SALAMANCA — Come to the Ohi:yo’ Art Market this Saturday at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino to celebrate Native American resiliency through art and culture. The event is free and open to all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center and Visit Seneca Nation at the casino’s event center, the art market will allow visitors to experience a juried art show featuring the fine works of approximately 50 Native American artists from nations all across the United States and Canada. Before the public event, an artist will be awarded a $7,000 Best of Show prize. The day’s events will also include Hodinöhsö:ni’ social dancing at noon and 2 p.m., a plant sale by the Seneca Nation’s Gakwi:yo:h Farms, programming by the Seneca Language Department as well as a multi-faceted children’s area and a demonstration space called Dwahšönih, which means “we make it together.” Dwahšönih is an interactive pop-up family area focused on Haudenosaunee cultural-arts-based learning for all ages. Visitors will work alongside artists and makers from the community to make objects to contribute to a larger piece of art that will evolve throughout the day. Cornhusk flowers will slowly form a wreath. Splints added by different visitors will come together to create a basket. Sewn squares will become a quilt and individual paintings will join together to make a mural, while everyone can enjoy eating traditional foods. The central area of the structure will create a safe space for the smallest guests to play and explore while being encircled by artwork of cornhusk dolls dancing eskanye, as imagined by Randee Spruce. Facilitators include artists and makers Angie Ferguson, Bernadette Scott, Chandra Maracle, Cheryl Graham, Courtlyn Jones, Dan Hill, Holly John, Kira Bloxsom, Lauren Jimerson, Leeora White and Marissa Manitowabi. “When the Seneca Nation of Indians opened the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center in 2018, part of our vision was to utilize the center as a true hub where we could celebrate and continue to grow public awareness of Native culture and traditions on a larger scale,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The Ohi:yo’ Art Market is an exciting step along that path.” Hayden Haynes, director of the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, said organizers hope the new juried art market will become an annual event that will blossom into a leading destination for years to come. “We want Native artists and our friends and neighbors from near and far to come together and join us in Ohi:yo’,” he said. “By sharing our creativity and works with one another, we can celebrate Native culture and resiliency through artistic expression.” The Ohi:yo’ Art Market builds on the success of a juried art competition show, established in 2018, which the Seneca Nation hosted for Haudenosaunee artists. By inviting all native artists to attend and participate, organizers hope to develop the market as one of the premier art markets in the northeast. Haynes said those shows were competitions while this new Ohi:yo’ Art Market event is more about Native American artists coming from all over to sell their art. He said, “In a lot of ways the competition is an incentive from not only a monetary standpoint but also from a recognition standpoint. “Part of the mission of the cultural center is to create a major Native American art market in the northeast because there really isn’t anything like that here for all Native American people,” he continued. “Out west, they have the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix, Arizona, and all those big shows that people come from all over the world to see. So, we are basically trying to establish a major art market in the northeast.” Because the northeast doesn’t have Santa Fe and Phoenix weather, Haynes said the best option is to utilize the event center at the casino. He said it’s a beautiful space to have the art market, rain or shine. The Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino is located at 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard in Salamanca. For information, visit senecamuseum.org or call (716) 945-1760.

SALAMANCA — Come to the Ohi:yo’ Art Market this Saturday at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino to celebrate Native American resiliency through art and culture. The event is free and open to all from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Presented by the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center and Visit Seneca Nation at the casino’s event center, the art market will allow visitors to experience a juried art show featuring the fine works of approximately 50 Native American artists from nations all across the United States and Canada. Before the public event, an artist will be awarded a $7,000 Best of Show prize.

The day’s events will also include Hodinöhsö:ni’ social dancing at noon and 2 p.m., a plant sale by the Seneca Nation’s Gakwi:yo:h Farms, programming by the Seneca Language Department as well as a multi-faceted children’s area and a demonstration space called Dwahšönih, which means “we make it together.”

Dwahšönih is an interactive pop-up family area focused on Haudenosaunee cultural-arts-based learning for all ages. Visitors will work alongside artists and makers from the community to make objects to contribute to a larger piece of art that will evolve throughout the day. Cornhusk flowers will slowly form a wreath. Splints added by different visitors will come together to create a basket. Sewn squares will become a quilt and individual paintings will join together to make a mural, while everyone can enjoy eating traditional foods.

The central area of the structure will create a safe space for the smallest guests to play and explore while being encircled by artwork of cornhusk dolls dancing eskanye, as imagined by Randee Spruce. Facilitators include artists and makers Angie Ferguson, Bernadette Scott, Chandra Maracle, Cheryl Graham, Courtlyn Jones, Dan Hill, Holly John, Kira Bloxsom, Lauren Jimerson, Leeora White and Marissa Manitowabi.

