GALLOWAY, NJ.- Stockton University plans to bolster and celebrate Indigenous cultures through a new art exhibition titled “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” that will highlight the work of more than 25 local and international Indigenous artists and host various interactive workshops open to the community starting Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The exhibit will be displayed in the university’s Art Gallery. The first workshop features artists Jeremy Dennis of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and Denise “Bright Dove” Ashton-Dunkley and Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto of the Nanticoke/Lenni Lenape Tribal Nation, who will conduct an intimate exhibition tour of the two-floor Stockton Art Gallery’s current exhibition, “Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures,” which is now open for viewing until Nov. 12.

In addition, Gould Jacinto will introduce participants to the art and history of gourd painting. The workshop is an extension of the exhibited gourd art series “Seeds of My Ancestors.” According to Gould Jacinto, the series explores the relationship between “land, identity and sustainability.

“Each piece in this collection begins with a seed, a symbol of life, continuity and ancestral knowledge passed down through generations,” Gould Jacinto said. “The journey from seed to gourd reflects our deep connection to the land, a connection that nurtures and sustains us as we encourage and sustain it in return.”

Born in Bridgeton, Gould Jacinto is the daughter of Phyllis “Red Deer" and Chief Mark "Quiet Hawk" Gould, who was among a core group in the 1970s that initiated the modern-day structure of the ancient family. Tyrese "Bright Flower" was, therefore, immersed in ancient tribal arts from an early age.

Mariana Smith, associate professor of Art and co-organizer for these programs, said initiatives like this serve as “a catalyst for an engaged conversation” across disciplines and departments on campus.

“The objective of this exhibition and corresponding events is to represent the artists who are actively engaged in shaping the contemporary USA cultural landscape. ‘Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures’ and related programming affirm Stockton University's commitment to honor and work with Indigenous communities,” Smith said.

“Indigenous Approaches, Sustainable Futures” features work by Anna Tsouhlarakis, Brian Adams, Brittany Johnson, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Citlali Fabian, Denise Bright Dove Ashton-Dunkley, Dyani White Hawk, Edgar Heap of Birds, Evan Benally Atwood, Jaida Grey Eagle, Jeremy Dennis, Joe Feddersen, Joey Montoya, Kali Spitzer, Kapulei Flores, Layqa Nuna Yawar, Leah Rose, Lehuauakea, Lily Hope, Meryl McMaster, Michael Namingha, Pat Kane, Phoebe Farris, Sarah Sense, Tom Fields, Tyrese Bright Flower Gould Jacinto & the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation Youth Program.

The exhibit was curated by Ryann Casey with additional curatorial contributions from Allie Wilson, Amanda Cantillon, Heather McCarty, Mariana Smith and Tyrese “Bright Flower” Gould Jacinto. Exhibitions and programs are sponsored by the Visual Arts Faculty and the School of Arts & Humanities. Learn more about the exhibit.

The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exhibitions are free and open to the public.