Oct 2015: Dr. Jill and VP Biden honor 5 Native artists, highlight Art in Embassies

(I was thinking about the total lack of interest in art and the humanities in general as displayed by the boorish barbarians currently squatting in the White House. Can't wait for January 2021 and working like mad to make it happen!)

https://art.state.gov/portfolio/indian-country-today-media-network-art-in-embassies-dr-jill-biden-and-vice-president-biden-honor-5-native-artists/

"Indian Country Today Media Network – Art in Embassies, Dr. Jill Biden and Vice President Biden Honor 5 Native Artists at the VP’s Home – Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, honored five Native American and Alaskan Native artists last night in a reception at their home in Washington DC. In addition to honoring the artists, the Bidens displayed a framed print from each of the artists on the walls of their foyer and living room.

The reception was in honor of artists Tony Abeyta (Navajo), Crystal Worl (Tlingit Athabascan), Jeff Kahm (Plains Cree), Courtney Leonard (Shinnecock Nation) and Dan Namingha (Tewa-Hopi) as well as a celebration of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Art in Embassies (AIE) and the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA).

The five artists were commissioned by the AIE and IAIA to create 10 pieces of art each, that will be exhibited at U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world.

Dr. Biden was the first to address the approximately 100 guests.
“Your artwork represents rich and vibrant cultures that have thrived on this continent for a millennium, every color, shape and stroke on the canvas brings to life a connection with your roots and your ancestors,” she said.
.....
The Vice President expressed his appreciation for the artwork created by the artists and the importance of tribal relations to the Obama administration. “Barack and I have tried very hard to strengthen the nation’s through tribal sovereignty,” said Biden.

Biden also mentioned his efforts to bring awareness to the importance of climate change to Indian Nations, the importance of the Affordable Care Act and of the Violence Against Women Act.”...(more)