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North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art

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Home > Exhibitions > A Living Language

A Living Language

Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art

Dates:
November 19, 2021–March 14, 2022
Location:
Appleby Foundation Exhibition Hall

A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art features over 50 works of art in a variety of media by more than 30 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and Cherokee Nation artists. The exhibition highlights the use of the written Cherokee language, a syllabary developed by Cherokee innovator Sequoyah (circa 1776–1843). Cherokee syllabary is frequently found in the work of Cherokee artists as a compositional element or the subject matter of the work itself.

The Cherokee Syllabary is a system of writing developed by Sequoyah in the early 1800s prior to the Removal period. Through Sequoyah’s innovative work, Cherokee people embraced the writing system as an expedient form of communication and documentation. During the Removal period, the syllabary was used as a tactic to combat land dispossession. Cherokee people continue to use the syllabary as a form of cultural expression and pride, which is showcased in the contemporary artwork of the Cherokee Citizens in this exhibition.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians artists include Joshua Adams, Jody Lipscomb Bradley, Nathan Bush, Kane Crowe, John Henry Gloyne, Shan Goshorn, Luzene Hill, Christy Long, Louise Bigmeat Maney, Christopher McCoy, Tara McCoy, Joel Queen, Sean Ross, Jakeli Swimmer, Rhiannon Skye Tafoya, Mary Thompson, Stan Tooni Jr., Alica Wildcatt, and Fred Wilnoty.

Cherokee Nation artists include Roy Boney Jr., Jeff Edwards, Joseph Erb, Raychel Foster, Kenny Glass, Camilla McGinty, Jessica Mehta, America Meredith, Jane Osti, Lisa Rutherford, Janet L. Smith, Jennifer Thiessen, and Jennie Wilson.

This exhibition is organized by the Asheville Art Museum and Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and curated by Hilary Schroeder, assistant curator at the Asheville Art Museum, with assistance from curatorial consultant Joshua Adams (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). Special thanks to S. Dakota Brown, education director at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Alexis Meldrum, curatorial assistant at the Asheville Art Museum, for their support in the planning of this exhibition. This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership, and sponsored in part by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and Kevin Click & April Liou in memory of Myron E. Click.

The exhibition was first on view at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC from June 12, 2021 to October 31, 2021.

DIGITAL EXHIBITION BOOKLET

Related Programs & Events

Thursday, Nov 18, 2021

Members-Only Preview: A Living Language and Ruminations on Memory

As a valued Museum Member, we invite you to join us for the exclusive opening of our newest exhibitions: A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and

Saturday, Nov 20, 2021

Film: First Language

Three screening dates: Saturday, November 20, 2021 @ 2:30pm Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 7pm Sunday, February 20, 2022 @ 2:30pm The Cherokee language was

Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021

In Conversation: From Talking Leaves to Pixels – VIRTUAL

Join artist Jeff Edwards and language technologist Zachary Barnes for an illustrated talk chronicling the history and contemporary uses of the Cherokee syllabary.

Thursday, Dec 2, 2021

Public Tour: A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art

Today’s public tour is led by Kay Dunn and Ruth Shedwick-Bryant, touring docents.

Saturday, Dec 11, 2021

All About Words (Grades K–5)

Spend the afternoon creating letter-based artworks, inspired by the use of text in A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art.

Thursday, Dec 16, 2021

Film: First Language

Three screening dates: Saturday, November 20, 2021 @ 2:30pm Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 7pm Sunday, February 20, 2022 @ 2:30pm The Cherokee language was

Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022

Discussion Bound: Even as We Breathe: A Novel by Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

Nineteen-year-old Cowney Sequoyah yearns to escape his hometown of Cherokee, NC, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. When a summer job at Asheville’s luxurious

Sunday, Jan 23, 2022

Art Break: A Living Language

Today’s Art Break is led by Hilary Schroeder, assistant curator.

Saturday, Feb 5, 2022

MakerSpace: Handmade Books

This program is also offered on Thursday, February 3 from 5-7pm. Visit A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art on a scavenger hunt for

Saturday, Feb 12, 2022

Public Tour: A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art

Today’s public tour is led by Shana Hill, touring docent.

Thursday, Feb 17, 2022

Evening for Educators: A Living Language: Cherokee Syllabary and Contemporary Art

Evening for Educators is an opportunity to network with other art educators, share and learn as both teacher and student, and reconnect with your own creative process. 

Sunday, Feb 20, 2022

Film: First Language

Three screening dates: Saturday, November 20, 2021 @ 2:30pm Thursday, December 16, 2021 @ 7pm Sunday, February 20, 2022 @ 2:30pm The Cherokee language was

See All Related Events

Selected works from the exhibition

Cherokee on the Brain
Jeff Edwards, Cherokee on the Brain
Gold N’ Values
Shan Goshorn, Gold N’ Values
Speaking with our Ancestors
Jeff Edwards, Speaking with our Ancestors
Tsalagiopoly
Jeff Edwards, Tsalagiopoly
Ul’nigid’
Rhiannon Skye Tafoya, Ul’nigid’
ᏕᏣᎵᎬᏚᎴᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏕᏣᎵᏴᏑᎴᏍᏗ
Kenny Glass, ᏕᏣᎵᎬᏚᎴᏍᏗ ᎠᎴ ᏕᏣᎵᏴᏑᎴᏍᏗ

Group Tours

Groups of students or adults are invited to schedule a tour of the Museum’s Collection or special exhibitions. Our inquiry-based group visits, led by volunteer docents or Museum staff, challenge visitors to hone their observation skills.

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Location & Hours

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Museum Hours:

Open daily 11am–6pm. Late-night Thursdays until 9pm; closed Tuesdays. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available.
m

Museum Location:

2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
P

Museum Contact

828.253.3227
mailbox@ashevilleart.org
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