Onosahgwede Cultural Center Showcases Haudenosaunee Artists
March 2023 | By Jessica Schultz | ellicottvillenow.com
How do you blend history with the present? How do you tell a story of things long passed to the newest generation? How can you make learning these things fun? The Onösagwë:dë Cultural Center has the answer. The Haudenosaunee Spring Art Show returned for its 2nd year, March 25, 2023. It was the perfect opportunity to share the culture – then and now – with all those interested.
This was a juried art show for Haudenosaunee artists ages 18 and up. The purpose of the event was to give artists a professional venue to show and market their work while also making it more accessible to the general public.
Acting Director Hayden Haynes stated, “We are making this an annual event. We hosted the first one back in 2018 and then everything with Covid happened and plans had to change. Now that things are working their way back to normal, we’re happy to bring it back. We want to thank some of our sponsors, the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) President Rickey Armstrong Sr, SNI Treasurer Matthew Pagels, and the SNI Council Office. Their continued commitment to supporting the cultural center in every aspect is vital to our success.”
According to Haynes, dozens of professional artists, museums, and galleries from New York and Pennsylvania were invited to the Salamanca venue. “Our goal is to stablish and sustain an annual show of exquisite Haudenosaunee arts,” he explained. “We are doing this show in the beginning of the calendar year so our guests can get a glimpse of the artists’ newest, most recent projects.”
The Spring Art Show featured five categories for artists to enter in: Paintings, Drawings and other Mixed 2D Media; 3D Fine Art (like sculptures); Beadwork; Basketry; and Traditional Arts.
“Art is rooted deep in our culture. The story of our peoples cannot be told without including the things our ancestors made,” said Haynes. “Their contributions to our culture (especially before historic record), coupled with oral history are the reasons why we have the understanding of who we are today. That is why art is important. We honor and remember our ancestors’ contributions by showcasing our art and culture in the present.”
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category, a best of show award and the juror’s choice award. The total purse was well over $10,000 dollars.
Roughly 30 artists showcased their works. If you didn’t make it, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm daily, closed Saturday and Sunday. You can always reach out by calling 716-945-1760 to book a private tour.
Visit senecamuseum.org to keep up-to-date on new exhibits and other upcoming events.
Winners
Best in Show – Kiera Pyke (Mohawk) New Beginnings
Jurors Choice – Anna Thompson (Mohawk) Modern Bandolier
2D Winners
1st- Candace Snook (Mohawk) Aonönhkwa’- Her Medicine
2nd- Victoria Ransom (Mohawk) Eagle in Flight
3rd- Marjorie Skidders (Mohawk) My Ancestors are Strong
3D Winners
1st- Katsitsionni Fox (Mohawk) Shohiiakhon – He has Gone Back to Pick Fruit
2nd- Brennen Johns (Seneca) Yadënöta’
3rd- Jodi Lynn Maracle (Mohawk) Caroline Parker Didn’t Ask for This
Basketry Winners
1st- Holly Pyke- (Mohawk) Blue Waves
2nd- Kimberly White-Atkins (Mohawk) Black Hearted Valentines Vase
Beadwork Winners
1st -Sayokla Kindness Williams (Oneida) Uplifting Skana in 2022: The Year of Genocide
2nd- Alyana Jimerson (Seneca) I Can Buy Myself Flowers
3rd- Karlene Familo (Seneca) A Set for a Queen
Traditional Arts Winners
1st- Tsyoy^thu Adriana Poulette (Oneida) Seed Saver
2nd- Rohsennase Dalton Labarge (Mohawk) Tsâ:ta Nihâ:ti Tehatinonniâhkhwa Kaion:ni (The 7 Dancers Belt)
3rd- Darice Sampson (Seneca) Onondowaga Treaty Shirt 1794
Honorable Mentions
Linley Logan (Seneca) Neo:ge’ in the Matrix (Linoleum Print)
Sayokla Kindness Williams (Oneida) Takwehya:lak: Remember Us All (Ancestors)
Sam Jacobs (Seneca) The Champ
Penelope Minner (Seneca) Cornhusk Turtle
Cliff Redeye III (Seneca) Rise
