Highlighting the artistry, activism and presence of contemporary Native American artists, the final “In the Round” speaker series event at Bowling Green State University will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in Multipurpose Room of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
The free and open to the public series will close out with a presentation by Native American metalsmith Pat Pruitt titled “I’m way funnier online: A reality check of technology and Native Art.”
A contemporary artist of Laguna, Chiricahua Apache and Anglo descent, Pruitt is known for his cutting-edge work that uses innovative materials, design and fabrication techniques. Pruitt first learned jewelry-making by studying with Laguna jewelers who gave him a foundation in traditional materials like silver, copper and traditional techniques such as repoussé. In college, Pruitt studied mechanical engineering and worked as a machinist, an experience that led him to open Custom Steel Body Jewelry. With knowledge of machining technology and a love of working in stainless steel, Pruitt has since developed a distinctive style of stainless steel jewelry that challenges notions of what Native American jewelry is.
An interdisciplinary collaboration that supports diversity and belonging, “In the Round” features Native American creatives who work in the areas of fine art, graphic design, music, creative writing, film and theater. The series also aims to better inform others about Native American culture and history by highlighting artists’ works and techniques through experiences and world views.
For more information and for a full list of speakers, please visit BGSU.edu/In-The-Round.