Dog Trail (Gallery Exhibition)

Dog Trail is a collection of themes, knowledge, and skill-building that detail Jared Tailfeathers’ journey of research and connection through multi-media work. Documented through a several year, multi-phase project, Tailfeathers seeks to understand Blackfoot Traditional Methods of Making and create contemporary works based on those methods exploring stories, history, landmarks, and places.

Before the horse was reintroduced to this land, the people were reliant upon their relationship to the dog, IImiitaa, and for thousands of years that time was called the Dog Days. Their name translates to The Spirits Who Dwell With Us, they weren’t pets but partners in society. In that spirit, Jared Tailfeathers has spent years following the Dog Trail, first by himself and then with his companions, and has documented that experience in all of the objects present. Every location, whether painted or photographed, holds a story, a name, and a song that connects the artist, the patrons, and everyone with ties to this land to the beginning of culture here, those stories and ancient names.

Patrons are invited to gently handle the objects on the bison hide and play a song if they choose. In viewing the other works, think about the stories that are evidenced through the art history of local Blackfoot sites and territory.