Gallery features Native American Art

More than half of U.S. states names are Native American, but Idaho isn’t one of them. In the early 1860s, eccentric lobbyist George M. Willing tried to sell legislators on the idea that it was a Shoshone word for “gem of the mountains,” but he was making it up.

What Pend Oreille Arts Council is making up is a terrific art exhibit showcasing the beauty, history and culture of the original inhabitants. Fifteen artists whose work spans different media depicting regional and national tribes will be on display at POAC Gallery, 302 N. First Avenue starting Friday, November 11. An artists’ reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Idaho Mythweaver, Jane Fritz, will be on hand to provide historical and background information about the pieces showcased in this exhibition. From paintings, photography, to crafts such as basket weaving, this show celebrates National Native American Heritage Month in a unique and creative manner.

In conjunction with this exhibit, POAC is presenting a dramatic performance of “Living Voices: Native Vision” on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Panida. Watch history come to life as a Navajo girl explores her family’s past while struggling to keep her culture in a government-run boarding school. Then learn how the Navajo served the U.S. during World War II as code talkers in the South Pacific.

This performing arts troupe depicts the lives of Native Americans in the 1930s and 1940s utilizing archival footage, photographs and videos from the time and place where it’s set to augment the story being told from the stage.

Tickets are now on sale for Living Voices: Native Vision at POAC Gallery, Eve’s Leaves, Eichardt’s Pub, Winter Ridge, online at www.artinsandpoint.org and at the Panida Theater on the evening of the performance. Cost is $15 for adults and $5 for students.

There is no cost to attend the art exhibit which will be on display until Dec. 2. For more information about these events call the POAC office 263-6139.