PHOTOS: Artpark's Strawberry Moon Festival puts spotlight on Native American culture

With stormy weather in the forecast, and other Lewiston events already modified or canceled Saturday, Artpark & Company moved its annual Strawberry Moon Festival into the Mainstage Theater. The pivot was successful: A Native American marketplace smartly lined the walkways, the smoke dance competition was held in front of an enthusiastic (and seated) audience, and the headline artists performed on the theater stage.

A highlight of the event was the “Gifted by Creator” theatrical journey of interconnectedness and responsibility. It featured the artistic efforts of Michele-Elise Burnett, Geneviéve Gros-Louis, Tonemah, Leah Shenandoah, Jordan Smith, Ariana Smith and Violet Printup Richards.

Also, the group of “Walk for World Peace” Buddhist monks, who recently began a 2,000-mile trek from Key West, Florida, visited Artpark to extend their message of peace. They were welcomed on stage and took photos with several well-wishers.

PHOTOS:

The venue noted, “Artpark has made a commitment to Indigenous arts programming and awareness with a full season of Indigenous programs built for and by our local Indigenous community. Our programming, conceived and curated by Michele-Elise Burnett (Métis/Algonquin, Bear Clan and Artpark Indigenous arts producer), serves residents from the Indigenous community in Lewiston, Youngstown and beyond, as well as non-Native persons who are interested in learning more about the culture and traditions.”

For more information, visit www.artpark.net.

PHOTOS:

NATIVE AMERICAN SMOKE DANCE COMPETITION:

FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PERFORMANCES:

'GIFTED BY CREATOR'