‘Knowledge From Land’ Exhibit Opens at UM – The University Center Gallery at the University of Montana will present “Knowledge From Land,” an exhibition of painting, textile and beadwork by recent UM alumna Salisha Old Bull. The exhibition runs Sept. 27-Oct. 20 with a closing reception held 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28.
Old Bull, who is a member of the Salish and Crow Tribes, is an Indigenous artist based in Montana. She creates a diverse array of art in many genres and has an affinity for beadwork. She combines a love for the cultures, values and practices of the Bitterroot Salish while practicing Indigenous ways of knowing and place-based education. Old Bull recently graduated from UM with a bachelor’s degree in art.
“This land is what gives a person a strong sense of self-identity,” Old Bull said. “Being grounded allows a person to go forward in life and continue to grow intellectually and explore beyond their basic needs. By evoking this motivation to solidify personal, tribal self-identity, I feel that artistry can empower individuals and motivate them to seek more land knowledge — traditional ecological knowledge.”
Old Bull said she depicts imagery related to traditional ecological knowledge through painting, photography and textile work to continue to pass on tradition.
The UC Gallery is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gallery is located on the second floor north of the University Center on the UM campus. Face masks are required.