The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is honored to announce the opening of their new exhibition of works by contemporary Seminole artists titled 'Yaat Ya Oke: Welcome Travelers'.

Indigenous art has always been part of the cultural and touristic heritage of the Sunshine State. We invite you to come experience the vibrance of Florida from the vantage point of contemporary Seminole artists. From outdoor cooking to canoeing and ball game playing, many of our favorite past times are rooted in Indigenous art practices. The works include watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, natural fiber, and digital art reflecting life’s beauty and reminding us how much we each have in common no matter how close or far we are from home.

The exhibition features over 40 unique pieces by twenty-seven Seminole artists spanning five generations, including two very special legacy works.

Featured artists include: Durante Blais-Billie, Tia Blais-Billie, Wilson Bowers, Camisha Cedartree, Rebecca Cypress, Erica Deitz, Ruby Deitz, Nicholas DiCarlo, Hali Garcia, Eden Jumper, Elgin Jumper, The Late Jo Motlow North, Danielle Nelson, Alyssa J. Osceola, Jacqueline Osceola, Jessica Osceola, The Late Jimmy Osceola, Leroy Osceola, Madel Osceola, Tina Osceola, Victoria Osceola Benard, Shonayeh Shawnie Tommie, Daniel Tommie, Samuel Tommie, Gordon Wareham, Corinne Zepeda, and Brian Zepeda.

The exhibition was developed by an advisory council made up of Seminole artists, art professor Jessica Osceola, art historian Durante Blais-Billie, curators Tara Chadwick and Tamie Diener-Lafferty, along with Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki, the official museum of the Seminole Tribe of Florida located on the Big Cypress Reservation. We would also like to thank the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation and the MJ Sindler Family Fund for Culture &; Media. This is an exciting and innovative venture representing a pivotal moment for the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in hosting their first exhibition of work by Florida- based Indigenous artists.

Educational programs for the community and local schools will accompany the exhibition.

Exhibition Dates: January 16 – April 14, 2024.