Pokagon Art Collection opens with celebration and collaboration

March 16, 2023

Family and friends from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, faculty, staff, students, and local community members filled the coffeehouse to celebrate the opening of the Pokagon Art Collection on February 23, a part of the center’s Arts of Dignity series. Like other events and initiatives in the series, it focuses on how the arts provide ways of concretely experiencing the dignity of people and cultures marginalized by various forms of injustice. The permanent collection features work in various media by five Pokagon artists, including baskets, beadwork, pottery, textiles, and paintings in styles both traditional and modern. 

The idea for the collection began in the summer of 2022 when Mike Hebbeler, program director at the Institute for Social Concerns, made several visits to the Pokagon Tribal Court and Peacemaking Center to connect with Pokagon peacemaker and artist, Jason Wesaw. Jason then introduced him to Kathy Getz Fodness and David Martin, two artists featured in the collection, along with several others. 

Over the course of the next six months, the concept of the permanent collection on Notre Dame’s campus took shape, one that would reflect the centrality of the arts within the Pokagon Band. Wesaw, who has several pieces in the new exhibit, describes that centrality, noting that both his work as a peacemaker and his art reflect three things: “the spirit and nurturing power of the natural world; the ways in which ancient Potawatomi traditional culture remains relevant in modern times; building bridges of communication and understanding between human beings of all races, religions, cultures, and ages.” 

Martin, whose pieces in the collection include beadwork, oil paintings, and other media, also sees connections to past, present, and future in Pokagon art. “The art on display in this exhibit is a broad example of spiritual beliefs, culture, how Pokagons are tied to the land, how we care for it, and how it cares for us as a people. Not all Pokagons interpret these ideas the same; they approach them in ways that are appropriate to them. Culturally traditional and contemporary styles are all valid as they both demonstrate a bond to our past but also embrace that we as a people are growing and changing as we move into the future.”

The new collection in Geddes Hall is intended to be a place where people can learn from the Pokagon and envision ways to collaborate. Martin explained that “The importance of this exhibit cannot be understated. It gives Pokagon artists an opportunity to show their art to non-natives who have never seen native art or might have an unintentional stereotypical view of what native art is. It is also important as it builds the positive bonds between the University of Notre Dame and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.” Many of these connections are already in the works. 

For Hebbeler, these moments of collaboration and co-learning are what the center’s Pokagon exhibit is all about. “The opening event is an illustration of renewed energy between the University and Pokagon, especially to have members of the Pokagon on campus and being celebrated. Art is an invitation for everyone to learn more.” The art collection, which springs from a dedication to welcome and enhance all voices, is the start of what will be a growing and evolving relationship between the center and Pokagon.

The Pokagon Art Exhibit is located directly to the right when entering Geddes Hall. Stop by and be sure to grab a coffee while you’re here.

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