Artistry among the Natítayt (The People) sought to express ingenuity and originality. Artistic designs and motifs found in beadwork, clothing, tools, religious objects, and everyday items were often derived from nature. Tribal and family emblems were common. An individual dream sometimes provided inspiration, meaning, and color choices for personal items.

"As a people, we have lived in this homeland from time immemorial. This land has formed how we as Indian people see and interpret and express ourselves in the work of our hands. Regardless of the medium - whether fine art, traditional art, or performance art. The work reflects a living culture, not a culture frozen in the past, but one that is being shaped by many forces. Everything we do is rooted in the sense of place, and our creativity reflects the land."

Our encounters with the greater world continue to unfold. Artistic expression continues to serve as a means of preserving individual and group identity in a changing world. At each given moment in time we have the ability to transform the foreign into the familiar and make it our own.

Eastern Oregon Regional Arts Council
Crow's Shadow Institute of the Arts crow@crowsshadow.org
Umatilla County Historical Society uchs@oregontrail.net

Cayuse Gallery
Maynard & Marlene Whiteowl-Lavadour Cayuse / Navajo 1 B 151 SE First Street Pendleton OR 97801- (541) 966-1191 The gallery carries a variety of work from northwest and southwest tribes. Artwork includes jewelry made from glass beads, turquoise, and silver. Gallery also sells native designed mousepads and t-shirts. Northeastern Oregon cayusegallery@oregontrail.net

"Here Forever" Annual Tribal Art Show
http://tamastslikt.com/schedule.asp?eid=74

Soon to come: Tamástslikt Cultural Institute store e-commerce site, featuring Plateau-style arts and designs.