By: Shelley Patrick/Gallery Technician
In the short time the gallery has been open, we have had several small events and group visitations. This is important for a gallery such as ours; We are a space of art, culture, and history by and for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Our events are invitations to commune and learn while engaging with the art on display. So far, we have had three main types of events (“Night of Celebration”, “Speakers Series”, and outside scheduled events) and two main types of visitations (group and school). Our “Night of Celebration” event is in lieu of a typical “Opening Night” for our exhibitions. This is a night where we bring the artists, their families and friends, the community, and invited guests to convene with the artists and their artwork within the exhibition space. The event is open to the public even though it is outside of regular gallery hours (10 am to 6 pm CST). Every “Night of Celebration” will be held on a Thursday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm CST within a few weeks of the exhibition opening. Although this may seem late in the exhibition, it is a calculated decision that allows for the gallery to make sure the exhibition is refined, all the artwork and display information is in place, and to allow for curators, Tribal Administrators, art professionals, and more to schedule in attendance for this night.
“Speakers Series” is a series of monthly presentations available for presenters to speak to the public inside the gallery space over any topic they choose, so long as it is relevant to our art, history, and culture. Thus far, we have hosted Kirk Morrison speaking about Artificial Intelligence (A.I) and Native Art, Krista Dunzy teaching about the use and differences of river cane, reed, and bamboo in jewelry making, and Okcate Smith-McCommas covering the professional practices of being an artist.
The gallery can also hold outside scheduled events for groups to gather for meeting or business needs, as well as visiting the gallery space. We have held a fun networking event for a visiting university. We will also be holding regularly scheduled meetings for the Mvskoke Arts Council (MAC) in the near future (to be announced).
Aside from individuals visiting the gallery, we have also hosted group and school visitations. There have been several group visits from professionals who are working with the Nation, or visiting areas of importance on our reservation. We have also had university class and K-12 student group visits. The gallery and exhibitions are a great space to appreciate the art and artists of our Nation, as well as to learn more about Indigenous art spaces, the arts of our people, and our history in the arts.
If you would like to be a “Speakers Series” presenter, host an in-gallery event, or schedule a group visit, please contact us at mvskokewaters@gmail.com or call (918)304-3378. Follow our social media for events!
