Press

The New York State Museum today announced the acquisition of twenty-one new works of art by eighteen artists from Native American Nations in New York State. From baskets and beadwork to modern art, the newest additions celebrate the traditional roots of Native American artistry through modern expression. An exhibition featuring the artwork is scheduled for fall 2014.

"The Board of Regents and the State Museum are pleased to add twenty-one works of art by talented Native American artists from across the State to our collection," said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. "We have collected Native American cultural items since the 1840s. The collection was developed to work with Native American communities in the acquisition of artwork that best represents their cultures and history."

The artists and their work include:

David Fadden, Mohawk
At the Social, acrylic on canvas painting

Ronni-Leigh Goeman, Onondaga, and Stonehorse Goeman, Tonawanda Seneca
Blue Heron with Baby basket, made with black ash, sweet grass and moose hair with moose antler and buffalo horn carvings

Tony Gonyea, Onondaga
Two-Row Wampum Belt, made with ceramic beads, deerskin, and sinew

Brenda Hill, Tuscarora
Pot with Wampum Bead Rim, earthenware with wampum bead inlay
Bear Comb lid and dish, earthenware

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

Mary Jacobs, Seneca
New Age Hat, velvet with raised beadwork and satin ribbon

David Martine, Shinnecock
Mandush, Shinnecock Sachem of the 17th century, acrylic on canvas painting

Towanna Miller, Mohawk
Residential School, acrylic on canvas painting

Penny Minner, Seneca
Corn Wash, Market, and Tote/Purse baskets made of black ash

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

Bryan Printup, Tuscarora
Ring Bearer Cushion, velvet with raised beadwork

Sheila Ransom, Mohawk
Bird’s Beak, black ash and sweet grass fancy basket

Natasha Smoke Santiago, Mohawk
Emerging Corn (Belly series), densite, acrylic & raffia sculpture

Alyssa Schmidt, Seneca
Beaded hair ornament and earrings

Antoinette Scott, Seneca
Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash, cornhusk dolls with traditional beaded clothing

Samuel Thomas, Cayuga
Bandolier Bag, wool and cotton with glass seed beads, 14 karat gold beads, and satin ribbon

Carson Waterman, Seneca
Man with Gustowets, acrylic on canvas painting

Photos of some of the artwork from the collection are available at:http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/PRkit/2014/NativeAmerican/.   

The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 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.