One of Prescott’s longest-running art gallery shows has returned for its thirteenth year. The ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery is hosting “Journeys in Spirit:” Traditional and Contemporary Native Art Exhibition from May 18 to June 20. Look forward to seeing a variety of work that may include jewelry and basketry from exclusively Native American artists. “The purpose is to provide an opportunity for Native artists to show and sell their work within the fine art gallery setting of the ‘Tis Art Center. In most instances, they do their showcasing at museums or festivals. This makes it a little different. It also sets it apart because our venue is beautiful,” says Patti Ortiz, marketing and art education director for the ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery.
This show is produced in conjunction with the Museum of Indigenous People, the City of Prescott and the Prescott Area Arts and Humanities Council. Award-winning Hopi artist Filmer Kewanyama and Museum of Indigenous People Executive Director, Manuel Lucero, selected the Native artists who hail from all over Arizona. Ortiz tells us that in a typical year, about 25 to 30 artists will participate. Specifically, here’s who you can expect to see: Filmer will be showing his work. He creates paintings, digital art and sculpture. Delaine Tootsie, a Hopi potter, is also currently slated to showcase her wares.
As the show’s name suggests, you should expect to see spirituality woven through each piece. “The reason they create art is for such a different reason,” says Patti. “A lot of it has to do with the ceremony.” For example, Ortiz says the attire the figures are wearing tends to have certain meanings. Colors also take on certain meanings. You can even ask the artists themselves about the significance of what they’ve created. The show ultimately aims to unite different cultures and give attendees a chance to view and purchase art that they normally wouldn’t. “The biggest thing is that there’s a greater understanding of their culture,” says Ortiz. The show is “part of our reputation as far as supporting local artists. This is just a different theme.” − Teresa K. Traverse
MORE ART GALLERIES IN NORTHERN ARIZONA: Shows, exhibitions and happenings