“When the Seneca Nation of Indians opened the Onohsagwe:de’ Cultural Center in 2018, part of our vision was to utilize the center as a true hub where we could celebrate and continue to grow public awareness of Native culture and traditions on a larger scale,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The Ohi:yo’ Art Market is an exciting step along that path.”

Hayden Haynes, director of the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center, said organizers hope the new juried art market will become an annual event that will blossom into a leading destination for years to come.

“We want Native artists and our friends and neighbors from near and far to come together and join us in Ohi:yo’,” he said. “By sharing our creativity and works with one another, we can celebrate Native culture and resiliency through artistic expression.”

The Ohi:yo’ Art Market builds on the success of a juried art competition show, established in 2018, which the Seneca Nation hosted for Haudenosaunee artists. By inviting all native artists to attend and participate, organizers hope to develop the market as one of the premier art markets in the northeast.

Haynes said those shows were competitions while this new Ohi:yo’ Art Market event is more about Native American artists coming from all over to sell their art. He said, “In a lot of ways the competition is an incentive from not only a monetary standpoint but also from a recognition standpoint.

“Part of the mission of the cultural center is to create a major Native American art market in the northeast because there really isn’t anything like that here for all Native American people,” he continued. “Out west, they have the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico, the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix, Arizona, and all those big shows that people come from all over the world to see. So, we are basically trying to establish a major art market in the northeast.”

Because the northeast doesn’t have Santa Fe and Phoenix weather, Haynes said the best option is to utilize the event center at the casino. He said it’s a beautiful space to have the art market, rain or shine.

The Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino is located at 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard in Salamanca. For information, visit senecamuseum.org or call (716) 945-1760.

Each summer, Native artists give visitors an inside look into their creative process at Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) through the Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program. It’s a rotating one-week residency at the Colter Bay Visitor Center and runs from mid-May to late September. Weavers, potters and makers of all sorts practice their craft in real time and visitors can learn about their creative process and its cultural importance.

The residency was previously known as the American Indian Guest Artist Program, but it’s going by a new name this year. Katie Tozier, the district interpretative ranger at Colter Bay, said the name change came after consultation with artists who’ve been involved in the program in the past.

“Some artists felt that the former name was really representative of them…and other artists felt like it was not a name that they appreciated, that “American Indian” felt dated and they felt like it was using colonizers’ terms. So, we updated the name and we feel that “Indigenous Arts and Cultural Demonstration Program” is the most representative and the most inclusive of the work that’s encompassed in the program,” she said.

The park recently released the line-up for this season of artist residencies, which has been going on for over four decades. The program is designed to emphasize that Native peoples have long-lasting and on-going ties to the land that is now known as Grand Teton National Park. The National Park Service recognizes 24 Associated Tribes to the area.

Tozier said many visitors only have an understanding of Indigenous cultures in a historic sense or in the past tense.

“One of the goals of the program is to put artists right in the present space of the visitor center demonstrating their work, whether it’s beadwork, or painting or quill work. They’re just right there having casual conversations with people in the visitor center,” she said.

The program is also designed to give artists a chance to connect with their ancestral homelands and participants are able to stay in an apartment at Colter Bay for the week with no cost to the artist. Tozier said some regularly returning artists, like Cherokee of Northeast Alabama painter DG House, have built up quite a fan club over the years.

“She sits in the space and paints these beautiful blue bears right there. There are visitors I know who scheduled their annual visit to Grand Teton National Park based on the week that she’ll be in the demonstration space,” she said.

In addition to the residency program, Tozier said the interpretation division at the park has been working on incorporating more Indigenous-focused education in their guided ranger programs and evening campfire programs.

“Regardless of topic, we’re encouraging our staff to try and find a neat way to tie in Indigenous perspectives and remind the public that there have been stewards here for thousands of years that predate Grand Teton National Park as a place,” she said.

Standing Rock Sioux artist Austin Kasto kicks off the residencies on May 20th and Shoshone-Bannock artists Willy and Debbie Lamere will close out the program from September 16-23. Artists will offer their finished items for purchase, and can also give live performances and talks about their art at the Colter Bay Amphitheater on Saturday evenings during their residency.

The park also coordinates with the Shoshone-Bannock tribe youth to the park through the week-long Indigenous Ground Leaders program and has hosted the Indigenous Youth Voices youth group, which supports young people from the Wind River Reservation and the Pine Ridge Reservation. In partnership with Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, youth and young adults can also participate in conservation career exploration and cultural education at GTNP, which ranges from three to six weeks.

