New Exhibit Explores the Art of Native American Artists
FIRST AMERICANS, an exhibit featuring work by Native American Artists residing in Michigan/Anishinaabe Aki, will take place at The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) from November 9 through December 30, 2021.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is in Manistee, Michigan/Naaminitigong-Anishinaabe Aki on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabe people. The RRCA recognizes that the contributions, culture and identity of our Native American community are an important part of our city’s vitality and a too-often overlooked part of both this city’s and this state’s history.
It is in this spirit that RRCA invited Native American Artists who reside in the state of Michigan/Anishinaabe Aki to submit works of contemporary Native American Art to be featured in this year’s show FIRST AMERICANS. This exhibit is dedicated to our country’s first Native American cabinet member, Deb Haaland, and will be on display during National American Indian Heritage Month.
This exhibit features Artists Suzanne Cross, Marcella Hadden, Judy Jashinsky, Jamie John, Cecelia LaPointe, Michelle Lucas and George Martin. Shirley Brauker and Daniel Mena will also have pieces on display that are on loan from the Dennos Museum. The show includes mixed media, paintings, ceramics, poetry, and photography.
FIRST AMERICANS is co-chaired by Lisa Allen and Judy Jashinsky. The idea was brought to the RRCA by a local Native American Artist and the Manistee Area Racial Justice and Diversity Initiative (MARJDI). The RRCA strives to reflect the community’s need for diversity, inclusion, and equality. Through fine and performing arts, the RRCA continues to educate the community about diversity, inclusion, and equality to broaden community awareness.
FIRST AMERICANS takes place at Hardy Hall in the RRCA from November 9 through December 30, 2021. Gallery hours include Tuesday - Friday 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Wednesday evenings until 7:00pm and Saturday from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. The opening reception is on November 13, 2021 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Registration for the exhibit is free. For more information, visit RamsdellTheatre.org.
