Recap of Sewa Ania: A Celebration of the Flower World

 

From May to July, The House of Dotlizhi created and hosted a remarkable event, Sewa Ania: A Celebration of the Flower World, in collaboration with Miriam Alarcon Avila and Marianna G.M. Cota, owner of INDIGENEXUS. The event was a vibrant celebration of indigenous culture, art, and community, highlighting the rich heritage and beauty of the Flower World.

 

 The Opening Ceremony

The event commenced with a heartfelt opening ceremony led by Miriam Alarcon Avila that included a prayer calling on the four directions, asking our ancestors for permission to open the portal to Sewa Ania. This ceremony set a tone of reverence and joy, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the spiritual and cultural significance of the Flower World.

 Art Installations and Displays

 

Throughout the event, attendees were treated to stunning art installations and displays that showcased the talents of indigenous artists from North and South America. Each piece was a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship rooted in indigenous traditions. From intricate beadwork to vibrant paintings, the art on display offered a visual feast and a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives behind each work.

Artist Talks

The artist talks were a highlight of Sewa Ania, featuring profound insights from various artists:

 Narciso M Elizalde shared his personal journey to the Flower World and the creative process behind his art, offering attendees a glimpse into his inspirations and techniques. www.dreamworldsreflections.com

    Miriam Alarcon Avila explored her documentary photographic work with immigrant communities seeking to rediscover their identity through reconnection with the cosmologies, stories, rituals, and daily life of their indigenous ancestors.
    www.miriamalarconavila.com

      Marianna G.M. Cota (Yo'eme, enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe) led a discussion on indigenous ways of relating and how her art reflects her personal journey of strengthening connections to culture and spirituality. She also facilitated an expressive writing and art activity, allowing participants to explore their own connections to these themes.  
      https://indigenexus.substack.com/p/huu-sewa-ania?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

          Javier Espinosa Momox discussed how his ceramic sculptural works reflect his roots and cultural heritage, providing a deeper appreciation of his craft. https://www.instagram.com/vientorebelde?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==


            Poetry and Music Night

            During the poetry and music night, Jorge Pena (Lipan Apache/ Oglala Lakota) sang a beautiful song on the hand drum and shared a story of how the flowers came to the Lakota people. This evening was filled with moving poetry readings that echoed the themes of the Flower World, capturing the beauty, resilience, and wisdom of indigenous cultures.

            Community Art Projects

            The community art projects fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees:

            • Marianna helped participants make Yaqui crepe paper flowers, a traditional craft that brought a touch of the Flower World to life.
            •  Local artists, Eliana Velasquez (Apache/Yaqui) and Marianna (Yo'eme, enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe) created a sidewalk chalk outline for participants to color and add their own drawings of the Flower World, resulting in a vibrant and collaborative sidewalk mural.

            One significant project involved decorating white pinwheels with words representing what participants wanted to let go, symbolizing a return to the Flower World with each spin of the pinwheel. 

             Curated Collection of Indigenous Art and Jewelry

            For those looking to take home a piece of the event, a curated collection of indigenous art and jewelry was available for purchase. This collection, carefully selected by The House of Dotlizhi, offered unique and authentic pieces that celebrated indigenous artistry and supported the artists behind them.

            Closing Ceremony

            The event concluded with a poignant closing ceremony, reflecting on the experiences and expressing gratitude for the shared journey into the Flower World. It was a fitting end to a celebration filled with cultural enrichment, artistic expression, and community connection.

             A Heartfelt Thank You

            The House of Dotl'izhi extends its deepest gratitude to Miriam Alarcon Avila and Marianna G.M. Cota for their invaluable contributions to Sewa Ania. Their collaboration and expertise were instrumental in bringing the event to life and making it a truly memorable celebration.

            We also thank all the attendees, artists, and participants who joined us in celebrating the Flower World. Your presence and engagement made this event a success, and we look forward to continuing to honor and celebrate indigenous culture together.

            Stay tuned for future events and initiatives from The House of Dotlizhi as we continue to foster cultural dialogue and celebrate the rich heritage of indigenous communities.

             

            *This year's logo of Sewa Ania designed by Marianna G.M. Cota

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