Nebizun: Water is Life

Nebizun - Water is Life - Acrylic Painting - 2019 by Francine Poitras Jones.

Written by Kelly Holt. First published in Art New England Magazine. June 1, 2023.

Nebizun: Water is Life, is a “living, breathing exhibition,” curated by Vera Longtoe Sheehan, founder of the Abenaki Art Association. The exhibition brings together artists from four recognized tribes from the Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley for its fourth stop on a two-year tour. Nebizun (Abenaki for medicine, whose root nebi means water) metamorphosizes in each curatorial iteration. A vital part of Abenaki art and culture is stewardship of the land, N’Dakinna (our homeland). Explains Sheehan, “The Abenaki people know how essential water is to foodways, medicine, and everyday activities that may be taken for granted.”

Many works are influenced by activist elders. Nebizun is inspired by Grandmother Doreen Bernard’s ‘water walk’ from Nova Scotia to Maine to pray for an abundance of water. Another inspiration is the Standing Rock crisis and art activism by Grandmother Willi Nolan: “Our waters are our highways.” Only Native American people were at Standing Rock—the word was spread via social media. No Pipelines, a drawing by artist JES, was created to share through those channels. Francine Poitras Jones’ Water is Life painting is a direct expression of this protest, “…it was my reality…the painting flowed from me, much like the water that sustains life.”

The exhibition takes visitors through several watershed topics while mirroring Abenaki making and way of life. Traversing a long space, each stop works like a tributary. The exhibition is peppered with water facts that will make you pause the next time you make a cup of coffee, and more. Another tributary begins with images of creation and Standing Rock, then flows into the importance of wetlands as protectors highlighting duck-decoys made from cattails, netmaking, fishing implements and birch, a vital material in canoe making and creating “biting patterns” in pieces of art. At one end of the space is an arresting photo of ancestral rock carvings—petroglyphs of the faces in Bellows Falls, VT. The installation continues with beading and pottery, and concludes with detailed maps, calls to activism, and digital paintings Across the River by Hawk Schulmeisters that evoke pollution in water.

Juried Artist Benefits

Poster for Thoreau Art Gallery art exhibit.

The above advertisement is an example of the type of promotion that may be given to juried artists who participate in shows. This one was designed by the gallery.

The best part about becoming a Juried Artist is knowing you’re a part of an organization that supports your art and culture. Juried Artists are eligible for benefits such as:

  •  A free webpage of Vermont Abenaki Artists Association‘s website and cross listings on the art by media and alphabetical artist lists
  • Exclusive invitations to VAAA partner art shows
  • Invites to invitational museum exhibitions
  • Opportunities to have your artwork promoted on social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • Notifications about upcoming opportunities for artists
  • Priority vending space at the annual Abenaki Heritage Weekend in June
  • Professional development opportunities

Abenaki Heritage Weekend 2023

Abenaki Heritage Weekend poster

June 17-18 at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

On June 17-18, 2023, citizens of the New England Abenaki community will gather at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to celebrate their history and heritage, and the public is invited! Organized by the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, this free event is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 

One of the highlights is the Native Arts Marketplace of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, where visitors can talk to artists, watch craft demonstrations, and purchase outstanding beadwork, paintings, jewelry, wampum, woodwork, leatherwork, drums, and other items. 

“The variety and quality of the work created by our Abenaki artists is outstanding,” said Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Executive Director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association. “Some of our artists create traditional art and some create contemporary art, often inspired by tradition. If you are looking to purchase a special gift or something new for your collection, be sure to visit the Native Arts Marketplace.”

Throughout the weekend there will be activities of interest to everyone. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy singing and drumming by the Nulhegan Drum — you may even be invited to drum with them. Children and adults alike should not miss storytelling by Abenaki author and historian Joseph Bruchac, and songs for the little ones with Francine Poitras Jones. 

Artists in the Arts Marketplace include Michael Descoteaux demonstrating the making of hand drums; Elnu Abenaki Elder Jim Taylor making wampum beads from whelk and quahog shells; and Linda Longtoe Sheehan weaving wampum, an intricate process using the shell beads. On Saturday, meet basketmaker Kerry Wood. On Sunday, visit the “Make and Take” table, where children can make a gift to bring home for Father’s Day.

A new special exhibit, Beyond the Curve: The American Abenaki Covid Experience will open during Heritage Weekend in the Schoolhouse Gallery, and will be on view all season. Artwork and stories by 20 American Abenaki artists illustrate the impact of the pandemic in the Abenaki homeland and the resilience of Abenaki people during troubled times. Meet the curator, Vera Longtoe Sheehan, for a gallery talk. 

Thanks to Vermont Humanities, Vermont Arts Council, and Vermont Department of Health for their sponsorship of the event. For more information on Abenaki Heritage Weekend, visit: AbenakiArt.org/abenaki-heritage-weekend.

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Darryl Peasley

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Darryl Peasley is for the most part a self taught arts and crafts person who creates contemporary style pieces.  He uses his imagination to make his pouches, dance sticks and hats come to life. 

Darryl started in 2003 by creating pouches made of deer skin with fringe with some edge beading, He made some dance sticks from tree branches that spoke to him and a turtle shell purse from a turtle shell that said …”make me into something special” and that’s what he did.  Darryl started vending at Pow Wows and found people really liked his work. Then Darryl introduced top hats and derbies to the Pow Wow circuit at a New Hampshire Intertribal Council event.  Soon Darryl was known as “The Hat Guy”. 

In 2013, Darryl was awarded a NH Council for the Arts Folk Art scholarship that allowed him to apprentice under master bead worker Debbie Bazin Dostie.  During his apprenticeship Darryl demonstrated loom beading at Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum during several of their events. 


Artist Statement

I enjoy working with all sorts of media. I use leather, bone, glass beads and feathers. I use bone beads to create choker style hat bands. I use leather to create the different style pouches or a hat band and glass beads to put a decorative edge on a pouch or hat band.  I like creating loom pieces on the loom I made for my apprenticeship.  My biggest joy is when someone sees one of my creations and they enjoy it as much as I do…that makes my day!   


Affiliations

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

Abenaki Trails Project

Art & Artists

Explore Abenaki Artistry: Navigate Your Way

Welcome to the heart of Abenaki creativity. Here, you have the power to choose your artistic journey, exploring the diverse expressions of our talented Abenaki artists. Select your path below and uncover the rich heritage embedded in each masterpiece:

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1. Alphabetical Showcase: Embark on a journey through the names of our remarkable artists. This path connects you with the individuals behind the art, inviting you to discover their unique stories and inspirations.

2. Art by Medium: Immerse yourself in the magic of different artistic mediums – quillwork, wampum, paintings, and more. Each medium reflects a distinct facet of Abenaki creativity, transporting you into the heart of our culture.

3. Artist Memorial Pages: Pay homage to the artists who have left a lasting imprint on our community and culture. Through these memorial pages, we remember and celebrate their contributions, ensuring their artistic spirits remain alive in our hearts.

Your choice, your journey. Whichever path you choose, you’re engaging with the living legacy of the Abenaki people, a legacy that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. Each brushstroke, beadwork, and creation tells a story – a story that becomes richer with every step you take.

Questions? Please contact Elisa by email [email protected] or call (802) 265-0092.

Contact Us

Contact Us artwork.

Let’s Connect: Reach Out to Vermont Abenaki Artists Association. We’re thrilled to hear from you and to engage in meaningful conversations. Whether you have questions or feedback or simply want to learn more about Vermont Abenaki Artists Association contact us to start the conversation.

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18th Century Abenaki Couple in clothing of that period painted by Francine Poitras Jones.
18th Century Abenaki Couple

General Inquiries: Have a question about our programs, events, or mission? We’re here to provide you with the answers you’re seeking. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Collaborations and Partnerships: If you’re interested in collaborating with us, exploring partnerships, or contributing to our initiatives, we’re excited to explore the possibilities together. Let’s discuss how we can create a meaningful impact.

Feedback and Suggestions: Your insights matter to us. If you have suggestions, ideas, or feedback that could help enhance our offerings, we’re all ears. We’re committed to continuous improvement, and your input is invaluable.

Stay Connected: Connect with us through the channels below to stay up-to-date with our latest news, events, and initiatives. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing the journey ahead.

Book an Exhibition: If you’re interested in bringing one of our traveling exhibits to your location, we’re excited to hear from you. Our exhibits offer a unique opportunity to immerse your community in the richness of Abenaki artistry and culture.

We’re here to make meaningful connections and to ensure your experience with us is rewarding and informative. Please contact our Program Coordinator Elisa with any questions or access needs and she will forward your message to the appropriate person.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Phone: (802) 265-0092

 

Donate

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Support the Heart of our Culture: Your Generous Donation Makes a Difference.

Join us in preserving and celebrating the Abenaki culture through your contribution, enabling us to continue our impactful programs, cultural events, educational initiatives, and the creation of new exhibitions. Every donation is a vital investment in the legacy we cherish.

Questions? Please contact Elisa by email [email protected] or call (802) 265-0092.


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS, & PARTNERS

Vermont Department of Health logo.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Vermont Folklife logo.
Vermont Arts Council logo.
Vermont Humanities logo.
New England Foundation for the Arts logo
Abenaki Arts and Education Association logo with dark blue background and a white design with double curves and florets and words that say Sharing Abenaki Educational Resources with Classrooms Across N'dakinna.

The 2024 Abenaki Heritage Weekend

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Thank you to everyone who attended our 2024 Abenaki Heritage Weekend!

With your support in celebrating Abenaki culture & community we were able to have a wonderful gathering full of language, dancing, music, sharing stories and much more.

About the weekend…….

Vermont’s Native American community for Abenaki Heritage Weekend and Arts Marketplace gathered on June 29-30 at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to explore Abenaki perspectives on life in the Champlain Valley. Activities included storytelling, craft demonstrations, drumming, singing, and more. Presented by Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, this event brings together citizens of the Elnu, Nulhegan, Koasek, and Missisquoi Abenaki Tribes.

The Open Door Clinic offered FREE health and wellness exams and was well attended.

As always, we are so thankful for the ongoing support from our sponsors and partners Vermont Humanities, Vermont Arts Council, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Abenaki Alliance, and the Abenaki Arts & Education Center.

Even though the weekend is over, you can still visit our newest exhibit, Deep Roots, Strong Branches, which will focus of Abenaki foodways, food security, and gardening throughout the centuries. The exhibit is in the schoolhouse at the museum.


When: June 29 – 30, 2024, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Where: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491

Cost: FREE

Directions: Click here for Google Map

About the 2024 Abenaki Heritage Weekend:

On June 29 – 30, 2024, citizens of the New England Abenaki community gathered at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to celebrate their history and heritage, and the public was invited! Organized by the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, this free event was open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Events scheduled for outside were moved inside when it rained, but the rain did not deter our 700+ guests!

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Native Arts Marketplace of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, where visitors could talk to artists, watch craft demonstrations, and purchase outstanding beadwork, paintings, jewelry, wampum, woodwork, leatherwork, drums, and other items. 

“The variety and quality of the work created by our Abenaki artists is outstanding,” said Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Executive Director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association. “Some of our artists create traditional art and some create contemporary art, often inspired by tradition. If you are looking to purchase a special gift or something new for your collection, be sure to visit the Native Arts Marketplace.”

Throughout the weekend there were activities of interest to everyone. The public was advised to bring a picnic lunch so they could sit and listen to singing and drumming by the Nulhegan Drum. Children and adults alike enjoyed storytelling by Abenaki author and historian Joseph Bruchac.


Following was the schedule for the 2024 Abenaki Heritage Weekend:

(subject to changes due to weather)

Following is information about some of the programs that were presented during the weekend:

Assigning Racial Birthright in Vermont 1900 – 1925

Join Prof. Frederick Wiseman as he discusses the early 20th century evidence for a significant Indigenous presence in the birth and other official records of Northwestern Vermont. Combining ethnohistorical research with genealogical standards of proof, Wiseman explores the bicultural social and cultural milieu that permitted state officials to judiciously pen an Indigenous Identity on various official Vermont documents. This new body of documentary evidence leads to a reconsideration of Northwestern Vermont social history and ethnicity just over a century ago.

Always Coming Home (Book Reading and Signing)

Join us for the story of the first in the series of four graphic novels designed for understanding and healing ethnic American Abenaki intergenerational trauma. Always Coming Home is a short story set in an old farmhouse nestled in the Vermont Uplands of the third quarter of the 19th century, and establishes a therapeutic baseline of comforting family, traditional technology, subsistence, and ceremony. The multi-generational family works, learns, gossips, eats, hunts, ice-fishes and dances together in ways that are only now being fully understood in light of the results of new cultural, technological, spiritual and environmental discoveries about the 19th century Vermont Abenaki experience. There will be a book reading as well. A limited number of hot-off-the-press copies of Always coming Home will be available for signing in the Pavilion throughout the day.

Who are the American Abenakis of Vermont? Heritage through place, voice, and craft.

Who are the American Abenakis of Vermont? Heritage through Place, Voice, and Craft

Join Prof. Frederick Wiseman as he summarizes a neglected body of knowledge regarding written, genealogical, graphic, oral-historical, horticultural and material culture of the Vermont American Abenaki community. Using PowerPoint slides and demonstration, Wiseman discusses the high points of his decades of work on the three pillars of American Abenaki ethnic legitimacy: 1.) genealogy (also addressed in detail on Saturday), 2.) cultural continuity (a continuous historic presence in the region) and 3.) cultural competence (deep knowledge of local ancestral tradition). Some of this information is introduced in print in his two new books, Always Coming Home and American Abenaki Beadwork, as well as several new YouTube videos online.


Image of the book Dawn Land by Joseph Brucha on dried grass background.

Remembering The Dawn Land with author Joseph Bruchac (Book Reading and Signing)

The area we now refer to as Western New England has been the homeland of Native people for at least 10,000 years. Blending oral traditions, natural history, archaeology, cultural survival, indigenous language, and the living land itself, the author takes us back to that ancient time. The program will include discussion of the novel, its main characters, and the telling of some stand alone stories from the book.

American Abenaki Beadwork (Book Reading and Signing)

Join Prof. Wiseman at his table in the Pavilion as he introduces his new book, the first of a series of peer-reviewed publications detailing the unique arts of the American Abenaki Community. The book presents an entirely unstudied tradition of important and beautiful regional northeastern art, beginning around 1800 and persisting until modern times. Copies will be available for purchase.


The Abenaki Toddler’s Play Group

The children will lead a few drum songs accompanied by an elder. We will host a few storytelling sessions throughout the day. Free Indigenous-themed books will be provided at no cost to children that visit. HEART bags available by request. Contact [email protected] for more information.


Link for Accessibility information: ? For access questions, contact Elisa [email protected] or (802) 265-0092

For other questions, you may also email Francine at [email protected]


Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is supported by the New England Foundation for the Arts through the New England Arts Resilience Fund, part of the United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, with major funding from the federal CARES Act from the National Endowment for the Arts.


Kchi Wliwni (A Big Thank You) to our Supporters, Patrons, and Sponsors

Abenaki Alliance logo with mountains, water, and sun.
Vermont Department of Health logo.
Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op logo.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Vermont Cares logo - Doin' it Safer

Abenaki Arts and Education Association logo with dark blue background and a white design with double curves and florets and words that say Sharing Abenaki Educational Resources with Classrooms Across N'dakinna.

Vermont Arts Council logo.
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PLEASE DONATE NOW TO HELP US KEEP THIS EVENT GOING FOR THE FUTURE

Lisa Ainsworth Plourde

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Image of Lisa Ainsworth Plourde

Lisa Ainsworth Plourde brings a career of 28 years of teaching visual arts with a BA in art education along with her passion for knowledge of the people of N’dakinna. Of Abenaki heritage, she has acquired knowledge through research and interaction with Abenaki elders; a lifelong journey.

Lisa is ardent about bringing to life the traditions and art of the Abenaki people, past and present, and in doing so also bringing a better understanding of this proud and very much alive culture. Lisa’s fine art practice includes graphite, ink and conte crayon drawing and acrylic and watercolor painting.

Her journey of discovery has brought to her a practice of many different traditional art forms, as in native culture, items for everyday living are functional as well as beautiful. Hide and fur, birch bark, feathers, shells, quills, and beads create objects that bring a connection to the environment as well as create a sense of peace. In her teaching of children, Lisa has been successful with replacing traditional materials with ones that are inexpensive and readily found while exhibiting examples of her own made with traditional materials. During this creative process Lisa speaks to all aspects of life, survival, kinship, respect, and a love of all things, while working to dispel the ravages of colonization and stereotype.


