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New Exhibition Showcases Indigenous Cultures at McClung Museum

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Exhibition displaying indigenous art and cultural narratives at McClung Museum

News Summary

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture in Knoxville has launched a new exhibition titled ‘Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art’. This exhibit emphasizes collaboration with Indigenous tribes, featuring contemporary artworks by seventeen Native artists. It aims to highlight the importance of cultural narratives, language preservation, and the significance of mound-building traditions for Indigenous peoples. Open to the public since February 12, the exhibition is set to engage visitors with immersive displays and ongoing programming.

Exciting New Exhibition Highlights Indigenous Cultures at McClung Museum

Knoxville is bustling with excitement as the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture rolls out its brand-new exhibition, designed with an emphasis on **inclusivity** and **sensitivity** toward Indigenous cultures! Located on the vibrant campus of the University of Tennessee, this exhibit is making waves with its fresh approach to showcasing the rich history of Indigenous peoples connected to the area.

Tribute to Native Voices

In a refreshing turn from the museum’s previous exhibition, which mainly emphasized ancient Indigenous cultures with minimal input from contemporary Native groups, the new showcase is all about collaboration. The museum staff made the important decision to **engage directly** with Indigenous tribes to ensure their voices were heard. Among the tribes involved are the **Cherokee Nation**, the **Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana**, the **Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians**, and the **Muscogee (Creek) Nation**. Instead of dictating terms, the museum invited each group to decide how they wanted to be represented, making this collaboration a pivotal part of the exhibition’s development process.

Unveiling “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art”

The current exhibition bears the title “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art” and features an impressive collection of contemporary works from **seventeen Native artists**! Art forms represented include stunning **paintings on canvas and silk**, remarkable **basketry**, and finely crafted **textiles**. What’s even more exciting? The exhibition also sheds light on the **critical role** of written and spoken language, making it clear that the loss of language poses a **serious threat** to cultural survival.

The exhibition is organized around the theme of **homelands**, with special acknowledgment of the mound-building traditions in the southeastern United States, signifying different meanings to various Indigenous groups. As you step through the exhibit, you’re transported into a corridor that mimics a **forest**, complete with the gentle sounds of the **Tennessee River**, fully immersing visitors in the experience.

An Evolving Narrative

The new exhibit’s concept emerged from an academic suggestion focused on these monumental mound structures, and it reflects **years of dialogue** with Indigenous Nations. Surprisingly, it brings in the **Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana**, whose rich oral history and language connects them to East Tennessee, emphasizing the interconnected stories across time and geography. With four artists represented from each Indigenous group, alongside additional works curated by the museum staff, the exhibition showcases a blend of **established** and **emerging Indigenous artists**. Each artwork is accompanied by interpretations written by the artists themselves, enhancing the visitors’ understanding of the cultural narratives.

Art that Speaks to the Soul

The display doesn’t just stop with pretty pictures. Each piece is chosen to reflect the **cultural significance of mounds**—historically community centers and burial sites that held immense meaning for Indigenous people. Although many of the represented groups might not currently inhabit the area, they all maintain **strong connections** to the mounds built by their ancestors, providing a poignant reminder of cultural continuity.

Future Plans and Engagement

Looking ahead, the museum plans to introduce programming related to the exhibition in partnership with additional Indigenous groups linked to the area. Staff members at McClung conscious of the need for greater recognition of **southeastern Indigenous art** feel that the exhibition sets a new standard for cultural representation in the arts. The innovative collaborative process has allowed the museum to tap into genuine Indigenous perspectives, resulting in an enriching experience for all.

The exhibition opened its doors to the public on February 12, and it’s open for visitors from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.. With plans for ongoing updates and possibly expanding its scope, this evolution in the curation process is certainly paving the way for how exhibitions can better honor and represent Indigenous voices and stories.

Come experience the **vibrant culture**, **history**, and **artistry** that the McClung Museum proudly showcases—it’s a celebration of resilience and creativity that you won’t want to miss!

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New Exhibition Showcases Indigenous Cultures at McClung Museum

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