Edward Curtis was an American photographer whose work focused on the American West and the Native American people. At the age of 32, in 1900, Curtis gave up his portrait photography business to pursue what he called his “Great Idea,” which was to capture on film what was thought to be the last of the Native Americans before their way of life disappeared. Year after year, he traveled by horse and by foot to reach the Native American territories. He was working on the premise that he was racing against time to be able to document with film and sometimes sound, the Native Americans before white expansion and the federal government destroyed what remained of them.
Curtis was financially backed by notable philanthropists such as J.P. Morgan and former president Theodore Roosevelt. He devoted his life to producing a definitive work titled, The North American Indian, a 20 volume set, that originally was proposed to take five years to complete. Due to complications, it was 24 years until the last volume was completed. The sets were available by subscription only. The volumes consist of narrative text and photogravure images.
The Garrett Museum of Art will be hosting a monumental exhibit of 70 photos on loan from a private collection in California, with the Opening Reception being held on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 6:00PM – 9:00PM. There is an admission of $5 per person. We are also honored to welcome as speakers that evening, John Graybill, great-grandson of Edward Curtis, and founder of the Curtis Legacy Foundation, and his wife, Coleen Graybill. John and Coleen will speak at 6:30PM – 7PM. In addition, they will be providing a presentation on Edward Curtis and on the foundation’s work, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, from 5PM – 6:30PM. Both of these opportunities to hear about Curtis’ life’s work and about the educational initiatives and research that is the mission of the Curtis Legacy Foundation, are sure to be enlightening. Their mission highlights the work of the foundation that is instrumental in amplifying Native voices.
An accompanying exhibit of beadwork created by Katrina Mitten, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and resident of Huntington, Indiana, will be in the Spotlight Gallery and on display throughout the museum. Katrina has practiced traditional Great Lakes embroidery style native beadworks through her study of family heirlooms. Her award winning works have been acquired by the Miami Tribe, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, among others, as well as by private collectors. She is a lecturer at the elementary, secondary, and university levels which emphasizes the value she places on education. Her renowned beadwork will be a can’t-miss special exhibit.
Check out Jim’s interview with Julia Meek for more details!
Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, January 14th from 6PM – 9PM.
Admission is $5.00. Open to the public. All ages welcome.
A Note About COVID-19:
We will have hand sanitizer available in various locations throughout the museum. We will not have snacks and drinks available during the Opening Reception. Please remember to practice social distancing to keep yourself and other guests safe and healthy while viewing the artwork on display.
A kind reminder: we are requiring face masks to be worn for those who are not vaccinated to help combat the spread of COVID-19. We have masks available, if you are in need. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Regular Museum Hours:
Friday 5PM – 8PM
Saturday 4PM – 7PM
Sunday 1PM – 4PM
Private tours are available Monday through Thursday by appointment only. Please call 260-704-5400 to schedule yours today.