Art Meets Heritage: Onondaga Nation School Students Put a Contemporary Spin on Indigenous Culture
What does it mean to be a contemporary Indigenous artist in 2026? Eighth-grade students at Onondaga Nation School explored that question through a unique art project inspired by the work of Frank Buffalo Hyde, a contemporary artist who grew up on the Onondaga Nation.
Hyde is known for blending historical aspects of Indigenous culture with the bold colors, imagery and the style of pop art.
For the fifth consecutive year, eighth grade students in art teacher Mary Mercurio’s class took inspiration from Hyde’s approach, creating original skateboard deck artwork that reflects their own perspectives, identities and connections to their culture.
Art with a Personal Connection
For eighth-grader Calson Phillips, the project became an opportunity to celebrate his heritage, his clan and the connections between nature and his family.
Inspired by the Creator, nature and his family’s legacy, Calson Phillips created a vibrant design centered on a towering green tree, its branches reaching toward the sky. A moon, bright sun and scattered clouds fill the sky, while an eagle spreads its wings above the treetop. Below it, a hawk, deer, bear and eel are incorporated into the tree, representing the clans.
At the base, several figures stand atop a large turtle surrounded by blue water, representing Turtle Island. The composition brings together the natural world, cultural teachings and the connections between people, animals and the land.
Calson’s inspiration is also deeply personal. The tree honors trees planted by his great-grandfather, Jake Swamp. On the back of the deck, he represents his identity as a member of the Hawk Clan and incorporates the branches a tree connected to his Native name, Gaeñhagehya:da, “It is high up in the tree (at top of a tree)" His artwork is a tribute to his heritage, his family and the enduring relationship between the Haudenosaunee people and the natural world.
Fellow eighth-grader Talan Skye also drew inspiration from Haudenosaunee culture and traditions. His design features the Three Sisters, the traditional companion planting of corn, beans and squash, alongside a Haudenosaunee belt. His skateboard deck also depicts Sky Woman on the back of a turtle, offering thanks to the Creator. His artwork brings together important cultural teachings and imagery, expressing gratitude and honoring the stories that connect the Haudenosaunee people to the land and their traditions.
Korie Elm-Oakes also chose the Three Sisters as the inspiration for her design, bringing a bold, contemporary twist to this traditional Haudenosaunee teaching. She used vibrant neon colors to make her artwork stand out and incorporated natural corn husks to outline her design, adding texture and an organic element to the piece.
Through their work, these students demonstrate how art can connect generations, preserve meaningful stories and express the ways culture continues to live and grow.
Sharing Their Work with the Community
The students' finished skateboard decks will be on display throughout November at the Onondaga Free Library's Teen Zone in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. The exhibition gives community members an opportunity to experience the students' creativity and learn about the personal stories and cultural influences behind their work.
Students will also have the opportunity to submit their pieces to the Scholastic Art Awards competition being held at Onondaga Community College.
The project continues to give Onondaga Nation School students a meaningful way to explore contemporary Indigenous art while celebrating their individual voices and cultural heritage.