“Local Wangunk Art Show to Open at Russell Library”

A reception for the art show “Kyle O’Neil: A Retrospective Journey” will be held at the Russell Library on Friday, November 3rd, with doors opening at 5:30pm. Welcoming remarks will begin at 6:00pm in the Hubbard Room, with commentary from State Senator Matt Lesser and Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim, followed by an award ceremony.

Afterward, those in attendance are encouraged to come to the lobby of the library to mingle, enjoy some harvest-inspired refreshments, and view Kyle's art. Registration is recommended via the Library’s website at www.russelllibrary.org, under “Events.”

Wangunk Elder Gary O’Neil (Red Oak) and his daughter Kyle O’Neil (Bright Star) will be displaying Indigenous Wangunk art at the Russell Library throughout the month of November. The collection is a retrospective reflecting Kyle’s journey as an artist.

“Her work represents an interesting cross section of media: monoprints, terra cotta and white clay reliefs, collage, and photography. Her work goes back into the late 1990’s. Broken linoleum blocks in the back of her father’s art room were her first tools,” says Gary about his daughter Kyle.

The land the Russell Library sits on is Wangunk land, as is all of the Middletown area. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month this November, the Russell Library is partnering with Gary and Kyle to bring awareness and recognition to the Wangunk people, who are sometimes referred to as a “lost tribe.”

“This is an event the first of its kind here at the Russell Library,” says librarian Briana Gagnon. “I’m so proud to be a part of the team who has been working with Gary and Kyle to bring her art into the library and showcase it to the Middletown community. I’m excited for more opportunities for collaboration between the library and the Indigenous community,” says Gagnon.

Kyle has exhibited internationally with Angels Fly Together, The Down Syndrome Association in Argentina, and with Alexander’s Angels at the United Nations in New York. She has also been a part of Connecticut Women Artists, The Annual Open Juried Group Exhibition at the Slater Museum in Norwich CT, and both The Buttonwood Tree and The Free Center located in Middletown.

“Bright Star is proud to share her art with others,” says Gary O’Neil.

There will be an opportunity to learn more about the Wangunks with Gary O’Neil at the Russell Library in the Hubbard Room on Monday, November 20th at 6:00pm. O’Neil will speak about the history of his people, who lived in Middletown and surrounding areas until the early 1800's. Gary is a direct descendant of the Jonathan Palmer line of the Wangunks. Registration is recommended via the Library’s website, under “Events.”