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Mohawk Valley Fine Arts

MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS

THE PERSONAL STUDIO OF ARTIST JOSEPH E.DONNELLY

...OHIO & NATIVE HISTORY IN FINE ART

"They [the Iroquois] had moved west

in such numbers that by 1750 the center

of Indian population had shifted from the

Mohawk Valley to the Ohio."

-- John Tebbel & Keith Jennison,

The American Indian Wars.

New York: Harper, 1960.

In the early days of the "Ohio" (O-hee-yo) Territory, the incoming pioneer trailblazed a world

replete with groves of Maple-wood, stands of Hickory, forests of White-Pine, Chestnut and

Spruce.

Near the "Beautiful River" and its tributaries, he witnessed herds of grazing bison, deer, and elk.

Deep within the woodlands, he sighted an occasional black bear, mountain lion, pack of roving

wolves, or a lone eagle in the skies. Occasionally, he might sight smoke rising from fires of nearby

"Indian" camps.

In celebration of the natal "frontier," early Ohio's primal roots-- we proudly showcase Mohawk

Valley Fine Arts-- Studio, Gallery, and Gifts.

Mohawk Valley Fine Arts is the personal Art Gallery & Studio of Artist Joseph E.Donnelly.

As a unique "art center," it exhibits Donnelly's original oil paintings, highlighting the Native

History & Culture of Ohio-- including the European "contact period."

The Gallery also specifically hallmarks the influence of the Iroquois in Ohio-- their numerous

seasonal "thanksgivings" (e.g., Danondinon'yo, Gana'yasta', Wa'da Tadinion'ni'); their NE

Ohio presence along well-known riverways and trails; and their famous chieftains, i.e. Joseph

Brant (Mohawk), Red Jacket (Seneca), John Logan (Cayuga), Stigwanish (Seneca),

'Handsome Lake' of W. Pennsylvania (Seneca), and Mohawk Solomon (Caughnewaga-

Mohawk).

Mohawk Valley Fine Arts in winter.

Moreover, the British Superintendence of the Irish-born (& Mohawk-adopted) Sir William

Johnson, his ardent efforts to protect Iroquois lands, and his eventual political influence over

"all lands north of the Ohio [River]" -- are also highlighted in Donnelly's Gallery.

The Beautiful "O-hee-yo" (Ohio) River

The Artist's literary works relative to the Ohio Moundbuilding Culture, including his

Proposition Advancing an Interpretation which set forth a plausible link between the

Great Serpent Mound and the Ojibwa Nation (1996, 1999, forwarded to the Ohio

Historical Society ), his exhaustive interpretations of the petroglyphs of Kelley's Island,

and his comprehensive overview of "Prehistoric Ohio"-- are a part of what he considers his

"weighty" works.

The 'Great Serpent Mound' of Adam's County, Ohio. Artist's Summer Tour of 1996.

It is the literature & artwork (Opus I-XV) associated with this Moundbuilders' theme (as

presented in his Snakes, Eggs & Seals: An Artist's View of Ohio's Great Mysteries,

An Archaeological Synopsis of the Ojibwa 'Genesis') that best exemplifies his efforts.

The book and paintings are the product of fourteen years of literary & artistic labor.

"Unlike my 'study pieces,' historical-narrative art, and more playful folk-art -- Opus I-XV are

wholly rooted in my own interpretive analysis as based on personal observation. This type

of "fine" art is a once-in-a-lifetime, monumental achievement. In fact, I am pleased that the

archaeological community has begun to entertain the 'Ojibwa Connection," and that certain

well-established authors have requested permission to cite my Snakes, Eggs & Seals (1999,

rev. ed. 2000-2009) in their own erudite publications" confides Donnelly.

any manner for any reason without the expressed written permission of the Artist/ Author.

Opus- I. "Visual Interpretation of Serpent Mound" by Joseph E. Donnelly.

Donnelly's literary and artistic works relative to these early Ohioan cultures; the influx of the

Delaware (Lenni Lenape) Nation; local history relative to the so-called 'Deerfield

Massacre'; his own book of poetry; spiritual reflections on Quaker & Native theology; and

his inspiring philosophical work Ohio Woodland Theophany (2002) are also central to his

Ohioana "art center."

Artist Joseph Donnelly's own "local history block prints," sculpture, and free-

hand map of all the major NE Ohio Native Towns & Trails are of

increasing interest to many of his fellow Ohioans.

"It has been of especial concern to me," states Donnelly, "that Ohio's rich Native

mores have gone far too long unappreciated. Aside from a few waterways, the

historical Native presence in Ohio has been almost altogether erased.

