Local artists exhibit at the Massena Public Library and Akwesasne Library

An exhibition of paintings produced by the graduating class of the Iohahi:io Adult Education/St. Lawrence College Fine Arts Diploma Program was on display at the Massena Public Library. The artists are members of the Akwesasne community hoping to take their talent out into the world, while promoting the importance of art and culture. “We want to show people the great respect we have for the animals and the Earth. People outside of our community need to know the importance of family and our relationship with the Earth so they get a deeper understanding of our culture and our way of life”, said Tammy “Bumblebee” King.

Their painting teacher, Mrs. Sandra Taylor Hedges, was impressed by the drawings and other work the students were able to produce during this intense college diploma program. “I am grateful to have been a part of this program; the students gave back to me as much, if not more, in their enthusiasm and fearless approach to creating their Art. I am confident that many of them will be important artists both for the community and in the world.”

The opening reception was held on April 6, 2011 in the Massena Public library, which was packed with over 100 guests anxious to see what the artists had produced. The artists taking place in this exhibition are Kaylynn Adams, Nora Cook, Yvette Cook, Dana David, Nancy Jean Jacobs, Tammy King, Richard Lazore, Ryan McDonald, Curtis Mitchell, Tekonwakwenni Nanticoke, Agnes Terrance, Linda Terrance, and Natasha Thompson.

Some of the paintings in the exhibition will be moving to the Akwesasne Library on April 14, 2011 and will be on display for the remainder of the month of April. The hours of the Akwesasne Library are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, and from 10 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday.