Voices from the Drum Exhibit
Voices from the Drum exhibit on view July 23, 2021 – March 26, 2022
Opening Reception: Friday, July 23, 2021 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Little Stars from the Sky Lodge, 2018. Jessica Moore Harjo. Pine, birch, bison hide, steel, acylic paint.
Pawhuska, Ok. – The Osage Nation Museum (ONM) will host an opening reception for the Voices from the Drum exhibit on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Voices from the Drum was initiated and produced by the Osage Nation Foundation (ONF) and curated by the Osage Nation Museum (ONM).
The exhibit is the result of a remarkable community arts initiative of the Osage Nation Foundation. The concept originated with an inspiring conversation between members of the ONF and Wilson Pipestem. Pipestem was motivated by his brother Rock Pipestem’s participation in Osage drum making. Wilson presented the concept of using the hand drum as an artistic canvas. The ONF commissioned singer and drummaker, Rock Pipestem, to produce 19 drums to be designed by Osage artists. The artists used the beautiful, natural form of the drum as a canvas to express their individual ideas and understanding of its significance among Osages. Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Osage Nation Foundation and project director for Voices from the Drum relates, “The ONF Board of Trustees feel this exhibit is important because it allows for the documentation of the role of the drum in Osage culture while presenting an opportunity to support and promote Osage artists.”
The drum stands at the heart of Osage cultural activities and brings people together. For many, this community-based project accomplishes just that. It assembles the creativity, knowledge and talent of 19 practicing artists that includes established professionals and new talent. Museum Director, Marla Redcorn-Miller, notes, “Too often, we consider traditional forms as unchanging forces, sometimes becoming inert by our desire to preserve them and keep them the same in perpetuity. Voices from the Drum, however, opens an avenue for fresh perspectives to enter our traditional practices, celebrating them and renewing their purpose for people of today.”
Exhibiting artists include: Norman Akers, Dante Biss-Grayson, Joe Don Brave, June Carpenter, Sarah Elsberry, Anita Fields, Yatika Fields, Jessica Moore Harjo, Kilan Jacobs, Jonathan Lunsford, Harleigh Moore, Ted Moore, Vanessa Moore, Rock Pipestem, Wendy Ponca, Alex Ponca Stock, Jon Red Corn, RA Red Corn, Addie Roanhorse, and Jen Tiger. ONF Board Member Julie O’Keefe observes, “This brought out artists that we currently know, but there were some emerging artists that we didn’t know existed. It was amazing to see talent in our tribe that we didn’t even know we had. I felt like we uncovered treasures along the way.”
Voices from the Drum will travel to museums and galleries through the United States.
For more information on exhibit rental, contact: Bill Webb
bwebb@osagefoundation.org
(405) 415-0383
About the Osage Nation Museum
The premier destination to experience Osage history, art, and culture.
Visit the Osage Nation Museum (ONM) in historic Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Our rotating exhibits convey the story of the Osage people throughout history and celebrate the culture today. Highlights include an extensive photograph collection, historical artifacts as well as traditional and contemporary art. Founded in 1938, the ONM is the oldest tribally-owned museum in the United States. Admission and parking are free.
Admission and parking are free.
Contact Information
Phone: 918-287-5441
Fax: 918-287-5227
Email: museum@osagenation-nsn.gov
Website: www.osagemuseum.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OsageNationMuseum/
Location
819 Grandview Avenue
Pawhuska, OK 74056