The FSU community gathered at the Museum of Fine Arts on Feb. 27 to create a collaborative patchwork-inspired painting with artist Wilson Bowers. (College of Fine Arts)

The Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) and the Native American and Indigenous Studies Center (NAIS) partnered to welcome Seminole artist Wilson Bowers to the museum for a collaborative painting event.  

Students, faculty, staff and community members came together on Feb. 27 to complete a colorful patchwork-inspired painting, which will be displayed at NAIS, in the Greene-Lewis House at 525 W. College Ave., following its completion.  

“We are honored that the museum is able to serve as a place where artists like Wilson Bowers can come together with the community, share their work, and form lasting and meaningful connections through events like this,” said Kaylee Spencer, Museum of Fine Arts director. “It’s wonderful to know that this piece of art will remain here on campus, where the creative experiences it generates become woven into the memories and placemaking of our community. We are deeply grateful to Wilson for inspiring this moment and for so generously sharing his creativity and knowledge with us.”  

 

Seminole artist Wilson Bowers led members of the FSU community in a collaborative painting workshop at the museum. (College of Fine Arts)Elizabeth Cecil, Department of Religion faculty member and curator of “Water Ways,” was among faculty, staff and students who contributed to the project. (College of Fine Arts)

Bowers, one of the artists featured in MoFA’s ongoing exhibition “Water Ways: Indigenous Ecologies and Florida Heritage,” is known for re-imagining tribal patchwork designs across varied media, like murals and skateboards, to sustain Indigenous heritage. The bright “fire colors” and bold pattern featured in the artwork are a nod to Seminole traditions.  

“The diamond patchwork pattern is inspired by cut and sewn designs created by our seamstresses,” Bowers said. “I like to highlight their work and apply these designs in my own way, to keep that part of our culture alive and carry it forward.”  

Built in partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, FSU’s NAIS Center provides a physical and conceptual hub for community members who are committed to Native American and Indigenous research and artistic practice. Learn more at NAIS.fsu.edu. 

“Water Ways” will remain on display at the museum until March 14. Learn more about MoFA’s upcoming events and exhibitions and plan your visit at MoFA.fsu.edu.