Penelope S. Minner

Seneca Turtle Clan

Media: Black ash splint basketry, cornhusk work, graphic art, watercolor

Artist Statement:

My parents were very artistic, traditional craftspeople of their time. My father, Lester Jimerson was a traditional wood carver and mask maker. He made horn rattles and turtle rattles and traditional Seneca headdresses, while my mother, Hazel would make traditional cornhusk dolls, cornhusk mats and salt bottles. They both have works in the Smithsonian Institute collections.

Traditional arts and crafts were commonplace in our household. I learned much from watching them. I also learned a lot about basket making from the cousin, Midge Dean Stock. I feel that through my talents I am able to share their spirit with others to pass on to the next generation and to those who are willing to learn.

Over the last 8 years I have worked within the community to teach black ash splint basket making and cornhusk doll making, though I have been practicing the craft since 1998. The basket making process is time consuming and labor intensive and because of that, many new students find it is not for them. Finding a dedicated student to who I can pass this along and keep the tradition alive is a true pleasure.

Residing on the Allegany Reservation in Western New York. I have done demonstrations for the Iroquois Indian Museum, the Seneca Nation (various departments), SUNY Fredonia, Fenimore Art Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian in NYC. In 2019, three of my art pieces were acquired for the National Museum of the American Indians permanent collection, a life long dream.