Mixed media Emerson array exhibits Indigenous artwork
While snow drapes the Gallatin Valley in white, a new group exhibit at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture offers a colorful and creative respite. “We Are Still Here and This Is Our Story” opens in the Jessie Wilber, Lobby and Weaver Room galleries January 8th.
Co-curated and featuring work by Indigenous women artists, the impactful exhibit intends to bring awareness to our nation’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.
This crisis is prevalent and widespread in North America yet its significance has been diminished for far too long. In 2016, almost 6,000 cases were recorded, a figure that is considered low due to underreporting and inadequate data. The recently passed Savanna’s Act is proposed to address some of these jurisdictional issues in respect to Indian Country and the failings of the law relating particularly to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls. The fight for recognition and support continues. We as a nation have a duty to speak out against injustice and ineffective law enforcement response to this widespread and critical loss of human life.
Kimberly in RED by Nayana LaFond
Participating artists include: Della Big Hair Stump, Cedar Bulltail, Grace Bulltail, Wozek Chandler, Monica Gilles-Brings Yellow, Rebekah Jarvey, Nayana LaFond, Carrie Moran McCleary, Salisha Old Bull, Susan Stewart and Olivia Rose Williamson.
The Emerson has provided a platform for these women artists to share their stories through contemporary art, beadwork, and fashion design. MMIP has impacted the entire Indigenous community with too many experiencing losses first hand. Please listen and lift up your voice to raise awareness and bring peace to these Native families.
Contributing artists will showcase their work in each of the Emerson galleries through Feb. 28th. Masks and social distancing are required.
Located at 111 S Grand Ave., the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture serves as a primary resource for the arts, arts education, and cultural activities in Southwest Montana. Learn more about this exhibit and other upcoming happenings at www.theemerson.org. •
