Project Wanderment: ‘An inspiring artistic adventure’

An exhibit opening next month will feature a series of images and stories about Native Americans.

Beginning on June 9 and running through Aug. 19, the Community Memorial Museum of Sutter County will host an exhibit by Swinomish and Tulalip (Washington Native American tribes) photographer Matika Wilbur.

A Project 562 collection, “Natural Wanderment: Stewardship – Sovereignty – Sacredness” is an exhibition of Native American portraits and stories that honors and seeks to protect ancestral ways of life and lands.

According to her blog, in 2012 Wilbur sold everything in her Seattle apartment and created Project 562 which reflects her commitment to visit, engage and photograph all of the more than 560 Native American sovereign territories in the United States.

“Project 562 is an inspiring artistic adventure unfolding the living history of North America’s ancient peoples,” said Jessica Hougen, the museum’s director/curator. “Over the last five years and 250,000 miles, Matika Wilbur, one of the nation’s leading photographers, has journeyed tirelessly to hear the stories and imbibe the culture and wisdom of the original peoples of the land.”

As part of the project, Wilbur travelled from Alaska to the Southwest, Louisiana to upper Maine and has acquired portraits and narratives from over 400 tribal communities.

“The stunning and unprecedented work of Project 562 has been featured in national and international media, attracted scores of thousands of visitors to galleries and museums in the U.S. and around the world, been awarded leading creativity grants and drawn invitations from leading universities and institutions,” Hougen said. “Wilbur’s Image of Native Americans as part of the “Natural Wanderment: Stewardship – Sovereignty – Sacredness” exhibit.

KNOW & GO

artistic mission has caused intense conversation and transformative awareness about the vibrant, multifaceted identity of Native Americans she is brilliantly exploring.”

On June 16 at 3 p.m., Matika Wilbur will give a presentation on her work, which will be followed by a reception. Both will be held at the Museum.