Artist Statement

I grew up in southern NH and discovered art at an early age, always knowing that I wanted to be an educator. I was employed by the Goffstown School district for 28 years. During that time, I raised two daughters and took in commissioned artwork in various mediums. Upon early retirement, I moved back to my family’s ancestral homeland of the Northeast Kingdom on Maidstone Lake, in the heart of N’dakinna. Here I have been able to focus on my connection to the land and Alnobak. Exhibits may be in my future; but, currently I feel that educating and showing the children of Vermont about the Abenaki and our art is my contribution.

Contact Info

Email: [email protected]


Image of acrylic painting of Yosemite National Park.
Acrylic painting of Yosemite National Park
Image of charcoal drawing of Banff by Lisa Ainsworth Plourde.
Charcoal drawing of Banff
Image of watercolor ladyslipper by Lisa Ainsworth Plourde.
Watercolor painting of ladyslipper
Image of cradleboard by Lisa Ainsworth Plourde.
Cradleboard

Affiliations
  • Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation
  • Title 6 Indian Education Instructor
  • NH Artists’ Association
Awards

NH Art Educator of the Year

Artists by Media

Image of gourd with dreamcatcher.
Gourd with dreamcatcher and deer antlers made by Jeanne Morningstar Kent

Traditional arts are listed on the left of the page and contemporary artforms are listed on the right side. They are listed by media.

Artists are organized by media and skill level*.

See definitions of skill levels below.

Click on the artist’s name to view their profiles, images of their art, artist bios, and artist statements.


*ARTIST SKILL  LEVELS*

MCB = Master Culture Bearers have a superior skill level, mentor emerging artists, exhibit their artwork internationally, and have received awards for their artwork or work with and for the community.

M = Master Artists have practiced their craft for at least 10 years are familiar with the history of their art form.  They have exhibited their work, offer workshops and lectures.

J = Journey Person have practiced and sold their craft for at least 5 years.

Crafts-person (C) = Craftspeople are can either be self-taught or had some lessons but they are not doing an apprenticeship with a Master Artist. They do not have the technical expertise to be considered for the Journeyman or Master Artist categories.

A = Apprentices are in the process of learning their craft.


Carol Billings McGranaghan

Enrolled Citizen of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi

Juried Artist since 2017

Image of Carol Billings McGranaghan

Carol Billings McGranaghan has served the community as a member of the Vermont Commission on Native America Affairs. She is also a culinary artist who follows the traditions of her grandmothers who taught her about wild edible plants. She uses this knowledge of regional edible plants to create her one of a kind jams and jellies.


Artist Statement

I was born and raised in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. My parents and grandparents taught me about plants, gardens, and “living off the land.” My interest in plants really started with my paternal Grandmother showing me the different wild flowers and what they were for, which were edible and how to care for them so they could continue for generations. Mom made chokecherry and apple jelly – the reason I started researching wild flowers and herbs to make my own products. Each season brings yet more to find and more to learn about, which provides an ongoing learning experience.

I also do beadwork.  That interest was initiated at my other Grandmother’s knee. She showed me how to weave seed beads, string beads using patterns and colors to tell a story and how to use natural materials as beads. I have been selling my handmade beaded jewelry on Etsy for several years now. I am currently learning how to weave baskets, both in traditional and non-traditional designs.  

I have participated in many panel discussions about Abenaki subjects, from wearing our heritage to women’s roles today, the history of Abenaki survival from colonization to the trauma of the Vermont eugenics survey and present day ethnic mascots. I teach my grandson about smudging, our plants/animals and the traditional stories so he will have an understanding of Abenaki history, to be proud of it, and to pass it on to others when he’s older. 

I was appointed to the Vermont Commission of Native Affairs in 2016. I was elected Vice-Chair in 2017 and Chair in 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021. In 2018, one of my first projects was to have the items which were gifted to Vermont at the time of State recognition for the four Abenaki tribes installed as a permanent display in the Vermont State House. In 2019, with the assistance of the Friends of the State House, we held a celebration on the State House lawn for the opening of the display, the declaration of Abenaki Heritage Week and for Indigenous Peoples’ Day being passed into law. I provided training sessions to the State House tour guides so they would have a better understanding of Abenaki history. In 2020, I worked with the legislature to have Abenaki names added to state park signs. In 2021, members of the VCNAA and I provided testimony in behalf of the eugenics survey apology and in support of schools who were attempting to change their ethnic school mascots. 

I have worked closely with Carol Irons, another member of the Commission, to present and teach basic Abenaki history, culture, and customs to both adults and students as part of the Abenaki Cultural Regeneration project. I welcome the opportunity to share this learning with others who are interested.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Etsy Store: Hidden Bear

Image of jar of Queen Anne's Lace jelly.
Queen Anne’s Lace jelly made by Carol
Image of necklaces made by Carol.
Necklaces made by Carol.
Image of Four Directions basket made by Carol.
Four Directions Basket
Image of Assorted Hidden Bear Treasures Jellies.
Assorted Hidden Bear Treasures Jellies

Speaking Engagements and Exhibits

2024

  • Co-author of Sustainability Article: Restoring a Degraded
  • Riparian Forested Buffer While Balancing Phosphorus
  • Remediation, Biodiversity and Indigenous Land Access
  • Co-Presenter at Northeast Organic Farming Association on
  • Shelburne Farms project
  • Presenter at Essex High School Cultural Diversity event
  • Honoring the Plants and Pollinators presentations to schools and libraries
  • Guest Teacher at Sage Mountain summer school and after school programs
  • Presenter on Abenaki culture Northwoods Stewardship

2023

  • Consultant on development of first plant pallet for UVM
  • Shelburne Farms phosphorus mitigation project
  • Co-Presenter at New Moon Mycology Summit
  • Honoring the Plants and Pollinators presentations to
    schools, libraries, senior citizens
  • Guest Teacher at Sage Mountain summer school and after
    school programs
  • Presenter at Exeter School (New Hampshire)

2022

  • Legislative testimony on Eugenics Apology
  • School mascot discussions and legislative testimony
  • Honoring the Plants and Pollinators presentations to schools and libraries

2021

  • Participant in International Center for Transitional Justice workshop on Truth and Accountability 
  • Indigenous Plant consultant on UVM Shelburne Farms phosphorous mitigation project

2020

  • Abenaki Opening Devotional in the Vermont Legislative House
  • Moccasin Tracks interview on VCNAA updates
  • Legislative work to add Abenaki names to state signs
  • WCAX interview for Abenaki state park signage
  • WCAX interview for Deb Haaland appointment to Secretary of the Interior
  • Appointed to Vermont Racial Equity Task Force

2019

  • Provided training for State House tour guides on the Abenaki display
  • Moccasin Tracks interview on VCNAA
  • Endangered Alphabets Abenaki Perspective, Vermont Statehouse, Montpelier VT
  • Overview of Abenaki History and Culture, Proctor School, Proctor VT
  • Abenaki Cultural Regeneration Camp, Northwoods Stewardship, Charleston VT
  • Permanent Installation of display for the Abenaki recognition items
  • Smudged, labeled and installed the permanent display of Abenaki recognition items
  • Stowe High School Indigenous Peoples’ Day presentation

2018

  • Abenaki Cultural Regeneration Camp, Northwoods Stewardship, Charleston VT
  • Abenaki Stories and Drumming, Button Bay Campground, Ferrisburg VT
  • Overview of Abenaki History and Culture, Whitingham Middle School, Whitingham VT

2017

  • Wearing Our Heritage Panel Discussion, Shelburne Library, Shelburne VT.

Affiliations

  • Racial Equity Task Force (2020-2022)
  • Vice-Chair Friends of the State House Board (2023-2025)
  • Indigenous Plant Consultant UVM Shelburne Farms Phosphorus Mitigation (2021 – present)
  • Appointment by Governor Scott to the Racial Equity Task Force (2020-2021)
  • Social Equity Task Force  (2020-2021)
  • Social Equity Caucus   (2020-2021)
  • Friends of the Vermont Statehouse, Panel member
  • Abenaki Cultural Regeneration Project, Co-leader
  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
  • Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs member since 2016. Vice Chair 2017, Chair 2018 – 2019, 2019 – 2020, 2020 – 2021, and 2021 – 2022

Artisan Levels

When artists join VAAA their work is juried and they are classified into one of the following four categories. Artists may also request their artwork be reevaluated annually or after receiving appropriate awards.

