Cameron University to hold visual lecture and art exhibition by artist Hattie Lee Mendoza

The Cameron University art program will present artist Hattie Lee Mendoza at the McCutcheon Recital Hall at 6 p.m. March 28.

According to a press release, Mendoza will present a visual lecture, “Cultivating and Presenting a Joy of Cultural Differences, Influences and Histories.” Afterwards, she will be celebrated with a closing reception at 7:30 in the Art Teaching Gallery in the Art Building where “Inheriting Joy,” an exhibition of her work, is now on display. Both events are open to the public at no charge.

The release said that during the lecture, Mendoza will showcase her works in a variety of traditional and mixed media that encompasses her artistic journey.

“As a member of the Cherokee Nation, my process is a personal expression of the Native American diaspora,” Mendoza said in the release. “Indigenous peoples were inventive with resources as they were removed from native homelands to new environments. Resourcefulness is instilled in my mind not only from my native ancestry, but also from a rural Kansas upbringing.”

Mendoza said she sees herself as a “collage of cultures.”

“I react by collaging materials from my ancestors’ contemporary community and personal collaging materials from my ancestors, contemporary community and personal life experiences,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said she describes her studio as “a flux of mediums and objects in constant conversation: a gouache painting is printed on fabric, which is collaged, then informs a piece of wearable art or inspires the composition of a new gouache painting. Nothing is off-limits to being repurposed and reimagined.”

The release said through her research into traditional arts, Mendoza incorporates imagery abstracted from moccasin beading patterns into her paintings. Some works utilize actual beading and sewing.

“Graphic design, fine art and craft are all woven together in my studio, at times literally,” Mendoza said. “Cultivating the joy that arises from cultural differences gives hope for future tribes, countries and personal communities.”

The release said Mendoza’s exhibition can be viewed during Cameron’s regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibition will not be available for viewing March 18-22, due to Spring Break.

For more information, contact Edna McMillan, professor of art, at (580) 581-2452 or [email protected].

Funding for Mendoza’s lecture and exhibition have been provided by CU Lectures and Concerts.