Meet the Makers!
Here we feature many of the Haudenosaunee artists and makers with work on exhibit. Displayed in both the hallway case and main gallery space, the pieces created by these individuals share Haudenosaunee knowledge, expertise, and perspectives. There is incredible talent present within the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We are thankful to each artist and maker for their thoughtful guidance throughout the curation process.
Some artwork is for sale. Please reach out directly to the artist or maker as indicated below– they look forward to hearing from you!
Scroll through this page to learn more.
Meet Jessica Farmer
Jessica is an Indigenous artist. She is Onoñda’gegá’ (Onondaga) through her father (Turtle Clan).
I started a new position working with Elders and that is where my interest in beadwork reignited. I was lucky enough to work with the talented Wilma Cook, whose beadwork would inspire me to pick up the needle and thread once more.
Meet Otatdodah Homer
Otatdodah is a talented and well-known
Indigenous artist. She is a Clan Mother of the Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) Nation Wolf Clan, as part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Photo credit: Tahila Corwin-Mintz
Meet Dehanoñhsawa’khoñ’ “Ikerson” Hopper
Ikerson Hopper is an Indigenous artist who specializes in traditional customized works in various mediums. His artistic expression includes graphic design, porcupine quillwork, beadwork, woodcarving, tattoo and apparel design. He is of the Onoñda’gegá’ (Onondaga) Nation, Beaver Clan.
I love creating one of a kind pieces, very rarely replicating a piece, keeping nearly everything I design a one of a kind. I hope to give insight into the Onondaga culture through my many art forms. As an inherent extension of my work, I pass along a sense of pride to be Oñgwehoñweh for future seven generations.
Ikerson holds a bachelors degree in graphic design from the University of Adelphi, and has recently begun his career as a full-time artist after years of traveling and playing lacrosse.
Meet Peter B. Jones
Peter is a renowned Indigenous potter. He is of the Onoñda’gegá’ (Onondaga) Nation, Beaver Clan.
A lot of times Indian art produces what will sell… they don’t want to be reminded of the genocide and internments that went on in our history.
–2013 Interview with Megan Sorokes from The Summer Local
Meet Lisa Latocha
Lisa is an Indigenous maker from the Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) Nation, Wolf Clan.
Meet Kaytlynn Lynch
Kaytlynn is an Indigenous artist and museum professional born and raised in Central New York. She is Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) through her father and grandmother (Turtle Clan).
I follow closely in my mother's footsteps with my passion for creativity and teaching. I believe in making the art creation process easily accessible for all levels of interest and ability.
Meet Samantha Meta
Samantha is an Indigenous maker from the Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) Nation, Turtle Clan.
During my time working as an Oneida Interpreter at Fort Stanwix in Rome, NY, I created the corn washing basket included in this exhibition. My Aunt Pam and cousin Kayty (pictured above) added in some dried corn to the basket to indicate to visitors what the basket is to be used for.
Meet Niioieren Niio Perkins
Niio is an award-winning Indigenous designer whose inspiring raised beadwork has been exhibited at galleries throughout North America. She is of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Akwesasne Mohawk) Nation, Bear Clan.
Creating raised beadwork is my way of honoring the unique gifts passed down through generations of Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse), and forging a legacy of cultural expression through design.
Meet Tekahnatshyali:te Diane Schenandoah
Diane is an award-winning
Indigenous artist. She is a Faithkeeper of the Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) Nation Wolf Clan, as part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
The paths I have taken since I was a young child have always been influenced by my mother. She has always encouraged my five siblings and I to be creative with our hands. This was our means of supporting such a large family; we traveled to numerous Native gatherings throughout my upbringing. She was an amazing woman and artist. I have always felt the sun rise and set on her presence.
Interested in purchasing Diane’s work on exhibit?
Please reach out to her directly by phone (315-281-7088) or email (dianeschenandoah@gmail.com)– Yaw^ko! (Thank you).
Meet Kaha:whi’tha Leah Shenandoah
Leah is a compassionate and inclusive Indigenous artist working in a diverse array of media. She is of the Onyota’a:ká Thahu:ní (Oneida) Nation, Wolf Clan.
I am highly interested in the healing effect which occurs while creating art, as well as the potential for kinship and community building. It is my hope that those who interact with my creative works experience some form of compassion, protection or healing.
Photo credit: Jane Feldman
Meet Teyotáhalote’ Jennifer Wilt
Jenn is an Indigenous artist from the Onyota’a:ká (Oneida) Nation, Wolf Clan.
Beading, for me, is very therapeutic. It’s definitely my favorite creative outlet. There is something magical about taking an idea from your mind and bringing it to life. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of seeing others wearing my work. It’s one of the coolest feelings. This piece is very special to me. Strawberries are very precious to me. They were my mother’s favorite and seeing them always reminds me of her. This was also my first time using porcupine quills in my work.
Meet Kawennaronnion Wilma (Cook) Zumpano
Wilma (Cook) Zumpano is an award-winning Indigenous artist. She is of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Akwesasne Mohawk) Nation, Wolf Clan.
I combine traditional techniques and patterns but add a bit of modern, to show the progression and fortitude for which these styles have persisted through time and adversity.
Interested in purchasing Wilma’s work on exhibit?
Please reach out to her directly by phone (315-724-5931) or email (wilsdolls@gmail.com)– Yaw^ko! (Thank you).