The "Cuyahoga" River, ...a Mohawk word meaning "crooked."

"By my works of art, and my long-running respect for Native "Ohio" culture-- I have

hoped to help restore, in measure, an appreciation for the Native presence.

"Moreover, Sir William Johnson's Irish-Iroquois, Catholic-Protestant

(Mohawk) 'Utopia'; and William Penn's 'Holy Experiment' are of especial

interest to me personally, i.e., they were notable early attempts at mutual-

respect and multi-culturalism.

"Such ties of 'cultural friendship' would be seen a century later when the

Quakers shipped Native maize (donated by the Choctaw) across the

Atlantic from America-- to feed the thousands of starving Irish during the

infamous, 'free-market'-induced Potato Famine. "

"The Rudiments of an American Thanksgiving."

(photo by J.E.Donnelly)

______________________________

* More frienship in the world [e.g., as evidenced between Sir William Johnson, the American Natives & the Irish

farmers of "Johnstown," New York (where Johnson established a "free-school" for white & Native children alike);

and, likewise, between the Quakers, the Choctaw & the oppressed of Erin's shores] may better benefit mankind

than all the ill-gotten wealth and exploitive undertakings so often evidenced among the "kingdoms of men."

See note below FOR HOURS & LOCATION...

Please Read on... MUCH MORE below--

An Overview of Mohawk Valley Fine Arts...

for any reason wirhout the written expressed permission of the Artist.

"The Departure: 1832" by Joseph E. Donnelly

(Visit MVFA to learn how this Western couple has an unusual tie to

the "Ohio" theme at the Studio-Gallery.)

--cf., Index at "Contact Us" for directional maps.

(and Much, Much More)

Handcrafted "minor" sculpting work from the studio... ("Ohio Iroquois Hunter")

... gift card & wall hanging handcrafted at M.V.F.A. (See the Selection.)

Summer Hours/ Wed.-Friday: 12:oom - 8:oopm;

Saturday 11:00am-7:00pm.

(See Additional Info below...)

e-mail address also below...

E-MAIL: mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

____________________________________

Mohawks in Ohio

"Joseph Brant [Mohawk Chief]... came

[into Ohio] with a considerable force [of

Mohawk warriors,et al.].... The combination

of these forces gave Brant one of the largest

Indian armies ever seen in Ohio. It presented

a terrifying as well as an imposing spectacle."

-- The Indian Tribes of Ohio,

Ohio Archaeological & Historical

Society, p.71.

"Sometime in February, we...encamped in a large

bottom, on the head waters of Big Beaver Creek

[ Meander Creek: Mahoning Watershed].... Shortly,

after we came to this place [ near Gault Rd of Ellsworth,

toward Meander Reservoir], the squaws [sic] began to make

sugar. About the time we were done ...a squaw [sic] raised an

alarm. She said she saw two men with guns...upon the

banks of the other side of the creek, spying our tents

[wigwams] --they were supposed to be Johnston's [sic:

Johnson's] Mohawks."

--An Account of the Captive James

Smith ("Scoouwa") as he travelled with

his Ohio band of Caughnewaga (French

Mohawk), in An Account of the Remarkable

Occurrences in the Life and Travels of Col.

James Smith, 1799. (emphasis mine)

On "Making Sugar"...

thereof shall be reproduced from this website in any manner or for any reason

without the expressed written permission of the Artist/ Author.

Maple Sugaring in Ohio: A Native skill.

(a section of the drawing) by Joseph E.Donnelly

"In 1806 there was an encampment of seven Mohawk

Indians in Deerfield [Ohio], with whom a serious difficulty

occurred."

--Henry Howe, "Portage County," Historical

Collections of Ohio, Vol. II. 1888.(emphasis

mine).

John Mohawk at Deerfield, Ohio, 1806. by Joseph E. Donnelly.

________

"...the remnant of Logan's tribe [of Ohio]... says Mr. Brish

[Henry C. Brish, Ohio Indian Agent] in a communication to

us: 'I cannot to this day surmise why they were called Senecas.

I never found a Seneca among them. They were Cuyugas-- who

were Mingoes-- among whom were a few Oneida, Mohawks,

Onondagoes, Tuscarawas and Wyandots.' "-- Ibid, "Seneca County,"

Vol.II. 1888. (emphasis mine).

"I went to Beaver Creek [Mahoning-Beaver], an Indian Town

[Beaver-Town, Pennsylvania] about eight miles off, chiefly

Delaware, the rest Mohocks [sic: Mohawks], to have some

belt of wampum made."

