New de Saisset exhibit celebrates California native cultures

Like the state itself, California natives are remarkably diverse with more than 300 languages and distinct geographical centers shaping communities, traditions, ideologies, and ceremonies. Sing Me Your Story brings together California native artists and poets in a powerful traveling exhibition.

"Sing Me Your Story is a call to California native artists and poets to share their cultural knowledge and life experience; leading all of us to understand how culture, history, ancestry, and story have shaped each of us-native and non-native," says exhibition curator Theresa Harlan.

Organized into four thematic sections, the exhibition celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of California natives. The show includes noted artists such as Rick Bartow, Harry Fonseca, Frank LaPena and Judith Lowry. Poets such as Janice Gould, Deborah Miranda and Stephen Meadows are also included. The contemporary works of these California natives, inspired by a mix of past and present, honor their cultural heritage and bring forward a truly indigenous California existence.

Contemporary native works from the permanent collection presents a selection of paintings, prints and photographs that address a variety of themes ranging from spirituality and politics to social commentary and cultural heritage.

Sing Me Your Story and the concurrent exhibitions open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 2. A free celebratory reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information on these exhibits and the accompanying programs, please visit www.scu.edu/desaisset.