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‘Faces from the Land’ photography exhibit set to open June 23 at The Museum at Warm Springs

Adam Tsosie Nordwall (Shoshone : Chippewa : Diné)
Ben Marra
Adam Tsosie Nordwall (Shoshone : Chippewa : Diné)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Faces from the Land: A Photographic Journey Through Native America by Ben and Linda Marra” is a traveling exhibition that documents the proud spirit and identity of Native American powwow dancers throughout the United States and Canada. The exhibition will be on view at The Museum at Warm Springs from Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, September 24.

The exhibit features 36 of Ben Marra’s large color portraits of powwow dancers. Each photograph is accompanied by personal written narratives written by the subject, compiled by Linda Marra, describing the tribal significance of their regalia and dance. The striking images, along with the text, vividly detail the beauty of the powwow, which juxtaposes tradition and modern culture.

Working together as photographer and producer/documentarian respectively, Ben and Linda began to document powwows in 1988. The powwow is an integral part of Native life, offering the opportunity for peoples to gather and celebrate their spiritual connections to their ancestors, the earth, community and traditions through drumming, dance and song.

The Marras produce two international calendars annually — “Native American Dance and Powwow: Portraits of Native Americans” — that are available at a discount to Native youth groups for fund-raising projects. Their award-winning book, “Powwow: Images Along the Red Road,” was published by Abrams in 1996 and is in its eighth printing. The Marras’ work has been featured in numerous museums, national magazines, and was included in “The Handbook of North American Indians” published by the Smithsonian Institution. Their second book, “Faces from the Land: Twenty Years of Powwow Tradition” was published in 2009 by Abrams. For more information, visit http://www.benmarra.com/

About The Museum at Warm Springs

The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance and share the traditions, cultural and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. Regular Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Museum Members (free), Adults ($7), Senior Citizens over 60 ($6), Students 13-18 with student body card ($4.50), Children 5-12 ($3.50) and Children 4 and younger (free). For more information, visit museumatwarmsprings.org/. Phone: (541) 553-3331.

Article Topic Follows: Warm Springs

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