On November 16th, the OFN recognized 28 master artists and four years of our Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program with an award ceremony hosted at the beautiful Oregon State Library in Salem. Legislative representatives and senators presented framed certificates to artists from their districts and acknowledged their important contributions to Oregon’s living cultural heritage.

Master artist Esther Stutzman opened the ceremony with a traditional Kalapuya story. The audience of artists, family members, legislators, state officials, and University of Oregon administrators were also treated to Alex Llumiquinga Perez’s performance of traditional Andean music on his handmade charango and cajón, rapper and hip hop emcee Michael “Mic” Crenshaw’s powerful spoken word poems, and Antonio Huerta’s impromptu charrería rope-twirling.

Several representatives from OFN’s operational partners also took part. MaryKay Dahlgreen (State Librarian, Oregon State Library) welcomed everyone. Brian Rogers (Executive Director, Oregon Arts Commission & Oregon Cultural Trust) and Eliza Canty-Jones (Editor, Oregon Historical Quarterly; Director, Community Engagement, Oregon Historical Society) said a few words of appreciation for the artists and took a hand in presenting certificates. Doug Blandy (Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs) represented the University of Oregon, which provides OFN with so much support.

The afternoon began and ended with a reception and OFN’s latest exhibition, which features Oregon’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program and the artists from 2012-2016. OFN’s exhibit developer and folklorist, Lyle Murphy, curated this beautiful portrait of the e exhibit, which will be on display through January, 31, 2016 at the State Library. Make sure to bring your friends and family to view it!