Eiteljorg Museum Magazine Spring 2018

THE REEL WEST

Exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum

MARCH 3, 2018–FEB 3, 2019

YOUR FAVORITE WESTERNS RIDE INTO THE EITELJORG MARCH 3

PERELMAN COLLECTION: NATIVE BASKETRY EXHIBIT, INTERWOVEN, OPENS P6

BILL MILLER IN CONCERT: MOHICAN SONGS OF THE SPIRIT

COWPOKES & COCKTAILS: A NIGHT OF WESTERN FUN

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P11

SPECIAL EXHIBIT PREVIEW

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Compelling exhibits and events ahead in 2018 at the Eiteljorg

Exhibit showcasing Harry Fonseca’s extraordinary body of work opens May 19

By Jennifer Complo McNutt, curator of contemporary art

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n 2005 the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship awarded one of five Eiteljorg Fellowships to Harry Fonseca (Maidu/ Nisenan/Portuguese/Hawaiian). A short 13 months later, Fonseca passed. His death was mourned by the contemporary arts community as well as friends and colleagues. There was a rain of tears as we said goodbye to the creator of Coyote and Rose, Gold and Souls in California, Stone Poems, the St. Francis series and the Splatter and Stripes series, and recalled his charming coyote smile and silvery hair. Fonseca had left his corporeal form; and what remains is his legacy of whimsy and tricksters, ancient images, the revenges of greed and religious megalomania and a love of paint and painting.

In 2014 the Eiteljorg was approached by Fonseca’s partner Harry Nungesser, fondly referred to as “Tucson Harry.” Fonseca’s home was in Santa Fe; Nungesser’s in Tucson. Over the years Nungesser had purchased many works of art from Fonseca, had received many gifts from him such as paintings, drawings, and prints, and had also documented Fonseca’s accomplishments.

Nungesser had accumulated photos and personal correspondence that include drawings and paintings, invitations, articles and books — all told, about 80 works of art and six file boxes of archival information. Nungesser wanted to make a gift of his collection to the Eiteljorg.

It is a welcomed and treasured gift. In February 2014, as we curators arrived at Nungesser’s to pack the collection for transport to the Eiteljorg, I was surprised to see this important collection was housed in a mobile home. This was no ordinary mobile home; it was known locally as the Trailer Trash Gallery, Sometimes Hotel and Sometimes Restaurant, a scene of many exquisite dinners and celebrations.

Nungesser had inherited the trailer; and it was a perfect location to maintain the collection of Fonseca’s work in a Harry Fonseca hot dry climate, with minimal light and climate control.

The Eiteljorg will celebrate this collection with an exhibition dedicated to Harry Fonseca’s work and life. Included will be paintings, prints, drawings and archival materials that provide an intimate look at this artist. The audience will be introduced to Fonseca’s work, love of music, food, family, and friends. There will be audible interpretation provided by Nungesser to listen to, scrapbooks to flip through, a catalog and a beautiful journey through the chronology of his work. It is a story of love and art not to be missed.

Eiteljorg Museum Magazine Volume 13, Number 1 President and CEO John Vanausdall Vice President for Advancement Nataly Lowder Membership Manager Sheila Jackson Director of Marketing and Communications Bert Beiswanger Design Honeymoon Image & Design Editor and Writer Bryan Corbin

Harry Fonseca (Maidu/Nisenan/ Portuguese/Hawaiian, 1946-2006) St. Francis of Assisi, 1999 Mixed media on canvas 65 x 35” Museum purchase with funds from Harry S. Nungesser in loving memory of his partner Harry Fonseca

Contributing Writers Kay Hinds Nataly Lowder Bert Beiswanger Jennifer Complo McNutt Dorene Red Cloud Scott Shoemaker, Ph.D. Lezlie Laxton Alisa Nordholt-Dean Hyacinth Rucker Contributing Photographers

The exhibit Harry Fonseca: The Art of Living will open May 19 and continue for one year in the Eiteljorg’s Hurt and Harvey galleries.

A catalog of the Fonseca exhibit will be available in the Frank and Katrina Basile Museum Store.

For information about reservations to a special opening reception at 6 p.m.

Friday, May 18, please contact Mary Whistler at 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com

Eiteljorg Museum staff Hadley Fruits Photography Bill Miller images courtesy of Bill Miller

We welcome your feedback Comments or questions about Storyteller magazine: Call: 317. 275.1315 Email: bcorbin@eiteljorg.com

Museum information Eiteljorg Museum 500 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org (317) 636-9378

Friends, In a few weeks the Eiteljorg Museum will launch an exciting year of exhibits, programs and events. Before we do, though, I want to pause and reflect on some key milestones during the year just past.

First, many of us at the Eiteljorg fondly remember Andre B. Lacy, one of Indiana’s great philanthropists, who died Nov. 30. Since the museum’s opening in 1989, Andre had been a devoted member and generous supporter. He was chairman of his family business, LDI Ltd.; and through Andre’s efforts, LDI was the presenting sponsor of our 2012 motorcycle exhibit, Steel Ponies.

As a civic leader, Andre Lacy made a tremendous impact on the cultural life of our community, for which we will always be grateful.

We also want to thank the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship artists of the past two decades who returned to Indianapolis in mid-November for our Native Art Now! opening celebration and convening.

The Native Art Now! project included a retrospective exhibit, WFYI-TV 20 documentary and scholarly companion book. Supporting the contemporary Native art field is one of the museum’s most important initiatives. We appreciate the feedback we received from the Fellows, scholars and guests about the future of the field and our nationally renowned Fellowship program.

