The Sampson Independent reported that the Sampson Arts Council unveiled its newest art show titled Native Voices on Thursday evening at the Victor R. Small House complete with an artist reception. The exhibition is designed to serve as a celebration of indigenous artists while highlighting art, culture and tradition. Chris Nelson of the Coharie Tribe provided live music both at the beginning and the end of the reception. Pieces by Skyler Hope Cason of the Coharie Tribe, Keith Carter of the Coharie Tribe, Dreamweaver of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, Lotus Blossom as an honorary member of the Tuscarora Tribe and Senora Lynch of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe are on display through Nov. 12.
According to the Sampson Independent, one series on display by Lotus Blossom portrays the Pow Wow at sunset. She explained that it shows all of the different regalia for the different dances. Blossom added that her Pow Wow paintings are meant more to emphasize the movement and the regalia rather than the individual dancers. The exhibition continues at the Victor R. Small House where the public can view the collection of individual artworks.
Sampson Arts Council Executive Director Kara Donatelli commented that the artists who have contributed to the Native Voices show are “super talented,” remarking that “they all have their own style.” Donatelli’s assessment reflects the distinct approaches each creator brings to the exhibition. The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then in the afternoons from 2 to 5 p.m.
The Coharie and Haliwa-Saponi tribes represented in the show are among the state-recognized Native American groups in North Carolina whose cultural expressions form a key part of regional heritage. A display of this nature aligns with similar initiatives across the country that bring indigenous perspectives to public audiences. One such exhibition at the Maynard Dixon & Native American Art Museum running from March through October 2026 featured works by 50 Native American artists spanning 75 years with an emphasis on contemporary pieces including paintings, pottery and jewelry.
Exhibitions centered on Native voices have appeared in various forms including a long-running display by the U.S. National Library of Medicine that used video interviews, artifacts and artworks to explore American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian concepts of health and wellness. These programs consistently stress the value of allowing indigenous peoples to present their own stories and traditions directly. The Sampson Arts Council show adds a community-focused perspective by featuring living artists from tribes with deep roots in the southeastern United States.
