Captivated by Space and Choctaw Art
Stepping inside for the first time, the open space and the feel of history draw you in. You sense a connection with generations gone by in the historic schoolhouse building that now houses the Chahta Foundation.
Prominent Choctaw artist Jane (Janie) Semple Umsted experienced the captivating beauty of the renovated building when she walked through the doors of the Chahta Foundation for her first board meeting. Though born and raised in Durant, she’d never been inside the former schoolhouse.
“I was struck by the warmth. You could just feel the history of that building,” Janie said. “I went from room to room, looking at the exposed wood, all the exposed brick. A lot of the metal windows were preserved. It was an almost chilling experience — in a good way — thinking about all the students that have come and gone there.”
The high ceilings, open rooms, and natural light beckoned her artist’s soul. A Chahta Foundation board member, Janie suggested bringing in pieces of her art to accent the space. “I thought that would give the building some color it didn’t have at the time,” she added.
Her idea expanded into inviting more Choctaw artists to display and sell their work here. The art pieces bring the voices of our ancestors inside the building and into our lives. Art gives movement to the space, flowing from one time period to another, bringing history forward to the present.
Sandra Amos, Chahta Foundation Administrative Assistant, adds descriptions to the pieces on display so you not only soak in the art, you can read the story behind it.
“A lot of these paintings offer history of the Choctaw Nation,” Sandra said. “Visitors can read about things like the Trail of Tears or corn picking day. Younger generations that didn’t grow up in that era can get a glimpse of what it was, what their history is, and what their culture looked like.”
The Chahta art exhibit gives us an opportunity to highlight talented Choctaw artists. Carole Ayers, an artist active in Choctaw culture and language preservation, said, “I was honored that they wanted to hang some of my art in there.”
The Chahta Foundation hosted artist Paul King for a one day show last year.
“I love the venue. What a classic place it is,” Paul said. “I like the way they’ve left a lot of the rustic look, and I hope to have more shows there.”
Nancy Rhoades, whose art is oil on canvas, became an exhibitor in the summer of 2016. Mary Ann Allen is our newest artist. She has five of her original acrylic and watercolor pieces on display.
While we don’t categorize the exhibit as an art gallery or gift shop, the art pieces in the Chahta Foundation are available to purchase. We invite you to walk through this historic building and enjoy the art that enhances its beauty. You might find yourself captivated as well.
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If you’re a Choctaw tribal member interested in the possibility of exhibiting your art at the Chahta Foundation, please contact Sandra at samos@choctawnation.com or call 1-800-522-6170 x2993
Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Sawyer
