Overview
A free celebration to mark the closing of Jeffrey Gibson’s exhibition, the space in which to place me, in the U.S. Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale! We welcome the community for these special programs as part of our Miller Family Free Day, which includes free Museum admission all day to enjoy our current exhibitions Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s, and Throughlines: Connections in the Collection.
This event serves as a closing celebration for our exhibition featuring the incredible work of artist Jeffrey Gibson. We’ll also highlight our education cohort project that brought together Native educators from New Mexico and Oregon. Join us for a variety of activities, including:
- Dance performances, showcasing traditional Native American dance by dancers who performed in Venice, including jingle dancer Sarah Ortegon HighWalking
- Artmaking sessions led by Oregon educators developing new resources about Native American art
- Inspiring talks exploring the themes and experiences of the Biennale
We’re thrilled to announce that Anthony Hudson (also known as Carla Rossi) will be reading from his new book, and sharing event reflections. Curator of Native American Art Kathleen Ash-Milby will lead discussions about the event with exhibition participants, offering valuable insights and fostering engaging conversations. And Jeffrey Gibson will make a virtual appearance as a special guest.
So join us in celebrating the conclusion of this historical exhibition. Immerse yourself in a day of art, community, and creativity, as we focus conversations around how this exhibition will impact other programs and exhibitions to come.
Schedule
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Drop-in Art and Button Making
Miller Gallery, Mark Building, 1st Floor
Drop by anytime to craft lettering and bold statements inspired by Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me. All activities led by Oregon educators who are participating in a larger initiative to develop teacher resources highlighting important themes and techniques in Jeffrey Gibson’s artwork and to ensure their impact continues beyond the Venice Biennale.
11:00 a.m. & 3:45 p.m.
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers
Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building, 3rd Floor
Duration: Each program is approximately 35 minutes
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers are a group of powwow champions that come together to form a professional and highly acclaimed Native American dance troupe. All the dancers are enrolled tribal members, representing various tribes. Their award-winning dance regalia is brilliantly colorful, traditional, and representative of the dancer’s tribe and dance performed. The dance performances are educational, informational, entertaining, and showcase a variety of traditional American Indian tribal dances and present cultural information. The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers have traveled the world, including several programs at the Venice Biennale. Portland dancers will include Hunter Blassingame (Northern Cheyenne), Kevin Connywerdy (Comanche Nation / Kiowa Tribe), Xavier Littlehead (Northern Cheyenne / Navajo), Michelle Reed (Lac du Flambeau Band Of Lake Superior Ojibwe), Wonzie Tiger (Mescalero Apache / Comanche / Apache Tribe of Oklahoma), and Jaida Whitecloud (Choctaw Nation/ Ojibwe). The program also includes Sarah Ortegon HighWalking (Shoshone / Northern Arapaho), who appears in She Never Dances Alone, a video by Gibson that mesmerizes Biennale visitors in the final gallery of the space in which to place me.
12:30 p.m.
Reading: Lara Croft and the Temple of Jeffrey Gibson by Anthony Hudson
Fields Ballroom, Mark Building, 1st Floor
Join Anthony Hudson, the artist and writer behind Carla Rossi, for a reading from his forthcoming memoir Looking for Tiger Lily. In Lara Croft and the Temple of Jeffrey Gibson. Anthony will share a triumphant story about his time at the Venice Biennale with Jeffrey Gibson’s Indigenous roadshow—and about art, anxiety, cultural theft, confidence, and Tomb Raider.
1:15 p.m.
Gelato!
Lobby Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building, 3rd Floor
Stop by for a free sweet treat of gelato, affogato, or sorbet courtesy of Pronto Gelato. First come, first served. Limited quantities.
2 p.m.
Panel Conversation: the space in which to place me
Kridel Grand Ballroom, Mark Building, 3rd Floor
Hear reflections from artist Jeffrey Gibson and curator Kathleen Ash-Milby, along with creative collaborators, including jingle dancer Sarah Ortegon HighWalking and educator Ian Twiss reflecting on their journey and experiences together at the Venice Biennale. Moderated by fellow artist and collaborator Anthony Hudson.
Free tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door.
Miller Family Free Days are generously supported by Sharon L. Miller and Family. Additional funding is provided by The Lamb Baldwin Foundation.