The exhibition Woven from Milk Weed by Wabanaki Artist Vera
Longtoe Sheehan opens at the Institute for American Indian Studies in
Washington Connecticut runs through May 31, 2013. There is no charge for
this exhibition. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday
12 noon to 5pm. The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
Vera Longtoe Sheehan is a fiber artist who follows in the
footsteps of her ancestors. When she was young, her father started teaching her
how to harvest and process plants to make cordage. He also taught her the
various techniques that she uses to make twined bags, baskets and textiles.
Vera combines her tribal and family knowledge with many years of
researching Wabanaki history, culture and tradition to create her one of a kind
twined woven items. She uses both hand-rolled and commercially rolled plant
fiber cordage. Each of the hand items can take hours, days, weeks or even
months to complete.
Her twined art is environmentally friendly because it is made from
plants, which are quick growing, renewable resources. She is currently teaching
her children to twine, so that this endangered art form is not lost. Some of
her twined bags, baskets and textiles have appeared in films and literature.
The artist and her family reside in Vermont. She offers a variety
of programs for schools, museums and historic sites.
“Meet the Artist” Reception is Sunday, April 7th from 1pm -3pm.
The reception includes refreshments at 2pm.
For more information about the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Rd. in Washington CT call 860-868-0518 or visit www.iaismuseum.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.
For more information about the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Rd. in Washington CT call 860-868-0518 or visit www.iaismuseum.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.
