This exhibition was a powerful opportunity for Native artists to exhibit in a venue that was built to celebrate Native culture. It was a gathering of artists and audience from different backgrounds to share ideas about the many dimensions of the blanket as a symbol. 

There is still work to be done to share stories from the 2019 gathering and to continue the discussion started with Native communities in this region. 

DATE : May 25th, 2019 (past)
LOCATION : the Wallowa Nez Perce Homeland within their longhouse. Located in NE Oregon, the Homeland is sacred land for the decedents of Nez Perce and Cayuse people. Many are familiar with the 1877 flight of Chief Joseph's Nez Perce.

Five Native artists created new work exploring the blanket as a symbol in contemporary Native American culture. The participating artists descend from the indigenous people of the Plateau, NW Coast, and the Pacific Islands. The group includes established, mid-career, and emerging artists.  #sharingblankets

This campaign is to match the generous grant from the Potlatch Fund awarded to the exhibition in December of 2018. 

The Longhouse in the Wallowa Homeland, Oregon


EXHIBITING ARTISTS

Joe Feddersen, Black Horse in the Distance (monoprint with spray paint, relief, collage, acrylic)

Britt Rynearson , Water Quilt (hand dyed and pleated)

Paige Pettibon, Buffalo Pendant (beads and leather)

Celeste Whitewolf, Woven Orca

Roquin-Jon Siongo, Patterned Pouch