Date: Fri 24-Sep-1999

Publication: Ant

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Native-American-craft

Full Text:

Contemporary Native American Craft Exhibition At American Craft Museum Through

October 10

(with 2 cuts)

NEW YORK CITY -- One of the most comprehensive survey exhibitions ever devoted

to contemporary Native American craft is currently being held at the American

Craft Museum. "Head, Heart, and Hands: Native American Craft Traditions in a

Contemporary World" celebrates the rich variety of work being produced by

contemporary Native American craft artists, and explores how they are

incorporating tribal traditions into modern artistic visions. Following its

presentation in New York through October 10, the exhibition will conclude its

national tour in Florida.

Organized by the Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery and curated by Brion

Clinkingbeard, curator/director of Exhibitions, Kentucky Art and Craft

Foundation, "Head, Heart, and Hands" features over 50 works in a wide range of

craft media, including pottery, painting, sculpture, jewelry, carving, glass

blowing and weaving. The exhibition illustrates the innovative ways in which

Native American artists are combining the techniques, forms, and imagery of

their ancestors with contemporary art trends, influences and materials to

create a unique body of work.

"The American Craft Museum is delighted to present this exhibition," said

Holly Hotchner, director of the museum. "Head, Heart, and Hands" will be a

rare New York presentation of contemporary Native American work and will

introduce many new audiences to the extraordinary achievements in

non-traditional Native American craft today."

With over 500 Native American tribes in the US, there are many diverse

personalities, cultures, and traditions in the Native American experience.

"Head, Heart, and Hands" includes works by artists from over ten tribes,

including Hopi potter and sculptor Al Qoyawayma, Isleta glass blower Tony

Jojola, Cochiti Pueblo potter Diego Romero, Navajo jeweler Harvey Begay,

Choctaw beadworker Marcus Amerman, and Navajo/Seminole fiber artist Margaret

Wood, among others.

"Philip Morris is proud to sponsor this unique and important exhibition

throughout its national tour, and we are pleased to be working with the

American Craft Museum in its presentation of this vibrant show," said

Stephanie French, vice president, corporate contributions and cultural

programs, for Philip Morris Companies, Inc.

In many Native American cultures, there exist myths about the origins of

basket making, weaving, pottery and other craft traditions. An underlying

theme in many of these myths is that the idea, the use, and the form for the

craft came to an artist in a vision. The vision stipulated everything about

the craft, including what material to use and where the material could be

found. Today, through modern influences and materials, these traditions have

evolved and been adapted, yet the foundation for ideas and forms embodied in

the various craft traditions remains deeply rooted in the Native American

cultural history.

In conjunction with "Head, Heart, and Hands," the museum will also be

exhibiting "The Hope Series," a set of four original blankets commemorating

specific Native American tribes. Commissioned by the American Indian College

Fund, which supports Native American college students nationwide, the blankets

were designed by Arthur Amiotte, George Hunt, Jr, and Tony Abeyta, as well as

Wendy Ponca, whose work is also included in "Head, Heart, and Hands." The

numbered limited edition of 1,200 blankets based on each design were produced

by Pendleton Woolen Mills, and all proceeds will go to the Fund.

The American Craft Museum is located at 40 West 53rd Street. Hours are

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 10 am until 6 pm;

Thursday until 8 pm. For more information call 212/956-3535.