Speaking of thanks, I want to commend the Eiteljorg volunteers who made possible our annual holiday model train

display, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure. The volunteers, including modelrailroad hobbyists, spent many hours educating crowds of guests about the trains and all-natural scenes. Through Jan. 15, volunteers saw more than 34,000 guests, and they ensured that Jingle Rails was a delightful experience for young and old alike. We look forward to the return of this annual tradition next November.

Now the Eiteljorg is gearing up for our next special exhibition, The Reel West, opening March 3. This is a fun and fascinating look at Hollywood Westerns, exploring how popular movies and TV shows set in the West shape ideas about morality, diversity and national identity. We think you’ll be intrigued by the film costumes, props, memorabilia, fine art and images from a century of Westerns. Those of us in the Baby Boom generation often feel a special affinity for the classic Westerns we enjoyed at the movies and on TV as young fans — and yes, if you wondered, The Lone Ranger is in this exhibit. But

Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

Meanwhile, a beautiful exhibit of the life’s work of the late artist Harry Fonseca opens May 19 with a reception taking place May 18. We are honored to be able to showcase both collections.

In short, some wonderful experiences await at the Eiteljorg this spring, summer and fall. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

John Vanausdall President and CEO Eiteljorg Museum

Beaded Pomo Basket, ca. 1870 (detail) Gift of Mel and Joan Perelman

On the cover: Danny Glover, right, with Joe Seneca, left, in Silverado, 1985

The Reel West also thoughtfully examines how familiar Western films often depicted a fictional, unrealistic vision of the West and its peoples, and how recent Westerns are bringing a new diversity, vitality and realism to the venerable genre.

Appealing to all ages, longtime fans and those new to the Western genre, The Reel West lasts nearly a year, until Feb. 3, 2019. During its run the Eiteljorg has a long list of exciting events and programs planned, including a silent-movie double feature accompanied by a performance by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, a concert by the Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and various film screenings, lectures, curator talks and activities.

We have two important exhibits opening soon celebrating Native American fine art. A spectacular exhibit of Native baskets gifted by Mel and Joan Perelman opens April 14 with a gala celebration June 21.

See story about the Perelman basket collection exhibit, page 6.

James Montgomery Flagg (American, 1877-1960) William S. Hart and His Pinto Pony, before 1922 Collection of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art See story about The Reel West exhibit, page 2.

Spring 2018

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COVER STORY

THE REEL WEST MAR 3, 2018– FEB 3, 2019

Exhibit looks at how Hollywood Westerns shape perceptions of American identity

PRESENTED BY:

SPONSORED BY: The Sunrise Foundation

THEATER EXPERIENCE SPONSORED BY:

Frank N. and Patricia L. Owings WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:

Russell Breeden and Katharine Walker Ginger Merkel in memory of Roger Merkel

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orldwide, people often formed their first impressions of the West and of America not from visiting its vast landscapes but from seeing tales of the West flicker onscreen.

A romanticized and fictional version of the West galloped across movie screens and on televisions, thrilling audiences while portraying a violent and often simplistic version of American life in the frontier era, with spurs jingling and showdowns at high noon. After a century of Hollywood Western films and decades of Western TV shows, the storylines have become more Jeffrey Gibson complex and nuanced. And while (Mississippi Band fans now are as likely to watch of Choctaw/Cherokee, born 1972) by streaming video, the power of Second Nature, 2006 Westerns to create perceptions of Oil paint, urethane foam, and pigmented the American West is undiminished. silicone on wood To explore the role of Hollywood Museum Purchase: Eiteljorg Fellowship in shaping American ideas of morality, diversity and national identity, the Eiteljorg Museum will take a deep dive into the Western genre through its next featured exhibit: The Reel West. Opening March 3, The Reel West explores the historic, artistic and cultural Promotional artwork of Yul Brynner in Westworld, 1973 significance of Western films and TV shows. Film costumes, Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo props, memorabilia, paintings, movie posters and images from the early silent Westerns and mid-20th century classics up through today all are represented.

Included in the interesting things you will see in The Reel West are: A mask, hat, costume, gun belt and scarf worn by The Lone Ranger, actor Clayton Moore A full costume worn by Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie Ross in the Coen Brothers’ 2010 remake of True Grit Two hats worn by Clint Eastwood, on his early 1960s TV show Rawhide and years later in his 1985 film Pale Rider Western hats or other costume items worn on camera by Western performers from several eras, including John Wayne, Tom Mix, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, James Arness, the cast members of Bonanza, plus Sam Elliott, Anjelica Huston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jamie Foxx and many others Interactive technology including touchscreens that museumgoers can use to watch clips from Westerns and to explore in greater detail the themes of morality, diversity and identity that Westerns portray A small movie theater showing clips from film trailers of wellknown Western movies Hands-on interactives for all ages.

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#EJTheReelWest

(Continued on page 4) Natalie Wood, left, and Jeffrey Hunter, right, in The Searchers, 1956 Image courtesy Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

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Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

Spring 2018

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COVER STORY

Melanie Sainz (Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, born 1961) Ode to Lillian St. Cyr, 2015

William S. Hart in The Gunfighter, 1917 World History Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Collection of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

One-sheet movie poster for Cimarron (1930) Image courtesy of the Hershenson/Allen Archive.

Catherine Zeta-Jones in The Legend of Zorro (2005), Columbia Pictures

Cast in The Searchers, 1956

Image courtesy of John Gertz / Zorro Productions, Inc.

Image courtesy Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

(Continued from page 3)

Among the Western films highlighted in The Reel West is director John Ford’s 1956 epic The Searchers, starring John Wayne and Natalie Wood. Though films of that so-called “classic” era certainly could be entertaining with good-versusevil storylines, they often overlooked and distorted the roles of women, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino and LGBTQ communities in the actual West. As audiences and cultural sensibilities changed, Hollywood Westerns evolved over time; so the exhibit also looks at important historical and recent Western films that better convey the West’s diversity, some more realistically, some satirically or ironically, some combining elements of other film genres, such as science fiction.

