The rez dog may be the supreme symbol of reservation life; the dogs, through no fault of their own, are abandoned, ignored and maligned—but not in the hands of artist Chaz John (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska/Mississippi Band of Choctaw). The Institute of American Indian Arts student celebrates completion of a month-long artist residency at Ellsworth Gallery in which he created intricate paintings in dog-friendly hues; Rez Dogs are tender but raw renderings of the canines of the reservation in a celebratory spirit, hung at a level that dogs can best enjoy them. And, yes, dogs are welcome (there will be snacks). John aims to create art for the curs of the world, every bit glorious but never properly exalted. (CJ)
