SACRAMENTO, CA – Native artist Eric Jon has contributed a piece for auction in support of the California Tribal Families Coalition’s (CTFC) mission. Titled INVINCIBILITY, the moving work depicting a Northern California Maidu youth was a featured item in the inaugural silent auction at the coalition’s annual dinner in Sacramento.
Those interested in the artwork from Jon’s Deconstructing Freedom series can bid through an online portal at https://givebutter.com/c/ctfcsilentauction/auction/items/187698/bid. Bidding closes on October 20, 2023 at 5:00pm Pacific.
INVINCIBILITY features 109 crosses representing each of the federally recognized Indian tribes in California. The work sits on a thin sheet of mahogany wood with a gel medium texture of debossed dragonflies symbolizing purity, swiftness, happiness, transformation, healing, invincibility, and fresh water. The image is printed on papyrus with giclee inks and an emulsification process was used to bring out texture from the weave of natural fibers.
“I am deeply honored to support [CTFC], whose vision and values align closely with my own,” said Jon. “Through art, we can create awareness, and I hope my contribution will make a meaningful impact in supporting the coalition’s crucial work in protecting the well-being and futures of Indian children and families.”
Composed of tribes and tribal leaders from across the state, CTFC’s mission is to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of tribal children and families. Its work includes advocating for policies to strengthen the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in California and across the nation, and to preserve tribal sovereignty.
“We are immensely grateful to Eric Jon for his support of our mission, and his artwork carries a powerful message of hope and renewal,” said Michelle Castagne, Co-Executive Director of the California Tribal Families Coalition. “Art is a foundational element of tribal culture and storytelling, and we believe Eric’s support will help further our efforts in advocating for tribal families and strengthening ICWA.”
The coalition’s annual dinner provides a venue for tribal leaders, member tribes and CTFC staff and child welfare advocates to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and discuss future priorities. All proceeds raised by the auction will directly support coalition initiatives and programs benefiting tribes, tribal children and tribal families.
