Indigenous art will be featured at the Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) as this year’s NFL draft comes to Wisconsin.
The Oneida Nation Arts Program (ONAP) and GRB are partnering to display 22 pieces of artwork across the airport. The effort is part of GRB’s art program, which aims to educate visitors about the area’s cultural heritage and artistic developments. Eight Indigenous artists from the Oneida Nation will have their works featured. High foot traffic is anticipated to hit Green Bay’s Airport with the NFL draft being held April 24-26.
“The experience that visitors receive is thanks to the many partnerships and contributions of local vendors who help make GRB the perfect first stop while they explore our community,” said Marty Piette, airport director. “The GRB Art Program gives us the chance to promote local artists, and the Oneida Nation is one of the amazing partners eager to highlight their beautiful work.”
Works for the exhibit come from winners of the 2024 Woodland Indian Art Show & Market and Oneida’s 2024 National Treasure. Oneida Nation National Treasure is regarded as the highest recognition from Oneida.
The Woodland Indian Art Show & Market is held every November where Indigenous artists from the United States and Canada showcase their art over two days. It hosts a juried art competition, an Indigenous fashion show and vendors.
“We’re excited to work together to highlight the amazing talent and vibrant culture of our local Indigenous communities,” said Gabrielle Metoxen, Oneida Nation Arts Program supervisor. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to share some Haudenosaunee art and traditions with travelers exploring Green Bay, and we truly appreciate this opportunity. Yaw^ko (Thank You).”
Artists like Jennifer Jordan are excited to have a broad audience experience her art. She is an Indigenous-raised beadwork artist who strives to keep traditional Oneida and Haudenosaunee art alive.
Two of her pieces will be featured at GRB. Her beaded tapestry of birds that received third place at Woodland and a piece she created to challenge herself called “In the Garden” will be on display.
“It’s quite an honor for me as an artist,” Jordan said. “’I’ve been to art shows around the country so people have seen my art. I’m kind of hoping — it’s my wish — that somebody who’s seen my art show at a show comes to the airport and comes to the draft and says, ‘Hey, I recognize that person, I recognize that artist.’ That would be a real honor for me.”
The exhibit is currently on display throughout GRB. A display case is set up in the Grand Lobby and each concourse will have cases along with art hung on the walls.
Art will remain up until May 30.
