The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University will present an exhibition of works by several of the leading Native American Children's book illustrators from across the United States and Canada. Bringing to life themes of cultural tradition, family life and respect for nature, these award-winning artists reflect bold and dynamic visual trends in today's children's book illustrations. Through a myriad of richly diverse artistic mediums, each artist provides a unique approach to the illustrated story as well as a deep commitment to community and contemporary art.
"For nearly three decades, exhibitions and educational programming at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University have benefited from an ongoing partnership with local Iroquois communities," said Kate Koperski, the museum's director. "Working with Iroquois artists, educators and community experts, the museum has presented a wide range of Native artistic expressions from large scale contemporary installation art to traditional raised beadwork. This latest project takes us beyond our region's Iroquois communities to explore the culture and artistic expressions of Native peoples from across Canada and the United States."
The official title of the exhibition is in Tuscarora language (see illustration with this story). The English translation of this phrase is "Many Winters Ago," a traditional opening for story telling in the Native American tradition as tales were told around the fire. The illustrations chosen for this exhibition also tell stories, though painting, drawing and sculpture.
In addition to the visually compelling illustrations, the gallery where the exhibition is mounted will be transformed, evoking the interior of a traditional Iroquois long house. Locally produced documentaries featuring Native American legends and stories will be screened in an adjacent gallery. The museum is planning a variety of interactive activities and educational programming related to the exhibition. Docent tours for school groups and community organizations will be available as well.
Artists S.D. Nelson from Flagstaff, Arizona Erwin Printup, Jr. of Lewiston, NY will attend the opening reception and sign copies of their books. Other artists featured include Ron Hall, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada; Joseph Jacobs, Lewiston, New York; George Littlechild, Comox, British Columbia, Canada; Jonathan Warm Day, Taos, New Mexico and the late Michael Lacapa, Taylor, Arizona.
The exhibition opens Friday, February 1, 2008 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. with a special reception featuring artist book signings, a dance performance by the Native American Museum of Art Dancers and the Tuscarora School Dancers, as well as live music by PALE FACE (featuring Mark Porter jr., Elijah Porter and Chuck DeRose). The event is alcohol-free and there is no admission charge.
This exhibition has been made possible by the generous support of Joseph Anderson, New York State Assemblymember Francine DelMonte and the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
Exhibition partners includeBob's Olde Books (Lewiston, NY), Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc. (Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY), Native American Museum of Art (Niagara Falls, NY), Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe, Niagara Wheatfield School District/Tuscarora School (Lewiston, NY), PARP - Parents as Reading Partners, GoodMinds.com (Brantford, Ontario), Crayola (Easton, PA) and Quality Hotel & Suites (Niagara Falls, NY).
For more information, please contact
Michael Beam, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at 716-286-8286 or visit
www.niagara.edu/CAM.