Dakota 002: Wait, Weight
Phillip Michael Hook

Gerry Punt
 

South Dakota Artist Series: Phillip Michael Hook & Gerry Punt
January 14, 2010 - April 1, 2010
Meet the Artists: *Friday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Public Reception: *Friday, March 19
Time: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Artist Presentation: 5:30 p.m.

* Change in date for Public Reception

Phillip Michael Hook's subject matter derives from his love of the unseen world of microscopic imagery. "I've allowed my research of cellular and molecular biology to influence my art making in order to invent imagery."

Gerry Punt currently teaches ceramics classes at Augustana College. "Many of my recent vessels were inspired by the attempted demolition of the Zip Feed Tower. I wondered what is the big deal? Many issues are hard to look directly in the face. I'm trying to fabricate soft symbols that invite questions."

Sunshine and Shadow
circa 1930 to 1950

The collection is on loan from the International Quilt Study Center located on campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and features quilts from three distinct Amish regions; Lancaster County and Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, as well as various Amish communities throughout Ohio and surrounding Midwest states.

"This exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to examine these functional pieces as works of art with glorious color combinations and interesting geometric patterns," says Harriet Swedlund, a former SDSU professor with expertise in textiles and design.

The quilts of each Midwest region are easily recognized by their colors, patterns, and aesthetics. Classic Lancaster County quilts are composed largely of fine wools. Their unique designs are simple, with flat planes of deep, rich colors. The quilts of Mifflin County are made with cotton, rayon, and wool, and are composed of more intricate designs, featuring pink, yellow, and green accents. Many Ohio quiltmakers use black as a background, a unique choice among American quiltmakers. Brilliant pink, yellow, and lavender colors provide a vivid contrast against the black background.

Okiya (Courting)
Oscar Howe

Howe, a Dakota from the Yanktonai tribe, was born at Joe Creek on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota. He was known as Mazuha Hokshina, or Trader Boy, to his people. Howe rose from poverty and overcame illness to become an internationally respected artist and teacher.

After graduating from Pierre Indian Boarding School, Howe enrolled in the Santa Fe Indian School's art program. While there he was encouraged by his instructor, Dorothy Dunn, to take pride in his cultural heritage by painting scenes from everyday life, history, and legends of his tribe.

Howe ultimately developed his own unique style of utilizing lines (linear, rectilinear, and curvilinear), which gave a dynamic, fluid movement to his paintings. Howe faced a strong resistance to his work because it was modern. In 1958, Howe's work was rejected by the annual Philbrook juried Indian art competition in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as "non-Indian." In protest the artist asked: "Are to be held back forever with one phase of Indian painting that is the most common way? Are we to be herded like a bunch of sheep, with no right for individualism, dictated to as the Indian has always been, put on reservations and treated like a child and only the White Man knows what is best for him...?"

The Return
Harvey Dunn
 

Harvey Dunn:  Select Works
February 24, 2009 - August 23, 2009

This exhibit incorporates Harvey Dunn's well-known works, including The Prairie is My Garden, After School, and Prairie Trail, with lesser known and seldom exhibited small oil and watercolor paintings, woodcuts and drawings. The subject matter includes landscapes, seascapes, portraits and figures. Some were for study while others were for the printing page.

Ivy, detail

Marghab Linens were made on the island of Madeira from 1933 - 1980.  The designs featured in this exhibit were created by both Emile and Vera Way Marghab and are considered to have been the finest designs created in Madeiran embroidery.

The Marghab Linens are an example of how quality materials and expert skills, when combined, produce beautiful yet functional works of art.

Click for copy of official press release