-- Conrad Weiser, The Journal of Conrad

Weiser, Esqr., Indian Interpreter, To the

Ohio, 1748. (emphasis mine)

"Set up the Union Flagg [sic] on a long pole... they expressed

their good Wishes to King George & all his Brethren of the

English. This Day I desir'd the Deputies of all Nations of Indian

People... on the Waters of Ohio to give me a List of their fighting

Men.... The following is the number... Mohawks 74....

-- Conrad Weiser at Logstown, Pennsylvania.

Ibid., 1748. (emphasis mine)

"Youngstown was once the home of... Chief Kongghteath

of the Mohawks.... a letter which the Indian Monarch

received from the United States Department of Interior [1878].

-- John C. Melnick, M.D., The Green Cathedral, 1976.

(emphasis mine)

_______________________________________

Artist taking aim: mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

WILDLIFE ART & BOTANICALS

...are local to the immediate Berlin & Milton Lakes: FLORA & FAUNA of

Berlin Township, entirely by Joseph E. Donnelly (with exhibits since 1996).

_______________________________________

Early Wildlife in Frontier Ohio

"The buffalo disappeared [fromOhio] about a century ago [circa., 1774].

The elk stayed here until about 1814."

"...west of Rocky River [NE Ohio]... there were a great many elk in

that township.... They run in herds."

"Erie Nation of the Cat" by Joseph E. Donnelly

[See "'Woodcut' Block Prints in the Menu-Index.]

"The panther [mountain lion; puma]... in Boston [Ohio], town [-ship] 3,

in the 11th range [of the 'Western Reserve']...."

-- Christian Cackler, "Descriptions of [Ohio] Animals &c.,"

Recollections of an Old Settler, 1874. pp.5-6. (emphasis

mine).

"The early settlers were greatly troubled with wolves who committed

depredations upon the stock." -- Henry Howe, "Noble County,"

Historical Collections, 1888, p.350.

(emphasis mine).

"The next morning I went out... and saw deer frequently.... I then

proceeded...and...came upon fresh buffaloe tracks, -- I pursued after,

and in a short time came in sight of them, as they were passing through a

small glade....I...killed a very large cow [bison]... made haste.. packed up

what meat I could carry, secured what I had left from the wolves...."

--The Captive James Smith ("Scoouwa"),

on his travels with the Caughnewaga of

Ohio, near Columbus, Ohio, An Account,

1799 (emphasis mine).

be reproduced in any manner for any reason without the expressed written permission of

the Artist. The above is also applicable to all artwork & literature appearing upon this

website and all pages thereon.

Iroquois Fishing upon the Mahoning. by Joseph E. Donnelly.

"...[we] were the chief [part] of that day engaged in killing rock-fish

[large-mouth black bass], insomuch that we had more than we could

preserve. As we had no salt, or any way to keep them, they lay upon the

banks, and after some time great numbers of turkey-buzzards and eagles

collected together and devoured them.

-- The Captive James Smith near Sandusky,

Ohio., Ibid.,1799 (emphasis mine).

"This [Ohio] used to be one of the greatest... for game. There were the Elk,

Deer, Bear, Wolf, Panther, Wild Cat, Otter, Beaver, Wollynigs

[Wolverine], Porcupine, Raccoon... Swans, Geese, Ducks, Turkeys,

Bald Eagles, Gray Eagles [Osprey?], Buzzards, Crows, Owls... small birds

with their sweet song." -- Christian Cackler, Ibid., 1874, p.4.

(emphasis mine).

Male American Goldfinch, Berlin Township (Mahoning Co.,OH)

by Joseph E. Donnelly, 1999.

[See "Flora & Fauna" in the Menu-Index.]

________________________

"...killed a number of Turkeys, geese, ducks, and swans."

-- The Captive James Smith, near Sandusky,

Ohio, Ibid., 1799 (emphasis mine).

"One day as I was looking after my traps, I got benighted, by beaver ponds...."

-- The Captive James Smith, in Columbiana,

County, Ohio, Ibid., 1799 (emphasis mine).

"Ohio Bison: 1700's" MVFA "Youth Mentoring Program"

"The hunters hid the canoes... at the edge of the water... they silently

followed the trail to the salt springs... made by buffalo, deer, and small

animals on their way to the salt. Such a trail was called a 'trace.' "

--George Crout & Edith McCall

(Historical Consultant: James H.

Radabaugh, Ph.D., Ohio State Museum),

"Indian Hunters in the Valley,"

Where the Ohio Flows, 1960.

