ORENDA: Seneca Art & Magic — Lancaster Art Vault, 100 North Queen St, Lancaster PA, Oct 2 – Nov 28, 2026
Download Exhibition Catalog here
Solo show at Willow Valley Cultural Center — Oct 6 – Nov 19, 2026, by appointment. Read the news
Plein Air Plus at LBIF — through Nov 1, 2026. Read the news
Available Paintings - See all
Tadaharo, Haudenosaunee sorcerer turned leader, is ready to hear the message of Peace. Watercolor and gouache on aquaboard, 11 × 14 in. Part of Orenda: Seneca Art & Magic at the Lancaster Art Vault, through Nov 28.
A storm front coming in over Race Ave, over the brave little garages in the alley in back, seen from the balcony. Oil on canvas, 36 × 36 in.
In the studio we follow a pair of bonded birds as the seasons change outside. Watercolor, 12 × 16 in. On view at the Lancaster Art Vault.
Djodi'kwado, Seneca Horned Serpent: 48x60" inks and oil paint on canvas. I am exploring the nature of the transformations of evil in Haudenosaunee understandings. The horned serpent turns into a human figure to lure human beings into chaos and annihilation. I put one of our original medicines, sacred tobacco, at the bottom in front of him, as meditative collaborations with nature can offer much in response to the boundless mischief…
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Seneca Bird, oil and inks on canvas, 48x60". I'm thinking about the consciousness of a beadworker as she experiences the cosmic symbols and beings that inspire Indigenous art and the Haudenosaunee Good Mind. Seneca and Mohawk beaded purses and whimsies featuring birds and animals inspired this painting.
The Boy Who Overcame All Magic with Laughter
24×36 oil on canvas. Framed for display.
In the Seneca story collected by Arthur C. Parker, a boy named Gajihsondis grows up under a spell he cannot see. A demon of enchantment has scattered the people and bewitched the world; every wish is blocked and misery sits over everything. His grandfather keeps him hidden and warns him never to go near the spring, where a terrible creature waits.
When the boy finally walks the path, he meets the guardians one by one—a giant frog, a duck, a beaver, then a blue lizard that springs from the water and bites off his legs. Each time the magic rises against him, Gajihsondis does the one thing no one expected: he laughs. The laughter weakens the creatures until their power fails.
This was my son Fox in the stream in Amherst we used to go to—here, he is the boy, still innocent and playful, about to laugh and about to face the challenges of life, the old magic, in the form of the first evil being he meets, the frog, coiled in the dark behind him.
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Casein on cradled board, 8×10” ready to hang. Seneca dancer at the festival. Shipping quoted by size and destination; free local pickup in Lancaster, PA.
Watercolor and Gouache on cradled board 6×8”. Can be framed or hung as is. Wax varnish. From this summer’s festival at Ganondagan NY State historic site where dancers and artisans gather each year. Shipping quoted by size and destination; free local pickup in Lancaster, PA. Print available on request.
30×40” oil on canvas, framed for display. Strawberries are the traditional Haudenosaunee “heart berry” and a first medicine brought by Skywoman. They are said to line the path to heaven. I remember the Strawberry Dances of my childhood in the Allegany Territory, in the spring and early summer when my grandmother’s fields were full of them.
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Oil on canvas, 24 × 30 in, framed. Part of Orenda: Seneca Art & Magic at the Lancaster Art Vault, through Nov 28.