VERMILLION,
S.D. -- A generous gift from the family of Oscar Howe has been made
in the artists name to The University of South Dakota. The
College of Fine Arts and the University Art Galleries announced
that they have received a $50,000 donation from Heidi Howe, the
widow of Oscar Howe, and their daughter, Inge Dawn Maresh, in support
of the legacy of the distinguished Native American artist.
The $50,000 gift will be used in the Universitys pursuit of
a Native American Museum and Academic Center. Presently in the planning
stage, the Native American Academic Center will feature a museum
dedicated to Howes legacy as well as additional gallery space
for exhibits of contemporary Northern Plains Indian artists.
"The
museum and academic center has great potential for connecting USD's
many Native American academic activities and for creating a network
with other institutions across the Northern Plains that are making
significant contributions to Native American art and culture,"
stated John A. Day, director of the Oscar Howe Memorial Association
and former director of University Art Galleries at USD.
Already
home to the largest collection of Howe artwork in the world, USD
exhibits selections from Howes collection year round in the
Oscar Howe Gallery, which is located in historic Old Main. The Oscar
Howe papers, located in the Special Collections section of the I.D.
Weeks Library, is the largest archival holdings on the life and
works of Howe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Native
American artists of his generation and a leading figure in the Indian
fine arts movement in the United States.
"The
potential of this project is extraordinary for The University of
South Dakota and will continue to recognize the artistic and educational
achievements of Oscar Howe at USD during his 25 years in Vermillion,"
said Eddie Welch, director of the University Art Galleries. "The
Oscar Howe collection of paintings at USD is one of the premier
gems here on campus."
Once
the project is reviewed by the campus community, the plan's approval
will be addressed by the Board of Regents this spring. In addition
to University Art Galleries and the College of Fine Arts, partners
in this project include the Department of American Indian Studies,
the Oral History Project of South Dakota, the Institute of American
Indian Studies, I.D. Weeks Library, including the Herman P. Chilson
Collection, and a digital repository that will allow USD to capture
and preserve artists who have been an essential part of South Dakotas
cultural heritage.
"I'd
like to thank the Howe and Maresh families for their gift that has
allowed us to start the planning for this wonderful new center,"
said Daniel Guyette, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "We
all look forward to the day when the dreams of many people will
become a reality through this project."
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