Art Exhibit at RDU Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month
RDU Airport, NC – Beginning Thursday, November 1, visitors to Raleigh-Durham International Airport's Terminal A will experience the art and culture of the American Indian Tribal Nations of North Carolina through a three-month long exhibit. The North Carolina Indian Economic Development Initiative (NCIEDI), in conjunction with Sacred Hoop Trading, is presenting a showcase of artwork at RDU.
The exhibit will be on display through January 31, 2008 in Terminal A. To kick off the exhibit, a reception with the artists will be held at RDU’s General Aviation Terminal on November 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“The continued recognition of Art and Culture of the North Carolina Indians is crucial to the awareness of the rich heritage and one of this state’s many treasures that brings value to all its' people,” said Tony Hayes, Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, NCIEDI. “The NC Indian Economic Development Initiative exists for the betterment of ALL NC Indians economically and professionally. We are honored to be the host of this important gala and event featuring NC Indian Artists.”
November was designated American Indian Heritage Month by Gov. Mike Easley. North Carolina has the largest population of American Indians east of the Mississippi River and the eighth largest population in the United States. North Carolina is home to eight tribes: the Coharie, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, the Haliwa-Saponi, the Lumbee, the Meherrin, the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, the Sappony and the Waccamaw-Siouan.
Covering a variety of mediums, including paintings, drawings, pottery and statuary, the exhibit features artists from North Carolina. The artwork follows the theme that art connects us to the past as well as the future.
The exhibit will be located in the connector in RDU’s Terminal A. The rotating gallery features the work of North Carolina artists. Past exhibits have featured work from Raleigh-based Artspace and Triangle area students.
About the Artists
The historical and contemporary pieces on display will demonstrate the vibrancy of American Indian artists from the Southeastern United States. It will include art from the Cherokee, Lumbee, Catawba, Coushatta, Choctaw and Houma tribes. There will be a selection of art objects from other regions of the country so that the works from the Southeast can be seen within the larger framework of American Indian art. Featured artists include Joel Queen, Cherokee; Senora Lynch, Haliwa Saponi; and Hattie Miller, Lumbee. Artist bios available upon request.
Exhibit Information
The exhibit will be on view through January 2008 in the connector gallery of Terminal A near the main baggage claim area. For more information about the exhibit, contact NCIEDI at (910) 486-6555. The North Carolina Indian artwork is curated by Sacred Hoop Trading, visit them online atwww.sacredhooptrading.com. Visit www.rdu.com/whileatairport/art.htm to learn more about permanent art on display at the airport.
NCIEDI works to foster, enhance and promote economic development in North Carolina’s urban and tribal communities through the creation and preservation of good jobs, the creation of social and capital assets, and increased capacity for individual tribal member’s self development in the local, state, national and global economic sphere.
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