The historic Englert Theatre in Iowa City recently served as the stage for a convergence of Indigenous creativity, hosting 25 Indigenous Iowa artists in a showcase featuring an array of vibrant and symbolic clothing designs. The collective effort marked the inaugural installment of what could become an ongoing series: “The Future is Indigenous” fashion show.

Among the artists featured in the show were individuals spanning generations, with participants ranging from ages eight to 75. Their creations, a fusion of traditional motifs and contemporary flair, paid homage to the profound cultural heritage embedded within Indigenous communities, and aimed to challenge and broaden societal perceptions of Native artistry.

Working to change stereotypes

At the heart of the initiative lies Alicia Velasquez, an artist and the proprietor of The House of Dotł’izhi, a boutique and gallery space in Iowa City dedicated to showcasing the works of Indigenous artists. Inspired by conversations with young Meskwaki women who felt marginalized in the art world, Velasquez embarked on a mission to redefine the narrative surrounding Native American artistry.

“In today’s society, when people think of Native art, they think of cowboys and Indians, right?” Velasquez said. “They think of the 1800s Native American art. They think of Santa Fe. And yes, that is labeled Native art, but why is it okay for other artists and other cultures to evolve, but we have to stay in the 1800s?”

“The Future is Indigenous” emerged from Velasquez’s resolve to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, creating a platform for Native artists to express their creativity without constraint. Reflecting on the genesis of the project, Velasquez remarked, “It really triggered something in me, like, ‘Wait a minute, this is not okay. This is so not okay. So how do we mix traditional techniques with our traditional art, but make it fashion-forward, right? Or put it in the mainstream?”

Questioning fashion with focus

The journey toward the fashion show found its creative hub within the walls of Iowa City’s Fab Labs, a maker space that offered ample opportunities for artistic exploration. Under Velasquez’s guidance, participants honed their skills in sewing and other crafts, while Kirk Cheney, the executive director of Fab Labs, lent his expertise to infuse their designs with a contemporary sensibility. This dual collaboration provided resources to build skillsets and opportunities for the young participating artists.

As Velasquez notes, “Indigenous artists have faced significant obstacles in accessing resources for their work, and systemic barriers and historical inequities have played a crucial role in hindering their efforts. These barriers can include limited access to funding, lack of representation in mainstream art institutions, cultural appropriation and challenges in preserving and promoting traditional art forms in contemporary contexts.”

For Cheney, the collaboration with Velasquez represents more than just a one-time event. It signifies an ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers for artists and fostering a culture of innovation.

“‘The Future is Indigenous’ was a natural fit for us, as part of our mission is to provide tech and tools to everyone,” Cheney said. “This is doubly true for people who are ignored or passed by in the current norms of society.”

The partnership between Fab Labs and Velasquez was facilitated by a grant from the University of Iowa’s Office of the Vice President for Research, as part of their community-engaged scholars program. The initiative aimed to investigate effective methods for culturally revitalizing teaching tailored to Native American youth.

An updated aesthetic

A standout feature of the project was the reenvisioning of the ribbon skirt, a cherished emblem of Indigenous culture adorned with vibrant ribbons and colors. Symbolizing Indigenous pride, identity and reclamation, these skirts were transformed with a modern twist. Some students even incorporated LED lights into the fabric, adding a dynamic visual element to the age-old tradition.

Velasquez highlighted the cultural significance of ribbon skirts as symbols of resistance against assimilation and cultural erosion, honoring the vital roles of Indigenous women and community members. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the versatile garments hold practical value, suitable for ceremonial gatherings or everyday attire, and embody the resilience and rich heritage of Indigenous peoples.

The fashion show not only showcased artistic talent, but also underscored the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous cultures. Velasquez emphasized the ways mainstream brands have historically exploited Indigenous creative contributions, making it crucial to acknowledge and honor their cultural legacy.

Reflecting on the collaborative process that led to the night of “The Future is Indigenous” show, Velasquez described the experience as profoundly healing, witnessing the unity of Indigenous elders and youth working in harmony.

For additional details regarding the Iowa City Fab Labs, visit the organization’s website. Velasquez’s store, the House of Dotł’izhi, operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday, and her Instagram account provides updates on her upcoming collections and other community events.

Seneca artisans will display their art on Saturday, May 18 for the opening of the newest exhibit at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center. The public is invited to welcome Native artists as they share their culture with beadwork, corn husk dolls, leatherwork, basketry, foods, and more, with a Seneca Artisan Showcase.