(emphasis mine).

[Note: For a really quality canoe, see www.mohawkcanoes.com or

for a more traditional style canoe, www.barkcanoe.com

Also, for basic canoe paddling skills (& "Indian method") see

www.gregcons.com/canoe ; click on "techniques" & then under

subtitle "Guide", click on "paddling skills." This site has plenty of

helpful suggestions. ]

NOTE: Historic Re-enactors, ...See "Blackhawks" on

Menu-Index for Social Site. ( Also a Social Site for Rendevous Associates,

Canoeists, Primitive Campers & contemporary "Mohawk-ers" of a

more "classic" Native-style leaning, e.g., skateboarders, trick/dirt-bikers,

etc.) Powwow Participants are encouraged to visit "Powwow Portraits"

for a Social Site. (Photos welcome of non-ceremonial activity.)

"In a tamarack and cranberry swamp in this vicinity (Canfield-Poland,Ohio)

'are found large numbers of a small black or very dark brown rattlesnake,

about twelve or fourteen inches in length.... They have usually three or four

rattles...they are much dreaded by the neighboring people.' "

--Henry Howe, "Old Edition," in

"Mahoning County," Collections,

Vol. II., 1888 (emphasis mine).

"Occasional sightings of bears indicate that they may be ready to move back

to their old range. Sadly, some species such as elk and wolf have been

eradicated." -- The Cuyahoga River, Ohio (USA),

BBC Report, 2010. (emphasis mine)

"...on his [an Indian from Marietta, Ohio] way home from a hunting trip...

had shot a buffalo-ox [male bison]... of which there are many hearouts

[hereabouts]. --Moravian Missionary John Heckewelder,

1773.

"A Collection of Artifacts" by Joseph E. Donnelly, colored pencil.

_________________

Handcarved Block yields hand-inked, hand-pulled art at MVFA!

"Pet Baby Buffalo, at the Tuscarawas-River Moravian Village." by Joseph E. Donnelly

[See "'Woodcut' Block Prints" in Menu-Index]

"The Tuscarawas River was called Elk-Eye Creek by the Indians. Diary accounts

of travel from Sandusky to Pittsburg reveal that, within 40 miles of the study area,

deer (Odocoileus virginianus), bear (Ursus americanus), elk (Carvus candensis),

and beaver (Castor canadensis) were taken.... The buffalo (Bison bison) had

disappeared prior to 1800, as had the elk. The Panther (Felis concolor) were

seen around 1800. Bears abounded as late as 1845.... Wild turkey (Meleagris

gallopavo) were abundant.... wolves (Canis lupus)...were in great abundance."

-- Robert H. Giles, Jr., Ph.D.

"Early Natural History of a Forested Area

Near Dover, Ohio."

The Ohio Journal of Science, Vol. 66, 1966.

(Ohio Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit,

Columbus, Ohio). [emphasis mine]

_________________________________________

"...no more our canoe upon Mahoning."

See below for Hours & Times

LOCAL NATIVE HISTORY

ART NATURE CENTER

EARLY-OHIO ART STUDIO

Visitors are Welcome!

Mohawk Valley Fine Arts: "From Colonial New York to Frontier Ohio!"

MVFA is the PERSONAL ART STUDIO/ GALLERY of Joseph E. Donnelly. IT IS NOT AN ART DEALERSHIP, GLORIFIED FRAME-SHOP, CRAFT MALL, NOR AN ANTIQUE FLEA- MARKET.

(--howbeit presented in a family-friendly manner and filled with unique "extras" for both young and old.)

Note: Various "unsigned" works & sundry projects of the MVFA studio are also available.

Local Flora from the Immediate Area in Art... e.g.:

"Dogwood Along the Mahoning"

by Joseph E. Donnelly (in oil).

_____________

Wildlife of Ohio! Local Flora & Fauna! Area Botanicals!

-- All ARTWORK of Artist Joseph E. Donnelly.

Holiday Events Anticipated by...

European-Style Advent Calendar celebrating the American "Thanksgiving"--

all original folk art of Mahoning County's "Turkey-Broth Creek"; hand-cut at

M.V.F.A. ...See on-line Store for this and more!

MVFA ...

moving forward

where others can only

imitate.

Wild Turkey in flight, drawn as sighted along Berlin Station Rd,

Berlin Township of Mahoning County, Ohio.

_______________________

Ohio Native History in Art!

(Hear the "other side" of the story.)