“We are thrilled to present The Reel West, as this yearlong exhibit has multigenerational appeal to casual movie fans, serious film buffs, Baby Boomers who remember iconic Westerns and younger people new to the genre,” Eiteljorg President and

CEO John Vanausdall said. “Many special programming events are scheduled during the run of the exhibit where guests can learn more about how these films were made, thus enhancing their appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Westerns.”

Developed by Johanna M. Blume, the Eiteljorg’s associate curator of Western art, history and culture, The Reel West has been several years in the making. The exhibit includes art works from the museum’s collections, but Eiteljorg staff also traveled the nation to confer with other museums, collectors and studio archives that loaned costumes, objects and props for the exhibit.

The Reel West, presented

by Oxford Financial Group, LTD and sponsored by Ice Miller LLP, The Sunrise Foundation, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, the Indianapolis Colts, Nordstrom, Frank N. and Patricia L. Owings and other sponsors, continues through Feb. 3, 2019 in the special exhibit gallery, and is included with regular museum admission.

Gordon McConnell (American, born 1950) Speed, Space and Dust, 2001 Collection of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

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Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

A year of fascinating, fun programming for The Reel West The Reel West will kick off with a special opening reception Friday evening March 2. For information and reservations, contact Mary Whistler at 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

Eiteljorg partner IMAX Theater will hold screenings of Western films throughout the exhibition. Tickets to an IMAX Western include Eiteljorg Museum admission.

Check www.eiteljorg.org/thereelwest for details of film screenings.

Here are other programming events in connection with The Reel West, all at the Eiteljorg unless otherwise noted: Curator’s Choice talk, Women in Westerns: A sneak peek at The Reel West exhibition with Johanna M. Blume, noon March 2 Presentation by award-winning Dances with Wolves costume designer Cathy Smith, 1 p.m. March 3 Screenings of the silent films An Eastern Westerner and Safety Last! accompanied by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, March 10 and March 11, at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets available on the ICO website Lecture and gallery tour with Dr. Sue Matheson, Western film scholar, focused on art works that influenced John Ford films, 1 p.m. March 31 Presentation by Emmy Award-winning writer and co-producer of Into the West, Kirk Ellis, 1 p.m. April 7 Trivia night, chuckwagon grub, movie screenings and much more.

More events are being added all the time; please visit www.eiteljorg.org/thereelwest for the latest details.

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One-sheet poster for The Covered Wagon (1923) Image courtesy of the Hershenson/Allen Archive.

Danny Glover, right, with Joe Seneca, left, in Silverado, 1985 Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo

This film will be screened at the Eiteljorg at 11 a.m. June 2.

Spring 2018

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ART UP CLOSE

CULTURAL EVENT PREVIEW

Grand and beautiful Native basketry exhibit reflects Perelmans’ generosity

Grammy-winner Bill Miller to perform concert at Eiteljorg Museum

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new exhibition at the Eiteljorg showcases the work of some of the most admired Native American basketmakers while celebrating two of the museum’s most generous supporters: Mel and Joan Perelman.

The Perelmans recently gifted to the museum their collection of 147 baskets, cradles and bags spanning much of North America, with a particular focus on the Southwest and Far West regions. This gift is meaningful, as it fills gaps in the museum’s existing collections.

A selection of objects will be featured in a special exhibit, Interwoven: Native American Basketry from the Mel and Joan Perelman Collection, in the Paul Gallery from April 14 to Aug. 5.

Joan and Mel Perelman collect art in the Southwest, and in 2011, they were part of the Eiteljorg Eagle Society trip that included a visit to the Grand Canyon.

“The Eiteljorg Museum has benefitted profoundly from the generosity of Mel and Joan Perelman over the past two decades,” Eiteljorg President and CEO John Vanausdall said. “Their exquisite judgment in collecting fine art of Native America and the West is reflected in this outstanding collection, representing many cultures, that the public will be fascinated to see. In light of 6

the extraordinary quality of this basket collection in particular, it’s appropriate that we share it with the public.”

These baskets are symbolic of the resiliency of Native peoples and are primarily the works of women, including Louisa Keyser (Washoe), Lena Dick (Washoe), Elizabeth Juan (Tohono O’odham), Lucy Telles (Paiute), Magdelena Augustine (Chemehuevi) and others, some whose names were not recorded. The baskets contain the love, care, and knowledge passed down through multiple generations that contributed to the survival of many Native communities despite dramatic and traumatic transitions of the late 19th through early 20th centuries.

Crucial to the continuation of these arts is the intergenerational transmitting of knowledge about what materials work best for specific purposes, where to gather materials and the proper care and harvesting of materials; while also leaving room for innovation and personal taste in form, designs, and incorporating new materials. All are woven into each item.

While many of the baskets have utilitarian roots, they also represent adaptation to a market economy. Some were made specifically for sale, such as the Washoe degikup, a globular basket form, developed in the 1890s.

Other baskets range from the grand — an Apache olla basket measuring 26 inches tall and 24 inches in diameter — to an incredibly intricate and diminutive Makah basket.

While the collection is mainly of baskets, it also encompasses Lower Klamath River basketry hats and other forms of woven

items such as a Hoopa cradle and Nez Perce twined bag.

The Perelmans also collected the work of living artists from numerous communities who continue the traditions and innovations seen in these earlier works.

Love, care, and knowledge: These words not only apply to the many Native artists and their creations within the collection, but also to the Perelmans themselves.

The Perelmans are among the museum’s most active supporters, and Mel serves on the board of directors.

