By now, you should already know that the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe is hosting an art exhibit by Wings. The initial start date of the 15th was pushed back two days, but it's now open through May 11.
If you had somehow missed it, now you know.
You can help ensure that it is a big success, simply by telling others about it, and by attending it (
bring family & friends, too!) in person if you are able.
The success of the show is important. Here's why, from Aji:
We'd like this to be a huge success, not just for Wings, but for the Jean Cocteau Cinema, for its wonderful owners and staff (who are just incredible people), and for future artists, especially Native ones, who might follow.
How many elements factor in when you consider the impact of a successful exhibition? From the paragraph above, there are six primary beneficiaries - but those aren't six individuals.
- Wings: the artist, craftsman, silversmith, photographer responsible for the images and pieces displayed.
- The Jean Cocteau Cinema: the venue hosting the exhibit
- The owners: George R.R. Martin and Parris McBride Martin, who purchased, completely restored and re-opened the Cocteau in 2013.
- The staff: more than simply worker-bees, they've added heart and enthusiasm to the entire project. (I'd lump in anyone else who helped bring this to fruition on the ground even if they're not employees of the Cocteau.)
- Future artists & Craftspeople: Having a place to show their work expands the opportunity for them to share it and for others to experience it
- Native artists: future Native artists would have an additional, well-recognized venue to display their work, encouraging & preserving cultural expression & identity.
There's at least one key potential beneficiary that remains unnamed - one that's key to tying the rest together, and providing the backbone of the very definition of the word "success" in this context:
you. Both individually and collectively, it's
you. And
us. Everyone who attends, certainly. And everyone who experiences the show vicariously through their experience. And all those who will gather to attend future exhibits, if the show marks the start of something new & different, particularly something which invites and welcomes Native artists.
Simple things - like sharing the news of the event, attending if you're able and encouraging others to share as well as attend - can help make this a lasting success.
Please share the news with people on your social media networks, via email, by word of mouth, or simply stop in, then tell others about it afterward.
Thank you.
References
Jean Cocteau Cinema web site / Facebook page
Aii's blog: Ajijaakwe
Previous pieces:
Aji made it a point to shout out thanks to these folks, so I'm repeating that here:
We also owe special thanks to Raya Golden and Jeff Berg, and particularly to Sam Haozous, for facilitating this entire project.
Thank you, everyone. Let's help make this a big success all around, and set a foundation for a brighter, culturally vibrant future for those to come.