Master Culture Bearer (MCB)

Birchbark Moose Call made by Aaron York.
Birchbark Moose Caller made by Aaron York

Master Culture Bearers are few and far between because this distinction requires superior skill level, mentoring Abenaki apprentices, and emerging artists using traditional Abenaki epistemology. They have exhibited their artwork internationally, and have earned awards for their artwork or work with/for the Abenaki community. They have a long-standing record of service to their community, VAAA, and the arts and humanities organizations. Some may also have academic credentials that support their traditional knowledge. Anyone applying for this level must provide a resume of their achievements, photo samples of their work and original pieces to be examined if requested. By this time in their career, they should be well known throughout the region. (Please note that this is a new category.)

Master Artists (M)
Most Master Artists are culture bearers that are bringing traditional arts to the next generation. They must be knowledgeable about the history of their chosen art form, how to harvest and prepare the necessary materials. They have their own style, create original pieces, not replicas. Their work is increasingly original, and they may be increasingly pushing the boundaries of their chosen medium, and they have designed and taught classes and workshops about their medium. Their art is sought after by museums, galleries, and collectors. Master Artists must also be available as a jurist for new artists coming into the category of their art form. Anyone applying for this level must provide a resume of their achievements, photo samples of their work and original pieces to be examined if requested. By this time in their career, they should be well known throughout the region. A journeyman who has been selling their pieces professionally may apply to be juried after ten years. Application does not guarantee designation of a title.

Journeyman (J)

Silver cuffs by Paul Rene Tamburro..
Sterling silver cuffs made by Paul-Rene Tamburro

The minimum requirements to being a Journeyman are to have practiced a craft for at least five years. They have achieved technical proficiency but are still developing their style, and they make professional looking pieces that are of high quality to sell.  Some Journeymen may be beginning to exhibit their works and be thinking about teaching workshops. Apprentices are eligible to apply for this level after three to five year period as an apprentice, but they must show significant growth in their skill and creativity before they apply to be re-juried for this designation or title.

Craftsperson (C)

Craftspeople are can either be self-taught or had some lessons but they are not doing an apprenticeship with a Master Artist. They do not have the technical expertise to be considered for the Journeyman or Master Artist categories.

Apprentice (A)

Four turtle shell rattles with fur on handles made by Michael Descoteaux.
Four turtle shell rattles with fur on handles made by Michael Descoteaux.

Apprentices are taking their first step on their journey as an artist. They are in the process of learning about the tools and techniques of their craft. During this stage, their work may appear primitive or inconsistent in quality. Through practice, they are developing proficiency. Some apprentices are studying with VAAA Master Artists while others are learning from other culture bearers. Apprentices can also be self-taught through research, trial, and error. Although apprenticeship typically lasts a few years, they will not automatically move on to the next level. They must request that the VAAA committee required them. If successful they will move on to be a Journeyman and if not they may remain Apprentices for a longer period. Kits may never be used during the jurying process.

Artist Tutorials

The following links for a variety of tutorials are provided to aid our artists in writing important documents such as an Artist’s Statement and an Artist’s Biography. You can also get good information on how to write a resume.

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Click on the link:

Artist Statement and Bios. Maryland Institute College of Art


Writing an Effective Artist’s Statement: Some Practical Tips – Claremont Graduate University


Write Your Resume. Illinois Community College: The Career Center


Building Confidence: using your bio & artist statement to talk about your artwork

Artist Information

This page provides links to information about joining the VAAA, such as how to apply, how VAAA artists are juried, our various levels, our awards, and professional development information.

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Applying to become a VAAA Artisan or to be rejuried to a higher artisan level

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Resources

If you have questions that are not addressed in these pages, please feel free to Contact Us.

Lance Hodgdon

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki

Juried Artist since 2019
Image of Lance Hodgdon.
Lance Hodgdon

Lance Hodgdon does beautiful work with wood. He specializes in flutes, which have a rich tone that is pleasant to listen to.

He is also a fine woodworker and is chopping blocks are finely made. He does accept special orders.


Email: [email protected]

Facebook Store: Wind Walker’s Native American Flutes


Image of chopping block in shape of state of Maine.
Chopping block made in the shape of the state of Maine.
Image of chopping block made by Lance Garfield.
Beautiful chopping block made with a variety of wood colors.

Lori Lambert, PhD, DS

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2014
Image of Dr. Lori Lambert.
Lori Lambert, PhD, DS

Lori Lambert is a scriptwriter, photographer, writer, and researcher. In her spare tine she follows her passion of beading.  She has been beading for over 20 years. She learned her craft from the elders on the Flathead Indian Reservation, especially Rachel Bowers and Edna Finley, and from the great granddaughter of Wooden Legs, a Cheyenne Warrior.

She believes that anyone can learn to bead and that anything can be beaded. It takes patience, and a good sense of what the colors can express. She says, “It is important to have a peaceful heart and calm mind otherwise the work will have bad karma.” At Salish Kootenai College, where she is a professor and the Head of the Native American Studies Department, she has taught students to bead stethoscopes, medallions, dance dresses, and even moccasins. In addition to beading, Lori loves doing research, writing, traveling, and hosting television programs for KSKC-TV. She lives on the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana with her husband, Dr. Frank Tyro and their band of sled dogs.

 Artist Statement

Although I enjoyed drawing and writing since I was a child, I never thought of myself as an artist.  To me artists were musicians, painters, dancers and their work was shown in museums or theaters. After I married my husband Frank, I paid more attention to Native cultural arts and took courses in reservation arts at Salish Kootenai College, where I teach.  Many of my friends are amazing bead workers and I continually aspire to their level of perfection.

 I have written and published six books.  They are all on amazon.com.  My latest book is entitled “Research for Indigenous Survival: Indigenous research methodologies in the behavioral sciences.  

 My husband Frank is filmmaker and broadcast engineer. As the scriptwriter, we have collaborated on several projects all of which won various awards from “Best Documentary Short” “Aurora”  “Aurora Platinum.” 

 Over the years I have learned that art is writing, bead working, powwow dancing, and script writing and doesn’t necessarily have to be shown in a museum or a theater. 

My most recent book, Children of the Stars: Indigenous Science Education in a Reservation Classroom was written in coordination with Ed Galindo. It is the story of students and a teacher, courage and hope. Written in a conversational style, it’s an accessible story about students who were supported and educated in culturally relevant ways and so overcame the limitations of an underfunded reservation school to reach great heights.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Image of beaded keychains by Lori Lambert.
Beaded keychains
Image of beadwork by Dr. Lori Lambert.
Beadwork
Image of detailed beading on dress by Dr. Lori Lambert
Detailed beadwork on dress

 Exhibits

 2017

Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. 