A previous Eiteljorg show, Spirited Connoisseurs in 2004, featured Western paintings and Native pottery, baskets and Katsina figures the Perelmans collected. The museum’s expansion wing,

SPECIAL EXHIBIT

By Bryan Corbin, Storyteller magazine editor

(From left to right) Feather and yarn Tubatulabal basket, ca. 1905; Apache olla, 1918; feather basket by Rose Anderson (Pomo); two quilled birch bark containers by Bernard Parley (Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa), 1995; beaded Pomo basket, ca. 1870.

Gift of Mel and Joan Perelman

which was built in 2005 and doubled the size of the building, is named for them.

To honor Mel and Joan Perelman for their support of Native fine arts and the museum, the Eiteljorg will host a special gala celebration Thursday, June 21. If you would like to join us in recognizing the Perelmans’ generosity, please visit www.eiteljorg.org or email mwhistler@eiteljorg.com for information about reservations.

Interwoven: Native American Basketry from the Mel and Joan Perelman Collection Gerald and Dorit Paul Gallery, Eiteljorg Museum APR 14–AUG 5 Gala celebration, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21, presented by Oxford Financial Group, LTD. Co-chairs of the gala are John and Sarah Lechleiter.

Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

powerful singer-songwriter, Bill Miller is known for his percussive guitar style and intense vocals. His Native American flute-playing has earned him Grammy awards.

Drawing upon his Mohican heritage, Miller sings poignantly about his Native experience, combining traditional singing styles of northern tribes with classic rock, gospel, blues and Native flute. Highly admired in music circles, Miller has performed on the same stages with Pearl Jam, Tori Amos and Arlo Guthrie, and participated in a Johnny Cash documentary and tribute album.

To hear an artist of Miller’s virtuosity perform live is a real treat. Eiteljorg visitors can experience his concert at a free event starting at 7 p.m.

April 5 at the museum. Miller’s performance is part of an evening that begins with a fascinating panel discussion about an IUPUI professor’s project to revive Mohicanlanguage hymns that almost were lost to history.

Interwoven into Bill Miller’s songs is the history of Mohican and other tribal cultures and his own family story. His song “Love Sustained” is about his mother, who raised nine children on the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation near Green Bay, Wisconsin, amid his father’s battles with alcoholism. During his 35-year music career, Miller has produced more than a dozen albums, performed across North America, toured with national acts in the 1990s and built up a social-media following. As a musician he has connected with audiences of many cultures and faiths.

“I’ve had unlikely alliances with people who you’d never think I’d be influenced by,” he said.

Bill Miller (Mohican)

Miller also has lived through recent personal tragedies, including deaths of his mother and adult son, and his own near-fatal illness and heart surgery. Now touring again, he remains passionate about musical excellence. “I’m playing on a different level, spiritually. I’m very confident in what I do. I don’t have a doubt anymore,” Miller said.

Historical detective story The spiritual dimension of Bill Miller’s songs has won over many fans, including Rachel Wheeler, Ph.D., religious studies professor at IUPUI. She first heard Miller in 2001 during research into missionaries who worked among Mohicans in the 1700s.

Her research compared a Congregational (Puritan) mission in Miller’s ancestral community of Stockbridge, Mass., to a German Moravian

mission in a nearby Mohican community.

In the Moravian church archives in Bethlehem, Pa., Wheeler found lyrics of 18th century hymns, written in the Mohican language.

Moravian records provided glimpses into the lives of Mohican communities of centuries ago, before their removal from the Hudson River Valley and New England to Indiana and eventually Wisconsin, where the tribe is based today.

Wheeler sought to recreate the Mohican hymns, but the project faced huge obstacles: the Mohican hymn tradition disappeared, the last fluent Mohican speakers died in the 1930s and the rediscovered lyrics lacked sheet music. Wheeler collaborated with Sarah Eyerly, Ph.D., Florida State University musicology professor, who located the original music in Germany and matched up lyrics with hymn tunes. Mohican composer Brent Michael Davids developed arrangements of the hymns that modern choir singers can perform. Exactly how the Mohican hymns sounded in the 1700s is not known; but through the team’s reverse engineering, the hymns again can be sung in Moravian musical styles. Bill Miller is working on new music rooted in Native music traditions to go with the Mohican-authored lyrics.

Miller’s own recordings explore Christianity and Native spirituality. At the April 5 event, during the panel discussion

Spring 2018

Mohican Songs of the Spirit Eiteljorg Museum’s Clowes Court Thursday APR 5 7 p.m.

Panel discussion with Dr. Rachel Wheeler, Dr. Sarah Eyerly, Bill Miller and others.

8 p.m.

Concert by singer-songwriter, fine-art painter and activist Bill Miller.

Free Admission Sponsored by:

American Council of Learned Societies

with Wheeler, Eyerly and others, Miller plans to debut new music for the Mohican hymns, followed by a concert of his own material. “I think it’s a beautiful circle of me coming into my own heritage with my faith,” he said of the collaboration. “What I want this project to be as far as my connection to it is to add my spirit voice to it.”

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Calendar

Visit www.eiteljorg.org for details or call 317.275.1310 to register or purchase event tickets. All events are included with general admission unless otherwise noted.

General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and over, $8 for youth ages 5 to 17 and college students with student ID, and children ages 4 and under are always free. Museum members enjoy free admission, unless otherwise noted.

Parking is free, when spaces are available, in the White River State Park underground garage for visitors to the museum, cafe or museum store, unless otherwise noted.

Saturday

Thursday

FEB 10

1–3 p.m.

Village Voices: Notes from the Griot FREE admission A live performance group that celebrates African American history and heritage, Village Voices performs Notes from the Griot, an interactive event with dancers, musicians and artists all telling stories of African Americans’ contributions to the arts.

APR 5

7–9:30 p.m.

