The new exhibition of the Marco Island Historical Museum (MIHM), Creating a Home: Artwork by Jessica Osceola, reflects the artist’s experience growing up in his great-grandmother’s Seminole Indian village in Collier County. The exhibition is open now through October 9, 2021.
Self-portrait of Jessica Osceola.
Osceola is an Assistant Professor of Art at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The exhibition features ceramic bas-relief portraits, patchwork skirts and aprons and focuses on themes of identity, culture and home.
According to Osceola, “The goal of my art is to convey the conflicts experienced by a biracial woman trying to find her place in society. Art gave me a platform to express my journey with identity. Thanks to the clay, I am able to sculpt and transform the flexible support. By using my image, I can reveal a hidden layer promoting the exploration and effects of multicultural identity and human influence.
Osceola’s parents come from very different backgrounds. However, an important aspect of his upbringing was the creative and artistic talents of his family. These talents would lay the foundation for his own life and work. Osceola’s passion for sculpture and ceramics developed during her undergraduate studies and eventually led her to attend the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to pursue a Masters in Fine Art Sculpture. . She works and lives in Naples.
According to MIHM Director Rebecca Mazeroski, “We are thrilled to share Jessica’s beautiful artwork. As an award-winning historical museum, we are also happy to share these important pieces of Seminole culture and history with our visitors.
Skirts by Jessica Osceola, now on display at MIHM.
Skirts by Jessica Osceola, now on display at MIHM.
Skirts by Jessica Osceola, now on display at MIHM.
The Marco Island Historical Museum is located at 180 S. Heathwood Drive. The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Face coverings are required for entry, and social distancing and sanitizing practices are followed. For general information visit www.themihs.org or call 239-389-6447.
