About Spotlight Talks with the Curator
Join The Trustees Associate Curator of Native American Art, Tess Lukey, member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah, for Spotlight Talks in the Wayside Gallery.
Tess will share pieces from the Fruitlands Museum Native American collection, explain their significance and her research as work is underway to reimagine museum exhibitions.
While this program is offered free with admission, space is limited. Please book your seat by registering in advance.
Each month’s spotlight talk will highlight a different piece from the Fruitlands collection.
- June 17 | Aquinnah Wampanoag clay vase: The artist who created this work was from the Aquinnah Wampanoag community. It was at a time in the 20th century when tourism was at its height on the vineyard and artworks by native artists were in high demand. This piece represents the intersection of traditional materials with a euro-american form and function.
- July 15 | Raven Releases the Sun mask created by Tom Patterson (Nuu-Chah-Nulth): Tom Patterson of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth community on Vancouver Island, BC created this transformation mask in the form of Raven. This work titled, Raven Releases the Sun, features the culture hero and trickster, Raven, who is believed by tribal communities on the northwest coast to be the creator of the daytime.
- August 12 | Alaskan/Northwest Coast Walrus Ivory Cribbage Board: A familiar game board to many is the cribbage board. This walrus ivory cribbage set is unique both in its form and material. Featuring carved images of walruses and seals, the Native American artist from Alaska who created this work was likely making for the burgeoning tourist market that was beginning to flourish in Alaska in the 20th century.
- September 30 | Chippewa Bandolier Bag: The shape and form of Bandolier bags are based on those carried by European soldiers armed with rifles who utilized the bags to store ammunition cartridges. This work made by a woman and owned by a Chippewa man features intricately beaded floral imagery derived from the plants in the environment of their homelands where it was created.
- October 21 | Blackware pot with lid by Maria and Julian Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo): Maria and Julian Martinez (San Ildefonso Pueblo) are known for their revival of the blackware pottery tradition now synonymous with San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos in New Mexico. This ceramic work derives its black surface from the smoke of the firing process.