2014

  • All of my Relations: Faces and Effigies from the Native World –  Invitational Group Art Exhibit.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH
  • Western Montana Fair: Blue Ribbon for Katiya’s beaded harness
  • Art show at the Sand piper Art Gallery in Polson Montana
  • Salish Kootenai College Art exhibit/ Faculty Art exhibit

 Selected Publications

  •  Lambert, L. (2014). Research for Indigenous survival: Indigenous research methodologies in the behavioral sciences. Pablo: Salish /Kootenai Press
  •  Lambert, L. (2011). Two-Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Methodologies in Psychology. Paper accepted: International Congress for Qualitative Research
  • Lambert, L. (2011). Two-Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Methodologies in Psychology. Paper presented for the Eberhard Wenzel Oration. Australian Health Promotion Association Conference, Cairns, Qld, Australia
  • Lambert, L. (2011). Historical Trauma and Environmental Degradation as Health Disparities for Indigenous People. Keynote paper presented Health Promotion Association of Australia, Cairns, Australia
  •  Lambert, L. & Toby, R. (2009). Gungalu Warrior Dreaming: The biography of Robert Toby senior. Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia (Unpublished Manuscript at the Request of the Family)
  •  Lambert, L (2008). In Our Own Voice: 12 Narratives focusing on culture and health for Grades 8-12. Seattle, WA: University of Washington
  •  Lambert, L.,Wenzel, E. (2007). Issues in Indigenous Health in Critical Issues in Public Health. Ronald Labonte and Judith Greene (Eds). Routledge
  •  Lambert, L. (2005). Paper presented at the Canadian Aboriginal Science and Technology Conference, Cape Breton, Canada: Distance Education Providing College Courses for Remote Aboriginal students
  •  Lambert, L (2005).Cheyenne Daughter. Bloomington, IL: Authorhouse
  •  Lambert, L & Walsh, C. (2002). Heart of the Salmon, Spirit of the People: Ethnicity, Pollution, and Culture Loss. Bloomington: Author House
  •  Lambert, L.A. (2001). International Union for Health Promotion and Education Journal: Promotion and Education. Vol. viii/2-4. American Indian Partnerships: Historical and contemporary
  • Lambert, L. (2000). Keepers of the Central fire: Issues in Ecology for Indigenous Peoples. New York: National League of Nursing Press
  • Lambert, L. (1996). Through the Northern Looking Glass: Breast Cancer Stories told by Northern Native Women. New York: National League of Nursing Press


Awards & Honors (select list)

2014: Conference Chair: American Indigenous Research Association Conference

2013: Conference Chair: American Indigenous Research Association Conference

2013:

  • Founder and member: American Indigenous Research Association
  • Member: Indigenous Studies Research Network. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland
  • Tapestry Institute, Longmont, CO: Board President

2013: The International Women’s Leadership Association: Woman of Outstanding Leadership.

2012: American Indian College Fund Faculty of the Year for Salish Kootenai College

2011: American Indian College Fund Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship Award for Faculty Research

2009 Award: Outstanding Contribution to Distance Learning and Adult Education. The North Carolina State University

2009 Fulbright Scholar: China (6 weeks)

2005: Aurora Award- Platinum Best of Show Cultural Documentary: Lambert, L. & Tyro, F. (2003) Sacred Salmon. Documentary Produced by Salish Kootenai College Media Productions. Frank Tyro, Director, Lori Lambert, Script Writer.2003: Faculty Fellowship Award: United States Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agriculture Service 2002: Faculty Development Award: Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences

 2002: Faculty Development Award: Canadian Embassy

 2001: Sloan –C National Award for “Excellence in Asynchronous Teaching”

 2001: Nominated for Outstanding Employee of the Year: Salish Kootenai College

1999: Course Award: Center for Theology and the Natural Science, Berkeley, Calif.: Science and Religion : Environmental Science and Indigenous Religions.1995 American Society for Canadian Studies in the United States: Nominated for the Distinguished Dissertation Award

1996: Canadian Embassy Research Grant

1995 The Union Institute: Nominated for the Sussman Award for Distinguished

Dissertation

1994: Canadian Embassy Graduate Student Fellowship

1988: The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Philadelphia, PA: Board    Award.

1982: Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA: Outstanding Graduate Award.

1980: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA: Outstanding Graduate Award 1980

1979: Gladys Pearlstein Humanitarian Award: Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA

Affiliations

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

Jon Manitouabe8ich

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2015
Image of Jon Manitouabe8ich.

Jon Manitouabe8ich is a well-known graphic artist and musician with a heart for serving the Native community. His creative and unique style of art is sought by many businesses and organizations for designing logos and advertising for marketing campaigns. As a musician, he and his band create a variety of music in many different languages – an artistic approach that causes his music to be appealing to a wide range of interests.

Jon is now working on refining his skills in jewelry-making as well as crafting other types of Native American items. His strong desire to hold to the customs of his family is evident by all he does.

Jon Manitouabe8ich is also a writer. With six books published at Éditions Kizos, the writing work has taken up much of his interest and time. Literary essay, initiatory novel, tales, the collection grows from year to year. You can find the links on his Facebook page.


Artist Statement

I’ve been creating art since I was born. My parents taught me the basic techniques and I quickly develop my own work methods. I studied graphic design in which I hold a diploma. Since then I make my living in art.

In addition to this work, I also create music. In 2007, I founded the music band called Black Lizards. I have a recording studio so I can create music with other amazing artist. In this circle everyone is equal and I refused to take center stage. My vision is that each one of us is a part of a circle and nothing is possible without each other. Our music has no particular style. The songs are written in different languages so that everyone feels comfortable. Since the beginning of the adventure with the Black Lizards, I had the chance to invite several artists to participate to share the same vision of Love, Compassion and Gratitude.

The earth is loaned to us and we need to improve it as a legacy to our children. It is only trough the transmission of values such as respect for others that we will find balance in this world so that we may live in harmony. These values that we teach others must come from within ourselves.

Image of graphic design poster by Jon Manitouabe8ich.
Image of Red Urban Project logo by Jon Manitouabe8ich .
Red Urban Project logo
Image of Logo created by Jon Manitouabe8ich.

Books

Image of book by Jon Manitouabe8ich.
Image of book by Jon Manitouabe8ich.
Image of book by Jon Manitouabe8ich.

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.soundcloud.com/black-lizards

Facebook: www.facebook.com/blacklizardsofficial    

www.facebook.com/manitouabe8ichart

Jim Taylor

Enrolled Citizen of the ELNU ABENAKI TRIBE

Juried Artist since 2013
Image of Jim Taylor.
Jim Taylor – Photo courtesy of Adam Sings in the Timber

I am a Tribal Councilman and citizen of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe of Southern Vermont which recently was granted State Recognition after years of battling with both the State & Federal Governments. I also descend from the Eastern Cherokee my Fathers people who reside in Kentucky.

Artist, Eastern Quillworker, & Wampum, I have been involved with various art forms since I was a small child, with the help from my recently deceased maternal Aunt she fostered the talent the Creator blessed us both with.

I am currently employed as a Graphic Designer designing Police, Fire, Federal, & International Law Enforcement badges; for past 28 years.

I currently reside in Rhode Island with my wife Claudine and two daughters, Ashley age 22 and Jillian age 16 along with our Golden Retriever Abby. My Tribal duties in Vermont do take me away from home many weekends throughout the year which my wife is very understanding. The many reasons are is it’s what’s needed to build a better future for the next 7 generations of my people; I thank her and my 2 girls for their patience and understanding.

I have been doing Eastern style quillwork for the past 26 years along with other various native related beadwork and crafts and most recently learning how to create wampum beads from quahog & whelk shells. My quill work began when I became more involved with Living History/ Native Interpreting at French & Indian Living History events. The Abenaki played an important role as Allies with the French during that period. As I became more proficient, my quillwork became more sought after by other Living History people as well as other Native people.

My quillwork has been featured in numerous articles and magazines & books; also my work has been displayed in the Mingei International Museum of Folk Art in San Diego, CA, and currently I have an Underwater Panther bag on permanent display in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, NY. My work has also have been in various local Art shows in RI as well.

I hope to continue doing quill work and to become more proficient in the wampum bead work as well, my hope is to pass this onto future generations of youth within my tribe along with possibly getting future grants to allow me to travel west to Washington State to share how to do quillwork and wampum making with Native Artists in the Communities there with the hope of learning some of their traditional crafts like Cedar Hat making and Cedar carving to share with my tribe Elnu and others here on the East Coast.


Future work:

I am currently trying to organize a Multi-Eastern Tribal Canoe Journey on the Connecticut River beginning at its head waters in Canada to where it spills out into Long Island Sound. This Journey will be mirrored to the same one held annually out west in Washington by the Salish Coastal peoples. My hope is that this will be a Journey to inspire our youth to make them stronger physically, mentally as well as spiritually; this will be a journey for ALL ages. We along with others here in New England hope to have a smaller version to start with by sometime next year; I urge all eastern peoples / Tribes to contact us if they are interested in being part of this hopefully Annual event. We can be reached via Facebook at Kwinitekw Canoe Journey https://www.facebook.com/groups/248209231873305/ or my Email at [email protected]

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Website: Quillwork by Swift Fox

Image of quillwork detail on bag by Jim Taylor.
Detailed quillwork on bag
Image of carved bone combs made by Jim Taylor.
Carved bone combs
Image of quilled knife sheath and bag.
Quilled knife sheath and bag
Image of wampum pendant.
Wampum Pendant

 Exhibits

2017

Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

2016

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington, PA.

