News Release - City Unveils Iroquois Creation Story Mural at the Floreano Convention Center
City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021) - Mayor Lovely A. Warren today joined City Councilmember Mitch Gruber, artist Peter Jemison and other community partners to unveil Jemison’s painting of the Iroquois creation story, entitled “Iroquois Creation Story-Water is Life.” The mural is hung on the terrace of the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center overlooking the Genesee River.
“By integrating art into our public spaces, we are encouraging our neighbors and visitors to think deeply the about environment around them,” said Mayor Warren. “This mural reflects our natural history, reminding us of our true roots. I’m thankful to have such a beautiful new focal point right here in the heart of our downtown honoring the legacy of the Iroquois.”
“It has been a joy and a privilege to work with the City of Rochester to achieve success in placing the Iroquois Creation Story Mural-Water is Life at the Convention Center,” said Jemison. “It is next to the Genesee River and serves as a reminder of the original occupants of the land of the Seneca Nation.”
“The Floreano Riverside Convention Center is proud to be chosen as a site to showcase this beautiful artwork that symbolizes our heritage and diversity as a community,” said Jim Brown, Executive Director. “This picture tells a story and enhances the quality of life for all of us.”
The 8 ft. by 16 ft. mural’s design is based on a book by John Mohawk, a late Seneca scholar. On the wall adjacent to the mural is an interpretive panel describing the meaning behind Jemison’s work.
Peter Jemison is a member of the Heron Clan of the Seneca Nation of Indians. He is also the Historic Site Manager of Ganondagan State Historic Site, the site of a seventeenth century Seneca town. Jemison is an artist, curator, author and filmmaker who describes himself as a Cultural Worker. The City has partnered with Mr. Jemison to provide the mural as an opportunity for Rochester residents and visitors to learn more about the history of the Haudenosaunee people.
###