Friday, March 8, 5 p.m.—RUTLAND— The Chaffee Art Center invites the community to its “Pieces of the Past” Native American exhibit opening reception on Friday, March 8 from 5-8 p.m.
The exhibit will feature a wide variety of items created by earlier generations and contemporary artists from the Abenaki and Mohawk people of the Champlain Valley region. This project is a result of the collaboration between the Chaffee, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, College of St. Joseph and Professor Kurt Fetter, and the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs. The first floor galleries will include clothing and accessories made for daily wear and special occasions, century-old baskets from both Abenaki and Mohawk artists, a beaded handbag made of tanned deer hide, jewelry, flags, a lacrosse stick, musical instruments, and other objects for ceremonial use. Visual arts include paintings, drawings in ink and charcoal, and photographs that reflect both Mohawk and Abenaki life.
“It is good to have a balance between ancient and contemporary,” said Professor Kurt Fetter of the College of St. Joseph, “otherwise a particular kind of narrative is propagated about indigenous people.”
Additionally, the second floor galleries will showcase the inspiring works of our Juried Chaffee Member Artists. There will be various media represented in both two and three dimensional work.
This event is free for all to attend and experience “Pieces of the Past” and the beauty of the arts showcased in the Chaffee’s 1890s historic mansion. Mingle with artists and community members while enjoying food tastings, beverages, wine provided by Putney Mountain Winery, music, culture and art.
The Exhibit will be on display until April 26.
The Chaffee Art Center is located at 16 South Main Street in Rutland. For more information visit chaffeeartcenter.org.