2015

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT.

2014     

  • First Light: Native American Artists from New England, The Flanagan Campus Art Gallery, RI
  • Traditional Sources, Contemporary Visions – Invitational Group Art Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
  • All My Relations: Faces and Effigies from the Native World – Invitational Group Art Exhibit.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH

2013      

Like Breathing: Native American Beading and Quillwork.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum,  Warner, NH

2012     

Quilled Underwater Panther Bag.  American Museum of Natural History, NYC, NY  

2000      

Arrow of the Spirit. Mingei International Museum, San Diego, CA

Publications

  • Jones, Paul R.  “Quillworkers 2: The Tradition Continues.” Muzzleloader, Nov/Dec 1999, 40
  • Dubin, Lois Sherr.  North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment: From Prehistory to Present Concise Edition, Harry N Abrams Incorporated, NYC, NY. 2003. 71

Affiliations

  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
  • Woodland Confederacy

Jeanne Morningstar Kent

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Master Culture Bearer (MCB) – Juried Artist since 2013
Image of Jeanne Morningstar Kent.
Jeanne Morningstar Kent

Jeanne Kent was named Spozowialakws (Morningstar) by an Abenaki Elder many years ago. It means: “One who leads others out of the darkness into the light…a teacher.”

She is an enrolled citizen of the  Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation of Vermont, and also descended from Nipissing, Montagnais, and Algonquin People from the Quebec area of Canada.  Her father was French and Indian; her mother was German.  Her art work contains Native American symbols and designs of the Northeast Woodland People with a focus on the Wabanaki group.  Her medium is gourd art.  Currently, she is working on a series of gourd designs which she hopes will provide a visual language for the woodland people.

In 2024, Jeanne was raised to the artisan level of Master Culture Bearer (MCB). To learn more about this prestigious designation, please click here.

“There is something wonderful about putting one’s hands into the soil to plant the seed, nurturing it until the blossoms form, then protecting them until they develop into natural canvases upon which to work my art, ” she said.  “Working with gourds is a combination of my art and heritage bound together in a spiritual journey with Mother Earth.”

Image of Morningstar's studio.

She has received both state and national awards and participated in one man shows, and group shows through out CT, NY, NH, and MA. Her work has sold internationally via her website. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and a Master in Art Education from the University of Hartford.  Additional courses were taken at Johnson College, VT; Smith College, MA; Trinity College and Yale Campuses, CT, and the Woodstock School of  Art, NY.  She taught art in public schools for twenty years transversing levels from kindergarten to college.  As teacher and artist, she has given in-services on Native crafts and history, to educators, acted as a mentor for student teachers,  and offered courses at the University of Hartford Extension Service.

Morningstar serves as an interpreter at the Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington, CT, where she has also lectured and given workshops. One of her gourd rattles is part of their permanent collection. Other permanent collections containing her work are the Chimney Point Museum (VT) and the Roger Williams University (RI). Many pieces are in private collections.

“I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil,” she said.  “Once I made a mark, I never stopped experimenting.”

Her work has been shown at the Millbrook Gallery and Sculpture Garden (NH), the Artworks Gallery, (CT), McDaniels-Wiley Gallery, (CT), the Gallows Book Store and Gallery at Trinity College(CT) and the Bushnell Theater Gallery (CT). She was invited to participate in an invitational group show in Boxboro (MA) at the New England Native American Institute which hosted the show: “Walking Between Two Worlds.”  She currently shows her work at the Autumn Light Gallery in Avon, CT.

She recently offered lectures and workshops at the Institute for Native American Studies, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, the University of Connecticut, the Naugatuck Community College, the ECHO Maritime Museum (VT) and numerous social groups.

Affiliations include the Institute for American Indian Studies, (CT), the American Gourd Society,   the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and the French Genealogy Library (CT).

“Although I am continuously walking between two worlds, I consider myself fortunate for having found a balance between my ancestral cultures.”
                     
— Spozowialakws (Morningstar)


Image of gourd artwork by Jeanne Morningstar Kent
Gourd artwork
Gourd rattle with double curve designs.
Gourd rattle
Image of gourd with double curve design and butterfly.
Gourd with double curve design and butterfly
Image of gourd with dreamcatcher.
Image of gourd with dreamcatcher and deer antlers

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Website: Fine Wabanaki Art by Morningstar


MUSEUMS AND PERMANENT COLLECTIONS

The artist is a recognized Abenaki Artist and enrolled Member of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation of Vermont with work housed in the following permanent collections:

  • Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian Studies, imagiNATIONS Activity Center, New York, New York
  • Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
  • Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH, Permanent Collection
  • Institute for American Indian Studies Permanent Collection, Washington, CT
  • Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island
  • Chimney Point Museum, Addison, VT, Permanent Collection
  • Part of the permanent collection of Abenaki Cultural items at the Burlington International Airport, Vermont.

Exhibits, Lectures and Demonstrations

2021

  • “Abenaki People Emerging From the Ashes”, show and sale, Villages Gallery, Contoocook, NH
  • Group Show, Bennington Museum, Bennington, VT
  • On line presentation on The Visual Language of Wabanaki Art for the Institute for American Indian Studies
  • Video Interview by Museum of American Indian Studies. 2021-Installed as Member of the Board of Trustees at the Institute for American Indian Studies
  • Installed as Member of the Board of Trustees at the Institute for American Indian Studies

2020

  • Featured on Mt. Kearsarge Indian museum Blog “Being Native is Both Inborn and a Way of Life”

2019

  • Group show office of Bernie Sanders, Washington, DC
  • Selected by Institute of American Indian Studies to have painted portrait added to their Hall of Elders
  • Spring and Winter Shows at the Whiting Mills Studios, Winsted, CT
  • Board Member of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

2017

Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

2016

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington, PA.

2015

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT.

2014     

  • “Traditional Sources, Contemporary Visions” – Invitational Group Art Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT
  • All of my Relations: Faces and Effigies from the Native World –  Invitational Group Art Exhibit.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, N.H.

2013    

  • Containers.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH
  •  Reading Native Art. Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH
  •  Artist.  Autumn Light Studios And Gallery, CT
  •  New England Now!: Celebrating six years of NEFA’s Native Arts
  • Program. Mashantucket Pequot Museum,  Mashantucket, CT
  •  Presenter.  Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford, CT
  •  Native Interpreter. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington. CT
  •  Panelist. “Quarterly Conversation.”  Mashantucket Pequot Museum,  Mashantucket, CT

2012    

Native Interpreter. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington. CT

2011    

Native Interpreter. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington. CT

2010    

  • Featured Artist. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington, CT
  •  Artist. Northwest Arts Council, Studio Tours, CT
  •   Native Interpreter. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington. CT

2009     

  • Native Interpreter. Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington. CT
  •  Gourds: Seeds of Inspiration. Vermont Indigenous Celebration, Burlington, VT

EARLIER Group Shows

  • Millbrook Gallery and Sculpture Garden, NH Group Show, Artworks Gallery, CT Group Show, Arlene
  • McDaniels Gallery, CT
  • Bushnell Theater Gallery, CT
  • Gallows Book Store and Gallery at Trinity College, CT
  • “Walking Between Two Worlds”, Boxboro, MA, hosted by the New England Native American Institute – Shown at Autumn Light Gallery, CT
  • NW Arts Council, Studio Tour, Winsted, CT ArtZest, Litchfield, CT

Other Accomplishments

  • Vendor: Wabanaki Confederacy Conference, Shelbourne, VT
  • 2015 Recipient of NEFA Grant for work on book, The Visual Language of Wabanaki Art
  • Classroom Art Instructor, Hartford School System, Pre-K-8 University of Hartford Extension Courses, Hartford, CT
  • H.O.T. (Higher Order of Thinking) School Consortium, UConn, Campus UConn Workshop, Main Campus
  • Torrington Adult Education, Torrington High school, Torrington,
  • Workshops and talks at Institute for American Indian Studies, Master Teacher-Supervising Student Teachers
  • Master Teacher- Supervising High school Students in Community Service
  • Presenter at the 46th Algonquian Conference, Mohegan Sun,
  • Presenter: ECHO Museum, Burlington, VT
  • Presenter: Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Ledyard, CT
  • Presenter: Ward Hertmann House Museum, Savin Rock, West Haven,
  • CT Village Docent, Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington
  • Open Your Eyes, Studio Tour, Litchfield, CT

