Wunnegin ke keen nee ash (which in the Algonquin Native language means "It is beautiful, come and see") is the invitation from Deborah Spears Morehead of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe to the first annual State Native American Art Exhibit featuring work from Eastern Woodland artists at the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. This art show represents and showcases the creative expression of Native American traditional cultural bearers of the past, present and future. The work is on display now through June 29, 2012 at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill, a gallery space managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA).
The Eastern Woodland Native American Art Show is part of the New Visions/New Curators Series. This program is designed to support the next generation of artists and curators, primarily from communities of color in Rhode Island. The program, administered by Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, offers mentorships and opportunities to organize, curate and develop exhibits by individuals in the Asian, African, Latino and Native communities during the Atrium Gallery season.
The current show is curated by Deborah Spears Moorhead, a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribal Nation, with assistance from Loren Spears of the Narragansett Nation, including artists associated with the Tomoquag Indian Memorial Museum in Exeter, Rhode Island.
Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, said, "we are thrilled to present the first annual Native Arts exhibit in the Atrium Gallery's 2012 New Visions/ New Curators Series. This program encourages the development of new curators and gallery directors from communities of color, it also provides mentorship and opportunities to curate and organize exhibits at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill". The exhibit showcases a variety of folk and traditional artwork from painting to sculpture to jewelry. We hope people get a chance to view the exhibit of these wonderful Native artists."
Included in the first annual Native Arts exhibit are work by artists from the Penobscott, Passamauqoddy, Maliseet, Narragansett, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Wampanoag, Micmac, Abenaki and Nipmuc Tribal Nations.
The Atrium Gallery is located in One Capitol Hill, the state's main administration building, and is managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. It is open weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and closed on all State holidays.
A reception and awards program for the artists will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm in the Atrium Gallery. It will be presented in conjunction with Gallery Night Providence.
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.
About the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
The Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill was developed to exhibit the work of Rhode Island artists in the State Capitol Complex. It hosts exhibits on a rotating basis, in partnership with several State Agencies & Organizations. The art gallery enhances Capitol Hill as a destination point for visitors, as well as for the many people who visit Administration offices or attend conferences at One Capitol Hill. It also enriches the work environment for the hundreds of state workers who spend their workdays in the building.
