Three major exhibitions of Indian arts now being shown by museums administered by the Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the Department of the Interior were described today by Secretary Rogers C.B. Morton as “demonstrating the vitality of contemporary contributions to the arts by modern Indian people”
The Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma, is presenting through September 14 the first historic survey to feature 43 paintings created during the past four decades by 42 outstanding Indian artists of the Southern Plains region.
The Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, is exhibiting through September 30a collection of contemporary paintings by 44 Indian artists of." Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, the first extensive exhibition ever assembled of modern works by Indian artists from the three state area.
A collection of 78 contemporary quillworks by 28 Sioux craftsmen is on view at the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota. This comprehensive exhibition, which will continue through September 30, is the first presentation to document the variety and stature of this rare art form practiced by contemporary Sioux craftsman.
The use of porcupine quills for esthetic purposes is one of the most unique concepts in the arts of the North American Indian, according to Myles Libhart, Director of Museums for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, who coordinated the exhibitions.
Contemporary Southern Plains Indian Painting first exhibition to document the varied development of modern Indian art.in the region. An 80 page catalog has been published in conjunction with the exhibition illustrating the 43 paintings in color along With photos and biographical sketches of the artists. Priced at $3.50, the, catalog is available from the Oklahoma Indian Arts and Crafts Cooperative, Box966, Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005, an Indian owned and operated organization.
The exhibition, Contemporary. Indian Artists, Montana- Wyoming- Idaho, is the most extensive exhibition ever organized of works by Indian artists who represent 13 tribes in the region. It reflects participation of the Plains Indians in the contemporary life of the American West • An 80 page catalog priced at $3.50 is available from the Tipi Shop,. Inc., Box 1270, Rapid City,' South Dakota 57701, a non-profit educational organization.
"Interior's interest in the arts begins with programs to recognize and promote Indian arts," Secretary Morton said. "These exhibitions are a striking illustration of the manner in which Indian artists and craftsmen are helping to broaden and enrich contemporary art in the United States."
The exhibitions were organized by the Indian Arts and Crafts 'Board, established by the Congress in 1935. The Board serves as an informational, promotional and advisory clearinghouse encouraging the development of outstanding contemporary Indian, Eskimo, and Aleut Artists. The Board administers and operates the three Museums which are presenting the exhibitions.
After the current showings, the exhibitions will begin a two year tour to other museums and galleries throughout the regions served by the 'Board's Museums .
