Grant brings new artworks by Native Americans to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art

For immediate release: Oct. 23, 2013
Media contact: Andrea Foust
Membership and Public Relations Manager
Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University | 503-370-6867
Public contact: 503-370-6855 | museum-art@willamette.edu

Grant brings new artworks by Native Americans to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art
An "Art Works" grant from the National Endowment for the Arts is bringing the work of Pacific NW Native American artists Marie Watt, Joe Feddersen, and Robert Kentta to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art’s permanent collection. These projects include short residencies that offer the artists opportunities to have a dialogue and working relationship with the public, students, and faculty. In addition each artist will describe the creation and the significance of their work in a short video that will be available through the museum’s website.

As part of the Native American Heritage Month in November, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art is pleased to highlight Joe Feddersen and Marie Watt’s projects in conjunction with the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts Biennial. The exhibition opens Nov. 9 and continues through Feb. 2, 2014.

Joe Feddersen is a member of The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington and is an internationally recognized artist. Feddersen’s work ranges from paintings to glass sculptures, basketry, photographs, and prints as well as computer-generated images.

On Nov. 15 the public is invited to the dedication of Feddersen’s “Fish Trap” at 5 p.m. at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. “Fish Trap” is a three dimensional mixed-media fused glass and copper work, that although contemporary in nature closely mirrors traditional fish traps. Additional funding for this project was provided by endowment funds from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde through their Spirit Mountain Community Fund.

On Nov. 16 Feddersen will hold a basketry workshop at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and the public is invited to observe workshop participants and learn more about traditional basketry. Admission to the museum is free and complimentary that day; and workshop times will be announced on the museum’s website.

Marie Watt is a nationally recognized Portland mixed-media artist whose work explores human stories and ritual implicit in everyday objects. She grew up in Wyoming on a ranch and has ties to the Turtle Clan of the Seneca Nation (Haudenosaunee). Her work was recently featured in the “Marie Watt: Lodge” exhibition at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art during the spring of 2012.

Throughout the month of November and into the spring of 2014, the public is invited to participate in Watt’s creative process by donating a blanket and its corresponding story. Watt’s goal is to collect approximately 100 blankets that will be incorporated into one of her signature blanket sculptures that will be completed by the summer of 2014. Blankets can be dropped off at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art and all donors will receive an original signed and numbered silkscreen print by the artist.

Additional funding for this project was provided by funds from the Maribeth Collins Art Acquisition Fund and endowment funds from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, through their Spirit Mountain Community Fund.

Robert Kentta is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz and is their Cultural Resources Director as well as the Tribal Council Treasurer. Kentta’s ancestors, who hailed from the Rogue River, Applegate, and Shasta regions, were brought to the Siletz Reservation in 1856 at the end of the Rogue River War. Kentta’s project will focus on creating traditional Native American dance regalia and will be completed by the summer of 2014.

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About the Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Oregon's third largest art museum features works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists, and includes a diverse collection of traditional European, American and Asian art, as well as artifacts that date from antiquity. Frequently changing exhibitions include lectures, special events, tours, artist demonstrations and educational opportunities for children and adults.

The museum is located at 700 State St. in Salem. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The galleries are closed on Monday. General admission is $6, $4 for seniors and $3 for students 18 and older. Students 17 and under and children are admitted free. Admission is free for everyone on Tuesdays. For more information call 503-370-6855 or visit willamette.edu/arts/hfma.