A summer of making, viewing and talking about indigenous art and stories with artists from the Shinnecock Nation.
Toyuskanash, the Algonquian word for bridges, was a dynamic exhibition and creative making space that brought LICM visitors together with four artists from the Shinnecock Nation:
Through displays within the Kaleidozone and Comings & Goings galleries as well as daily workshops, this National Endowment for the Arts grant-funded project utilized storytelling to bridge these artists’ work with one another, bridge traditions of the past with the present, and bridge the Shinnecock community with our LICM visitors.
Each artist presented eight 60-minute workshops for the public, sharing an activity that highlighted their artistic methods and cultural traditions. Under the guidance of the artists-in-residence, visitors created their own art to take home.
with artist Denise Silva-Dennis explored the significance of talking sticks in indigenous cultures. Visitors created their own talking sticks using traditional materials including beads, feathers, shells and leather. (July 5-17)
with artist Tohanash Tarrant examined the tradition of applique in her artwork to bridge the past with the present. Using vibrant, colorful fabrics, visitors created their own symbols to represent their own family culture. (July 18-31)
with artist David Bunn Martine taught visitors about wigwams, some of the original structures used by the Shinnecock Nation. Participants created beautiful landscape paintings depicting wigwams in the natural environment. (August 1-14)
with artist Jeremy Dennis studied how he creates stories in his photos that connect the world around him with his Shinnecock culture. Participants embarked on a photographic scavenger hunt to learn how to notice the world around us. (August 15-28)
Daily walk-up activities with LICM educators continued the opportunities to engage with the exhibit’s materials and artists’ messages.
Images of each artist and highlighted pieces of their work greeted our visitors. Jeremy Dennis’ interactive map, showcasing culturally significant Native American sites on Long Island, enabled visitors to gain an understanding of “place” as they found their own hometowns.
LICM’s KaleidoZone gallery displayed art of all four artists, highlighting their artistic approaches. Work by Denise Silva-Dennis.
LICM’s KaleidoZone gallery displayed art of all four artists, highlighting their artistic approaches. Photography by Jeremy Dennis.
LICM’s KaleidoZone gallery displayed art of all four artists, highlighting their artistic approaches. Painting by David Bunn Martine.
LICM’s KaleidoZone gallery displayed art of all four artists, highlighting their artistic approaches. Fancy Yoke and Leggings Set by Tohanash Tarrant.
The traveling exhibit gallery was the setting for the artist-led workshops and an open area for art making throughout the summer.
The four artists-in-residence worked together to create a Medicine Wheel based on the four colors black, red, white and yellow, to represent a number of values among Native people.
“The concept of ‘Bridges’ represented in the title is a metaphor for bringing people together over difficult or impossible terrain. In the case of Indigenous people and artists, we often have to bridge gaps in empathy, understanding, and knowledge.” -Jeremy Dennis
All four Toyushkanash artists came together on July 23 for a celebration of the culture and traditions of the Shinnecock Nation, free to our visitors. Throughout the event visitors met the artists, viewed the exhibit, created an extension of the Medicine Wheel, and enjoyed a performance plus Q&A at the LICM Theater.
In the LICM Theater, we learned the meaning behind the dance of the intertribal Indigenous Dance Group, and how Indigenous Peoples of this area continue to hold on to their traditions.
The project also bridges geographic regions, as LICM partners with Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio Inc on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, NY. The partnership introduces the work of BIPOC artists, and encourage visitation between the two sites covering both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Explore the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum.
Does your family have any traditions that you learn from one another?
This exhibit was generously sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts.
The "Indigenous People's Dance" was paid in part by the New York State Council on the Arts. The forthcoming Land Acknowledgement was sponsored by Humanities New York.
"Bee" amazed at this two-day festival celebrating the fascinating world of bees August 16 and 17. All activities included with general admission! Create fun bee crafts, meet a beekeeper, and sample honey and more.
Visitors climb aboard a large model of Thomas the Tank Engine, race trains along a giant track, work together to sort and load cargo and maintain engines. Open through September 8.
Visit our outdoor sensory garden and water play area for an exploration of natural elements, encouraging everyone to step outside the comfort of plugged-in lives to our messy, wondrous world. Open weather permitting.
Visit LICM as many times as you'd like in an entire year! With a friendly escape from summer heat, new traveling exhibits each season, and benefits including dozens of free programs, LICM membership is one of the best values in town.