Press

The New York State Museum today announced the addition of eight new artworks to its contemporary Native American art collection. Building on an initiative launched in 1986 and now numbering more than 150 objects, the contemporary Native American art collection consists of modern artwork that speaks to issues relevant to Native American communities and all communities in New York.

The artists and their work include:

• “Dreaming of Wild Foods”, Gail Tremblay (Onondaga/Micmac), basket woven with film
• “Nothing Happened #2”, Jeremy Dennis (Shinnecock), digital C-print
• “Condolence Cane”, Noel Chrisjohn Benson (Oneida), carved wood and antler
• “Ageswe'gaiyo'”, Luanne Redeye (Seneca), oil on panel
• “Treaty Calico Series”, Dawn Dark Mountain (Oneida-Wisconsin), series of four watercolor and beadwork artworks on manipulated paper

“These contemporary artworks celebrate the traditions of Native American artistry and explore the culture of New York’s First Nations,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa. “We’re honored to collect these extraordinary artworks and share them with the children and adults of New York State.”

“We’re proud to celebrate the cultural heritage of Native Americans in New York State through the State Museum’s contemporary Native American art collection,” said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia. “These artworks are also an educational opportunity as they represent Native American culture today that is deeply rooted in tradition and an important part of New York State’s history. We’re thankful to the artists for sharing their craftsmanship, artwork, and heritage with the people of New York.”

“We’re proud to add eight new artworks created by Native American artists throughout the state to our permanent collection,” said Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education and State Museum Director Mark Schaming. “For decades, the State Museum has worked with Native American communities to collect contemporary works of art that represent the culture, history and artistic direction of these talented artists.”

The Contemporary Native American Art Collection is part of the State Museum’s Ethnology collection; the new artworks will significantly contribute to future exhibitions, educational programming, and research publications.

Photos of the newly acquired artworks are available here: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/about/press/kits/recent-acquisitions-contemporary-native-american-art-collection-2017. 

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.