Mohican Songs of the Spirit Panel discussion and Bill Miller concert

Saturday

MAR 3 OPENS IN MARCH

The Reel West Programming:

Friday

MAR 2

Noon–12:20 p.m.

Curator’s Choice Series: Women in Westerns: A sneak peek at The Reel West exhibition Join Johanna M. Blume, associate curator of western art, history and culture, for a sneak peek of the new special exhibit, The Reel West.

11 a.m. Film Screening: Duel at Diablo (1966, not rated) See this exciting classic Western film starring James Garner and Sidney Poitier and filmed on location in the striking scenery of Utah.

1 p.m. Cathy Smith presentation: The Demise of Tonto, or Hollywood Meets the Sioux Nation Join award-winning costume designer Cathy Smith for a discussion of her experiences during the filming of Dances with Wolves.

Saturday Sunday

MAR 10 MAR 11 7:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

The Reel West Programming:

Friday

MAR 2

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Eiteljorg team up for a double screening Enjoy a Harold Lloyd comedic silent film double-feature of An Eastern Westerner and Safety Last! with live accompaniment. Both shows will be held at the Schrott Center for the Arts on the Butler University campus.

To purchase your ticket, visit icomusic.org or call 317-940-9607. For a $5 discount enter/mention the promo code: EITELJORG

6 p.m.

The Reel West special opening celebration Reservations required; contact 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

Saturday

MAR 3

Saturday

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Exhibit opens to the public The Reel West exhibit explores morality, diversity and American identity as depicted in the Western film genre and how Hollywood movies and television shows shape our understanding of the world around us.

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MAR 31 1–2 p.m.

The Reel West Programming: Dr. Sue Matheson lecture: The Painterly Eye — John Ford’s Reel West Join Western film scholar Dr. Sue Matheson for an enlightening lecture about film director John Ford and the ways in which the Hudson River School and Western artists influenced many of his Westerns. A gallery tour will follow.

Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

FREE admission The Eiteljorg Museum, IUPUI and Spirit & Place are excited to present a concert by Grammy-winning musician and fine-art painter Bill Miller (Mohican). There will be a panel discussion with IUPUI religious studies professor Dr. Rachel Wheeler, Florida State University musicology professor Dr. Sarah Eyerly and Bill Miller before the concert.

See story, page 7.

Friday

APR 6

Noon–12:20 p.m.

Curator’s Choice Series: Deep Roots: Exploring the ways in which Native artists use and represent plants Join Dr. Scott Shoemaker, the Thomas G. and Susan C. Hoback curator of Native American art, history and culture, for a talk about the different ways in which Native artists use and represent plants through a selection of items from the Eiteljorg’s collection.

We’re adding new programs and events all the time.

Visit www.eiteljorg.org and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date on Eiteljorg Museum happenings.

Saturday

APR 7 The Reel West Programming: 11 a.m.

Film Screening: Tom Horn (1980, rated R) See actor Steve McQueen in one of his last films, a Western based on the true story of a legendary outlaw.

1 p.m.

Kirk Ellis presentation Join Kirk Ellis, Emmy awardwinning writer and co-executive producer, to explore what it takes to write Westerns and be involved in Hollywood today. Ellis collaborated with Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks on the miniseries Into the West, writing the award winning script for the episode Hell on Wheels.

Saturday and Sunday

Friday

Saturday

7:30 p.m.

Noon–12:20 p.m.

Curator’s Choice Series: Building a Museum: A Brief History of the Eiteljorg Join John Vanausdall, president and CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum, on the first Friday in May to hear some of the highlights of his 21 years at the Eiteljorg and discover his favorite pieces in the collection.

11 a.m.

APR 14 APR 15 3 p.m.

The Reel West Programming: The Indianapolis Women’s Chorus and The Reel West exhibit present Who We Are: She Join us for a captivating performance about pioneering women who blazed trails, each living life as no one but herself.

Hear music that uplifts the stories of these women who came before and bettered the world for us all.

Tickets and information at indianapoliswomenschorus.org.

Saturday

APR 14

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Perelman baskets exhibit opening A new exhibit, Interwoven: Native American Basketry from the Mel and Joan Perelman Collection, opens in the Gerald and Dorit Paul Gallery.

See story, page 6.

MAY 4

Friday

MAY 18

6 p.m.

Fonseca exhibit reception Join us for a special celebration of a new exhibit, Harry Fonseca: The Art of Living, which opens Saturday, May 19, in the Hurt and Harvey galleries. Reservations required, contact 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

See story, inside front cover.

Saturday

Karla Ries — 2016 artist

Saturday

APR 21

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Spring Market Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at Spring Market, where you can buy hand-made pottery, paintings, jewelry, decorative art and more from some of the best artists in the region.

Saturday

JUN 2 The Reel West Programming: Film Screening: Silverado (1985, rated PG-13) See Danny Glover, Kevin Costner, Kevin Kline and Linda Hunt in a thrilling tale of the Old West.

Saturday

JUN 16

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Juneteenth Community Celebration FREE admission Celebrate Juneteenth at the Eiteljorg with music, performances, films and family fun. Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in Texas in 1865. In honor of Juneteenth, admission to the celebration and museum will be free for everyone.

Thursday

MAY 19 The Reel West Programming: 10:30 a.m.

Film Screening: Toy Story 3 (2010, rated G) The kid-friendly animated sequel features the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.

1 p.m.

Presentation: A Taste of the West Join author and historian Sherry Monahan as she combines her passion for food and history in this delectable presentation. A book signing will follow.

APR 28 6–11 p.m.

Enjoy a festive night of delicious food, great friends and good old-fashioned fun. Cowpokes & Cocktails is an exciting night with a meaningful purpose: supporting educational and public programming at the Eiteljorg Museum. Check eiteljorg.org for the location and latest event details.

