Vermont Abenaki Artists Unite!

Oct. 16, 2013 - PRLog -- For information contact:

Vera Longtoe Sheehan

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association

8O2-579-OO49

http://abenakiart.org/

Vermont’s Indigenous Artists Unite

After successfully winning State recognition in 2011 and 2012, the artists of Vermont’s Elnu, Koasek, Missisquoi and Nulhegan Abenaki Tribal Bands can now sell their art as “Indian Made,” in accordance with the INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFT ACT of 1990.

To celebrate this victory, we created Vermont Abenaki Artist Association (VAAA). The VAAA’s mission is to promote Vermont's Indigenous arts and artists, to provide an organized central place to share creative ideas; to encourage professional development; and to provide a method for the public to find and engage our artists.

The VAAA will be maintaining an online artist registry to promote our Indigenous artists and bring their work to the wider public.  Museums, art galleries, customers and schools will be able to connect with Indigenous decorative, visual, performing artists and guest speakers with confidence. The registry includes artists creating both traditional and contemporary work in media including beadwork, quillwork, decorative arts, textile and fiber arts, fine art and film, as well as performing arts including dance, storytelling, and public speaking. To view the artists’ registry online, please visit www.abenakiart.org/

The artist registry was created by a combined effort of committee members: Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu;  Rebecca Bailey, Koasek; Jessee Lawyer, Missisquoi; and Jeanne Kent, Nulhegan Abenaki tribal bands.  “In the future we hope to hold professional development workshops and public events featuring our artists,” says committee spokesperson Vera Longtoe Sheehan.

Eligible Indigenous artists can request a membership form by emailing the Vermont Abenaki Artist Association.   In the body of the email, indicate your interest in obtaining an application, your name, Tribal affiliation and Tribal ID number. Send your request to Abenakiart@yahoo.com

In addition to the online artist directory, the VAAA will also also have a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vermont-Abenaki-Artists-As... on Twitter https://twitter.com/vtabenakiarts

The Vermont Abenaki Artist Association is endorsed by the State Recognized Tribes - Koasek, Missisquoi, Nulhegan, and Elnu Abenaki Tribes of the Vermont Indigenous Alliance and the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs.