Dec 31, 2016 – Feb 16, 2017
Protect the Sacred: Native Artists for Standing Rock
An Exhibition of Contemporary Indigenous Art in Tacoma
Curated by Asia Tail, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Protect the Sacred gave a voice to the diverse Urban Indian community of this region. As Native artists, we reject externally constructed expectations for people of color, who are often confined by the recognition of their ethnicity in the mainstream art world. This exhibition empowered Indigenous artists to represent themselves, whether in traditional or contemporary contexts. Through our work, we hoped to showcase the complexity of our cultures and identities, and broaden perceptions of Native American art.
Although the water protectors achieved an incredible victory with the permit denial, the fight is not over. So close to the inauguration, it is more urgent than ever to protect Native lands, rights, and sovereignty for future generations. All exhibition proceeds went to resist the DAPL at Standing Rock.
FEATURED ARTISTS:
Natasha Alphonse (Dené)
Christine Babic (Chugach Alutiiq)
Natalie M. Ball (Klamath/Modoc)
Peter Boome (Upper Skagit)
Bradley Castillo (Osage)
Anthony Duenas (Puyallup)
Alano Edzerza (Tahltan)
Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (Klamath/Modoc)
Ryan Feddersen (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation)
Lisa Fruichantie (Seminole)
Yatika Starr Fields (Cherokee/Creek/Osage)
Erin Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton)
Samuel Genia (Sisseton-Wahpeton)
Raven Juarez (Blackfeet)
Linley Logan (Seneca)
Geri Montano (Dineh/Comanche)
Nahaan (Tlingit)
Marvin Oliver (Quinault/Isleta-Pueblo)
Shaun Peterson (Puyallup)
Cheyenne Randall (Cheyenne River Sioux)
Sara Siestreem (Hanis Coos)
Fox Anthony Spears (Karuk)
Lisa Telford (Haida)
Jeffrey Veregge (Port Gamble S’Klallam/Suquamish/Duwamish)
Haley Waddington (Haida)
Melissa Woodrow (Wuksachi Band of Western Mono and Chicana)
Matika Wilbur (Swinomish/Tulalip)
and more!
BIG thank yous to hello, cupcake, Courtyard Marriott Tacoma Downtown, Spaceworks Tacoma, Mad Hat Tea Company, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and the Nisqually Indian Tribe for their support!
Events During the Exhibit
Opening Reception:
Third Thursday, January 19th, 6 – 9pm
Free and open to public
7PM: Blessing by Connie McCloud (Puyallup), and poetry by Sara Marie Ortiz (Pueblo of Acoma), Nahaan (Tlingit), and Erin Tail (Lakota/Northern Cheyenne/Cherokee).
7:15-9PM: Performance art by Christine Babic.
6PM-9PM: Nahaan will also be offering tattoos in the gallery, pre-schedule an appointment with him directly.
Event on Facebook
Native Art Mart & Closing Reception
Third Thursday, February 16th, 5 – 9pm
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Event on Facebook
Participating Vendors: Meka Clothing, Plain to Sea, Transcendence Design, Qu’Wutsun Made, Araquin Designs, and more…
Closing Reception was preformed by Arianna Johnny-Wadsworth
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