Barry Art Museum Presents 'Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper'
Artwork by Rhonda Holy Bear.
The Barry Art Museum at Old Dominion University announces its upcoming exhibition, "Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper," which opens Aug. 30.
This exhibition celebrates the renowned sculptural work of Rhonda Holy Bear (Cheyenne River Lakota) throughout the past 35 years. Holy Bear engages in the Indigenous tradition of dollmaking, using painstaking micro-beading and other meticulous processes to create her intricate, highly detailed works.
"Stories have always played an integral role in the preservation of our native culture," Holy Bear said. "Little did I know just how much of an impact my grandmother's stories would have upon my life. It is my sincere hope that, through my work, I may play a part in helping to restore, revitalize and ensure the continuum of our Lakota Plains culture."
Through Dec. 31, an intimate selection of six works will be on view at the Barry Art Museum, with accompanying programming in November to honor Native American Heritage month.
Public programs: The Barry Art Museum offers free museum admission and free public programs, including Saturday exhibition tours, a monthly lecture series and U-Nite After Hours Events.
Exhibition tours for "Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper" are scheduled at 1 p.m. Sept. 3, 17 and 24 and Oct. 22. Private group tours are available via donation to groups of 6 to 20 guests. To inquire, email sspeters@odu.edu.
The monthly lecture series occurs on the first Thursday of each month. At 6 p.m. Nov. 3, "The Work of the Hand, the Weaving of a Story" will present Holy Bear in a virtual lecture from her home studio in Nevada. She will share stories and the techniques she relies on to create her intricate sculptures.
Monthly after-hours events bring together University and community partners to deepen our understanding and explore themes presented by the art on view. This U-Nite series occurs on the second Friday of each month.
At 5 p.m. Nov. 11, U-Nite: Story & Craft will focus on Indigenous craft traditions from all over the country. Attendees will view demonstrations and get to experience processes with their own hands. Guest curator Sara Woodbury will give guided tours of our exhibition "Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist & Story-Keeper," which features hand-beaded dolls and intricate quill work worthy of up-close investigation. Enjoy live music, refreshments and edu-tainment at the museum as we celebrate Indigenous culture and customs.
For the full fall schedule visit barryartmuseum.odu.edu/learn
"Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper" is curated by Woodbury, a Ph.D. candidate in American studies at the College of William & Mary. The Barry Art Museum's curation and programs are guided by a team of Exhibition Advisory Committee members and organizations including Keith Anderson, assistant chief of the Nansemond Indian Nation; Rhonda Holy Bear, featured artist, Lakota Nation; Steven Grafe, curator of art, Maryhill Museum of Art; Charlotte Potter Kasic, executive director, Barry Art Museum; and Drew Lopenzina, professor of early American and Native American literature, Old Dominion University.
Additional support in creating the exhibition was provided by Holy Bear, The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming, and Susan and David Goode.
