The Stone Path opens at Archer Gallery

Archer Gallery opened The Stone Path, an exhibit featuring work by eight indigenous artists on November 15. The exhibit is presented by Art in Oregon. Viewing hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except December 23 – January 1, and by appointment January 2-7. The exhibit is open through January 24, 2024. 

Previously, the exhibit was displayed at Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon and Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon. 

“This exhibit is a unique opportunity to see the top-notch work of eight stellar regional artists and attend a variety of accompanying talks,” said Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson. “My hope is that this exhibition is a powerful visual testimony to the strength of art in the Pacific Northwest, sheds light on a variety of topics that currently impact us all and will give voice to artists historically underrepresented.” 

Larson added, “This exhibit also represents a collaboration between Clark College, Art in Oregon, and Crows Shadow, which I hope turns into future friendships between the three institutions. I’m so pleased that the Clark College and Vancouver community can enjoy this show.”  

Exhibition statement 

The Stone Path is a traveling exhibition showcasing the work of Natalie Ball, Demian DinéYazhi’, Vanessa Enos, Ka’ila Farrell-Smith, Lillian Pitt, Wendy Red Star, Jeremy Red Star Wolf, and Marie Watt. Through their common connections as former artists in residence at Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts in Pendleton, Oregon and Oregon-based artists with Native American tribal heritage, this exhibition presents select permanent collection fine art prints from the artists’ residencies alongside artworks representing their studio practice. Curated by Art in Oregon’s Selena Jones, Owen Premore, and Tammy Jo Wilson. 

The Stone Path celebrates eight remarkable indigenous artists whose artistry expands our understanding of Oregon’s communities, cultures, and histories. The exhibition title references the flat stones used in lithography, a fine art printmaking process ingeniously represented in Crow’s Shadow Permanent Art Collection. During their residencies, artists work closely with CSIA’s master printmaker towards realizing limited-edition prints that strive to capture the artist’s unique vision through innovative augmentation and invention. CSIA residency prints are highly regarded and collected throughout the world. The exhibition will showcase additional art pieces from participating artists in complement and juxtaposition to their fine art prints. 

Artist Talks 

Archer Gallery offered thoughtful, insightful artist’s talks with Ka’ila Farrell Smith and Demian DinéYazhi’ on November 20 and 21 via Zoom. 

On the closing day of the show, join curators Selena Jones, Owen Premore, and Tammy Jo Wilson for The Stone Path exhibition curators’ walk-through at 1 p.m. on January 24 in Archer Gallery. 

Meet the Artists 

• Natalie Ball (Klamath/Modoc, based in Chiloquin, Oregon) 
• Demian DinéYazhi’ (Diné/Navajo People, based in Portland, Oregon) 
• Vanessa Enos (Walla Walla, Yakama and Pima heritage; enrolled in the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, based near Pendleton, Oregon) 
• Ka’ila Farrell-Smith (Klamath Modoc, based in Modoc Point, Oregon) 
• Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs Reservation; descendant of Warm Springs, Wasco [Watalas] and Yakama [Wishxam] people, based in Portland, Oregon)  
• Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow, based in Portland, Oregon) 
• Jeremy Red Star Wolf (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; vice chair, CTUIR board of trustees; lives on the Umatilla Indian Reservation) 
• Marie Watt (Onödowá’ga/Seneca Nation of Indians, based in Portland, Oregon) 

About Art in Oregon 

Art in Oregon is a Black-led, statewide visual arts focused 501(c)(3) non-profit working to build bridges between artists and communities. The mission of Art in Oregon is to foster culturally rich regional communities through partnerships, advocacy, and investment in artists, businesses, educational spaces, and community spaces. Our goal is to build and sustain art patronage through pride in Oregon artists and pride in art ownership. We work to establish collaborative relationships with the common goal of increased visibility and access to art for all people. Learn more here. 

About Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts 

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization formed in 1992 by local artists James Lavadour (Walla Walla) and Phillip Cash Cash (Cayuse and Nez Perce). CSIA’s mission is to provide a creative conduit for educational, social, and economic opportunities for Native Americans through artistic development. Crow’s Shadow has evolved into a world-class studio focused on contemporary fine art printmaking.  

Crow’s Shadow is located in the historic schoolhouse at Saint Andrew’s Mission on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation about 10 miles from downtown Pendleton, Oregon. Learn more here. 

 About the Archer Gallery and Clark Art Talks 

Archer Gallery serves the students and community of Clark College by exhibiting contemporary art in a not-for-profit educational setting. The gallery exhibits work by nationally and internationally renowned artists and connects the Clark College community with accessible, diverse perspectives from the contemporary art world. Learn more here. 

Clark Art Talks serves the students and community of Clark College by hosting a monthly art lecture series. Distinguished artists and art scholars share their experiences related to their art practices and provide unique insights into their varied career paths and artistic techniques.  

Exhibition photos: Clark College/Kendra Larson