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Art of the Iroquois- People of the Eastern Woodlands with John Kunikis
March 2, 2019 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Vince Bomberry, Onondaga sculptor, Peace Friendship Bowl, 2002, Steatite stone
Title of Program: Art of the Iroquois- People of the Eastern Woodlands with John Kunikis
Date of Program: Saturday, March 2nd, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Location of Program: Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
Cost of Program: FREE- Please register HERE, or call 216.721.9020
As part of the ART BITES series of programming, the AAWR is proud to present Art of the Iroquois- People of the Eastern Woodlands with John Kunikis on Saturday, March 2nd, 1:00 – 3:00pm.
This 45-minute illustrated lecture will explore the rich history, religion and legends which form the foundation of contemporary Iroquois art.
At its core, Iroquois art is an expression of the cultural adaptation to the eastern woodlands of North America. The Iroquois are composed of six nations: Mohawk, Onondaga, Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida and Tuscarora. Their original homelands were around the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. Gaining control of most of the northeastern United States and Canada, their empire reached its zenith in 1680. A progressive nation, the Iroquois Confederacy was known for democracy, equality, women’s rights, and environmental respect. Today most Iroquois live in upstate New York and Canada.
Join John Kunikis as he shares the stories which bring this art to life while viewing stunning images of contemporary Iroquois sculpture, painting, pottery and masks. A question and answer period will follow the talk as well as a meet-and-greet with the speaker and refreshments.
About the presenter: John Kunikis, a life-long resident of the Greater Cleveland area, earned degrees studying economics, sociology and educational administration. As a child, his interest in indigenous cultures was fostered by free, weekly volumes of encyclopedias (a shopper’s rewards from the local store) and wanderings through the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. In 1994, he opened his first gallery featuring Iroquois art, Native Spirit Gallery in downtown Cleveland. Several years later the gallery would relocate to the Colonial Marketplace and re-open as First People’s Gallery. Kunikis took the venture on-line in 2000 and maintained it until his retirement in 2009. His love of the art of indigenous people continues, and his travels have deepened his appreciation, reverence and wonder.
On view for the final day during the presentation- Working Women: Gerte Hacker and Elise Newman, which features the work of two mid-century Ohio artists, who made a living off their art at a time when it was rare for women to do so. Show Dates: January 25 – March 2.
Art of the Iroquois- People of the Eastern Woodlands is free and open to the public, courtesy of a matching grant by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC), however, PLEASE REGISTER to attend. CLICK HERE to register on Eventbrite or call our offices, 216.721.9020 to reserve your spot.