Ja:göh Samantha Jacobs, Lorinda John, Penelope S. Minner, Alicia Sanford, Antoinette Scott, Bernadette Scott, Kristina Tome, and Leeora White. On Saturday, May 13th, the opening reception of the current Tri-County Arts Council exhibit, Haudenosaunee Art of the Now – Survive, Alive, Thrive, featuring the works from the culminating show for Seneca-Iroquois National Museum’s artist in residency program funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development fund was a success.
This group show celebrates the unique traditions and experiences of each Artist in Resident (AiR) at the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. From beadworking and basket making to sewing and painting, the pieces showcase cultural survival, living heritage, and individuals thriving in their creativity. Artists live and work in both Allegany and Cattaraugus territories. These artists make regalia for family and friends. They regularly sell at local fairs and artist markets. They are community teachers and experts at their craft. Many have exhibited at Seneca Iroquois National Museum, Iroquois Museum/Howes Cave, and Ganondagan. A few works have found a home in the National Museum of the American Indian’s permanent collection.
Featured Artists:
• (Allegany) Penny Minner, Alicia Sanford, Kristina Tome, and Leeora Saraphine White.
• (Cattaraugus) Samantha Jacobs, Lorinda John, Bernadette Scott, Antoinette “Toni” Scott.
The exhibit is now open to the public in the Peg Bothner Gallery at TCAC, located at 110 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760! The show will run through Saturday, July 1st!
In the late summer of 2021, Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development grant funding came through for the Pathways to Success: Artist in Residency (AiR) Program at Seneca-Iroquois National Museum. A call for indigenous artists to apply went out in October 2021 with the help of Southern Tier West. Eight artists heeded the call from both Cattaraugus and Allegany territories. Each AiRs received a modest stipend to participate in various activities that would inspire them to create a piece of art that they would donate to the museum. This show at Tri-County Arts is an acknowledgment of the challenges met during this time, but more importantly, a celebration of the successes of overcoming obstacles and the creativity that arose as a result.
For more information on this and any other exhibits at the Tri-County Arts Council, visit the website www.tricountyartscouncil.org or call (716) 372-7455.
