“Yakne Seminoli,” New Works by Seminole Artists Erica Deitz and Brian Zepeda, celebrates Native American History Month (November) and beyond at History Fort Lauderdale. This collaboration with the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum will feature fine art and photography reflecting themes of leadership and respect. The exhibit at the New River Inn History Museum runs through January 5. Born on the Winnebago Indian Reservation, Erica Deitz is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida on her mother’s side and Winnebago and Ojibway heritage on her father’s side. Her work offers an indigenous perspective in a variety of art mediums in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. Deitz’s passion to express herself through art began at the age of three as she painted with accomplished Native American artist Jo M. North, her mother. At the age of 10, Deitz entered her first major art contest and received a bronze medal for her work from the International Children’s Art Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. She has continued to win awards for her artwork throughout her career. Deitz’s work is showcased in both solo and group exhibitions across the world, including the permanent collection in the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and in the Lowe Art Museum in Miami. Several pieces of her art have been displayed alongside fellow Seminole Tribal artists in the “Seminole Art Scene from Frontlines,” “Patchwork Mosaic: An Indigenous Gathering of Seminole Masterworks,” and “Circle of Unity.” These exhibitions were a centerpiece of the History Fort Lauderdale Museum’s Native American Heritage Month celebration. In addition, one of Dietz’s original acrylic paintings was selected as cover art for the June 2021 internationally circulated magazine, Indian Gaming Magazine. Brian Zepeda became serious about learning photography in 1997 while employed at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. During his time there, he captured various items to send to interested collectors and institutes. His talents don’t end with his camera; his skills also include beadwork, woodcarving, silversmithing, leather smithing, building Chickees and more. Esteemed institutions and galleries have requested his beadwork as well as photography. Along with being a photographer and artist, Zepeda is a Seminole Tribe of Florida council/board liaison. Entry to the exhibit is free with general admission - $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is always free for members, military and children ages six and under. “Yakne Seminoli” is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part, by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale. Additional support is provided by Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online.
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