Artist

Ryan Hill, originally from Six Nations, now living in Akwesasne, recently won the Saratoga Springs Native American Festival Art Contest with his soapstone carving entitled “Passing on the Tradition.” Ryan could be seen working in front of the local business “Mohawk Printing” located on Route 37 not far from the Akwesasne Library. During the past summer months, you could often see Ryan transform a solid piece of soapstone into a masterful piece of artwork over a span of several weeks. The beautiful carving represents the passing on of cultural knowledge of our Iionkwe Onwe, or Native Tobacco, used in spiritual and cultural events. The beautiful work is nearing completion and is now for sale. Congratulations to Ryan on winning this prestigious award.