Loft took a course at BluSeed, which he said really opened his eyes to using photography, and digital work. Also to getting his hands dirty making etching plates and using printing presses.

The show will explore culture, history, and printmaking. It includes a variety of young artists. The Centre de l’Image et de l’Estampe de Mirabel (CIEM) in Mirabel, Quebec has been working with young people for the past six years, giving them guidance and internships. Loft said it has attracted young artists to come and learn every aspect of traditional printmaking, plus digital media.

Printmaking in rare among native people in his area, but it has really started to attract interest. CIEM has done a great job promoting it among his people. Loft said that many people think that native people tend to be staying with past values. However, many native artists are using new methods to express the world through their eyes. He believes many young artists are good at using digital media to capture the attention of people.

There will be woodcuts, monotypes, and etchings on display. Loft said a lot of the images will show interpretations on what home means to native peoples of the area. He says home is where family is, so a lot of the artwork reflects what it means to be part of a community, to be a Mohawk, to live in this territory.

Loft says he was “stunned and amazed” looking at the photo-silkscreen images back in the Sixties. He says digital media is bringing that feeling back. He uses them often in his artwork, along with native imagery. He stresses that native artists must do everything they can to keep their culture alive.

The exhibit opens Friday night with a reception for 4-6 pm at Bluseed Studios in Saranac Lake. It runs until January 26, when there will be a closing reception where people can meet the artists.