EVENT: USAO art exhibit to focus on American Indian woman
DATE: Aug. 5 - Sept. 7
 Tiffany Mayes, political science junior from Chickasha, helps assemble a triptych painting for USAO’s upcoming Native American Women art exhibit. The art show runs Aug. 5 – Sept. 1 in conjunction with the “Te Ata” world premiere production. This painting by Choctaw-Chickasaw artist Ronald Wayne Anderson is one of many pieces to be displayed by 12 Native artists. |
Coinciding with the theatrical world premiere of “Te Ata” the University of Science and Arts is hosting a unique Native American art exhibit that will bring to life the “real world” experience of the American Indian woman.
The opening reception is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Davis Hall Art Gallery. “Te Ata” premieres later that night at 7:30.
Curated by Gracemont artist Carol Whitney, the Native American Women exhibition explores Native American women from the experience of men, women, Indian and non-Indian artists.
“Through these diverse perspectives, I hope to avoid the predictable icons of romantic Americana,” Whitney said of the show. “Though enchanting, such images speak little to the real experience of the exuberant 21st century Native American woman.”
From documentary film to multimedia assemblages, photography to bronze sculpture, this exhibition will confront the viewer with unique and exciting interpretations of the subject, according to Whitney.
Whitney said she selected artists who are recognized as inventive practitioners of imaginative and challenging art.
“Each brings a unique vision to the subject through the presentation of a number of pieces,” she said. “In this way, viewers should come away with a broadened perspective of both the subject and a greater appreciation of each artist’s unique vision, techniques and talents.”
The exhibit will be unveiled as part of the “Te Ata” world premiere. Based on the life of Chickasaw storyteller Te Ata Fisher, who graduated from the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO) in 1919, the off-Broadway theatrical production tells the story of the Native storyteller who was named the first Oklahoma State Treasure in 1987. For more than 70 years, Te Ata performed a one-person show internationally. Among her audiences were U.S. presidents, governors, kings and queens.
Brought to life by award-winning Chickasaw playwright JudyLee Oliva of Albuquerque, “Te Ata” features a predominately Native cast from across the U.S. Tickets for the production are available by phone through the USAO Box Office at (405) 574-1213.
Beginning on opening night, the USAO Art Gallery will feature 12 artists including a memorial presentation of work by “Petas,” the Native and professional name used by Comanche-Kickapoo artist Wendy Mahsetky Poolaw who died earlier this year. Whitney said Poolaw, the great-great-great granddaughter of Chief Quanah Parker, was an extremely mature contemporary artist whose work spanned the worlds of mainstream and Native American art.
The exhibit includes a commemorative wall hanging featuring photos of Te Ata during her storytelling years. The quilted blanket was a fundraising project by the USAO Alumni Association for a future statue of Te Ata to be built in the Oklahoma Treasures Garden at the State Capitol.
The Native American Women art show runs Aug. 5 through Sept. 1. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, with special openings two hours before each performance of “Te Ata.” More information about the USAO Art Gallery is available online at www.usao.edu/gallery. Information about the world premiere of “Te Ata” is available online at www.TeAtaWorldPremiere.com.