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Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home: Art & Poetry from Native California

Presented by Museum of History and Art, Ontario at Museum of History and Art, Ontario

September 3, 2009-January 3, 2010

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Like the state of California itself, California Native peoples are remarkably diverse with over 300 languages and distinct geographical centers shaping communities, traditions, ideologies, and ceremonies. “Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home: Art and Poetry from Native California” is an extraordinary exhibition that brings together twenty-one California Native visual artists and ten Native poets. Recognizing the cultural heritage and individual accomplishments of the artists and poets, the exhibition honors their communities and brings an understanding of California as Native California, an indigenous homeland. “Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home” is organized into four sections: “Living in Song” speaks to a worldview based in the origins of Native knowledge and beliefs. Many Native peoples believed that life can only continue with the assistance of spiritual beings and the observance of ceremonial traditions. Works in this section reflect an understanding of life as a gift to be cherished; nature to be recognized for its power and spiritual force; and the spiritual world as ever present. Julian Lang’s poem “It was Another Time” speaks to the times when the Karuk world was undisturbed. Look to Kathy Wallace’s abalone, shell, and pine nut necklaces for references to the ceremonial activities of the Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok peoples. These dance traditions renew the spiritual beliefs of the community and keep the world in balance. Judith Lowry’s Weh-Pom and the Star Sisters is the retelling of a Maidu story of the constellations told to Lowry by her father Leonard Lowry. Lowry’s triptych print, a composite of a large mural, carries a father’s memories passed to a daughter and now shared with us. “We Embrace Ourselves” reflects a self-acceptance of what it means to be Native and carry the inherited complexities of cultural collisions from three major waves of colonization by Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Yet, despite these clashes, Native California peoples relentlessly held onto and followed the teachings of their ancestors to the best of their abilities. Poets included in this section are Linda Noel, Sylvia Ross, and others. Artists include Rick Bartow and Frank LaPena. “Feed Our Memories” honors the gifts and lessons shared by family, friends, and heroes. It is the memory of those of the past that sustain Native people and communities. Our lives are a mix of our own experience and the memory of experiences from family. In this section Janice Gould’s poem “Three Stories From My Mother” is the memory of a young girl witnessing the passing of her mother and the attempts of her father to save her. Artists in this section include Dal Castro and L. Frank among others. “Dance Our Dreams” honors the love, work, and sacrifice of California Native people as they continue to hold on to indigenous knowledge and traditions. The recovery and renewal of language, ceremony, and cultural practices heal what has been disrupted. It is about the tenderness in baskets – the cultivation, selection, harvesting, and preparation of plants. Basketweavers Linda Aguilar and Julia Parker gather and weave utilizing the knowledge and teachings of their ancestors. Stephen Meadows’ poem “Reweaving the World Ohlone” pays tribute to basket maker Linda Yamane and her work to bring forth and renew Ohlone language, song, and baskets. “Sing Me Your Story, Dance Me Home” offers all who view it an opportunity to reflect and become more aware of our place within the world. The contemporary works of these Native California artists, inspired by a mix of past and present, honors their cultural heritage and brings forward a truly indigenous California existence. (Image: Lyn Risling, “Asiktavanthúkirar Tu’ ípak, Tattoo Woman Returns,” 2003, giclee print, 36 x 28 inches.