January 16, 2019

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

She Sang Me a Good Luck Song: The California Indian Photographs of Dugan Aguilar Exhibition at the Calfornia Indian Museum and Cultural Center
5250 Aero Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Filled with stunning photographs revealing the richness and vibrancy of contemporary Native Californian cultures, She Sang Me a Good Luck Song: The California Indian Photographs of Dugan Aguilar is a statewide traveling exhibition. The exhibit, which opens at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center on January 25th, 2019 and runs through March 1, 2019, features portraits and landscapes that subvert the typical romanticized narrative of Native peoples. She Sang Me a Good Luck Song is based on the Heyday Books publication of the same name, edited by Theresa Harlan (Kewa Pueblo/Jemez Pueblo).

The late Aguilar (Mountain Maidu/Pit River/Walker River Paiute) spoke his heart through these 28 photographs, depicting Native basket makers and dancers as well as military veterans and motorcyclists. These images provide an intimate look into the lives of contemporary Native peoples and document the perseverance and renewal of Native California’s living, vibrant cultures.

As Larry McNeil, Tlingit photographer, scholar, and professor of photography at Boise State University notes, “Dugan’s photography embodies the ancient spirits of giving and sharing: it’s visual poetry that resonates through time with the land and the people gently, yet assertively…Beautiful and insightful photographic storytelling for all people of the world.”

Photographer Aguilar documented Native cultures for over 40 years, and exhibited his work throughout the United States and in Europe. For 30 years, he was the staff photographer for the California Indian Basketweavers Association and the California Indian Storytellers Association.
An opening reception will take place on January 25, 2019 at 7 p.m. Additional related programming includes guest speaker Theresa Harlan.

Exhibition Support
She Sang Me A Good Luck Song: The California Indian Photographs of Dugan Aguilar is a partnership with Exhibit Envoy, Heyday Books, and the Native Fund, curated by Theresa Harlan and artist Dugan Aguilar.

About Exhibit Envoy
Exhibit Envoy provides traveling exhibitions and professional services to museums throughout California. Our mission is to build new perspectives among Californians, create innovative exhibitions and solutions, and advance institutions in service to their communities. For more information, please visit www.exhibitenvoy.org.