Art … The Equalizer, An exhibit about originality, diversity, individuality
The Chaffee Art Center, Your Center for Creativity, invites the community to the opening reception on June 11th (5-7pm) of our new Exhibit Art …The Equalizer, An Exhibit about originality, diversity, and individuality featuring “Beyond the Curve, American Abenaki COVID Experience.”
Featuring “Beyond the Curve: the Abenaki COVID Experience
In March 2020, the world stood still as businesses and schools around the world closed in response to the global pandemic. Broadcast media, health and government officials repeated the daily mantra “Flatten the Curve.” Resources became scarce, exposing health disparities and access issues that Native American families face across North America. Here in N’Dakinna (our homeland) Abenaki families turned to traditional medicines and other cultural practices for comfort and survival, connecting with nature and small family groups.
Throughout the dark times that followed, Abenaki and other Native American artists, musicians, and community members expressed the impact of the pandemic on ourselves and our community through storytelling, visual arts, and writing. Our stories of personal experience and perceptions about the disparities, access issues, and historical traumas that contribute to vaccine hesitation are also stories of recovery, survival, and resilience.
The stories and artwork in this exhibit were gathered by the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association through the Abenaki Storytelling Project to create an auto-history of the Native American community in Vermont and the surrounding environs.
Many of the storytellers, artists, and community members who contributed to this body of work found that sharing helped them process their grief. This exhibition goes beyond differences to speak of experiences that are universal.
Together, we move Beyond the Curve.
We are excited to also host The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region’s (CEDRR) June Mixer!
Chaffee artist members’ works will also be on display and for sale throughout the galleries, as well as in the Gallery Shoppe that is filled with handmade treasures and gift ideas for any occasion. There is no charge to attend.
Join us to mingle and get creative with interactive arts projects; explore the Artists Show & Tell featuring Heather Wilson, Mary Fran Lloyd, Jen Rondinone, Ann McFarren, Michelle Hartline, Jennie Johannesen, Donald Johannesen; enjoy live music on piano by Marna Grove; sample nibbles including Creation Stations and Beverage Bar; experience the works of art throughout; browse the rest of the mansion and take in the architecture; take a guided tour of the Chaffee Mansion. Plus, the first 100 attendees will get an Ann Clark Ltd “Castle” Cookie Cutter. There will be a 50/50 raffle and door prizes.
The Chaffee Art Center is asking attendees to bring non-perishable food donations for BROC Community Action. Some items for the evening have been donated by Ann Clark Ltd., Mountain Cider Company, Roger and Janet Block.