This weekend, American Indian artists in Oklahoma will let their voices be heard through original artwork in the exhibit "Current Realities: A Dialogue with The People."
The opening reception is from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery, 811 N. Broadway.
More than 60 artists will combine their artwork to expose the current realities of American Indians in Oklahoma 100 years after statehood.
"We are not in a reactionary mode with regard to the centennial," said Richard Ray Whitman, in a press release. "The state is celebrating the past 100 years according to how they understand it. It is essential that one of the many voices expressed during the centennial should be that of the American Indian artists."
EVENTS
To open the flow of communication, a community dialogue will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday where artists and community members can come together to talk about the past, present and future of native tribes in Oklahoma.
"It's shaping up to be a very important show because it's giving a voice to the Native Americans in a dialogue that they've been somewhat left out of," said Jeff Stokes, IAO executive director.
In combination with the exhibit and the community dialogue, there will be a film screening presenting a variety of short films created by American Indians.
The show runs through Dec. 21; all events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 232-6060 or visit their site.
"?Lauren Parajon