Spring 2018

JUN 21

6 p.m.

Gala honoring Mel and Joan Perelman Join us for a celebration honoring two donors who made possible the new exhibit, Interwoven: Native American Basketry from the Mel and Joan Perelman Collection.

Reservations required, contact 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

Summer Under The Sails Free Wednesday night concerts in June and July from 6 to 8 p.m.

Free museum admission Wednesdays in June and July from 5 to 8 pm.

Free Thursday lunchtime music in June and July from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Kick up your boots at Cowpokes & Cocktails benefit, Saturday, April 28

Your Vision. Your Legacy. Your Choice.

I

recently met a wonderful couple. After the introductions and toasting to the joy of new friends, we embarked on an interesting conversation. We talked about children and grandchildren, their future and what the world might look like in 50 years from a hopeful and optimistic viewpoint.

We looked back to the days of black-and-white TVs and radios sitting in the living room .... even I remember our blackand-white TV .... Sometimes we would have to put aluminum foil on the “rabbit ears” to see one of the three stations available.

Eventually the radio didn’t turn on as often and the blackand-white was replaced with a color TV. In our family the black-and-white TV moved to the basement and the antenna moved to the roof. Then we got our first video game, Pong.

Space Invaders wasn’t far behind. Soon the black-andwhite TV died and the color TV had a baby that lived in the parents’ room. I remember complaining when the picture went fuzzy because you couldn’t climb onto the roof and add aluminum foil.

Soon cable came along and a remote control. We all

laughed about “asking” the children to change the channel .... the looks they gave! .. .. and sometimes bribing them with extra treats if they did as asked.

The warm reminiscing turned to laughter as we all noted that each generation complains about the next. They have it so easy now! We didn’t have 400 stations, interactive video games and on-demand movies, not to mention the Internet!

We all agreed. Every generation thinks the next one is soft. We began talking about the importance of having money to leave to children and at the same time, not wanting to make it so easy that the children could be freeloaders; after all, we had to work and so should they.

They started to talk about needing to be extremely clear in their estate plans because their children would bicker over what mom and dad would want the money to be used for and who should get the technology. I explained to them that in my line of work, clear estate plans are very important.

It’s not uncommon for the adult children to be emotional at the loss of loved ones, especially their parents, and disagree with the parents’ wishes.

Imagine what it’s like when you don’t write down any of those wishes.

My advice to them was to talk to an attorney and financial planner so their vision would be clear. And if they were leaving part of their legacy to an organization they were passionate about, to let the organization know. It’s important the organization understands how they would like their gift used.

Above all, I reminded them to remember .... they worked hard for their money, and raised their children to the best of their ability. You only have one life to live and only one legacy to leave behind.

Your estate plans, regardless of how much money you have, should be ....

Your vision.

Your legacy.

Your choice.

Nataly Lowder Vice President for Advancement 317-275-1311 nlowder@eiteljorg.com

P.S. For those of you who read my note in the last Storyteller .... Mom update: Her will is not revised and gratefully no loss of loved ones.

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Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

In 2017, we reimagined the annual Eiteljorg fund-raiser benefitting the museum’s ever-important and impactful education and public programs departments. Cowpokes & Cocktails was born and what a resounding success it was with increased attendance and contributions. This year’s iteration will once again be an exciting, high-end fundraiser and guaranteed night of fun.

Cowpokes & Cocktails will include delicious food, music, a live and silent auction including works of art, destination packages and much more.

The emcee for the evening will be Kristi Lee from Q95 and The Bob & Tom Show.

New this year will be easier registration and check-out — and best of all, no long lines after a night of fun.

At our core is the belief that all children should experience art, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Sponsorships are still available. Entertain clients and reward employees all while supporting arts education.

Sponsorships range from $5,000 to $20,000. Individual tickets are $200 per person or $1,800 per table of 10.

Registration is required.

Contact Mary Whistler for more information 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS

Thank you to the following donors for memberships and gifts received between Sep. 1 and Nov. 30, 2017.

In Memoriam:

Teresa Webb (Anishinaabe), 1955-2017

I

t is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of longtime Eiteljorg artist, storyteller and teacher, Teresa Webb (Anishinaabe), who died Dec. 26. Teresa was a compassionate, generous and dynamic member of the Eiteljorg Museum family.

She had a wonderful ability to connect with visitors and was able to bring together people of all backgrounds.

For many years, Teresa participated in the museum’s annual Indian Market and Festival as both an artist and performer, led community social round dances, craft and drum circles, and on most Saturdays could be found in the museum galleries sharing her Anishinaabe culture with visitors, volunteers, staff and anyone passing through.

She was an incredibly generous woman who shared her talents with the Indianapolis community and the museum.

She will be deeply missed.

Due to space limitations, only contributions of $100 or more are listed — with the exception of annual fund, memorial and honorarium gifts.

If your name is not listed as you would like it to be, or if it has been omitted, please accept our apology and call 317.275.1341.

Membership gifts ($125 and above) Chairperson’s Circle Cumulative 2017 giving $10,000–$24,999 Angie and Dick Darlington Michael Eagle Chris Katterjohn Donald Woodley President’s Society Cumulative 2017 giving $5,000–$9,999 Russell Breeden and Katharine A. Walker Robin and Susan Cooper Ann W. King Dr. and Mrs. John C. Lechleiter Myrta Pulliam Larry Roan and Joan SerVaas Thomas and Evelyn Seeley Charles and Peggy Sutphin Golden Eagle Society $2,500–$4,999 Deborah and Bart Bell Fred and Angie Green Charley and Sheryl Hutchins

Kelly and Stephan Masoncup Thalia Nicas and Louis Jungheim John Vanausdall Mr. and Mrs. John D. Zinser Eagle Society $1,500–$2,499 Mike Aguirre Nancy Ayres Dr. Rosanne Bonjouklian Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Borinstein Georgia Buchanan William and Moira Carlstedt Deanna DeBrier La Marr Easter and Cary Neeley Drs. Richard and Becky Feldman Tom and Sharon Funk Gloria Griesinger Perry and Michelle Griffith Polly H. Hix and Tony J. Fair Camilla Hull Jeanine Isham Carrie Kirk and Carol Besore Tom and Betsy Laskey Susan and Mike Lewis Nataly and Jonathan Lowder Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Paul Jay and Sally Peacock Mr. and Mrs. Terry Rader Howard Schrott and Diana Mutz Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Schulstad Chad Slaughter and Jillian McCarty J. Albert and Maribeth Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey H. Thomasson Brian West Jamison D. Woodley Patron Members $500–$999 Dick and Kathi Badertscher John and Mary Ann Grogan

DIVE DEEP INTO CONTEMPORARY NATIVE ART WITH THE BOOK, NATIVE ART NOW! A beautifully illustrated, 376-page fullcolor book explores the works of the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship artists, including those art works seen in the recent Native Art Now! traveling exhibit and many others. Art lovers will treasure this scholarly companion book, available now at the Museum Store. $95 (Museum members receive a 15 percent discount.)

Spring 2018

STORE HOURS MON–SAT: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUN: Noon to 5 p.m.

317.275.1300 800.878.7978 store@eiteljorg.com @Eiteljorg.Store

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MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS

Sustaining Members $250–$499 Robert Cirillo C. Jack and Linda Clarkson Mr. Ernest Dallman Jim Dillard Robert and Sharon Doiron Robert and Linda Glover Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Gould Donna Holloran Cindy and Robert Hoye Nancy and Thomas Inui Harriet Ivey and Dick Brashear Linda and Marvin Maguire William L. Scott James R. Sparks James and Cheryl Strain Gerry and Kim Wichman David and Magdalen Zauner Contributing Members $125–$249 Mr. C. Willis Adams, III Jennifer Anker Dr. Charles R. Bantz and Dr. Sandra Petronio Peter and Lisa Blaser Scott and Maryann Bridge Daniel and Elizabeth Brock John and Barb Chirgwin Ronald and Claudia Clark Charles Costa and Tonicia Smith Carl and Janice Wheater-Cowen James Craig George and Wendy Dougherty Ronald Dumas Robert D. Epstein Jim and Shawn Floyd Linda Gilman Norma Jean and Philip Graves

Tom and Susie Hacker Ronald and Judith Hagan Jay and Mary Ham Jeffrey and Julia Havens Dr.Thomas and Lisa Hayward Peggy and Helen Hollingsworth Roger and Francine Hurwitz Scott and Caran Keller Mr. and Mrs. Dwight E. Lamb, Jr. Katie and Camron Land Zygmunt and Karen Mazanowski Sandra and David McCabe Tausha and Almedia Mockabee Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Moore, Jr. Ms. Sherry Mueller Carolyn Percifield and David Bowker Nancy Peterson and Dennis Drews Joel and Karen Piassick Margaret Drew and Craig Pinkus Robert and Carol Reynolds Tim and Linda Robb Arthur Rosen Michael and Kathleen Schneider Mary Tanner Charlene K. Timothy David and Susan Tittle Patrice and John Waidner Frank and Jane Walker John and Janice Williams Y. Rosalind Wolen Ms. Gretchen Wolfram Bernard and Lisa Wood Dr. Don Zimmerman Donors All annual fund, memorial and honorarium gifts are listed. Gifts in other categories are for $100 or more.

The Native Art Now! exhibit opening included a convening of 22 of the living Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship artists the weekend of Nov. 11-12 to discuss the future of the contemporary Native art field and the Fellowship.

Facilitating the discussion with the artists, scholars and guests was Betsy Theobald Richards (Cherokee Nation), center, a nationally known art and social justice expert. The Native Art Now! project also included a TV documentary that premiered on WFYI-TV 20 on Dec. 14.

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EITELJORG PEOPLE

The special exhibit Native Art Now! featured 39 works of contemporary Native art by 29 artists who are Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellows. The exhibit closed at the Eiteljorg on Jan. 28, and plans call for it to travel to other institutions.

Annual Fund and other designated gifts David S. and Mary R. Allen Anonymous (7) Colleen Bailie Ted and Peggy Boehm Leland Boren Mary Beth and Robert Braitman Laura E. Bramble Paul and Margarete Brandenburg Bryan Corbin and Susan Orr Charles Costa and Tonicia Smith Carl and Janice Wheater-Cowen Carol Derbin Sally Dickson and Paul Nesting Roger and Mindy Eiteljorg Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Feigenbaum Reverend Robert Giannini Eric and Pamela Hinkle John and Marilyn Hoffman Sheila and Richard Jackson John and Frances Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. John C. Jenkins Dr. Daniel and Vicky Kittle Janice E. Knaus Elizabeth and J.A. Lacy Lezlie Laxton Frank and Sandra Learned Oliver and Kathy Luck Steve and Jane Marmon Norman and Ginny Mazurowski Barbara Metzner Col. James Mutter and General Carol Mutter Donald and Gail Nelson Patt Norton

Eiteljorg Museum Storyteller Magazine

Margaret Piety and Josef Laposa Bob and Gail Richards Arthur Rosen Thomas and Linda Sands Thomas and Evelyn Seeley Anthony and Linda Stavros Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Taylor Howard and Marlies Terpning The Saltsburg Fund - Karen Lake Buttrey* and Donald W. Buttrey John W. Timothy, Jr., M.D. David and Cherie Webster Barbara West Jack and Julia Wickes Marjorie P. Zeigler Mr. and Mrs. John D. Zinser Steven and Susan Zumdahl

