The name—Goudi’ni Gallery—comes from a Wiyot word that reflects the gallery’s mission of preserving and promoting indigenous culture through the sharing of traditional and contemporary Native American art. It was selected by Wiyot tribal leaders and was revealed for the first time at the event.
HSU sits on the northwestern portion of the Wiyot tribe’s ancestral territory, which encompasses Little River to the north, Bear River Ridge to the south, and Chalk Mountain and Berry Summit to the east.
“The gallery’s new name is a unique word that honors the heritage and homeland of the Wiyot people, while acknowledging who we are and where we are going,” Gallery Director Michele McCall-Wallace says.
The naming ceremony also featured a reception for the gallery’s current exhibiting artist, Rick Bartow. A member of the Wiyot tribe of Northern California, Bartow explores human and animal forms, Native American transformation stories, global mythology and personal experiences in his exhibit, Down the Hill Home: Art by Rick Bartow.
The Goudi’ni Gallery, located on campus in the Behavioral & Social Science Building, highlights the work of contemporary and traditional Native American artists. Through a partnership with HSU’s Center for Indian Community Development, the gallery seeks through its exhibitions to broaden the relationship among Humboldt State University, Native populations and the local community.
Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday noon to 5 p.m., Thursday noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Details are available from Michele McCall-Wallace at (707) 826-3629 or mm37@humboldt.edu.