June 1, will mark the opening day for a three-month long exhibition including photography and original works of art owned by Cape Girardeau Art Educator, Jan Chamberlain.  Chamberlain, who taught at SEMO State University, traveled extensively to photograph the natural settings and habitat surrounding the remote homes of the Huchiol and Tarahumara Indians, which are the focal point of this exhibit. 

The Huchiol and Tarahumara Indians are two of North America's last surviving tribes.  Still inhabiting the same remote region that has sustained their culture for centuries, an area located in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Northern Mexico.  The Huchiol Indians chose the region of Nayarit, and spread into some of the surrounding states.  While the Tarahumara chose the region referred to as the Copper Canyon.

For more than seven years, the region has endured a severe drought, which has further compromised their struggle for survival.  Approximately 20% of the population of these tribes will die annually either from disease or starvation. 

With farming as their traditional means of sustaining life, the devastating drought has made agriculture less viable as a means of support.  Turning to the sale of traditional arts and crafts, has enabled them to earn an income, and remain in the communities they know and love.  Without the production and sale of their arts and crafts, existence of their culture could become extinct. 

In the Huchiol culture, Art is a channel for communication with the Gods, and being able to communicate with the Gods is one of the integral components of being a Shaman.  The Huchiols continue to practice a Pre-Columbian form of remote Shamanism.  They live in small handmade brick houses.  Their art is expressed in primarily yarn pictures, beadwork, and embroidery.  They also work with beeswax and wood.  The Huchiols are called "Healers," as they  conduct ceremonial rituals which they believe "heal the Earth," and keep nature balanced. 

The Tarahumara worship is a mixture of Christianity and nature based Gods.  The Tarahumara live in caves, overhangs, small huts and cabins.  Their artistry includes utilitarian type baskets, pottery, weaving, wood working, sewing and embroidery.  The Tarahumaras are called "Runners."  Renouned for their ability to run long distances to facilitate inter-village communication and transportation. 

Both tribes construct and play a variety of musical instruments.  The musical value created by these primitive instruments is quite surprising, highly acceptable as an art form, and uniquely constructed. 

The exhibit will be in place through the months of June, July and August, is free to the public, and includes photography taken by Chamberlain, along with original works of art representing both tribes.  The Gallery is located behind Sun Security Bank and The Reagan Hotel in Marquand.  For further information call:  573-783-5609.