Contemporary Indigenous Arts Festival Offers Performances, Workshops and Films

September 23, 2022, Wichita, Kansas – The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University today released the line-up of performances, artist talks, hands-on workshops and short films that will join the Myths of the West exhibit as the Ulrich Museum of Art presents the Contemporary Indigenous Arts Festival, Oct. 4-5 at the Museum and other locations at Wichita State University with sponsorship by Art Bridges and INTRUST Bank. Admission to all events is free.

College and high school students, as well as the public, are invited to take part as the Ulrich celebrates the works of Indigenous artists in conjunction with Myths of the West: Narrating Stories of the Land and People through Wichita Art Collections, which runs through Dec. 3 in the Polk/Wilson and Amsden Galleries. Funding is available to assist regional high schools with transportation.

The festival kicks off at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Duerksen Amphitheater with a free performance by Frank Waln, a Sicangu Lakota rapper and activist. Mvskoke Creek/Seneca Hoop dancers Lumhe and Samoche Sampson, also known as the Sampson Brothers, will open the show and later join Waln onstage for a portion of his performance. The rain location for this event is Miller Concert Hall.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5 a variety of programs are available. Registration is required for hands-on workshops, film screenings, and the Wichita War Dancer performance because space is limited, but all programs are free. Register now at https://IndigenousArtsFestival.eventbrite.com. Lunch will be hosted for workshop attendees.

Here is a list of programs scheduled for Oct. 5:

Printmaking: The Magical Art Medium: Join a printmaking tour of Myths of the West and a tour of the printmaking studio. Learn about the four major printmaking processes, then carve a small linoleum block and print it using a printing press. Teaching Artists: 10 a.m.-Marco Hernandez | 12:45 p.m.-Jocelyn Lechuga | 2:30 p.m.-Anthony Corraro | Location: Ulrich Museum of Art

Sun Printing with WarClan Collective: Enjoy a discussion about Native art and cultural influences with one of the cofounders of Warclan Art Collective and take part in a guided cyanotype sun printmaking workshop. Teaching Artist: Taiomah Rutledge (Ojibwe/Meskwaki/Dakota) I Location: TBA | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Tattoos: Illustrations Meant for Skin: A brief history of design that uniquely applies to tattoo art from its origins to modern day. Attendees will design a rose through the lens of tattoo art. Teaching Artist: Megan Shelton (Ponca/Seminole/Creek) | Location: TBA | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Indigenous Bling-Beaded Earrings: A brief overview of beading styles and tribal designs, including crafting techniques, stitches and tools. Attendees will execute a simple beaded earring design using provided beading starter kits. Teaching Artist: Tylana Looking Glass (Comanche/Apache Tribe of Oklahoma) | Location: Clayton Staples Gallery | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Indigenous Songwriting Workshop with Frank Waln: A masterclass in Indigenous songwriting from award-winning Lakota music artist, producer, and audio engineer Frank Waln, who will demonstrate how culture, history, and ancestral teachings can ground us in our creative process and life path. Teaching Artist: Frank Waln (Sicangu Lakota) | Location: Ulrich Collection Study Center | 10 a.m.

Alter Stories of Place and Identity: Take part in a short tour and discussion of Myths of the West, highlighting the work of Indigenous artist Norman Akers. After the tour, participants will create their own accordion-style mini book collage to map their story of place and identity. Teaching Artist: Lori Santos (Taino) | Location: Ulrich Museum of Art | 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Performance: World Champion Wichita War Dancer (Tohono O'odham/Ponca) has a passion for sharing his culture and history. He will perform traditional Native dance in regalia and answer questions about his art and background. Location: McKnight Arts Center Atrium | 12:45 p.m.

Sundance Indigenous Short Film Tour 2022
Six films by Indigenous filmmakers in one 92 minute program: “Udeyonv (What They’ve Been Taught) by Brit Hensel (Cherokee Nation), “The Headhunter’s Daughter” by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan (Ífugao, Visayan), “The Original Shareholder Experience” by Petyr Xyst (Roadrunner clan in the Pueblo of Laguna), “Long Line of Ladies” by Shaandiin Tome (Diné), “Kicking the Clouds” by Sky Hopinka (Ho Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians), and “Maidenhood” by Xóchitl Enríquez Mendoza (Zapoteca). Showing at 10 a.m., 12:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the CAC Theater.

Volunteers are being sought to assist with the festival. Contact Carolyn Copple at (316) 978-6646 or email [email protected] for more information about volunteering.

Myths of the West and associated programs are generously supported by Art Bridges, INTRUST Bank, Emprise Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Wichita Marriott Corporate Hills. Additional support provided by Don and Ellie Skokan, Keith and Georgia Stevens, and Jeff and Janice Van Sickle. The Ulrich is grateful for the ongoing support of Salon Circle members who make the Museum’s exhibitions and programs possible through their Salon memberships. We also receive funding for general operational support from the City of Wichita and Wichita State University. WSU College of Fine Arts; WSU School of Art, Design & Creative Industries; and Mid-America All-Indian Museum are partnering with the Ulrich to produce the festival.

About the Ulrich Museum of Art

The Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art is the university art museum of Wichita State University. Open since 1974, it holds a nationally significant collection of approximately 6,700 works of modern and contemporary art that span the 20th and 21st centuries and include the nationally recognized Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection. The Ulrich is a vital community resource that supports intellectual inquiry, teaching, and lifelong learning on the WSU campus and in the community.