"The Coming of the White-Man: The Yankee Enters the

'Western Reserve' of Connecticut (NE Ohio, 'O-hee-yo')"

by Joseph E. Donnelly. (Note: All Artwork on this website is

Reserved. No work or portion thereof is to be reproduced by any means

for any purpose without the expressed written permission of the artist.)

Note on M.V.F.A.'s rustic environs below.

see below for more...

Please Remember that although MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS may be located in a very rural area, surrounded by some of the most rustic "elements" that Ohio affords-- it is no mere "Craft Addition" to a Farm Market (as is the manner of some); nor "a Rain-Dance Side-show" to augment the commercial sale of fresh produce (e.g., peaches, blueberries, greenbeans).

It is, however, a Unique ART CENTER interweaving real Art & true Local History.

MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS since 1999 (with early exhibits since 1996.)

And as for critics...

"Doers do what Sitters Thought, as Horses Jump where Cows cannot."

-- J.E.Donnelly, Ohio Home Digest, 1999.

Ben Franklin once complained of a critic who would visit his print shop & criticize

his work. The man, it seemed, attempted to discourage the young Franklin from

all his enterprises. ( Luckily, Ole' Ben never paid him much attention. )

MVFA obviating the claims

of all critics & preserving

a "wee bit" of Early Ohio.

____________

Ohio History... through hand-carved, hand-inked, hand-pulled work...

M.V.F.A.'s Rolled-Print "Wood-Cut" from a hand-carved block

by Artist Joseph E. Donnelly. This work is matted & framed by the

Artist; signed & numbered, certified & documented. Each one original in its

own right. (The Wyandot were among the last to leave Ohio.

Gov. Lucas-- an Andrew Jackson supporter--had made arrangements

for all Native Peoples to leave Ohio under the promise that Oklahoma would

become a "Native State"-- protected under the U.S. Constitution and

afforded Congressional Representation. Of course, this never came about.)

During M.V.F.A.'s Ohio Bicentennial Event (which the local Township

perceived as a threat to the "common good" and competition to the "official"

events organized by the volunteer fire department), the young "foster-kid"

Johnathon R.--a Cherokee-Lad-- read the actual words of the Wyandot

(expressed to an Upper Sandusky Methodist minister) when they left their...

... beloved "Ohio" homeland.

"Beautiful 'Ohio': Was it someone's homeland? According to the 'White-Man,' it was not.

"...taking the reins": Bill W. & Dana H.

Johnathon R., reading the Wyandot

"Farewell" Lament to the assembled

audience (at M.V.F.A.), Berlin Ctr.,

Ohio.

Dana, bearing her basket of woodland "fruits".

The waters of the Great "Mahoning" River eventually lead to the Beautiful "Ohio."

But where is the Ohio Native? His bark canoe, gliding upon the water? His hunting of

deer within the Ohio Woods? According to some "White-Men"-- he was never here.

(...And the 'White-Men' had no choice but to usurp it, ...of course.)

____________________________

"...these, having not the law, are a law

unto themselves: which shew [sic] the

work of the law written in their hearts...."

-- St. Paul, Epistle to the Romans II: xiii-xv.

Moravian Mission (reconstructed) at Gnadenhutten, Ohio -- the site where 96 Native

Christian-pacifist men women & children were massacred by the Pennsylvania

Militia as scapegoats for a failed campaign. (Missionaries John Heckewelder & David

Zeisberger lamented that their beloved "converts to the faith" were brutally slain by

so-called "Christians." Note: Some of the militia soldiers refused to participate, throwing

down their guns in protest, ie., objecting to the slaying of the innocent. Unfortunately, these

were not the men of rank. When the militia returned home, they were hailed by the

politicians as heroes for "a successful campaign against the Indians." )

Moravian Missionary John Heckewelder returned to the site, gathered the remains of

his nonresistent, pacifist converts, and placed them in a mass grave. This marker is at the

actual site-- Gnadenhutten, Ohio, Cemetary. [ This location is on the NE OH Native Town &

Trail Map. See Menu-Index.]

_____________________________

...and as for religious matters, in general...

M.V.F.A...

"Moravia & America" by Joseph E. Donnelly

[See "'Woodcut Block Prints in the Menu-Index.]

Obviating the local objections of...

the "one-steeple"-minded coterie &

Re-affirming Charitable Thought:*

a) "We [the 'Indians'] were lawless [without legal

code; doctrine], but were on pretty good terms with the

Great Spirit, Creator & Ruler of All. I think we have

a True [experiential] Belief in the Supreme Being. A stronger

faith than that of most Whites who have called us

pagans." --Walking Buffalo

b) "They [ the 'Indians'] appeared to be fulfilling

the Scriptures beyond those who profess to believe

them, in that of 'taking no thought of tomorrow'; also

in love, peace and friendship together. In this respect,

they shame those who profess Christianity."

