Local Native American Art Abounds
 | Author:
Dee Gannon
MT43 News Correspondent |
Local Native American Art Abound Dee Gannons The wind blew in some wonderful sights, sounds, and smells to the Bird’s Nest on Sunday, November 6 as Native American Heritage Month kicked off with local artists presenting their talents.
The vision of this event was to bring our local Native American community together, providing a platform where they could display/sell their art, jewelry and food.
Let’s start with Takota (Bruce) Oldham’s infamous frybread. Covering it with taco makings are Sarah Tallwhiteman and her daughters, Tatiana and Kianna; of course, after helping Takota in the preparation of the frybread. Lessons forever remembered.
If the smell of tacos wafting outdoors isn’t a draw, the beautiful artwork outside will convince you to examine the beautiful artwork of TeeJay Hemsworth, who, wearing her Native regalia, is a showstopper. Every design, and every accessory, on her dress has its own meaning. She has been using different media for her art for as long as she remembers. “I always used my art as an escape from the life I was living when I was young. Now, I use my art to celebrate my life; and my life as a Lakota-Sioux.” She also brought a jingle dress and a ribbon dress; again, these have specific meanings and uses.
Amy Lee Smith, a Seminole-Cherokee, sitting with TeeJay, brought some of her rattlesnake vertebrae jewelry to sell; as well as a pair of baby moccasins (her first ever). Amy has since sold a few pairs of mocs and is hard at work hand-sewing and beading them. Amy makes chokers, necklaces, and earrings out of rattlesnake vertebrae. She says “Nature inspires my designs; using claws, teeth, vertebrae and feathers whenever possible”. And, it works to Amy’s advantage, as she crafts beautiful jewelry, always presented to the bearer with a deep smile, a hug, and a blessing. Amy’s Aunt Mary was a sculptor from Helena, Montana; so, it seems that art runs in her blood.
No one was overlooked…kids had a blast, and played ring n’ stick; a game played by Native children.
Laura Stevenson, the organizer of the event, wants to thank the presenters, the participants, and everyone who stopped to see what was going on. “I especially want to thank Birdi Kribs, of the Bird’s Nest for allowing us the space for this event. My vision is that there be more events like this; not having to wait for a special day or month.”
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Dee Gannon
Image 1 Caption: TeeJay Hemsworth and Amy Lee Smith
Image 2 Caption: Tee Jay Hemsworth showing her art cards
Image 3 Caption: Fry Bread Taco
