“Purpose and Pattern”
Exhibit C Opens Latest First American Art Exhibit March 1
“Purpose and Pattern” displays depth through various mixed mediums
Chickasaw Country, OK— A new exhibit titled “Purpose and Pattern” is set to open March 1 at Exhibit C Gallery in Bricktown Oklahoma City. The installation showcases artwork by five First American artists representing various tribes, including Cherokee, Chickasaw and Navajo.
The exhibit focuses on the combination of tradition, culture and self-expression through examples of pattern in art. Art mediums in the exhibit include basketry, pottery, intarsia and textile design.
Featured artists include Jennifer Berg, Michael Dart, Tara Largo, Lisa Rutherford and Mary Wilds. The artists aim to preserve cultural practices while adding their own contemporary voice.
“This exhibition showcases a stunning display of textures and patterns in various forms,” said Paige Williams Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation. “Whether it’s beautiful wood inlaying, expressive pottery or ornate textile design, there is an expression of art to meet any art lover’s interest.”
Jennifer Berg, a Navajo citizen, specializes in Native Knitwear. Born on a reservation in Arizona, Berg describes her work as a wearable piece of art. “Wearable artwork explores the world with its creator and brightens the eyes and minds of others,” Berg said. “The time it takes to create each piece is meaningful and beautiful and worthwhile." Her most proud knitwear is a Sheep Camp sweater she made as a tribute to her grandmother. Berg currently lives in New Mexico where she teaches, designs and increases awareness of indigenous designs in the knitting community.
Cherokee artist Michael Dart first began basket weaving during the 90s in high school. He specializes in Cherokee and Southeastern tribal basketry and contemporary fiber art. Dart’s artwork is inspired by nature, family and current world events. “I’m always grateful when my art is chosen to be displayed because it allows me to educate and promote our culture,” he said. Dart has won numerous awards including two Best of Show awards at the Artesian Arts Festival and NativeFest.
Navajo Artist Tara Largo spent seven years as a teacher before beginning her second career as an artist. She creates art utilizing intarsia woodworking, a process using wood inlay to create patterns and depth. Largo lives in New Mexico and owns her own woodworking company called “G’Shee & Frames.” Native designs and symbols from her New Mexico roots influence a majority of Largo’s work. “Living in the southwest and being surrounded by my traditional landscape is a pleasure to share my interpretation with others that are not from here so they can enjoy it also,” said Largo. Both her father and sister have art backgrounds as well.
Lisa Rutherford, a Cherokee Citizen, grew up on a farm in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She specializes in ceramics, beadwork, twining and is well known for making feather capes. In 2014, Rutherford participated in the Art Leadership Program at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. In 2018, she was named a Cherokee National Treasure by the Cherokee Nation for her work in preserving and promoting Cherokee pottery and culture. Rutherford’s art has won numerous awards including Best of Class at the Cherokee Art Market in 2022, first place for her pottery at the Cherokee Homecoming Art Show in 2022 and the Anna Mitchell Legacy Award for her pottery work in 2019. Rutherford’s feather capes have been featured in several fashion shows.
Mary Wilds is a Native Fiber artist. A Chickasaw Citizen, Wilds credits her family as inspiration for her artwork. “I was old enough to hold a needle and make a few stiches, both of my grandmothers, my mother and my aunt gave me projects with fabric, yarn, and thread,” she said. Wilds taught children with disabilities before returning in 2017. From there, she dove in full-time as a quilter, punch needle embroidery and knitter. Wilds has won two dozen art awards for her work.
“Purpose and Patterns” opens March 1 at Exhibit C Gallery located at 1 E. Sheridan Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City. Exhibit C Gallery is the Bricktown district’s premiere art and retail space showcasing a diversity of arts and culture from First American artists. The exhibition will run through the end of June and all works are for sale. For more information call 405.767.8900 or visit online at exhibitcgallery.com.