"The three portraits displayed here are titled “From These Hands.” They depict three Keetoowah Cherokee Elders holding different examples of traditional art forms: a blanket, gourd and basket. The colorful shapes were decorated by Elders at the UKB Elder Center and collaged by Paula Frisch, AmeriCorps VISTA 2013-2014, who created the portraits. The women are done as block prints. They were carved from linoleum then printed with an oil-based ink.
Each collage is unique, as are the women who hold them. The women are representatives of tradition and culture. They encourage us to actively learn from one another and from the communities around us. The represented items, a loom-woven blanket, intricately carved gourd, and natural reed basket, were created with care, practice and skill. They promote and preserve the knowledge of generations.
These women emphasize that we can bring color and community into our own lives by taking the time to learn from others, share our abilities and work together."
Each collage is unique, as are the women who hold them. The women are representatives of tradition and culture. They encourage us to actively learn from one another and from the communities around us. The represented items, a loom-woven blanket, intricately carved gourd, and natural reed basket, were created with care, practice and skill. They promote and preserve the knowledge of generations.
These women emphasize that we can bring color and community into our own lives by taking the time to learn from others, share our abilities and work together."