The Bartow Project
A collection of three films, inspired by and focusing on the life and artwork of Oregon Artist Rick Bartow.
Each film was crafted by a unique team led by a Native artist, the culmination of a three-year partnership between the Wiyot Tribe and theatre company Dell’Arte International to celebrate the life and art of the internationally renowned Wiyot artist Rick Bartow, who passed away in 2016. The short films span genres and each examines a different aspect of Rick Bartow’s life and wide-ranging art practice, which included drawing, painting, carving, sculpture and music.
Work is Ceremony: A Ceremony for Julie
Michelle Hernandez and Samantha Williams-Gray
A short dance film exploring the love of Rick Bartow and Julie Swan
Rick Bartow The Man Who Made Marks
Nanette Kelley
A mini documentary with a twist of animated music video
Things You Know But Cannot Explain
Chantal Jung and Michelle Hernandez
An 11-minute stop-motion animated short
A question and answer session will follow the screening.
Bartow lived his whole life in Newport, Oregon, the son of white and Wiyot parents. The Wiyot side of the family had emigrated up the coast from their ancestral lands early in the 20th century. Bartow grew up deeply influenced by Native values which he encountered in his family and their relationships with the local Native community of the Siletz Tribe.
Of note: An exhibit featuring the art of Bartow’s son, Booker Bartow, is on display in the nearby Newport Visual Arts Center. “South Beach Salamander” runs June 1 – July 28, 2024 in the Upstairs Gallery. CLICK HERE to learn more.