An art show that began as a degree requirement for arts student Miki’ala Catalfano developed into an annual, monthlong exhibition of 20 artists representing 14 native groups, filling a void of art shows addressing native issues. Now in its second year, the goal of “Our Story: Identity,” a native arts exhibition coordinated by the Native Arts Cultural Collective, is to represent the work of native artists from a native point of view. The exhibition showcases a spectrum of art mediums from drawing, painting, sculpture and fiber to native perspectives expressed in music, spoken word and film.
In addition to the permanent display, artists will demonstrate traditional native art forms, including basketry, jewelry and regalia. The exhibition also includes a “Native Market Day,” a marketplace for native arts and crafts.
The exhibition is a vehicle for an array of native voices: North State Native Americans, tribes from Southern California, the Southwest and Alaska, and native Hawaiian and Mexican expatriates with close ties to their indigenous cultures. The show begins with an opening reception and meet-and-greet with the artists, Saturday, Nov. 21, and ends with a special performance by native blues band Loose Arrow with Aaron Lucero, Saturday, Dec. 19.
What: Native Arts Cultural Collective presents “Our Story, Our Identity”
When: Nov. 20 to Dec. 19; Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays noon to 8 p.m.
Where: 1420 Yuba Street, Market Street Promenade, Redding
Cost: All events are free
Following is the “Our Story: Identity” schedule of special events:
Fri, Nov. 20 Event Opens
Sat, Nov. 21 Opening Reception, 5 to 8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 27 & Sat, Nov. 28 Native Films Weekend, 5 to 8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 4 Poetry Reading, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 5 Basketry Presentation, 1 to 3 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 11 Bear Grass Presentation, 6 to 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 12 Native Market Day, noon to 9 p.m.; Maidu Primitive Arts, 1 to 4 p.m.; ArtHop reception for “Our Story” artists, 6 to 9 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 18 Traditional Pit River Storytelling, 6 to 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 19 Performance by native blues band Loose Arrow, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
For more information, visit nativeartscc.org or email nativeartscc@gmail.com.
Adam Mankoski is a recent North State transplant who feels completely at home here. He enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Reach Adam at adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
