Art Events

Featured Events

Native Art

October 8, 2009 to March 26, 2010

An exhibition highlights new paintings by Mike Larsen
In 2004, the Chickasaw Nation commissioned Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen to capture the tribe’s elders on canvas. Larsen, along with his wife Martha, spent hours interviewing and sketching these respected members of the community. He wanted to hear their stories and celebrate his heritage. The Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum exhibits his latest series of works in I am Very Proud to be Chickasaw. “Our elders are our treasures. We are thrilled they have been brought to life in a series of paintings by such an outstanding Chickasaw artist,” says Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. The exhibition features 24 paintings and is on view through March 26.

Through Their Eyes

May 17, 2009 to April 18, 2010

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian presents Through Their Eyes: Paintings from the Santa Fe Indian School. This exhibition focuses on paintings from the Charlotte G. Mittler collection created by students who attended the Santa Fe Indian School between 1919 and 1945. Featured artists include Fred Kabotie, Velino Shjie Herrera, Allan Houser, Andrew Tsinjinnie, Pablita Velarde, and Sybil Yazzie. An accompanying 254-page, full-color catalog by Wheelwright assistant curator Michelle McGeough will be available in the museum’s Case Trading Post.

Everyday People

January 30, 2010 to April 25, 2010

By now many art lovers have heard the story of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, two ordinary folks from New York who have managed to amass an extensive collection of contemporary art on a shoestring budget. The couple has donated hundreds of paintings to the National Gallery of Art and some of the remaining works in their collection to all 50 states. Each state has received 50 pieces. This month the Boise Art Museum opens a show of the artworks donated to the museum. The presentation includes drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

Portraiture at its Best

October 23, 2009 to August 22, 2010

A new exhibition showcases winners from the National Portrait Gallery’s Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. The museum holds the competition every three years; this year more than 3,300 entries were submitted in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, drawing, video, and photography. Dave Woody of Fort Collins, CO, was awarded the grand prize of $25,000 plus the opportunity to create a portrait for the museum's permanent collection. “I am never really attracted to photographing subjects who are totally self-aware or self-confident, as I’m more interested in those people who move through this world with a quiet grace,” he says of his winning photograph titled LAURA. Stanley Rayfield won second place for his painting titled DAD, and third prize went to Adam Vinson. Commended participants include Margaret Bowland, Yolanda del Amo, Gaela Erwin, and Emil Robinson. This exhibition features 49 portraits and is on display through August 22. A color catalog is available.

Native American Modern, 1960 to the Present

November 11, 2007 to April 20, 2008

Features more than 300 objects that represent the strengths of the Wheelwright’s permanent collection, and which illuminate the museum’s unique focus. Includes incredible jewelry & paintings, whimsical baskets & folk art, and Cochiti figurines & Zuni fetishes.