Artrain USA

With such rich history associated with the holiday and with Oklahoma being home to more tribes than any other state, what better way to celebrate than by attending a contemporary expression of American Indian culture?
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“Native Views,” recently designated an American Masterpiece by the National Endowment for the Arts, is a contemporary American Indian art exhibition touring coast to coast onboard Artrain USA. “Native Views: Influence of Modern Culture” explores the many commonalties native and non-native people share.

Visitors discover the richness, complexity and breadth of contemporary American Indian art while examining varying perspectives on society. Guest curator Joanna Bigfeather (Western Cherokee and Mescalero Apache) redefines native art by broadening the limits and confronting the stereotypes that currently define it. Featured among the 70 artworks by 53 renowned American Indian artists are works by Steven Yazzie (Navajo) and Alex Jacobs (Akwessasne Mohawk).

Several artists featured are Oklahomans or have historical relationships with Oklahoma, including Norman Akers (Osage), Marcus Amerman (Choctaw), Barry Coffin (Potawatomi and Muscogee Creek), Douglas Coffin (Potawatomi and Muscogee Creek), Anita Fileds (Osage), Jesse T Humingbird (Cherokee), Linda Lomahaftewa (Hopi and Choctaw), Anita Fields (Osage), Kay Walkingstick (Cherokee), Richard Ray Whitman (Euchee, Muscogee Creek Nation) and Phil Young (Cherokee, Scottish and Irish).

In January, Artrain USA, America’s Hometown Art Museum, was awarded the National Award for Museum and Library Service, the federal government’s highest honor for community service provided by a museum or library.

Although I and maybe you missed that article, I didn’t miss the event since I tagged along with my wife who did know which is, of course, the “way of wives!” So, have a look at this fine event which includes a rare (for me, anyway) look inside the Santa Fe Station! According to Artrain’s website,

Artrain USA is currently showcasing Native Views: Influences of Modern Culture, a contemporary Native American art exhibition. Comprised of 71 artworks by 54 Native American artists, Native Views explores the influence of popular culture and the many commonalties shared by all Americans.

See the AICCM website for additional detail about times, images & videos.

On display since November 25, a reception occurred last night, November 26, and these images show much of what I saw. So, now, enjoy the tour! Click on any image for a larger view.