A commemorative exhibition of a local artist’s work will be on display at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Regionally renowned artist Kathryn Gough was inspired by the art of the Hopewell Culture and incorporated it into her textured paintings. A sampling of her Hopewell-inspired works, including the ornament she designed for the White House Christmas tree in 2007, will be on display in the auditorium of the Mound City visitor center on the weekend of the autumnal equinox.

Ancient Native Americans of the Hopewell Culture are famous for the quality of their craftsmanship and the exotic materials that they used to make their art. Two thousand years ago, Hopewell artists used wildlife and nature as inspiration for the art that they often buried with their honored dead. Some of this impressive art is on display every day in the Mound City Group visitor center.

National Park Ranger Bruce Lombardo will give a short PowerPoint presentation about the Hopewell art that inspired Kathryn Gough’s work at 2:00 pm both days, Saturday and Sunday. He will present interesting perspectives about the wildlife behind the art and the importance of astronomical alignments to Hopewell artwork and earth architecture.