Ohi:yo' We are Still Here
This art exhibition that I have the honor to be a part of this month is the culmination of a year's worth of reflection and artwork.
There are 3 of us artists that were selected from the removed tribal nations of Ohio who were able to be a part of the Great Circle Alliance Residency last fall. Great Circle Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, and inviting Native Americans to create and share art, returning Native American voices to the land.
Walking into the Great Circle earthwork first back in October 2024 was really incredible. I had read about this place through our Eastern Shawnee tribal newsletter, and then through news outlets as these sites became recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. I wasn't sure what to expect. I felt really grateful and some grief too for all we have lost since these were created.
Returning this month to share in an art panel talk about the exhibition was such a wonderful experience! It was delightful to see what the other artists created. Together our work honors our ancestors and provides a visual connection to the truth that we are still here. While I was only there for a day to share in the art panel and celebration, I stayed a day longer with my husband and our youngest teen so I could show them some of the incredible sites too!
The art I created is a series of photographs that include 4 self-portraits and 3 nature photographs. Each one connects as a story to share my connection to our ancestors. I wanted to include the octagon shape too so my husband, Casey, created custom red oak frames for me. They were made from salvaged wood we bought at a local reuse store for home building supplies. The Deer Antler chair is on loan from one of the other artists, Dani Tippmann. I was sharing during a planning call about how I wanted to display some of the items that inspired my artwork, such as the blanket and books, and she offered to loan this incredible chair! She collected the antlers from the land where she worked. Her brother and sister-in law, Patti and Jim Papagiannis, created the chair. It fits perfectly with our whole exhibition!
The exhibition is open through Nov. 26th at Bryn Du Mansion from 11am-4pm. You find all the details here.
Our ancestors land
Beyond the amazing Hopewell Earthworks sites, we also visited the Great Council State Park. This rests on the location of the Old Chillicothe village, and was an important Shawnee village for a time before they were pushed out. The main building was built to emulate a longhouse, and they created some walking paths down to the Little Miami River. We arrived in time to see the sunset, and the golden light during our walk was truly beautiful. It felt so affirming to be there and enjoy knowing that our ancestors time there is not forgotten.
It was such a treat to photograph this site again a year after my last visit. In October 2024, the fall season wasn't in full swing yet. This time, November 2025, the season had shifted and the leaves and grasses turned golden and brown. I found it to be so beautiful! Here are a few photos to share the experience.
