Look to Local

This past June, K Art had the great pleasure of hosting staff and artists-in-residence from the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum (SINM). Located in Salamanca, NY, the Museum houses a monumental collection of Hodinöhsö:ni’ (Haudenosaunee) historical and traditionally designed decorative and everyday-use items and archaeological artifacts. Led by Director Joe Stahlman and Organizer & Administrator Fileve T. Palmer, eight Seneca artists, all participating in the Museum’s emerging Artist-in-Residence program, came to visit for their first time.

Following a private tour of our current exhibitions, Reservation for One, by Frank Buffalo Hyde, and Indians Forever, in honor of Fritz Scholder, I got to know the artists, all of whom work locally in the Salamanca region: Kris Tome, Penny Minner, Toni Scott, Bernadette Franklin, Samantha Jacobs, Olivia Sanford, Alicia Sanford, and Leeora White. In a group discussion, their words left an impression on us.

To be an artist is no easy feat. For example, how do you push beyond your local & regional borders? In this day and age, making the time to increase your social media presence is crucial to expanding your voice. Of course, finding that time in your day is a privilege - not to mention spending more time perfecting your craft. However, delegating one hour of your day to focus on social media, a website, a blog, etc., will benefit you long-term.

Other suggestions would be to increase your involvement with your local arts community. Create pop-up shows in cafes, a library, or even your garage; apply for local and state residencies and fellowships; collaborate with other artists; visit local galleries and ask about any programs or upcoming events that are open to the public.

Speaking with everyone from the SINM and the artists-in-residence was incredible. Their mission to boost local artists is incredibly vital to the growth of not just Indigenous arts but arts in general. We have been very fortunate to host and assist them in the journey upward.