-- Col. James Smith, Ohio, 1799.

c) "The Humble, Meek, Merciful, Just, Pious and Devout Souls,

are everywhere of one Religion; and when Death has taken off

the Mask, they will know one another, tho' the divers Liveries

they wear here make them Strangers." --William Penn, Quaker

Founder of Pennsylvania, 1600's.

"Wolf Shepherd" block-print from a carving

by MVFA Artist Joseph E. Donnelly.

_______________________

d) With respect to the "White-Man's" carnal enforcement of Religion (which

Rhode Island's Governor Roger Williams disdainfully described as "a stench

in the nostrils of God," and who rebuffed the King of England and all his

colonial landholders for committing "a national Sin" against the Indian for

stealing Land without just compensation), William Penn reminds nominal

"Christians" of the following:

"To be Unnatural [irreligious; uncharitable] in Defense of Grace, is

a Contradiction.

"Hardly anything looks worse, than to defend Religion by ways that

shew [sic.: show] it has no Credit with us.

"...To be Furious in Religion, is to be Irreligiously Religious.

"... It were better to be of no Church than to be bitter [hateful] for

[over] any....

"They must first judge themselves, that presume to censure others."

--"Fruits of Solitude,"

1600's.

e) "[After having had a prayer meeting among the Indians, among whom

the Quaker John Woolman found occasion to speak tenderly 'with the

spirit of prayer'] Papunehang [Chief] said in substance [as interpreted: the

Chief unfamiliar with the English language] as follows: 'I love to feel where

words come from.'"

"When the... meeting was ended, it being night, Papunehang went to bed;

and hearing him speak with an harmonious voice, I suppose for a minute or

two, I asked the interpreter, who told me he was expressing his thankfulness

to God for the favors he had received that day...."

"...he ...appeared kind and loving to us."

-- John Woolman, Journal, (1763) 1774

Moravian "Liebesmahl" 1770's Schoenbrunn, Ohio

This is the central section of a folk painting by Joseph E. Donnelly,

depicting David Zeisberger greeting Chief 'White-Eyes.'

(See "Ohio Thanksgivings" in the Menu-Index.)

________________________________

f) As to tenderness of heart and warmth of hospitality [in contrast to many of

the 'White-Man's" congregations of faith], Connecticut Missionary David

Brainerd testifies:

" August 6. In the morning I discoursed to the Indians at

the house where we lodged. Many of them were then much affected and

appeared suprisingly tender, so that a few words about their souls'

concerns would cause the [their] tears to flow.... I insisted on I John 4:10,

'Herein is love.' They seemed eager of hearing; but there appeared nothing

very remarkable, except their attention, till near the close of my discourse.

Then divine truths were attended with a surprising influence, and

produced a great concern among them. There were scarce three in forty that

could refrain from tears...the arm of the Lord was powerfully and

marvelously [present]...." --- Missionary David Brainerd,

The Life and Diary, 1745.

g) "If an European comes to see them, or calls for Lodging at their House or

Wigwam[,] they give him the best place and first cut. If they come to visit us,

they salute us with an Itah which is as much as to say, [']Good be to

you ['].... They care for little because they want but little; and the Reason is

that a little contents them: In this they [have a spiritual advantage over]...us...."

"...they say, There is a great King ["Lord"; God] that made them, who

dwells in a glorious Country ["heaven"] to the Southward [warmer regions:

"paradise"] of them, and that the Souls of the good shall go thither, where they

shall live again [resurrection]."

"Saint Kateri Tekawitha of the Mohawks: A Resurrection"

by Joseph E. Donnelly

[See "'Woodcut' Block Prints in Menu-Index.]

"If they dye [sic: die], they bury them... and the nearest of Kin fling in

something precious with them, as a token of their Love: Their Mourning is

blackening of their faces, which they continue for a year; They are choice of

[careful for] the Graves of their Dead; for least [sic] they should be lost by time

and fall to common use, they pick off the Grass upon them, and heap up the

fallen Earth with great care and exactness."

--William Penn, Quaker Founder of

Pennsylvania, Letter to the Committee, 1683.

For additional thoughts on this Subject.... See Artist's

soon-to-be-released Booklets & Anthology!

