Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1511496
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 14 UCW November 15-21, 2023 Arts Council to hold "Still Here, Still Native" exhibition by STAFF REPORT e Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County is hosting its second annual "Still Here, Still Native" Exhibition, created in partnership with the Cumberland County Schools Of- fice of Indian Education, along with a series of cultural events in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. On Oct. 31, 2023, an official proc- lamation declared November 2023 to be National Native American Heri- tage Month–urging all Americans "to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities"– and the Arts Council has several plans to do just that. According to the Arts Council's own description of "Still Here, Still Native," "this exhibition offers a remarkable glimpse into the rich and diverse art and cultural practices of indigenous tribes hailing from different regions across the vast expanse of North America. rough a captivating blend of original artwork and traditional crafts, this showcase provides an immersive experience that celebrates the unique heritage and traditions of these tribes with great respect and authenticity." On Fri., Nov. 10, for the "Still Here, Still Native Exhibition Opening Recep- tion" at e Arts Center, there was a private Artists Reception from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a free Public Recep- tion from 6 to 9 p.m. e opening featured live music and dance perfor- mances by the Cumberland County Culture Class, as well as light refresh- ments. Most pieces on display will be for sale, and many prints may be ordered unframed at a reduced price. e ex- hibition will remain open to the public during normal gallery hours through Jan. 6, 2024. is exhibit's curator, Savanna Davis, shares her own aspirations for "Still Here, Still Native": "I hope people walk through the exhibit and learn something, that they start having conversations with other people in the gallery whom they wouldn't have an opportunity to talk to otherwise. I hope they rethink the story they've been told about the country they live in. I also hope they see that these are real people with real stories, and sometimes there's real trauma that people have to unpack." Amidst this cultural exhibition of fine art and regalia, there will also be a resource wall, with QR codes linking to all types of Native-made content–such as books, movies, TV shows, and a podcast–to support other Native artists beyond just the exhibit. On Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Council will be hosting "Corn Husk Doll Make and Takes," a free hands-on event where attendees will have the oppor- tunity to learn about, make, and take home corn husk dolls. Coinciding with that come-and-go event, on Sun., Nov. 19, the Arts Coun- cil will be hosting "Dr. Suzanne Cross Lecture on Residential Schools," a free one-hour lecture/presentation in the Main Gallery between 2 and 3 p.m. Dr. Cross is a featured "Still Here, Still Native" artist, so her work will be on display in the gallery, as well. Her lecture/presentation is on a heavier topic, but the Arts Council is welcoming children to attend, as there will not be any graphic content. Dr. Cross has asked that no photos or vid- eos be taken during her presentation. From Nov. 20, through Dec. 1, the Arts Council will also be hosting the final leg of the "Indigenous Dress Tour"– organized by April Whittemore Locklear in honor of her mother, San- dra Whittemore. Fayetteville is signifi- cant to their family, because it is where Sandra Whittemore met her husband and settled down to live for more than 40 years. irteen unique pieces of regalia, made by Sandra Whittemore over the years, will be displayed on man- nequins in e Arts Center's gallery during regular gallery hours (closed on November 23 and 24). Finally, from 12 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, the Arts Council will be hosting a free craft-activity event. During this come-and-go event, the craft will be "Lumbee Pinecone Patchwork Quilt Make and Takes," and attendees will have the chance to learn about and make their own pinecone patchwork quilt squares. From 2 to 3 p.m., they will also be hosting a local Native storyteller. EVENT New Real Estate Of f ice "The Best Move You'll Make" 214 Fairway Drive Fayetteville,NC www.homewithatlas.com 910-779-0076 Commitment & Community Spirit Advocacy & Home Ownership