https://midwestfiberartstrails.org/native-fiber-art-exhibit-at-wmqfa/

I’m part of this show!

Just a few local Holiday shows and I’m almost through 2018. I’ve been pleased with everything I’ve done up through now, a few of us are still making baskets for the new additions to the SNI enrollments. I’ve got a co-hostess for craft nights at the OCC/SINM, they worked on moccasins and now some beaded ornaments, next month we are making a small basket from a kit. I’ll share the results, hopefully.

Contests to compete, entry deadlines, new work – I’ve got to look forward and see what I’ll be able to participate in. There are some show dates come and gone but plans still to consider others.

Maybe It’s just one of those days, I’m feeling older, glad I can share some of my time and talents with others but I could retire soon. My body feels the affect of what I was once capable of doing more and more. The Emerald Ash Borer has slowly taken this once abundantly available resource of the black ash tree. And like that erosion, I’m becoming discouraged also. It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation and the toll it is taking. Our environment is a precious commodity and we should be protecting it. Our minuscule harvesting is nothing in comparison to what the EAB has done.

I know by sharing what I can – I am preserving the knowledge with future generations in mind but with it comes emotions which I had not been aware or even prepared to come from my art. I’m sad, angry, indignant, reflective, hopeful, tired and proud. In my mind, my ancestors are behind me, giving me a knowing nod and a gentle smile and this gives me a warm comfort that I’m doing something right. Hope you have a good day, make memories, make art. Peace.

Another award winner at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s art Exhibit, “Native Voices” 2018.

A fellow artist encouraged me to enter, to show case my work and my diverse mediums. I was pleased when I learned I took home an award!

I think she’s fabulous. Used a popular green of the season for fall. She is now home among my tiny treasures.

I was among some fine artists this weekend and was pleased with being awarded third place in my category. I am always in awe of the creativity and originality of our Haudenosaunee people. It was a nice day of meeting and welcoming visitors to our newest facility and to share our art.

I was along side master basket makers from other territories and both are award winners in their own right, Ronnie Leigh Gorman / along with Stonehorse’s carvings that adorn her baskets and Robin Lazore from Akwesasne Territory. Their baskets were creative and just beautiful. My submission was a mini pack basket, and I’d say it was an honor to be considered with these ladies! I’m always floored to see their awesomeness! So, I’m pleased as pie, even if they don’t use spell check! Just ripping on a friend!

Sharing.

I’ll be set up at a few shows this month, first one at the Seneca Niagara Falls Casino for the Community Dinner on Wednesday, November 7 from 5-7 pm. Look for the vendors tables. There will be dinner, socializing, vendors and door prizes!!

The next show will be at the Salamanca High School for the Holiday PAWS show, all proceeds raised will go to EARS, this show is November 17th from 10-4. I’m set up with my sister and niece, come see us! There will be an auction to bid on Artists works also!

The following weekend at the new site of the Onohsa:gwe:de Cultural Center; Seneca Iroquois National Museum I am part of their Holiday Fine Arts Show 2018 and Holiday Art Market on November 24th from 11-8pm if you’re available stop by and check out the lovely new digs! And our art!

More shows in December, but I have a few orders to fill as well, busy busy. Maybe I’ll see you at one of these shows. I’ll post when I find out more!

Life doesn’t slow down and much of the time you just go with the flow. I had a difficult week in general but I presented my story and shared my passion for traditional basket making at the Buffalo Convention Center for the AFS.

Despite obstacles in our everyday, life is good but with it comes sadness, I lost one of my Aunties this week and felt heavy hearted. All the while dealing with my younger brother and his dependency on alcohol. He is on the road to recovery. Sometimes I feel physically, emotionally and spiritually drained. But I knew I had to finish what I started and knew she would want me to keep doing what I do.

So, by being around the new and interesting folks who wanted to know more, it helped me to get through a difficult time. I hope I was successful in getting my story across to the various visitors to our region. I’ve always known that “Art takes courage.” Because you are putting your whole self out there, in an emotional way, you are sharing who you are in a raw sense.

I heard later in a session, people thanked us, the Haudenosaunee people for showing them our authentic selves, we are real and it made me feel successful in our sharing. We are still here.

Even when I have a difficult time, “Art is Good Medicine”, it helps heal – the mind, the body and the soul. I hope you have a good day wherever you are. Much love.

I’ll be at Aurora Light and Bronze site at 23 Jefferson Street along with friends and other vendors this Saturday only! Stop by and visit us! I’m hoping it’s a warm day. Getting things prepped for a few other shows and classes. Always busy!

Stop by the Cultural tent at the Seneca Fall Festival in Irving at the Saylor Building parking lot from 11-5 both Saturday and Sunday. I’m part of the Artists featured under the tent along with others for the Black Ash Revitalization project. We will have pounders and demonstrations and there will be baskets for sale as well. Other artists will be Hayden Haynes (antler carving), Sam Jacobs (beadwork and moccasins), Jamie Jacobs (quillwork) and Ronnie Reitter (cornhusk and clothing). It’ll be a fun time, stop and visit, would love to see you!

I was informed I sold my hat at the Ganondagan site! I felt somewhat relieved. Just when you think it goes too long sitting on shelves. Aw well. I’m onto making more for the holidays, I guess. Or gift giving at least. Here’s a finished one. Each one is different so far, as they should be. My body feels the weather and I’m having one of those days, so one day at a time as they say! I’ll catch up with you again soon, a lot coming up in September so I’ve got to plan accordingly.

So, had some interest in the Hattie hats I had at the grand opening, and I’m in motion to prep materials.

Helped with a project here on the Rez. The SNI council present the newest members/births a welcoming basket. It’s not black ash but a small token that a friend, Jon and Eva thought of and we executed with some time. 15 for now so we are ahead of ourselves!

Have a Hattie in progress, dyed some red splints. Coming along nicely. Sweet grass smells so good! Just thought I’d share.