yəhaw̓ at the Seattle Public Library

About the Project

Where: Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
When: October 4 - December 9, 2018
Connect: spl.org/programs-and-services/arts-and-culture/exhibits/yehaw

The Seattle Public Library and yəhaw̓ hosted a series of Indigenous artists in residence in fall 2018 - Native Kut (Pah-tu Pitt and Sean Gallagher), Fox Spears, and Roldy Aguero Ablao. The residents each activated the right side of the 8th floor gallery in the library’s main branch for 3 weeks between October and November, including artwork displays, live-art making, and community engagement activities, all relating to themes of water and environmental justice. All of the artists participated in a public panel discussion following the residency period to share their experiences working in the library.

Indigenous artist Denise Emerson also served as the curator in residence at the library. The curator in residence worked closely with the yəhaw̓ team to organize and install an exhibition of Coast Salish art on the left side of the 8th floor gallery of the central branch, displayed October through December.

These public programs were made possible with support from Seattle Public Library Foundation.

Artists in Residence

Native Kut - Pah-tu Pitt and Sean Gallagher

Does water move you? Native Kut, a dynamic duo made up of artists Pah-tu and Sean, explored water in conservation. Throughout early October on Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m, they were in the 8th floor gallery doing printmaking and wood carving demos inspired by Indigenous water rights.

Coast Salish Art Exhibition

This Is Our Home, Where We Belong:

Coast Salish Female Artists on Identity, Spirituality, and Environment

From October 4 - December 9 in half of the library’s 8th floor gallery, This Is Our Home, Where We Belong featured the original artwork of five Coast Salish women exploring environmental justice, identity, and place. The project’s curator Denise Emerson is also Coast Salish, of the Twana people, and this was her first curatorial project.

Artists

Caroline Edwards (Swinomish)
Denise Emerson (Diné / Twana)
Karen Engel (Shoalwater Bay)
Kimberly Miller (Skokomish)
Abbey Pierson (Cowlitz)

Curated by Denise Emerson (Diné / Twana)

Curator’s Statement

Growing up in Seattle as the first born daughter of my Twana mother and Diné father, I learned that female children are a fortunate event for a Native family.

My mother taught me how to live off the land, and showed me what plants and flowers to eat. I learned that we were rich, not in the monetary way most people think of, but because we inherited the wealth of the earth around the Salish Sea, where resources and food are everywhere. My mother showed me that it was important to not only take care of the environment but to share that wealth with our communities, and as children we would go with her every weekend to volunteer at the Seattle Indian Center at the emergency food bank.

From my father’s family I learned the deeply matriarchal values of the Diné. One day my Diné uncle held sand and clay in his hands and as they ran through his fingers he asked me what I saw. My answers were wrong. He finally said, "You are this, Denise, Mother Earth is running through my fingers. This sand and clay and you are the same. You are Mother Earth and keep life going." My point of view is culturally specific as a result of this positive upbringing.

This is why in my own art I focus on women and motherhood. I design with historical female figures and bring them into contemporary times because we are all the same. We are our ancestors and I want to show that with pride, respect, and intellectual rigor.

As a curator, I've decided to use this exhibition to showcase a group of emerging Coast Salish female artists who each utilize materials and imagery drawn from the natural environment in their work. Women hold our families and communities together. Every woman is Mother Earth, they keep the world moving, and both should be honored because they give life.

- Denise Emerson (Diné / Twana)

From the Artists

My name is Caroline Edwards and I am doing my first art show today here at the Seattle Public Library. So many emotions are going through me right now. I’m full of excitement, I’m nervous because I am putting myself out there, but I am also very happy because people get to see who I am through my artwork and my connection to this place, mother earth. I am super excited about the show.

- Caroline Edwards (Swinomish)

I am part of the Cowlitz Tribe, and I have five pieces here at the yəhaw̓ art show in Seattle at the central library. It really means so much to me to have my art here. This is my very first art show. For so long I’ve wanted to be able to fully express everything inside me through art, and I feel like with my Salish art I am able to do that, and connect with my ancestors who came before me.

- Abbey Pierson (Cowlitz)

My parents gave me knowledge and wisdom growing up and I’m sharing it with people now. I never talked about my Native life before. But I have learned people want to know about what my parents and aunts and uncles have taught me. I knew I was different moving about in the city. Going home to the Diné and Skokomish Reservations where my families live gives me strength knowing we’ve been here for thousands of years. I have learned that everywhere I walk, in the city and on reservations, is where I belong.

- Denise Emerson (Diné / Twana)

Public Programs

Indigenous Family Day: Art-making & More

December 1, 2018

A special day of art, culture, and creativity celebrating families. Library patrons met local Indigenous artists and makers, and created treasures to bring home. This program featured artists Fern Naomi Renville, Alice Tsoodle, Raven Julia Juarez, and others, and was organized by Ellany Kayce (Tlingit).

Honoring the Wisdom of Our Elders

November 8, 2018

An event dedicated to celebrating the wisdom of our Elders who generously share their lived experiences, knowledge and stories with us. We leave space to recognize those who have worked from time immemorial until now to keep Indigenous legacies alive. This program featured Jackie Swanson (Muckleshoot / Duwamish), Peg Deam (Suquamish), John Mullen (Snoqualmie), and was organized by Ellany Kayce (Tlingit).

About the Curator

Denise Emerson was born in Shelton, Washington, the eldest daughter of Bertha Allen who was an enrolled Twana (Skokomish) Tribal Member and Danny Emerson, Sr. who was an enrolled Diné (Navajo) Tribal Member from Sanostee, New Mexico. Her parents were both creative, and Denise grew up wanting to be like them. Denise’s sketchbook went with her everywhere as a child, including when she visited her aunt on the Skokomish Reservation. During her teenage years, she began painting with acrylics, beading, and sewing to expand her artistic talents, and she later studied graphic design at UW to bring design training to her work.