At the Iroquois Indian Museum located in Howes Cave, NY, I assisted in an exhibit for Seneca basket makers from the Allegany/Cattaraugus Territory. Through the collections I selected a few baskets as well as included some contemporary baskets from our Territories. The exhibit will run from May-November, I made it out to see the exhibit and was pleased to be a part of the endeavor. A big Nya:weh going out to the staff and Colette Lemmon and Steph Schultz’s for their excellent work on this display. Stop by to see all of the featured mediums on display. A nice summer stop on this journey of ours.

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I’ll be demonstrating my basket weaving at the dig site at the McKendry site on Beebe Road in Irving, NY on June 1 from 9 am-Noon. The children will have a weaving activity nearby. Volunteers are welcome at the site. Stop by to see me!

I don’t know why I hadn’t shared this already, since it’s upon us now. This coming weekend in our area is the Routes to Art open studio tour. The Tri-County Arts Council is holding this event across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties here in WNY. May 18 & 19 I am going to be located at the new museum, Onohsegwe:de’ Cultural Center from 10-5 both days.

Stop by to see me and Jon Anne Capasso doing our artwork, me with my baskets and dolls and Jon with her bead work. There is a raffle with chances to win art work from each artist on the tour! Stop by and enjoy a treat with us and check out the new digs!

I have a class at the SNI library here on the Allegany Territory this week, making corn husk dolls. I have 6 students attending. We will be dressing them as well. I’m hoping it will be carried on or at least appreciated that much more. Shared my favorite story on why the cornhusk doll has no face. Everyone is coming along swimmingly! If I get a chance I’ll share pictures after tomorrow evening class! Keep making art!

The demonstration at the National Museum of the American Indian was a success and a most pleasant visit. I wish I had more time to explore. I had zipped around real quick through the exhibits and through the city. Another visit, I guess. I worked alongside Marissa Corwin, who put together an awesome display of the uses of Haudenasaunee White Corn. My part was to work with the public, braiding/weaving cornhusk. For the most part, the young ones picked it up quite nicely, talked about the tension and the similar technique for the cornhusk mat. Showcased my dolls and flower and other items made from the husk. There was other activities that related to the corn and more interactivity for the young folk. Overall, it made for a busy day, meeting and greeted a lot of folks to our culture and to use of white corn.

Normally, I do not post photos of folks but I just wanted to let you know, how grateful I was to work with these fantastic ladies. Both very intelligent and such good natured, we all had a good vibe going. I’m glad we had an opportunity to work together. Gaetana DeGennaro and Marissa Corwin brought me aboard and welcomed me with open arms on this part of my journey. I am thankful.

My husband and I had a chance to have dinner with old friends from up North of the city, we had a great visit. I’ll admit I was exhausted both days afterwards and just wanted to relax. I was thankful for my husbands prior experiences driving in the city. It made for an easy trip. We both agreed another visit was in order with a little planning but it was an awesome experience.

Now, back to the 11 other projects I was working on…enjoy! I’ll be back with more updates. Keep making art.