Brooke Waldron
(Seaconke Wampanoag/Narragansett)
Brooke’s work has been consistent with expressing identity, nature and her bold use of color. Her creative style often explores traditional and contemporary techniques in both her 2D and 3D work. Brooke is always challenging systems of exclusion where Native American artistic expression is often contrived into a one-dimensional space.
In her professional life she works with urban Native social services in career development and economic opportunity. Brooke is also an equine riding instructor and trainer which has inspired her sincere love for animals and horses since childhood. She has an associates degree in Fine Arts with a focus in ceramics and a certification in graphic arts from Bridgewater State University.
She is the recipient of various arts & culture grants, invitational exhibits and special recognitions for her continued work in community based projects.
She continues to cultivate her love for the arts and exhibits regularly in galleries throughout the state.
Artist Statement:
"I love the natural world around me and my creative process is anchored to it. I pull my inspiration largely from nature and my relationship with self. As a mixed Native women, I confront duality with creative inspiration. I want my work to focus on exploring the relationship between color, nature, and a range of traditional symbolism. I enjoy painting on big canvas to bring the viewer closer to the unique power of the natural world and to provide an invitation to contemplate our kinship with it. I am speaking to a wider dialogue on the preservation and celebration of cultural values.
Whether in clay or paint, I want to create art that honors all the beautiful creations that exist around us each day. I believe people need to spend more time reconnecting with dirt. With that perspective, we can learn to value everything.”
Affiliations
HopArts Board of Directors
South County Art Association Artist Member
Warwick Center for the Arts Artist Member
Women Artist Network Artist Member
Past Exhibits and Collaborations
August 11th 2023- 2024- Kunâhneepamuhshâtunônak “Our Moons” Invitational Exhibit
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center- "Red Fox Under the Blueberry Moon" and
"Woodpecker finds Cranberries" (painted stoneware)
June 22-July 15 Helme House Gallery South County Art Asscociation Juried Show 'Go Figure'
'Neechie' 36x44
June 2023 Warwick Center for the Arts, Group Show "The Girls" First place award for "She Bear'
February 2023 South County Art Association- Juried Paint, Print & Drawing Exhibit
"Hoop Dancer" 36x20
November 2022 Collaboration with Tania Willard (Secwepemc Nation) "Sovereign-Tea Service" Forge Project, New York
Exhibit description here; written by Tania Willard.
October 2022 Resilience II; Juried Native American Artist Exhibit- The Rhode Island State House, Providence RI
July 2022 RISCA Make Art Grant Recipient- Four Legged Relatives
June 2022 South County Art Association- All media show Diaspora
"An Alter of Stars" 24x24 Mixed Media chosen by Juror Bob Dilworth
Certificate of Special Recognition Governor's Citation
October 2021 DreamStarter Creative Award Grantee. Running Strong for American Indian Youth
Traditional Creation, the Preservation of the Future: A Historical Design of Contemporary Woodland Native Pottery
September 2021 Warwick Center for the Arts- Resilience; Juried Native American Artist Exhibit
Three pieces accepted:
‘Michabo’ 24x24 Acrylic on Canvas
‘Trickster’s Vision’ 20x24’ Acrylic on Canvas,
‘An Alter of Stars’ 24x24 Mixed Media
August 2021 Certificate of Special Recognition Governor's Citation presented to Brooke Waldron from Governor Daniel J. McKee
In recognition of the Atrium Gallery Traveling Exhibit Program and acknowledgment and support of Resilience Native American Exhibit
March 2020. National Council of Urban Indian Health call for art
' Resilient' selected by Planning Committee for official use, Washington DC
February 2020. National Indian and Native American Training Conference call for art
'Together one Voice' selected by Executive Committee for official use
September 2019 . The Hera Gallery In God We Trust: Reflection on Religion in America Exhibition
'An Alter of Stars' selected by juror Nezka Pfeifer
Gray Horse
The namesake of the studio is my gelding, Shoshone. We have spent our life together and although he is enjoying retirement now, Shoshone holds a very special place in my heart.
Animals truly center us and are the most meaningful teachers and mentors. A subject and inspiration in much of my art, Shoshone is the gray horse that my family and I all adore.
