Spring Break
Navajo code talker visits CSU
Duhesa Lounge exhibit opening wraps up month-long celebrations
STEPHANIE GERLACH
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: News
Wearing his USMC cover adorned with pins, June and his wife were special guests at the opening of the exhibition at the Duhesa, "one who appreciates beauty," Lounge. The event was sponsored by Native American Student Services and served as a conclusion for Native American Awareness Month.
Ty Smith, director of NASS, said the exhibit is a combination of traditional and contemporary work by living artists who continue to practice their talent that has been passed down through the generations.
"The exhibit is important to us because it's a way of showing our native culture on campus with those who may not be familiar with it," he said.
NASS worked in collaboration with Native American Student Association and the LSC Arts Program to bring in three of the artists and set of the displays for their work.
"We are trying to keep current artists displayed here-work that is still being created because people are still making artwork," said Stan Scott, the graduate assistant for the LSC Arts Program.
The exhibit began with an opening reception and a traditional Navajo prayer given in the native language by Alex Benally, one of the exhibiting artists. The five members of the Ram Nation Drum Group also played.
Two of the three artists invited were in attendance. Benally, who resides in Farmington, N.M., creates traditional style silver jewelry. He started in junior high because of his great uncle who was also a silversmith and allowed Benally to help with his work. He has been creating these pieces for almost 30 years and is also a medicine man in his hometown.
Troy Sice, who is from the Zuni reservation in Albuquerque, specializes in fetish carvings, using mainly elk antler. He comes from a family of artists and dedicates his work to his grandfather and two uncles, all of whom have past. He is still trying to get his name out there and hopes to open a gallery of his own.
People walked in and out of the exhibit throughout the opening reception, talking to artists and admiring the various pieces now on display.
Julie Metzger, a junior natural resources major, attended this exhibit last year and wanted to come back and support NASS and Native American Awareness Month next year.
"This exhibit helps to raise awareness about issues that are affecting their community and also helps promote understanding about their culture."
Staff writer Stephanie Gerlach can be reached at news@collegian.com.
Ty Smith, director of NASS, said the exhibit is a combination of traditional and contemporary work by living artists who continue to practice their talent that has been passed down through the generations.
"The exhibit is important to us because it's a way of showing our native culture on campus with those who may not be familiar with it," he said.
NASS worked in collaboration with Native American Student Association and the LSC Arts Program to bring in three of the artists and set of the displays for their work.
"We are trying to keep current artists displayed here-work that is still being created because people are still making artwork," said Stan Scott, the graduate assistant for the LSC Arts Program.
The exhibit began with an opening reception and a traditional Navajo prayer given in the native language by Alex Benally, one of the exhibiting artists. The five members of the Ram Nation Drum Group also played.
Two of the three artists invited were in attendance. Benally, who resides in Farmington, N.M., creates traditional style silver jewelry. He started in junior high because of his great uncle who was also a silversmith and allowed Benally to help with his work. He has been creating these pieces for almost 30 years and is also a medicine man in his hometown.
Troy Sice, who is from the Zuni reservation in Albuquerque, specializes in fetish carvings, using mainly elk antler. He comes from a family of artists and dedicates his work to his grandfather and two uncles, all of whom have past. He is still trying to get his name out there and hopes to open a gallery of his own.
People walked in and out of the exhibit throughout the opening reception, talking to artists and admiring the various pieces now on display.
Julie Metzger, a junior natural resources major, attended this exhibit last year and wanted to come back and support NASS and Native American Awareness Month next year.
"This exhibit helps to raise awareness about issues that are affecting their community and also helps promote understanding about their culture."
Staff writer Stephanie Gerlach can be reached at news@collegian.com.
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