The Contemporary American Indian Art Collection in the Missoula (Montana) Art Museum (MAM) was established in 1997 following a gift of prints by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith from the Rutgers Center for Innovative Print and Paper.
MAM is situated on the traditional, ancestral territories of the Séliš (Salish or “Flathead”) and Qlispé (upper Kalispel or Pend d’Oreille) peoples. MAM is committed to respecting the indigenous stewards of the land it occupies. Their rich cultures are fundamental to artistic life in Montana and to the work of MAM.
“This year-long exhibition features pieces from MAM’s Contemporary American Indian Art Collection selected by guest curators—including artists, writers, poets, tribal leaders, elected officials, activists, scholars, and students”
Shown above is Split War Shield by Corwin Clairmont (Salish Kootenai) made from cast, handmade paper, lithographs, mixed media in 2001.
Shown above is Wow! Full Blooded White People! by Dwayne Wilcox (Oglala Lakota) made from colored pencil on paper in 2012.
Shown above is Epicenters and Impacts, beadwork on a vintage map by Molly Murphy Adams (Oglala Lakota) in 2018.
Shown above is Gorge Spirits Floating 2, a monotype by Lillian Pitt (Wasco, Yakama, Warm Springs) made in 2019.
Shown above is Celebrate 40,000 Years of American Art, a collagraphy by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Salish-Kootenai, Métis-Cree, Shoshone-Bannock) made in 1995.
Shown above is Crow Indian Girl, acrylic on canvas by Kevin Red Star made in 2009.
Shown above is Family Watch, acrylic on canvass by Donna Loos (1931-2018, Little Shell) made in 2001.
According to one letter:
“Like me, she was Métis and a member of the Little Shell Tribe. I love the color, and the mood, but it speaks mostly to me in the anonymity of the people in silhouette. They are there, but we don’t know them. We might even overlook them; in all likelihood most of us will. In THAT is the story of Donna and my people.”
Shown above is Merry Christmas Missoula Art Museum, charcoal and pastel on paper, by Rick Bartow (1946-2016, Mad River Riyot) made in 2011.
Shown above is Forced North, beadwork and ribbon on hand dyed wool, by Molly Murphy Adams (Oglala Lakota), made in 2008.
Indians 101
Twice each week Indians 101 presents various American Indian topics. More American Indian art from this series:
Indians 101: Reborn Rez Wrecks (museum tour)
Indians 101: Glass Art by Northwest Native Carvers and Weavers (Art Diary)
Indians 101: Nez Perce Indian Art (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: The Povungnituk Print Shop (Art Diary)
Indians 101: Exploring Glass Art by Native Artists (Art Diary)
Indians 101: Three Plateau Women Artists (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Inupiaq Art (Photo Diary)
Indians 101: Some American Indian Art (Photo Diary)