Eye on the Arts: “Chehantamo: How Are You Doing?” at History Fort Lauderdale

By Marc Gave | New Pelican Writer

Just in time for the observance of Native American Heritage Month in November, “Chehantamo: How Are You Doing?” is a two-part exhibit featuring information about the Seminole Tribe of Florida and a diverse group of artworks by contemporary tribal members. 

“Chehantamo” opened Oct. 22, and runs through Jan. 6 at History Fort Lauderdale, the museum housed in the former New River Inn at 231 SW 2 Ave.

The historical portion of the exhibit consists of eight banners on loan from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, on the Big Cypress Reservation, the official museum of the Seminole Tribe. Documenting the period of tribal history known to the United States government as the Seminole Wars, the banners present details of a difficult, often sad and troubling, chronicle of a native people encountering a policy that was determined to remove them from their land.

The artwork portion of the exhibit contains more than two dozen pieces in various mediums – from traditional textiles, ceramics, and jewelry to mixed media to digital art – created by tribal members as young as nine and one who is an ancestor. The creations represent the decades from the 1950s to now.

For those interested, there is more Seminole history and artwork upstairs, in the museum’s permanent collection.

Curator Tara Chadwick notes, “Presenting contemporary art helps people understand the history. In curating this exhibit, I am more like a facilitator, creating space and time for Seminole people to share what is important to them at this moment. What I have noticed working with artists of the Tribe over these past 10 years is that Seminoles have a deep and profound respect for individualism and everyone’s right to live in a way that is good for them.”

She said that the current exhibit grew out of a “pop-up” exhibit 10 years ago, when two Seminole artists,Gordon Oliver “Ollie” Wareham and Elgin Jumper, set up a modest exhibit on the lawn in front of the museum. It resonated so deeply with visitors that the following year, the museum brought the exhibit indoors and extended it for a week. From there, it continued to evolve in size and length of time. A listing in the Art Basel Miami Beach visitor guide validates that there is space for local Seminole art in the international art scene.

Wareham, who is now director of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, was one of two Seminole artists, along with Tia Blais-Billie, who greeted visitors at the recent opening. He also played two intricate, evocative melodies on his large wooden flute.

After a short presentation, guests could examine the colorful, compelling artwork. Then a video titled “Chono Thlee: Sparking a New Era in Seminole Art” (which was also the title of last year’s exhibit) was offered for viewing.

“History Fort Lauderdale is proud to partner with the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum for this 10th anniversary installment of contemporary art from established and upcoming Native American creators,” said Patricia Zeller, executive director of the museum. “Our vibrant city was cultivated and settled by Native Americans, and their vision continues to be a great source of inspiration for all generations. We invite the community to celebrate their immense contributions to our art and culture and learn more about ancestral heritage.”

For more information about the exhibit and History Fort Lauderdale, visit historyfortlauderdale.org or call 954-465-4431.