Where: Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - Carty Unit
28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
When: Sunday, July 10th, 2016, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
What: Contemporary Native Masks inspired by Cultures of the Columbia River - Mask Exhibit and Artist Talks with Lillian Pitt and Bill Rutherford
When renowned artist, Lillian Pitt (Wasco, Yakama, Warm Springs), challenged her friend Bill Rutherford, a Portland artist, to creatively explore his Native American heritage, neither knew what would emerge. Though part Chickasaw, Rutherford drew inspiration from childhood visits to Celilo Falls and reading about Chinookan legends to create a group of nine masks. These artworks, as well as pieces by Lillian Pitt, will be on display Sunday, July 10, at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. Though mask making is not traditionally a part of Chinookan culture, it can be a powerful contemporary medium. The artists will talk about how they were inspired by local Native cultures and why they use masks to express themselves.
12:00pm - 4:00pm: Artwork on Display, Plankhouse Tours, Children's Activities
1:00pm: Artist Talks
Lillian Pitt and Bill Rutherford share how Native cultures of the Columbia River influence their work, and why they use masks as a medium.
2:30pm: Ethnobotany Hike
Join a Refuge Naturalist to explore the relationship that the Cathlapotle People had with their landscape and the connection between environment and culture. Participants should be prepared for a 1 mile hike on moderately uneven terrain. Meet at the Plankhouse.
Cost: Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle; Save resources carpool with a friend!
Contact: Sarah Hill, Cathlapotle Plankhouse Coordinator; 360.887.4106/Sarah_Hill@fws.gov
