Zoom Talk with the Curators of a Seneca Exhibition at Ma’s House - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 2062465

Zoom Talk with the Curators of a Seneca Exhibition at Ma’s House

icon 7 Photos
Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

Installation view of an exhibition from the Seneca Nation's Onöhsagwë:de' Cultural Center on view at Ma's House on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation. COURTESY MA'S HOUSE

authorStaff Writer on Dec 19, 2022

Ma’s House, the communal art space based on the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, is currently hosting an exhibition from the Seneca Nation’s Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center. Co-curated by Jocelyn Jones and Hayden Haynes, the traveling exhibition titled “Hënödeyësdahgwa’geh wa’öki’jö’ ögwahsä’s. Onëh I:’ jögwadögwea:je’ — We Were at the School. We Were There. We Remember” includes historical research on the Thomas Indian School, archival materials, photography by Hayden Haynes, and artwork by Shinnecock artist Denise Silva-Dennis.

On Friday, December 23, at 6 p.m., Ma’s House hosts a Zoom curator talk with Haynes and Jones. To register for the Zoom link, visit mashouse.studio.

Boarding schools arrived at the onset of U.S. government Indian assimilation policies from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Americans assumed Indigenous peoples would disappear in a matter of time and ramped up the process with institutionalized boarding schools to assimilate Indigenous youth before they were fully enculturated with their families’ languages and cultures. Boarding school policies certainly embraced Richard H. Pratt’s ideology of kill the Indian, save the man (1892).

The efforts of the curators and collaborators in the exhibition “We Were at the School. We Were There. We Remember” tells part of the story of the Thomas Indian School (TIS) in Irving, New York.

“This exhibition was initiated by a series of photographs that Hayden Haynes (Onöndowa’ga:’ - Deer Clan) took of Jocelyn Jones (Onöndowa’ga:’ - Wolf Clan),” write the curators Jocelyn Jones and Hayden Haynes. “Our plan was to highlight certain buildings and sites on the Cattaraugus Territory that were part of the history of the Thomas Indian School in an effort to raise awareness about the ‘school.’ These places included the Wright Memorial Church, Reverend Asher Wright’s house, the old infirmary of the Thomas Indian School, and the United Missions Cemetery. Out of this series of photographs an idea was born to create an exhibition about TIS.

“Our sole purpose is to create this exhibit for our community,” they continued. “It is a way to honor our ancestors, to provide a space for learning, and to offer a moment for healing for our communities and future generations. We found it necessary that this exhibit be created through our collective Indigenous voice, in an effort to exercise narrative sovereignty.”

The contributing writers of this exhibition are: Dr. Lori Quigley (Onöndowa’ga:’), Dr. Alyssa Mt. Pleasant (Skarure Descent), Dr. Rodney Haring (Onöndowa’ga:’), Dr. Meredith Alberta (Skarure), and Dr. Joe Stahlman (Skarure Descent). It remains on view through January 28 at Ma’s House, 159 Old Point Road, Southampton. Visit mashouse.studio for details.

You May Also Like:

Springs Artist Fitzhugh Karol Debuts Outdoor Sculpture Show at Duck Creek

The Arts Center at Duck Creek will present “Fitzhugh Karol: On the Grounds,” a site-specific ... 8 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

La Goulue Sur Mer Arrives in Southampton, With a Dash of Chaos and a Side of Style

“Is it true?” said the anxious DM on my Instagram account. “Is La Goulue really ... by Steven Stolman

Art on a Line: Guild Hall’s Clothesline Sale Hangs Tough for 2025

Guild Hall’s beloved Clothesline Art Sale returns on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event, a Hamptons tradition since 1946, transforms the museum’s lawn into a sea of original artwork — hung on clotheslines — and offers visitors the chance to purchase local art at accessible prices. Jackson Pollock once sold a painting at the sale for $250, and past participants have included Lee Krasner, Alfonso Ossorio, Elaine and Willem de Kooning and other art-world icons. The event continues to offer a rare opportunity for the public to view and purchase work by East End ... by Staff Writer

The Climate-Friendly Fitness Routine

“Live simply so that others might simply live” — Mahatma Gandhi The first time I ... by Jenny Noble

Joy Behar Gets the Last Laugh in ‘My First Ex-Husband' at Bay Street Theater, July 14-19

Emmy Award-winning comedian and co-host of “The View,” Joy Behar stars in “My First Ex-Husband,” a bold, funny and heartfelt new play based on true stories from her life. The limited engagement runs July 14 through 19, at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, “My First Ex-Husband” explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex and relationships. Adapted from Behar’s personal experiences, the show is both deeply personal and widely relatable. Behar will appear on stage on July 14, 18 and 19. Also appearing nightly, July 14 through 19, are Veanne Cox, a Tony-nominated ... by Staff Writer

Experience the Rhythms of Brazil With Nilson Matta’s Voyage Quartet

Grammy-nominated bassist Nilson Matta will lead his Brazilian Voyage Quartet at The Church on Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m. The concert is part of Hamptons JazzFest. The group features acclaimed guitarist Chico Pinheiro and offers a rich exploration of samba, bossa nova and modern Brazilian jazz. Matta, a founding member of the renowned Trio da Paz and longtime collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy-winning “Obrigado Brazil” project, is known for blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz. His lyrical bass playing and deep rhythmic connection have earned him international acclaim. Guitarist Chico Pinheiro, recognized as a leading voice ... by Staff Writer

At the Galleries for July 10, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, at the Montauk railroad station at the corner of Flamingo ... by Staff Writer

Round and About for July 10, 2025

Fireworks Shelter Island Fireworks The Shelter Island fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 12, ... by Staff Writer

Curtis Institute of Music Alumni and Faculty To Perform in East Hampton on July 22

Talented alumni and faculty from the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music will tour the East Coast this summer, with a concert scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton. The event is presented by Music for Montauk. The program features beloved melodies ranging from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” to works by Brahms and de Falla. Performers include mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, pianist Hanchien Lee, and Curtis Institute President and violist Roberto Díaz. The concert program includes: Manuel de Falla’s “Suite Populaire Espagnole,” performed by Díaz (viola) and Lee (piano); ... by Staff Writer

'Bonnie & Clyde' Cast and Crew Announced for Bay Street Musical

Bay Street Theater has unveiled the complete cast and creative teams for its pulse-pounding musical ... 7 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer