Reconnecting with Native art at The Eiteljorg
Over the last few years, there has been a rallying cry to diversify the media we consume. From our social media and books we read to the artists we support, films we watch, and even people we learn from. Starting this weekend, The Eiteljorg presents the greater Indianapolis community with the opportunity to learn, view, and shop at the 30th annual Indian Market and Festival. The event will feature work from well over 100 Native artists sharing and selling their art.
Patrons are encouraged to connect with the artists and learn about their process, works, history, and culture. The weekend’s festival also serves as a celebration of the grand reopening of the Native American Galleries inside the Eiteljorg museum.
Tickets can be purchased online and friends of theCityMoms receive $2 off with code THECITYMOMS.
“The art tells the story,” said Dorene Red Cloud, Associate Curator of Native American Art, sharing it’s not just an exhibit, but an opportunity to be transported to other places. Where, instead of a traditional chronological format, the multi-media galleries are organized by themes: Relational, Continuation, and Innovation.
In following these categories, many works from tribes within the Great Lakes region such as Miami, Peoria, Delaware, Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi from 1850 to today are displayed. Through the various works of art, a story of the Native relationships to tangible items in the world, such as animals, plants, and places, as well as the relationship to spirit and creation stories are brought to life. A goal throughout the galleries, shared Red Cloud, is to express how these relationships look not just centuries ago, but also today and moving forward.
Through a critical eye, the exhibit reminds patrons that native art has not always been shared accurately. Stereotyping and lack of education, have reduced non-Native perceptions of the true artistry of these tribes to commercial imagery like feathers or mascots. The gallery proves this to be far from true and that Native artists are still here and very contemporary.
“So much is based in tradition,” Red Cloud said of the art, “but tradition always evolves. Creativity is boundless.”
In addition to old and new traditional pieces of Native art, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles, modern elements such as photography and videography are available for viewing. Visitors will hear Native languages that are used today and learn from artists about their processes as many use new designs while still keeping old methods.
Red Cloud recommends museum visitors find the gallery’s guides within the exhibit as they are equipped with even more details and fun ways to interact with the collections. They are there to help create deeper experiences with the art thanks to tools like magnifying glasses and more opportunities to learn as they are prepped with knowledge of the galleries.
Encourage new and diverse creativity in your life and summer at the Indian Market and Festival for a date, with friends, or a solo outing! It is a fantastic opportunity for families as they offer plenty of activities for young visitors such as weaving, coloring pages, and a space to design and create their own art inspired by Native pieces.
The Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival returns on June 25 and 26. Tickets are $15 before the event and $20 at the gate each day. Youth under the age of 17 receive free admission and do not need to reserve a ticket in advance. Receive $2 off with code THECITYMOMS.
The newly reimagined Native American Galleries are a permanent exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum.
