissions are accepted in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and photography. Learn more about the contest and how to submit at thehalprize.com.

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