‘Indigenous Summer’
ON VIEW AUGUST 7- SEPTEMBER 13, 2025
DESCRIPTION:
A special exhibit in celebration of the Indigenous American communities that have rich ties to Suffolk, Virginia and the surrounding area. Come and see how the cultural practices and expressions of local Indigenous communities are communicated through the visual arts.
Co-Chair for the Exhibition:
Desmond Ellsworth
Desmond Ellsworth is a citizen of the Nansemond Indian Nation, with ties to the Haliwa-Saponi, Meherrin, Nottoway, Tutelo/Saponi, and Tuscarora. Through his basket weaving work, Desmond continues to honor and preserve the rich heritage of his ancestors while embracing innovative approaches in basket weaving. He has been weaving since 2016 and making pottery since 2010. He has shown in many art shows & contests and museums and even two of his baskets are in the permanent collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. One of his biggest passions is to demonstrate weaving and explain the importance.
Learn more about the co-chair by clicking on his name!
Opening Reception
Details: Thursday, August 7, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Reception is FREE and open to the public.
Education Panel
Details: Friday, August 15, 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Attendance is FREE and open to the public.
The education panel is an opportunity to learn about the significance of Indigenous communities in Virginia and surrounding areas. Each speaker will address how their community or tribe’s presence continues to thrive and has contributed to the Virginia landscape. Additionally, each speaker will go into depth about their inspiration and technique behind their artwork. The conversation will expand on how the artwork is not only a form of personal expression but holds cultural significance.
Speakers: TBA. Stay Tuned!
SOME LOCAL INDIGENOUS TRIBES/NATIONS:
Learn more about each Indigenous Tribe/Nation by clicking on the name!
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe
Chickahominy Indian Tribe-Eastern Division
Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia
Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia
INDEPENDENT NATIVE ORGANIZATIONS:
Learn more about each organization by clicking on the name!
Indigenous Community Garden at Virginia Tech (VT)
Eastern Woodland Revitalization
Powhatan Algonquian Intertribal Roundtable
Some artwork in the exhibition:
Devon Borkowski, “Mother Earth”
Charles Gray “Quilled Bear claw medallion”
Questions or concerns: Please contact the Visual Arts Manager, Nana Ferdnance via email nana.ferdnance@suffolkcenter.org or call 757-923-0003 ext 108.
