Exhibitions

Voices from the Drum is a project several years in the making and a collaboration between some of the most talented artists in the Osage Nation. The exhibit has been developed by the Osage Nation Museum and the Osage Nation Foundation specifically to share the Osage culture with those who might not be able to experience it firsthand.

“It is carefully and thoughtfully curated to communicate the value and importance of the drum in Osage culture and to allow those seeing the exhibit to see and feel what it is like to be a part of an Osage dance or other cultural event where the drum takes center stage, said Bill Webb, executive director at the Osage Nation Foundation.

The Voices from the Drum exhibition is thematically arranged to examine how the artists approached the drum, through their culture, their artistic vision, and in relationship to the annual I Lonschka dance. In addition to the 20 drums, the exhibition also includes fine art and a digital display.

The drum stands at the heart of Osage cultural activities and brings people together.  For many, this community-based project accomplishes just that. It assembles the creativity, knowledge and talent of practicing artists that includes established professionals and new talent. Museum Director, Marla Redcorn-Miller, notes, “Too often, we consider traditional forms as unchanging forces, sometimes becoming inert by our desire to preserve them and keep them the same in perpetuity.  Voices from the Drum, however, opens an avenue for fresh perspectives to enter our traditional practices, celebrating them and renewing their purpose for people of today.”

The exhibit is the result of a remarkable community arts initiative of the Osage Nation Foundation.  The concept originated with an inspiring conversation between members of the ONF and Wilson Pipestem. Pipestem was motivated by his brother Rock Pipestem’s participation in Osage drum making. Wilson presented the concept of using the hand drum as an artistic canvas. The ONF commissioned singer and drummaker, Rock Pipestem, to produce 19 drums to be designed by Osage artists.  The artists used the beautiful, natural form of the drum as a canvas to express their individual ideas and understanding of its significance among Osages.  Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Osage Nation Foundation and project director for Voices from the Drum relates, “The ONF Board of Trustees feel this exhibit is important because it allows for the documentation of the role of the drum in Osage culture while presenting an opportunity to support and promote Osage artists.” 

The exhibit assembles the creativity, knowledge and talent of 19 practicing artists including: Norman Akers, Dante Biss-Grayson, Joe Don Brave, June Carpenter, Sarah Elsberry, Anita Fields, Yatika Fields, Jessica Moore Harjo, Kilan Jacobs, Jonathan Lunsford, Harleigh Moore, Ted Moore, Vanessa Moore, Rock Pipestem, Wendy Ponca, Alex Ponca Stock, Jon Red Corn, Addie Roanhorse, and Jennifer Tiger.

Voices from the Drum is available to venues for three-month rentals, and extended display time is encouraged. With the upcoming release of the major motion picture, Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the true story of the “Reign of Terror” that saw a series of wealthy Osage Nation members murdered for their oil money in 1920s Oklahoma, this exhibition will attract a broad audience interested in learning more about the Osage Nation.