____________

* Local individuals critical of the work Ohio Woodland Theophany, who appear to

calumniate it as "false pagan doctrine," should be reminded that it is a literary (philosophical)

work-- not a treatise on Christian theology. Moreover, those who are forever promulgating the

virtues of the 'White Race' (evidencing little tolerance for an understanding of other races)

would do well to reflect upon the words of Holy Scripture that state that "God is no respector

of persons." (Skewing elections, awarding contracts to relatives, accepting bribes, hiring 'thugs' to

physically harm political opposition, burning crosses on peoples' lawns and driving minorities from the local

schools-- none such behavior is to be considered a virtue IN ANY RELIGION.)

________________________

...political/ social cartoons coming soon.

See below for details.

_____________________________

No mere Blueberry Farm... No mere Peach Orchard...

nor an emporium for Green Beans...

MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS is the

working Studio (Gallery & Museum of Art)

of Joseph E. Donnelly.

MVFA: not State nor Federally funded.

It's simply the result of honest labor.

(viz., by Joseph E. Donnelly)

________________________

New Items Coming Soon!

Additional exhibits of Historical Folk Art.

_____________________

John Mohawk of Portage County (Ohio),

rendering by Joseph E. Donnelly

In 1997, I was told by a local business person who

majored in psychology that by having a "mohawk"

I was suffering from a personality disorder--

an identity crisis.

Hmm.

In 2010, it appears the "mohawk" haircut (or "mohican")

has become quite popular. (I suppose all these individuals are

afflicted by the same malady.)

In the 18th century, the British folk must have

suffered the same, for it has been observed that

they too were fond of this Native "style":

"King George III granted him [Mohawk Chief

Joseph Brant] an audience... the Prince of Wales

took him [Brant] out for a night on the town.

So great was Brant's celebrity that London

street gangs [in 1776] began shaving their heads

into spiky mohawk topknots [haircuts]...."

-- Through Indian Eyes, p. 145

________________________________

For additional thoughts on mohawk or mohican style, see

Artist's comments on Fair City News report on Cherokee Middle School's

"Mohawks for Middle Schoolers" program. According to participant Paulie G.,

it raised his math & english scores. More officially, according to Principal

Lars Villmat, middle-school scores increased by 12%! (Balch Springs, TX, & Parma,

OH-- both notorious for suspending kindergarteners-- should take note.)

See www.faircitynews.com. for details (Aug 17, 2009/ Educ. or search

"Mohawks for Middle Schoolers")

Stay tuned for...

A Supplemental website linked by the Artist to this one,

hosting Local & National Political Cartoons,

Social Cartoons & "Youth-Punk-Mohawk"

Contemporary Cartoons-- all, by

Artist Joseph E. Donnelly.

coming soon to a "tipi" near you!

____________________

A Field Excusion...

"In Search of the Berlin 'Big-Foot' (aka.,"Bear-Man")...

Don't forget to check out the "Berlin Big-Foot" Centre, reflecting

Iroquois "Bear-Man" Legends, the observations of Early Ohioan Settlers

and contemporary local folk.. all at M.V.F.A.!

See the Index for details.

n.b.: See www.nabigfootsearch.com for a summary of such matters.

See "Sightings." [North American Big Foot Search of California].

_______________________

Also, Local Big-Foot Sightings on this website under "Big-Foot" Sightings

(Nia'`gwahe: nicknamed "Mohawk Bigfoot")

Additional Sightings can be e-mailed: mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

______________

COME VISIT....

"The Thanksgiving Capital of Ohio" at...

The Welcome Sign that Greets Visitors to Mohawk Valley Fine Arts.

(Mohawk Valley Fine Arts: since 1999, with exhibits since 1996.)

Gallery "Summer" Hours are:

Tues - Fri. 12:00m- 8:00 pm; Saturday: 11:00am-7:00pm.

[Note: m is meridian, i.e., "high noon"]

The Art Center is located in Berlin Center, Ohio, on the NW corner of State Routes 224 & 534 – only three miles east of Berlin Reservoir, fifteen miles west of Boardman, Ohio .

By the way... don't neglect to consider...a one-of-kind,

all-original item found only at M.V.F.A.:

Mohawk Valley Fine Arts:

* Handmade, Hand-cut, Folk-Holiday Advent Calendars

all original to M.V.F.A.

* A Map of NE Ohio: Native Towns & Trails-- all original

to M.V.F.A. by Joseph E. Donnelly

* Be inspired! Read "Ohio Woodland Theophany"

by Joseph E. Donnelly

* Located in the "Western Reserve of Connecticut"

in Ohio

* Handcrafted Greeting Cards with Prints

also available...

