Albuquerque, NM –  Artist Steven Deo will reupholster a lazyboy recliner from frybread at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on June 9 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
 
This activity is the first in a series of events at IPCC under a seven-month program called “Community Connections:  Native Food and Wellness.”  Several themes will be presented throughout the year such as: sustainable agriculture, biopiracy, spiritual aspects of food, endangered food traditions and more.
 
Deo, who is Creek and Euchee, is known for creating art out of everyday objects.  He says when rendering a complete idea of producing a piece, that he follows a formula of image, material and title and that he constantly sifts through human sociology and modern culture.  This archaeology, he says, allows him to use the meaning that certain materials imply.
 
“The artwork frybread lazyboy is offered to the Native American community as a public service announcement concerning diabetes.”  Deo said.  “The image merges two icons to make a statement about Native lifestyle and nutrition.”  He said that white flour is a major element in propagating diabetes, along with a not so active lifestyle. “The title to the art is the message.” Deo said.
 
Frybread, a popular food made from flour, lard and salt, has become a staple item on many Native American tables in the past 50 years and is credited to contributing the epidemic of diabetes found in Native American communities across the United States, particularly in the southwest.
 
This is a community project and the public is invited to participate in the making of frybread to assist Deo in creating the upholstered piece.  The process will be videotaped for a showing at a later time.
 
From June 2 through December 31, the multi-sensory exhibit, “Take a Bite Out of This!  From Corn to Commodity,” is also a part of the “Community Connections “program featuring works by a number of renowned Native American artists whose works examine the ways food and water shape indigenous communities.
 
This and all events are free to the public with admission.  The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located at 2401 12th St. NW and exhibits are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
Admission is: $6 adults; Seniors $5.50; New Mexico residents $4; Students $1; Children $1.