Trickster Art Gallery celebrates new exhibits Saturday

Trickster Art Gallery, the only Native American owned and operated art institution in Illinois, will open two new exhibitions and present Native performances from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 22.

The evening will start with the opening of the new Native designed and installed children hands-on exhibition: "Walking Through Native Land." A unique multicultural visual arts concert will follow with performances by Redline Drum and Singers; Aztec Drum and Dancers; Head Veteran and dancer Michael Pamonicutt; dancer and Jr. Miss Indian Chicago Nizhoni Ward; flutist and guitarist Mark Cleveland; musician Mario Torrez Bandito Blues; and singer Dawn O'Keefe Williams.

Special guest singer Beena David also will perform. David is a classical vocalist, member of the Grammy-award winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and national anthem singer for Chicago Bears, Bulls, Fire, and White Sox.

The Native Veteran Wall of Honor Exhibition also will be unveiled. This photo wall includes professionally designed, printed and mounted portraits of those who have or are currently serving in the armed forces. Portraits of Native Veterans of all service branches were submitted by family, friends, or fellow service members or self-submitted.

"We are very excited for these new exhibition openings and to show off the many talents of the local Native community," said Trickster CEO Joe Podlasek. "With donations from our corporate partners and the support of the local community, we look forward to this amazing event and many more in 2014."

A silent auction will take place featuring a Chicago Blackhawks autographed jersey; art from Native Veterans Elders, Nizhoni Ward, and other artists; and native urban clothing by LeAnn & Nizhoni Ward. Soon-to-be Native Chef Jessica Pamonicutt will prepare light food and refreshments.

Advance tickets are available for $20 online at TricksterGallery.com or for $25 at the door on the night of the event. Support and contributions from this event will support all arts programming and allow Trickster Art Gallery to educate the public by providing Native artists of all media from around the country a space to tell their stories, experiences, and share their culture through the arts.

Trickster Art Gallery is located at 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.