May 14– June 23, 2020
Opening Reception Friday May 22 5:00 – 8:00 PM
The Polequaptewa Dance Group from Shongopovi, AZ presenting Pavalhik, the Hopi Water Maiden Dance
Saturday May 23rd beginning at noon in the ‘Tis building third-floor banquet hall. Admission is free
In its 11th year, the ‘Tis “Journeys in Spirit 2020: Traditional and Contemporary Native Art Exhibition” is a month-long event produced in partnership with the Museum of Indigenous People (formerly the Smoki Museum) which showcases the visual arts, music, dance and story-telling of and by present day Native people.
To celebrate the launch of Journeys in Spirit 2020, there will be an opening reception for the artists on May 22 from 5-8 p.m. Presented as part of Prescott’s popular 4th Friday Art Walk, the reception will feature catered delights and conversations with the artists. The opening activities will continue at noon on Saturday May 23rd with Alrye Polequaptewa and the Polequaptewa Dance Group from Shongopovi, AZ presenting Pavalhik, the Hopi Water Maiden Dance.
The arts play an integral role in Native society. Beginning at a young age, Native children are introduced to artistic mediums, including bead working, basketry, woodcarving, weaving, and metalworking, as well as the crafting of musical instruments and ceremonial attire. Color and imagery carry symbolic meaning in Native cultures, and music and dance are considered an essential aspect of social and ceremonial gatherings. Storytelling, the oldest of all the art forms, is used to keep alive cultural history and sacred beliefs. For many Native artists, inspiration is found in the stories, ceremonies and rituals that have been passed on to them across several generations, while others are influenced by their personal experiences in the modern world, both within and outside of their tribal communities.
Journeys in Spirit 2020 will spotlight emerging and established artists from various Native cultures, including the Acoma, Apache, Choctaw, Dine’, Hopi, Yaqui, Yavapai and Zuni
Visitors will have the opportunity to view a wide variety of artistic mediums, including basketry, bead working, silversmithing, Katsina carvings, painting, sculpture and photography. Some works will reflect the traditional styles of Native cultures, while others will incorporate a contemporary aesthetic or a combination of old and new. Regardless of the unique style or medium, all works showcased at Journeys in Spirit will reflect the artist’s personal stories and ongoing quest for discovery and knowledge.
“Journeys in Spirit 2020” is presented by ‘Tis and the Museum of Indigenous People with additional support from the City of Prescott and the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council
click on any of the images below to enlarge and view the slideshow
