Friday, Dec. 7  featuring “ME” by Nelda Schrupp (Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation)

6-8 p.m.: Exhibition open to the public
6:30 p.m.: Artist talk

Travois supports American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities and tribes in achieving their vision for economic and community development. Over 23 years, Travois has secured $1.3 billion dollars for affordable housing, education, health services, water infrastructure, and climate adaptation in Indian Country.

Art is a vibrant contributor to Native economies and a culture bearer for Native people. Travois is expanding our service area to highlight the strength and modern-day vitality of Native artists and to stimulate art purchases and commissions within one of the nation’s leading art scenes: Kansas City.

Nelda Schrupp was born the youngest of 11 children, to Cecilia and Henry McArthur, and grew up on White Bear Indian Reservation, Carlyle, Saskatchewan. She attended various boarding schools and earned her BFA degree from the University of North Dakota in 1990. She majored in art with a concentration in ceramics and a minor in jewelry and small sculpture. This exposure to metalwork enticed her to study this medium in more detail. She entered graduate school in 1993 at the University of North Dakota and received an MFA degree in metalsmithing, jewelry and small sculpture.

In her artist statement, Schrupp said, “From a young age, I have been interested in sewing, beading, and working with my hands. When I would come back from boarding school, my mother would teach me her techniques of sewing (where I started on an old pedal Sears sewing machine), or hand stich cloth and leather. My mother would have me work on small projects patching cloths, and as I became more proficient, I would help sew dance regalia. I have always been interested in working with my hands. Her teachings have been very instrumental in my ability to clothe my family in hard times. I have beaded on a loom and directly on to regalia. I have been called upon numerous times to teach moccasin-making, willow-weaving and bead-working.”

For Travois First Fridays, her exhibition will feature 10 artworks, to include wall hangings and jewelry. Learn more on her website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Preregister and receive two drink tickets at the event (21+). All ages are welcome to attend the event.

After 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, please register at the door upon your arrival.