The New York State Museum will open a new exhibition featuring contemporary Native American artwork on December 13, 2014. Represent: Contemporary Native American Art features twenty-one artworks created by eighteen artists from Native American Nations in New York State.

On display in Crossroads Gallery through September 20, 2015, the exhibition features a variety of contemporary Native American artwork. From baskets and beadwork to modern art, the artwork celebrates the traditional roots of Native American artistry through modern expression.

“This year the State Museum acquired twenty-one artworks created by Native American artists throughout the state to add to our permanent collection,” said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. “The Museum worked with Native American communities to collect contemporary works of art that represent the culture, history and artistic direction of these talented artists. Now we are pleased to premiere this important collection at the State Museum.” The Board of Regents and the State Museum are dedicated to educating New Yorkers and visitors to the State Museum about the State’s history. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a variety of free educational programs about Native American art throughout the run of the exhibition. The first family program, “Family Fun Day: Native Peoples Art”, will be held on Saturday, December 20 from 1:00 – 4:00pm.

The Museum will also host a public opening reception for the exhibition on Sunday, December 14, 1:00 – 3:00pm. Light refreshments will be served. The reception is open to the public; no RSVP required.

The artists and their work include:

David Fadden, Mohawk
At the Social, Acrylic on canvas

Ronni-leigh Goeman, Onondaga, and Stonehorse Goeman, Tonawanda Seneca
Blue Heron with Baby basket, Black ash, sweet grass, buffalo horn, moose hair and antler

Tony Gonyea, Onondaga
Two-Row Wampum Belt, Ceramic beads, deerskin, and sinew

Brenda Hill, Tuscarora-Choctaw
Pot with Wampum Bead Rim, Earthenware with shell inlay
Bear Comb Lid and Dish, Earthenware

Tom Huff, Seneca-Cayuga
Ancestors/Tree of Life, Brazilian soapstone with walnut base

Mary Jacobs, Seneca
Beaded Velvet New Age Hat, Velvet, glass beads, and satin ribbon

David Bunn Martine, Chiricahua Apache-Shinnecock/Mohawk
Mandush, Shinnecock Sachem of the 17th century, Acrylic on canvas

Towanna Miller, Mohawk
Residential School, Acrylic on canvas

Penelope Minner, Seneca
Corn Wash, Market, and Tote/Purse Baskets, Black ash

Roger Perkins, Mohawk
Bear Clan, Digital print, archival ink on canvas
I Pop Arted Tonto, Digital print, archival ink on canvas

Bryan Printup, Tuscarora
Ring Bearer Cushion, Velvet, glass beads

Sheila Ransom, Mohawk
Bird’s Beak Fancy Basket, Black ash and sweet grass

Natasha Smoke Santiago, Mohawk
Emerging Corn, Densite plastic, acrylic and cornhusk

Alyssa Schmidt, Seneca
Beaded Hair Ornament and Earrings, Glass beads, fabric

Antoinette Scott, Seneca
Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash, Cornhusk, glass beads, cotton fabric

Samuel Thomas, Lower Cayuga
Bandolier Bag, Wool and cotton, glass beads, 14 karat gold beads, and satin ribbon

Carson Waterman, Seneca
Man with Gustowets, Acrylic on canvas