The Wampanoag Arts Foundation is seeking Mashpee Wampanoag artists to participate in an art contest that will feature the artist’s contemporary interpretation of their historic and cultural connection to Mashpee.
To participate, this contest is open only to enrolled members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. All works of art must be produced on a copy of the historic 1877 allotment map of Mashpee (provided by upon registration) in the manner of what is known as “ledger art.” This map is tribally significant as it documents how the land in Mashpee was distributed after township was forced upon the tribe.
The tradition of ledger art began when Native people made use of random ledger pages to produce drawings and paintings that expressed the narrative of the impact of colonization. Legal documents, maps, purchase orders, invoices and other material records are obscured by drawings that illustrate the decimation of heritage, culture and tradition among indigenous people. These historic works of art were largely but not exclusively produced by western tribal artists, some locked away in boarding schools or other confinements outside of their culture.
The goal of this contest is to inspire Mashpee Wampanoag artists of all ages to interpret their experience in and of Mashpee using the 1877 map as inspiration. Works will be judged on artistic ability as well as interpretive quality. Winning works will be exhibited in the Wampanoag Trading Post and Gallery extension.
The contest will be judged in three categories, Youth, Aspiring and Adult. Sponsorship will determine prizes.
All artists must preregister for the contest and will receive a n 18 X 24-inch copy of the map. Registration forms are available at the Wampanoag Trading Post and Gallery at 10 North Street in Mashpee Commons. The fee for an adult registration is $25. Aspiring and youth artists registration is $10. The contest begins in May 1, 2021 with all finished works due to be submitted to the Wampanoag Trading Post and Gallery by 5 pm on Sunday August 1, 2021.
The Wampanoag Arts Foundation has been established to celebrate and elevate indigenous Art critical to our cultural survival. Recognizing Art as the most authentic expression of culture, the Foundation supports the development, ongoing training and practice of Wampanoag visual artists, musicians, writers and performance artists by providing materials, studio space, opportunities, and venues for community engagement that will ultimately promote understanding and appreciation.