* "Mahoning River Psalm" by J.E.Donnelly-- a must

for every home in Ohio!.

The "Mahoning" River-- between Berlin & Milton Reservoirs. The word "mahoning" is from the

Lenni Lenape (Delaware) Nation, meaning, "place of the salt licks."

E-MAIL: mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

Attention Fishermen at Berlin-Milton Lakes:

... there's a "King" among you:

Portrait of a Kingfisher: "Mill Creek" area, Bedell Rd.

Berlin Twp. Mahoning County, Ohio. by Joseph E. Donnelly.

[See "Flora & Fauna" page of the Menu-Index for this

"mohawk-crested" bird.]

Visitors Are Welcome!

Call the Artist, personally at 330-261-5254 .
To sign up and receive news and information, please email

Mohawk Valley Fine Arts
is the PERSONAL ART STUDIO/GALLERY of Joseph E. Donnelly.
IT IS NOT AN ART DEALERSHIP, GLORIFIED FRAME-SHOP, CRAFT MALL, NOR AN ANTIQUE FLEA-MARKET.
[The Artist presents his gallery in a "Family-friendly" manner, however.]

LEARN MORE of... Tecumseh, John Logan, Blue-Jacket, Pontiac, Cornstalk, Handsome Lake,

Mohawk Solomon, White Eyes, Chief Beaver, Tenskwatawa, Killbuck, Black Hoof, Joseph Brant, Little Turtle,

Tahre the Crane, Mohican John, Old Britain, Buckhongahalas, et al. -- All from OHIO!

Call the Artist, personally at 330-261-5254 .To sign up and receive news and information, please email

MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS:

A Cultural Endeavor since 1999, with Exhibits since 1996.

[ Local Residents: re/ Township Trustees & Berlin Township Fire Department, abuses of the public trust--

See "Public Notices: Archives" and "In Praise of Folly: FAQ/ Addendum" for archival material.

( n.b.: additional material & archival "Letters-to-the-Editor" published in local newspapers, e.g.,

condemning the unfortunate KKK-like rally held at the local high school, shall also be provided at

some future date).]

A Welcome in Cherokee.

Whether by Pony, Pony-Express, or the common automobile--

be sure to Visit Mohawk Valley Fine Arts!

Don't forget to check out the Owl "totemic" Statuettes; and other Wildlife Statuettes (viz., River Otter, Beaver, Kit Fox, Turkey Vultures, Snow Buntings, Chickadees, Bison, & "Sasquatch" and so forth -- all hand-sculpted at

MOHAWK VALLEY FINE ARTS.

(See Wildlife Statuettes in the Menu-Index.)

Q: Can I purchase items depicted on this Home Page? and all the other Pages of this Website?

A: YES! Simply Click on "Making A Purchase." Items for sale will be Listed Daily. Use either the "Running Wolf" Method (to which more is being added) OR the "Steady Turtle" Method of Ordering for all MVFA Purchases. -- THANK YOU!

Photo Above: The "taller totem Garden Pole"-- with Irish Crests. See Index for "Totemic Garden Poles"

SUMMER HOURS: WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY 12:00m-8:00pm /

SATURDAY 11:00am-7:00pm; all other hours by Chance or Appointment.

[Note: m is meridian, i.e., "high noon"]

SEE BELOW for E-Mail Address...

Call the Artist, personally at 330-261-5254 .To sign up and receive news and information, please email (Note: your e-mail address is kept for MVFA purposes only; no lists are sold or given to any other party for any other reason.)

See Menu-Index for details.

"I, too, am a subscriber to The Mohican Digest-- & look forward to

each & every issue!"

[See Menu-Index for newsletter details....]

[Comments and updates on matters of interest from you-- the studio's patrons-- are warmly welcome.]

mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

Located 2 & 1/2 miles east of Berlin Lake.

MVFA is in the "center" of Berlin Center, Ohio.

Note: Snakes, Eggs & Seals will be released soon. Learn of Serpent Mound, the Inscription Rock of Kelley's Island, the Leo Petroglyphs, the Alligator Mound, the Newark Earthworks, the North Benton 'Temple Mound of the Effigy' and much much more! (Opus I-XV are also slated for public exhibit at Mohawk Valley Fine Arts.)

Come Visit.

E-Mail: mohawk.joe.in.the.valley@gmail.com

15716 W. Akron-Canfield Rd.
Berlin Center, Oh 44401
All Content, Images, and Documents Copyright 2009 Mohawk Valley Fine Arts, Joseph Donnelly