Art exhibit to celebrate Native American Heritage Month

Morgantown, WV, October 25, 2006: Artists from throughout the region have been invited to submit their Native-American themed artwork for display in a juried art exhibition in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

“The Earth Our Mother-The Foundation of Our Existence” is the theme for this 16th Annual Art Exhibition, which is co-sponsored by the Native American Studies program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at WVU, the Monongalia Arts Center, and the Pittsburgh Federal Executive Board Native American Heritage Committee.

The exhibit will be on display at the Benedum Gallery in the Monongalia Arts Center, 107 High Street, Morgantown, from Nov. 9 to Dec. 16. An awards presentation and opening reception will be held Sunday, Nov. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Monongalia Arts Center.

Both Native and non-Native artists are encouraged to submit their artwork for the exhibition. All entries must be submitted on Oct. 29 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Monongalia Arts Center. Official entry forms will be available at the MAC.

Entry pieces submitted in the exhibition must focus on the 2006 program theme and on the historic or contemporary life of a specific Native American Indian tribe, band, or Nation. An official entry form, along with an artist statement connecting the entry to the theme and showing evidence of authenticity research, must accompany the entry. All selected entries will be available for purchase during the exhibition and must be prepared for hanging or presentation and installation at the gallery (framed, matted, wired, etc.).

Awards of $250 will be presented to the “Best of Show” entry in each of three categories- sculpture/3-D; 2-D; and wearable art.

“This exhibition not only promises to visually delight the viewer, but it is also very educational. I encourage the residents of this region to stop by and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity,” said Ro Brooks, executive director of the Monongalia Arts Center.

For more information or an entry form/prospectus, go to www.wvu.edu/~nas or contact Bonnie Brown, coordinator of the Native American Studies program, at 304-293-4626 or at BonnieM.Brown@mail.wvu.edu.

W-V-U