Linfield Gallery Presents: Hands of the Ancestors

Hands of the Ancestors, anexhibit by artistStephanie Craigwill be featured in the Linfield Gallery in the Miller Fine Arts Center at Linfield University from April 2 through May 2, 2025. Craig will give remarks about the exhibition and her process during the opening reception on April 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibition features indigenous basketry, artifacts, and photos corresponding to Stephanie’s traditions and practice. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

Stephanie Craig shares the following statement regarding the exhibition:

“Hands of the Ancestors is an immersive exploration of cultural continuity, resilience, and the sacred connection between people, land, and tradition. This exhibit highlights the artistry and legacy of Native basketry, showcasing how these woven forms are more than objects—they are vessels of memory, identity, and knowledge passed down through generations. At its heart, this exhibit emphasizes the idea that our ancestors’ hands are still with us, guiding each weave, stitch, and braid. The pieces on display are created using traditional materials such as hazel, maple bark, cedar roots, rushes, and grasses—plants carefully gathered and prepared with respect, following ancestral protocols. Every basket, tool, and fiber reflects the intricate relationship between Indigenous people and the land, embodying the stories, songs, and teachings embedded within these practices.

By reviving and reclaiming these traditions, Hands of the Ancestors serves as both a tribute and a call to action. It seeks to inspire a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultural lifeways while fostering the responsibility to protect and sustain them for future generations. Visitors are invited to witness the living legacy of Native craftsmanship, to see not only the beauty of these works but also the resilience, knowledge, and spiritual connection they carry. This exhibit is not just about the past—it is about the present and future. It is a bridge between generations, a reaffirmation of identity, and a space where the wisdom of our ancestors continues to thrive in the hands of today’s makers.”