Beaded and embroidered vase called “El Dorado” by its creator, Wilma Cook Zumpano, a Mohawk artist whose work is displayed in the Native American folk art exhibit closing this Sunday in Arkville.
ARKVILLE — Take time this weekend, 10 am – 4 pm to view this exhibit, Saturday through Sunday December 7, the final day of the exhibit. On Sunday, 1 to 4 pm, there will be a festive reception for artists Wilma Cook Zumpano, beading embroiderer, and Marilyn Isaacs, fingerweaver, from 1 to 4 pm. “The artists will be driving hundreds of miles to attend the reception, “ says Executive Director, Ginny Scheer, “providing a chance for anyone who attended the artists’ workshops, or enjoyed the exhibit previously, or have yet to view the exhibit, not to miss this opportunity.” The exhibit, presented by
Catskills Folk Connection, is called “Indigenous Delaware County: Lenape and Mohawk Fiber Traditions” and is taking place in the Erpf gallery at the Catskill Center, 43355 State Highway 28, Arkville NY 12406.
In a county with a very small Native American population, Catskills Folk Connection seeks to honor former Native American residents of the Catskills by featuring artists who are descendants of those nations in an exhibit of older Lenape traditions that are being rekindled and Mohawk traditional art forms updated with contemporary materials.
The exhibit includes photo demonstrations from New Paltz’s Neu Netherland Festival showing Lenape artist Kathy Haney (Oklahoma) making cordage and Theresa Johnson (Ontario) with a gallery display of her baskets, using techniques traditional to the Lenape. You will also see an exhibit of Mohawk artist Marilyn Isaacs’s regalia showing the traditional use of fingerwoven bands and sashes, plus a colorful presentation of long sashes and leg-ties that reveal the variety of diagonal patterns and color combinations that are possible…

