Exhibit Highlights Native American Perspective

TAHLEQUAH - Northeastern State University College of Liberal Arts presents "Artistic in Nature," an exhibition of Native aesthetics in traditional and contemporary art forms, at the NSU Gallery, July 13 through August 5. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, at the Gallery.

The exhibition focuses on the Native American perspective. Most tribal motifs are inspired by nature and tribal arts from differing regions of the country and are easily distinguishable from one another. The works in this show display a wide array of media, both commercial and natural.

This unique combination of American Indian art forms showcases the cultural traditions of Cherokee, Lakota, Muscogee, and Ponca families. Invited exhibitors include faculty, staff, students, and alumni, a group that represents the diversity of cultures associated with NSU. Some of the art forms include basketry, beadwork, quilts, clothing, and paintings created by the Snell, Hawk, Fife, and Biggoose/White families. Also included is the graphic work of the gallery curator, Bob Martin, a Muscogee (Creek), and the hide paintings and quillwork of co-curator, Sun Rose Iron Shell, a Lakota Sioux museum studies student from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M.

The NSU Gallery is located at 325 North Muskogee Avenue in Tahlequah. Summer gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 1-6 p.m.