‘Alnôbak Moskijik Maahlakwsikok” (“Abenaki People Emerging from Ashes”), will be on display at Two Villages Art Society in Hopkinton from May 7 to 28. The show is a collaboration between Two Villages Art Society, Abenaki Trails Project, and Vermont Abenaki Artists Association in consultation with the Abenaki Art & Education Center, Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, and Hopkinton Historical Society.

“When people think of Abenaki art, they may envision neutral-colored traditional arts made with leather, beads, and feathers, but Abenaki artists have much more to offer,” said Vera Sheehan, executive director of the VAAA. “We are eager to showcase our artwork to the mainstream art world.”

Sherry Gould, co-founder of the Abenaki Trails Project, shared the spark for the show. “During a hike last year, I realized that many members of the Abenaki Trail Project, which includes Abenaki people and community partners, are artists. That sparked the idea of inviting a few of our community partners to show their work along with ours. This act demonstrates one of the things we find in the historic records, and a major component of the success of the Abenaki Trails Project: that collaboration between Abenaki people and our non-Abenaki neighbors has been a strength for both cultures.”

The art show and sale features recognized tribal members of the Abenaki People as well as community (non-tribal) partners in traditional and contemporary mediums such as beading, pottery, birch bark biting, fabric art, basketry, printing making, painting, jewelry making, painted gourdes, and leather work. Thanks to the show sponsor, New England College, 25% of proceeds will be donated to the Abenaki Trails Project and Vermont Abenaki Artists Association to further their work in raising awareness of present day Abenaki People and culture.

“We are excited to amplify the voices, culture, history, and present experiences of the Abenaki People,” said Alyssa McKeon, the society’s president. “Our partnership with ATP and VAAA extends beyond the show. They have expanded our knowledge of the erasure of Abenaki history and culture here in New Hampshire, and we’ve been able to provide professional development to Abenaki artists.”

Two Villages Art Society was founded in 2019 as an organization for artists, art lovers, art collectors, art educators, and all who value art as a crucial component of a vibrant, welcoming community. In addition to exhibits and sales, the organization provides artist meet-ups, educational programs, and other cultural events. Membership is open to all, and admission to the gallery is free to the public.

Vermont Abenaki Artists Association is a Native American arts council and artist guild that services the New England region by connecting the community to Abenaki educators, artists from the visual and performing arts, and literary genres, as well as offering professional development opportunities and resources to Abenaki artists.

Abenaki Trails Project aims to visibly honor and share a more inclusive history of the Abenaki people, to highlight historical Abenaki sites, and to accentuate the positive influences we have had on colonial America and the towns we live in today.

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