InsiderOutsider: Ma's House and Savannah LeCornu (Sept 7)

The final presentation in the InsiderOutsider series presents Savannah LeCornu, a self-taught artist from Ketchikan, Alaska. She is Tsimshian, Haida, and Nimiipuu (Nez Perce). A self-taught visual artist who focuses on creating art that is accessible and celebrates Indigenous peoples, Savannah will talk about her drawings and paintings in both digital and traditional formats, in addition to her beadwork. She will explain her work in formline and plateau, or ledger art styles, and how she strives to create modern, accessible art that celebrates Indigenous peoples while inviting the audience to rethink any preconceived notions they may have.

InsiderOutsider: New Voices in the Art World is a dynamic conversation series spotlighting underrepresented artists who challenge convention, expand the boundaries of contemporary art, and invite deeper dialogue. Moderated by artist and curator Mago, this year’s series is presented in collaboration with Jeremy Dennis and the artists-in-residence of Ma’s House, a center for Indigenous and BIPOC artists. Together, we’ll explore the creative practices and personal narratives shaping today’s evolving art landscape. All InsiderOutsider talks are free for students and with general admission.

Sunday, September 7, 3:00 pm

Savannah LeCornu: Savannah is an Indigenous artist and theatre maker. She is most known for her "Still Here" series which highlights the perseverance of Indigenous peoples who are very much still here. She received a B.A. in Theatre at Western Washington University where she concentrated in lighting design and playwriting. She has worked for Mount Baker Theatre as the Lead Lighting Technician and for WWU's Theatre and Dance Department as the Production Manager. In 2022 she was the recipient of the Spring Native American Fellowship from the Ucross Foundation. She was recently awarded the Harpo Foundation Fellowship for Native American Artists by the Vermont Studio Center and completed a residency there in the fall of 2023. You can find more of her work at savannahpantsart.

Jeremy Dennis & Ma's House: The Ma’s House project is being led by artist and photographer Jeremy Dennis. Dennis is a contemporary fine art photographer and a tribal member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY. In his work, he explores indigenous identity, culture, and assimilation.
Ma's House  Jeremy Dennis

Mago: Mago Enrique Martinez is a Latinx queer artist and curator whose multidisciplinary work -spanning installation, cultural programming, and creative direction - centers Latinx heritage, queerness, and collective memory to foster community connection. Rooted in collaboration and adaptability, Martinez engages diverse communities to expand curatorial norms and create participatory spaces that explore identity and social cohesion. Through inclusive, transformative art, he uplifts underrepresented voices and celebrates cultural resilience across disciplines.

The InsiderOutsider series is made possible with support from Agnes Gund and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning and County Legislator Ann Welker.