2015 State Native American Art Exhibit Cultural Preservation at the Atrium Gallery

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts presents the 2015 State Native American Art Exhibit, “Cultural Preservation” at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill. This exhibit is part of the 2015 New England Native American Culture Week.

Curator: Angel Beth Smith

Curator Statement: “Native American culture is rich with vibrant magnificence. The principles of oneness with creation and the Creator are the threads of life that have remained steadfast within Native American culture. The sacred way of being continues to influence and to sustain those who cherish their cultural heritage; thus, facilitating Cultural Preservation”. - Angel Beth Smith

Participating Artists: Joseph Brooks IV, Joshua Carter, Christian Goncalves, Graham Gruner, Douglas Lincoln, Cynthia Ross Meeks, Joe Merrill, Deborah Spears Moorehead, Elizabeth Perry, Johnathan Perry, Dawn Spears, Cassius Spears Sr., Loren Spears, Robin S. Spears Jr., Angel Smith, Angel Beth Smith, Yolanda Smith, Raymond Watson

Performances: Eastern Medicine Singers; Tony Bluze & Louis Jones

Partnerships: Eastern Medicine Singers, Moon Hawk Productions, Rhode Island College, National Park Service, Mount Hope Neighborhood Association.

Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill
Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) developed the Atrium Gallery to recognize talented artists from communities throughout the state. The Atrium Gallery hosts multidisciplinary exhibitions in partnership with diverse artists and cultural organizations. The gallery features a stunning tall glass ceiling with light that cascades into an open space surrounded by three walls of artwork. This has become a destination point for visitors and the many people who frequent the Administration offices at One Capitol Hill, while enriching the environment for hundreds of state workers in the building.

State Native American Art Exhibit
Native American Art Exhibition holds the distinction of being the first Regional Intertribal state art exhibit in partnership with Native American nonprofit organizations and artists. It is through these artworks that traditions, both old and new, evoke a story of cultural preservation. These exhibitions feature beautifully crafted folk and traditional art pieces, as well as newly created contemporary artwork.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. To learn more visit www.arts.ri.gov