Foundation, corporation and government gifts $100,000 and above Efroymson Family Fund, a Central Indiana Community Foundation Fund The Indiana Rail Road Company $50,000–$75,000 Arts Council of Indianapolis $25,000–$49,999 Ice Miller LLP Indiana Arts Commission $10,000–$24,999 Indianapolis Colts Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP OneAmerica $5,000–$9,999 National Endowment for the Humanities $2,500–$4,999 López Law Office, PC $1,000–$2,499 Indiana Humanities The Clean Bedroom $500–$999 Pacers Sports & Entertainment Kahn’s Catering $100–$499 The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Matching gifts Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. In-Kind gifts Faegre Baker Daniels LLP Honeymoon Image & Design Monarch Beverage Roberts Camera Stuart’s Household Furniture Moving and Storage, Inc. Sun King Brewing Co.

Capital and endowment campaigns Sue and Michael Back Mary Beth and Robert Braitman Steve Cagle Bill and Jennie Forehand Tom and Patty Gibbs Fritz R. and Sandy Gordner P.T. and Jane Hodgin Mary Huggard Chris Katterjohn and Dona Stohler PHD, Inc. Estate of James E. Schroeder* Sheila and Bob Snider Bill and Roberta Witchger Drs. Richard and Becky Feldman Drs. Susan* and Robert Stephens Artists in Residence Endowment Dr. Robert Stephens Exhibitions and Special Events The Reel West Presented by Oxford Financial Group LTD Sponsored by Ice Miller LLP The Sunrise Foundation Barnes & Thornburg LLP Indianapolis Colts Nordstrom Theater experience sponsored by Frank N. and Patricia L. Owings With additional support from Russell Breeden and Katharine Walker Ginger Merkel in memory of Roger Merkel

The Eiteljorg’s annual holiday model train display, Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, was a big hit during the 2017-18 season. The display included a new backdrop made of all-natural materials: the landmarks of Hollywood. Jingle Rails closed for the season on Jan. 15 but will return in November 2018.

Gifts in Honor and Memory In Honor of Emily Ahonen’s birthday Maryann Lacey In Honor of Eiteljorg Museum Staff John Vanausdall In Honor of Kristin and Sergio Gigli Sue Hittle In Honor of Nataly Lowder Mickey’s Camp In Honor of Amy McKune Harry Nungesser In Honor of Tim Wright Gary Hirschberg Goldman Sachs Matching Gift Program In Memory of Robert and Elmira Annis Becky Vermillion

*Deceased

Western Art Society Ryan C. Fuhrmann

*Deceased

Eiteljorg thanks longtime employees for jobs well done

T

he Eiteljorg Museum recently said goodbye to two dedicated employees who have moved on and congratulated two who succeeded them.

Dee McConville retired as director of technology after nearly 27 years at the Eiteljorg where she led the museum through expansions, upgrades, implementing new technology and cybersecurity.

When Dee started at the Eiteljorg in 1991 as office manager and head of admissions, the museum had perhaps 10 computers with dark-screen DOS monitors and one server.

She became director of technology in the mid-1990s, and over the next two decades, Dee McConville Dee was instrumental in developing the museum’s technology to include more than 100 computers, as well as virtual servers, databases for accounting, store retail, admissions, collections management, membership, fund-raising and more.

Dee was commended for her work coordinating the establishment of the Eiteljorg’s library and connecting it to The Indianapolis Public Library. She tirelessly helped plan and implement the technology infrastructure for the museum building’s 40,000-square-foot expansion in 2005.

At a retirement party on Dec. 15 joined by her family, friends and coworkers, Dee was thanked by Eiteljorg President and CEO John Vanausdall and others for her dedication to the museum and its mission.

Succeeding Dee as director of technology is Tom L. Coble II, who joined the Eiteljorg in 2014 as IT support and AV technician.

Tom previously worked for 24 years at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as the PC-electronics technician and has a great deal of experience in computer repairs and technology.

Dana Duffy was librarian of the museum’s Watanabe Family Library for 2 ½ years, until Nov. 3. Leading a group of volunteers in assisting the public with inquiries about Native American and Western subjects, Dana worked with The Indianapolis Public Library on making Storyteller magazine available online through their catalog. She moved on to a new position as education manager for the Monroe County History Center in Bloomington.

The museum’s new librarian is Kristin Stout, who brings long experience in libraries Dana Duffy and our content areas. With a bachelor’s degree in history from Ball State University and a Master of Library Science degree from Indiana University, she worked for eight years as the reference and instruction librarian at Lane Library at Armstrong University in Savannah, Ga., and also at Herron Art Library and Lebanon Public Library.

Spring 2018

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White River State Park • 500 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org

COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE

JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION JUNE 16

26TH ANNUAL INDIAN MARKET & FESTIVAL JUNE 23 & 24

Juneteenth celebrates the news of emancipation and the arrival of freedom reaching Texas at the end of the Civil War; and it highlights AfricanAmerican history and heritage.

Join us for this celebration of freedom with music, dancing, storytelling and family fun.

Museum admission is free on June 16.

Shop for beautiful fine art by Native American artists from across North America and learn about their cultures.

Enjoy live music performances, cultural presentations, artmaking demonstrations and popular food options at one of the nation’s top Native art markets, held on the Eiteljorg grounds.

Sponsorships for Juneteenth and Indian Market and Festival are still available. Contact Mary Whistler at 317.275.1316 or mwhistler@eiteljorg.com.

Stay connected with the Eiteljorg on social media and at eiteljorg.org.

You can also sign-up for our weekly e-newsletter at eiteljorg.org.