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) will celebrate the opening of their new exhibit “Creating Home: Indigenous Roots and Connections in the Appalachian Forest.” The exhibit explores the history and contemporary stories of Native American cultures with connections to the AFNHA region and their influence on Appalachian culture. The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, located at the Darden Mill, 101 Railroad Ave, Elkins, will be open to the public with free admission from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays, from May 18 through the end of October.

“Many people have been told that there were no permanent Native American settlements in West Virginia or that they just used this area for hunting. Yet the names and languages of Indigenous people remain on our landscape in place names like Seneca Rocks, Mingo, and Monongahela,” explained Eleanor Renshaw, AmeriCorps member with AFNHA, who led the exhibit’s development. “Our exhibit brings together Native stories and arts past and present, along with archaeological research, to show some of the many ways that Indigenous people have lived, loved, and created home in the Appalachian Forest since time immemorial.” 

The Seneca Artisan Showcase on May 18 will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will feature presentations and demonstrations on Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) art and culture by traditional artists from the Seneca Nation. There will also be artwork for sale and a community supper featuring Appalachian foods with indigenous roots (such as beans and cornbread).

Schedule:

9:30 – 5:30 Artisans showcase with vendor tables

Special demonstrations throughout the day:

9:30 Penny Minner – Split Black Ash Baskets

10:45 Bernadette Scott – Corn as Art

12:00 Chef Lorinda John – Three Sisters Fritters tasting

1:15 Mary Jacobs – Haudenosaunee Clothing From Coverings to Fashion

2:30 Samantha Jacobs – Moccasin Making

4:00 Cliff Redeye – Leatherwork (Leatherwork class Sunday 12-4, $25 by reservation)

5:30 Exhibit Opening Address – Joe Stahlman

Followed by supper featuring Appalachian foods with Native influence (supper by donation, RSVP encouraged)

There will also be a leatherworking class with Cliff Redeye III on Sunday, May 19 from noon to 4:00 p.m., during which students can make their own carved leather pieces. Reservations are needed for the limited space in the class, which has a $25 materials fee.

Some of the artisans will also demonstrate and sell their work the same weekend at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center; Cliff Redeye will demonstrate on Friday, May 17, and Samantha and Mary Jacobs will host demonstrations on Sunday, May 19.

AFNHA will host additional events throughout the summer and fall of 2024 as part of their “Indigenous Voices in Appalachia” program. The next event is planned for June 29 and will feature Indigenous dancers.

Admission to the museum and artisan event is free. Please RSVP for supper or leatherwork class to discovery@afnha.org or 304-636-6182. Visit www.afnha.org for more details, or contact afnha@afnha.org. This program was supported with funding from the National Park Foundation, The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, and West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area conserves, interprets, and promotes forest heritage to enhance landscapes and communities in the highlands of West Virginia and Maryland. AFNHA works with partners to accomplish this through community development, conservation, celebrating cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for transformational experiences. To learn more, see www.appalachianforestnha.org. AFNHA is a member of the National Heritage Area System.

It’s here where she learned how to draw, recreating the toys her classmates had that her family couldn’t afford. Her parents, incredibly proud of her, supported their daughter in any way they could.

When Norma started her own family, her husband David encouraged her to enter the Red Earth Show in Oklahoma City in 1995.

“I was sitting there, and I was looking, and I was thinking…boy, wouldn’t it be good if they called my name?” Howard said in an interview with the OSU Public Library’s Oklahoma Native Artists Oral History Series.

And call her name they did.

“They said first place, and they said ‘Norma Howard’…and it was just surreal,” Howard said.

This was the kickstart for Norma’s artistic career, which now boasts several awards.

Her unique watercolor paintings embody nostalgia by showcasing everyday life through a Native lens. Norma was represented by the Blue Rain Gallery in Sante Fe, New Mexico, where many of her illustrations can be seen today.

Tulsa Indian Club showcased Native American art, clothing and music at its Mother’s Day Art Market on Sunday.

Sunday, May 5th 2024, 10:10 pm

By:

News On 6

TULSA, Okla. –

Tulsa Indian Club showcased Native American art, clothing and music at its Mother’s Day Art Market on Sunday.

The event featured some local native vendors, a fashion show and live music from native drummers and singers.

It also showcased traditional songs and different styles of powwow dancing.

For a list of all the artists and businesses at the event, go to Tulsa Indian Club on Facebook.

A local Native American owned and operated art gallery opened a new exhibit on May 4 featuring art from emerging artists.