Museum hosting works of Menominee artist James Frechette

A small gallery on the second floor of the Oshkosh Public Museum, referred to as the Winnebago Room, is home to the Menominee Clans Story.

In honor of the exhibit the museum will kick things off with a pow wow as a gathering to join in dancing, singing, and honoring the culture of the Menominee on June 5 from noon to 5 p.m., with the grand entry at 1 p.m.

The Menominee Clans Story displays wood figures carved by Menominee traditional artist James F. Frechette Jr. James was born and raised on the Menominee reservation. He learned many of the traditional crafts in his tribe, as well as the stories, legends and ancient lore of the Menominee people. At the same time, he observed the craft life of the elders and from time-to-time acquired principles and techniques from them.

“The Oshkosh Public Museum is honored to have been chosen as the holder of these important clans figures,” said Museum Director Brad Larson. “Each figure and its associated implements were done with authenticity and imbued with meaning and spiritual power. Once completed, visitors will not only admire the beauty and spirituality of the figures, but they will also learn about their responsibility to the Menominee people and the natural world they are intimately tied to.”

The pow wow is a free community program with general admission to the museum. Patrons are invited to bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a beautiful summer day on the historic grounds of the museum.

Located at 1331 Algoma Boulevard, the museum’s regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4:30 p.m. For information, visit oshkoshmuseum.org, call 920-236-5799 or email museum@ci.oshkosh.wi.us.