Jackson County Parks + Rec’s Fort Osage National Historic Landmark will host a Native American Art Exhibition featuring the works of Joe Don Brave July 14 through September 30.

The exhibition will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays and the cost is included with the regular $8 adult admission fee or $4 fee for youth and seniors.

The colors and action depicted in Joe Don Brave’s work reflect the vibrancy, creativity and liveliness of the Osage Indians. Born in Kansas City, Brave moved to Oklahoma at the age of nine where he was immersed in the customs and traditions of his Osage heritage. He credits his father’s work as a professional artist and graphic designer as the inspiration and foundation of his work.

Brave is an active participant in Osage cultural programming including dances, drumming and Pow Wow events.

“My artwork revolves around the heritage, emotions, environment and expressions I have picked up through my travels and adventures along the road and from listening to the elders share their stories and experiences,” Brave said.

The prints and original paintings exhibited in the Fort Osage Education Center represent a small sample of Brave’s work. His professional experiences include studying at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and serving as a museum technician at the Osage Nation Museum in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

His career path led him to the National Museum of the American Indian-Smithsonian Institution in New York City, where he played a key role in moving the museum to its permanent location in Maryland. While in New York, he also worked as an art handler with Sotheby’s, the Tibetan Museum of Art and the Native American Community House Art Gallery.

Fort Osage National Historic Landmark is located at 107 Osage Street in Sibley, MO 64088. For more information call (816) 650-3278.

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