EDUCATION

  • Presenter at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Ledyard, CT. University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT B.F.A. and M.A., Ed.
  • Additional Coursework: Johnson State College, VT
  • Smith College, Amherst, MA
  • Northwest Community College, Winsted, CT
  • Woodstock School of Art, Woodstock, NY
  • School of Fine Arts and Theater, NY, NY

Article: Indigenous Arts, Cultural Survival Quarterly

CRAFTS

  • Chimney Point Museum, VT
  • ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center , Burlington, VT
  • Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Show
  • VT Indigenous Celebration, Burlington, VT
  • Hammonassett Indian Festivals

AWARDS

2O12  Native Arts Grant. New England Foundation for the Arts.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Author of “The Visual Language of Wabanaki Arts”, published by History/Acadia Press, which discusses history and meanings of some of the designs used by the Wabanaki people.
  • Kent, Jeanne.  Gourds: Seeds of Inspiration,  Jeanne Kent publication, Winsted, CT (out of print)
  • Lavin, Lucienne, Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples: What Archaeology, History, and Oral Traditions Teach Us About Their Communities and Cultures. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. 2O13.
  • Photos of my work included in “Connecticut’s Indigenous People, Their Communities and Cultures, Then and Now” by Lucienne Lavin. Published by Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and Yale Press.

Affiliations

  • Vermont Abenaki Artist Association, Committee Member
  • Institute for American Indian Studies, Native Advisory Board, Committee Member
  • American Gourd Society
  • Northwest Connecticut Arts Council

Francine Poitras Jones

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2014
Image of Francine Poitras Jones

Francine Poitras Jones has been an artist from the time she held her first crayon. She was never satisfied with just staying within the lines; she enjoyed shading and blending colors. Francine started painting with oils at the age of 21. She took a short course in art through a program offered by the city. From there, she discovered acrylic paints and enjoys adding bark, sand, twigs, shells, and other “found” items to her paintings.

Francine is also the illustrator of two children’s books. She collaborated with Brian Chenevert to illustrate a coloring book, Abenaki Animals and most recently, they have collaborated again on the storybook  Swift Deer’s Spirit Game, which is available on Amazon.

She retired from a career in marketing and copy editing to pursue a second career substitute teaching grades K through 5. She also presents Abenaki educational programs. Her artwork is featured in Abenaki curriculum materials, exhibitions, and is used for illustrating books. As well, Francine is currently an educator for the Abenaki Arts & Education Center.

Artist Statement

Like so many other native artists, my favorite subjects are from nature, and my paintings show my passion for Mother Earth. I have drawn and painted almost as long as I can remember. Being able to express my heritage through art is a real gift from Creator.

I especially enjoy painting on wood. I like to frame my work using twigs and other items from nature, including leather. I enjoy working with leather and make pouches, fashioning them from the way the piece of leather looks and letting my imagination run wild.

Image of Doris Mayne in her regalia.
Doris Mayne in her regalia.

In addition to painting and making leather pouches, I make regalia. In 2014, I made my mother’s first regalia from her head (headband) to her toes (beaded moccasins), including her dance fan, dress, and shawl. She was 86 years old at the time and had never danced in the circle because she had never been allowed to express her identity as an Abenaki woman. She crossed over in 2021 just two days before her 94th birthday. I am so happy that she had a chance to dance in the circle and show the world who she was. It will always be one of my fondest memories.

 Contact

Email: [email protected]

Etsy Store: BlueWolfCrafts

Acrylic painting of a water scene with many shades of blues and greens.
Water is Life
Image of wave painted with pastels by Francine Poitras Jones.
Crashing Wave
Image of beaded moccasins and peaked cap made by Francine Poitras Jones
Beaded Moccasins and peaked cap
Image of beaded Possibles Bag by Francine Poitras Jones.
Beaded Possibles Bag
Image of 18th Century Abenaki Couple painted by Francine Poitras Jones.
18th Century Abenaki Couple
Image of wall hanging by Francine Poitras Jones.
Great Blue Heron wall hanging

 


Exhibits

2021

  • “Abenaki People Emerging From the Ashes”, show and sale, Two Villages Art Society: Gallery, Contoocook, NH
  • Group Show, Bennington Museum, Bennington, VT
  • Nebizun: Water is Life, Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT
  • Perquiman Art League Gallery, Hertford, NC

2017-2020

  • Burlington International Airport – Abenaki Exhibit
  • Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
  • Perquiman Art League Gallery, Hertford, NC

2019

  • Group show office of Bernie Sanders, Washington, DC
  • Nebizun: Water is Life, Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT
  • Babaskwahomwôgan: The Spirit Game. Invitational Group Art Exhibit.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH
  • T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, VT

2016

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Farmington, PA.

2015

Parley and Protocol: Abenaki Diplomacy Past and Present. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Vergennes, VT.

2014

All of my Relations: Faces and Effigies from the Native World –  Invitational Group Art Exhibit.  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH

2010 – 2011

Friday Night at the Arts, Petersburg Regional Art Center, Petersburg, VA

Available for Purchase

Etsy Shop: BlueWolfCrafts

Affiliations

  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
  • Abenaki Arts and Education Center
  • Perquimans Art League in North Carolina

Don Stevens

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2013
Image of Chief Don Stevens in regalia.

Chief Don Stevens is an award-winning leader, businessman, writer, and lecturer. He has been featured in magazines, books, TV shows, and documentaries. He was appointed to the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs by Governor Douglas in 2006 for two terms, where he served as Chair and led the fight to obtain legal recognition for the Abenaki People in Vermont. Chief Stevens was able to acquire tribal land for the Nulhegan Tribe which had been absent for over 200 years. A gifted storyteller, he speaks about issues of Native American Sovereignty, Racial Disparity, and Abenaki Identity.

He was appointed by the Attorney General to the “Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Advisory Panel” and serves on the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Advisory Panel and Vermont State Police Fairness and Diversity Advisory Panel.

Contact

Address: 156 Bacon Drive

Shelburne VT  04582

Email: [email protected]

Image of breast plate made by Chief Don Stevens.
Breast Plate
Image of Raccoon Bag made by Chief Don Stevens.
Raccoon Bag

Exhibits

2017 – 2018

Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

2014     

Traditional Sources, Contemporary Visions – Invitational Group Art Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Events and Performances

2013 – 2018    

Native American Heritage Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT

Nulheganaki, Island Pond, VT

2012     

Native American Heritage Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Nulheganaki, Island Pond, VT

2011    

Native American Heritage Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Speaking To The Ancestors Abenaki Gathering.  ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT

2010     

Native American Heritage Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

Winter Celebration. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT

2009    

Vermont Indigenous Celebration.  ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center/Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, VT

Affiliations

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

Diane Stevens

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist
Image of Diane Stevens

My Love for nature photography was a natural progression of my love for travel.  A friend of mine joined the Peace Corps and encouraged me to join her for a two-week adventure in Namibia and Zambia, Africa.  Thus began an incredible photographic journey.  Vermont’s abundant wild life and beauty have enable me to hone my craft. 

Hiking and back water kayaking have led to incredible, yet at times challenging, photographic opportunities. Continued travels in New England, Florida, and Peru have expanded my appreciation of all nature has to offer. I recently won best in color at the Seaba Artists Exhibit.


Contact

Email: [email protected]

Store: Diane Stevens Photography

Image of Camels Hump.
Camel’s Hump
Peruvian love birds in vibrant colors by Diane Stevens.
Love Birds in Peru
Monkey staring at the camera - taken by Diane Stevens.
Peruvian Monkey

Exhibits

2016 to present

Indefinite Exhibit at Trinity Church in Shelburne, Vermont 

2017

Alnobak: Wearing Our Heritage. Traveling Exhibit. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.

2016

Solo photography show at Charlotte Senior Center . Charlotte, VT.

SEABA (Arts Alive) photography exhibit at One Main Street, Burlington, Vt

Documentary

2015

Photos utilized in Wabanaki Confederacy Documentary

Awards

 2017

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Best in Color for Nature’s Pallet. Annual Open Photography Exhibit . Arts Alive.

Bill Gould

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2014

Image of Bill and Sherry Gould
Bill and Sherry Gould

Bill Gould lives in Warner, NH with his wife Sherry. They were both born and raised in New Hampshire. Together they raised their two daughters in Warner. Bill is a lumberman by trade. They celebrate their Abenaki heritage and love making beautiful baskets.

Together Sherry and Bill studied utilitarian Abenaki basket-making in 2006 under master artist Newt Washburn of Bethlehem, NH. Bill has taught Steve Lewko Abenaki utility basket making for two years through an award from the NH Arts Council, Traditional Arts program.

In 2011 Bill, together with Jesse Lacquer started the NH/VT Abenaki Basketmakers Alliance. Bill and his wife, Sherry, work to maintain basketmaking as part of Abenaki culture through teaching other Abenaki through the traditional arts programs in New Hampshire and Vermont.

 Artist Statement

I like to make baskets. My life and livelihood revolves around wood. Basket making ties my love of wood to my Native American heritage. I got started back when my wife needed molds and tools to make her baskets. Eventually, I worked with Newt Washburn; I learned to identify brown ash trees, cut them, pound them and prepare the wood into strips for splints and weavers or handles or rims.

I love working with a crooked knife; it allows me to feel the wood. Newt taught me to try different methods and do what works best for me. I like a certain method of joining my swing handles; instead of using a small brass nail, I weave a tail of the wood through itself. I think that works good. It is especially rewarding for me to hold a finished basket in my hands, knowing that I have made good choices about using the right pieces of wood and preparing them with skill.

In my daily work, I harvest trees, saw them into boards, provide slabs for boiling sap to syrup, provide lumber to build things like houses or furniture, renovate my home and heat my house with it. Basket making requires no modern technology to create something visually pleasing that is as functional today as it was 200 years ago. I want to do my part to preserve this timeless culture. When people see my basket, I’d like them to see its art form and to see themselves using it.

Contact Info

Note: The Goulds do not have a store; however, they will accept custom orders.

Email:  [email protected]

Image of Toboggan made of Ash, Cherry, & Birdseye Maple
Toboggan made of Ash, Cherry, & Birdseye Maple by Bill Gould
Image of Lamp Shade Basket made by Bill Gould.
Lamp Shade Basket
Image of Fish Creel with Leather Straps made by Bill Gould.
Fish Creel with Leather Straps
Image of bicycle basket made by Bill Gould.
Bicycle basket

 


Demonstrations

 2013

  • Discovering Your Native American Roots, Franklin Pierce Homestead, Hillsboro, NH
  • Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Harvest Moon Festival,  Warner, NH
  •  Lee Farm Fiber Festival  

2012     

  • Nulheganaki. Island Pond, VT
  • Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Harvest Moon Festival,  Warner, NH

 2011 

  • “New Hampshire Open Doors”
  •  Harvest Moon Festival,  Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Warner, NH
  • Town of Holderness 250th Celebration, Holderness, NH
  • The Hillsboro Historical Society., Hilsboro, NH
  • Franklin Pierce Homestead,  ,NH

2010   

Cornish Fair, Cornish, NH

2009    

League Of NH Craftsmen Fair

2008

Saratoga Native American Festival, Saratoga, NY


Exhibits

2014     

  • “Traditional Sources, Contemporary Visions” – Invitational Group Art Exhibit
  • Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes, VT

2011     

Basket Trail, Warner Historical Society, Warner, NH.

2010     

  • Baskets and Boxes, Gallery 205, LNHC, Concord, NH
  • New England-Based Indigenous Artists, Diamond Library, UNH, Durham, NH
  • Walking with Us – Honoring the Northeast Native American Heritage, Mill Brook 

Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Concord, NH.

2009     

  • Tomorrow’s Masters, Hopkinton Historical Society, Hopkinton, NH
  • First People of the Northeast, Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Concord, NH

2007

Gallery 205, League of New Hampshire Craftsman (LNHC), Concord, NH.

Consultations

  •  “Abenaki Basket Trail” Organizing consultant, sponsored by Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Hopkinton Historical Society, Newbury Historical Society, Warner Historical Society, New Hampshire Historical Society (2009-2011)
  •  “Hillsboro, NH Living History Event” Implementing a Native American component to this annual event. For 2011 funding from the NH Council on the Arts paid three Native American artists to present. For 2012 historic presentation of an early 19th century Abenaki basket maker tourist camp with sales will be integrated to the program on Jones Road. (2010 – present)
  • “Holderness 250th Anniversary” Arranged Native American artisians to demonstrate beadwork, basketmaking and flute making. Also a woods walk, “The Feast at our Feet” (2011)

 Awards

  • Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant NH Council on the Arts, Steve Lewko intern, Warner, NH, 2012
  • Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grant NH Council on the Arts, Steve Lewko intern, Warner, NH, 2013

Affiliations

  • NH/VT Abenaki Basketmakers Alliance
  • League of New Hampshire Craftsman (2009-present)
  • Northeast Basket Makers Guild (2010-present)
  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

Lucy Cannon-Neel

Enrolled Citizen of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation

Juried Artist since 2017
Image of Lucy Cannon-Neel.
.

As the Education Coordinator the Title VI, Indian Education Grant for the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, she provides programs for elementary schools, high schools, and colleges, and she has created the Nulhegan Youth Drummers because she believes that teaching Native American culture to the youth is very important.

Lucy enjoys painting in all mediums, enjoys pottery and many other crafts. She currently has paintings on exhibit at Holland Town office, and her art has been exhibited at T.W. Wood Gallery in Montpelier, Derby Line Days, and other venues .

As a Certified School Nurse Lucy obtained her nursing degree from the University of South Florida, she has worked in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Units, dialysis unit, school nurse and served as Mayor of Zolfo Springs Florida.


Artist Statement

I have been painting and studying art over the past decade or so.  I have been fortunate to work with Bea Nelson and other artists over the years.  Painting, I find, softens the soul.  It is a peaceful time for me.  The outside forces just wither away and I’m focused on the project at hand.  It is my happy place.  I find I am in tune to the depths and shapes and colors of the forest, plants and animals and in trying to get their likenesses challenging.

Contact

Email: [email protected]


Image of painting called Canoe Trip by Lucy Cannon-Neel.
Canoe Trip
Image of painting of chickens by Lucy Cannon Neel.
Chickens
Image of painting of Swans by Lucy Cannon Neel.
Swans

Image of painting of squirrel by Lucy Cannon Neel.
Ready for Winter
Image of painting of pottery by Lucy Cannon Neel.
Pottery

Exhibits

  • Derby Lines Day, Derby, VT
  • Holland Town Office
  • T.W. Wood Gallery, Montpelier, VT
  • Veterans Administration Hospital Infusion Center Display

Affiliations

  • Title VI Education Coordinator
  • Vermont Abenaki Artists Association
  • Vermont Commission of Native American Affairs, Chairperson 2016-2017

Artists in Alphabetical Order

Click on the artist’s name to visit their webpage.

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Blog

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival celebrates Native American culture in Western Mass. (photos)

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival celebrates Native American culture in Western Mass. (photos)

By Steve Smith, Special to The Republican August 5, 2017 at 10:00 PM TURNERS FALLS - The Pocumtuck Homelands Festival ...
Abenaki cultural artifacts on view at lake museum

Abenaki cultural artifacts on view at lake museum

CONTEMPORARY ABENAKI ARTISTS share their artwork and family photographs in the special exhibit ...
Pocumtuck Homelands Festival

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival

The 4th Annual Pocumtuck Homelands Festival, a celebration of Native American Art, Music, and Culture, takes place on Saturday, August ...
Sessions for Teacher Training

Sessions for Teacher Training

When: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 9:30am-4pm Where: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT Cost: $15 ...
Presenting Abenaki Culture in the Classroom

Presenting Abenaki Culture in the Classroom

Members of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association serve as faculty for this one-day professional development seminar at Lake Champlain Maritime ...
Photos From the 2017 Abenaki Heritage Weekend

Photos From the 2017 Abenaki Heritage Weekend

Every year the Abenaki Heritage Weekend offers opportunities for in promtu activities for the public to interact with the Abenaki ...
2017 Abenaki Heritage Weekend Schedule

2017 Abenaki Heritage Weekend Schedule

Abenaki Heritage Weekend at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Saturday, June 24 ...
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