Linda Haukaas, “Artists Release Their Souls”
by Nicole Royse
Staff Writer
When was the last time you checked out the Heard Museum? Summer time is the perfect time to enjoy history and art while you explore and examine the indigenous peoples of the Americas arts, history and legacy. Particularly focusing on American Indian tribes and other cultures of the Southwest, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the people and place in which you live. Beat the crowds and the heat while you explore the Heard Museum’s incredible eleven galleries and vast selection of artwork currently on display.
The popular Build! Toy Brick Art at the Heard featuring an interactive hands on LEGO exhibition, is perfect for the entire family. Also featuring stunning contemporary artworks created by local artists along side fun LEGO creations. Build is a wonderful exhibition and a great way to introduce your family to the Heard Museum. Overall this exhibition gives visitors a chance to connect and learn about American Indian Culture while creating with LEGO’s and learning basic art concepts. This exhibition will be on view until Sunday, September 28, 2014.
Another great exhibition is That’s The Way I Like It featuring artworks selected by visitors and the Heard from their collection of recent contemporary acquisitions. A few highlights of this show include the Fausto Fernandez titled “Demographic Fabric of America” where the artist has intricately overlaid imagery and maps within a bold color palette. One cannot miss the pair of large scale paintings depicting iconic images and symbolism by veteran artist Jaune Quick-To-See-Smith. This small yet captivating exhibition highlights a variety of media from jewelry to paintings. Don’t miss this great exhibition will be on view until February 8th, 2015.
Sharron Ahtone Harjo, untitled
Stories Outside the Lines: American Indian Ledger Art looks at 19th century ledger art as well as the changes occurring for Plains Indians at this time. This exhibition examines the art created on lined sheets of paper from ledger books of that period. Showcasing drawings from the period as well as contemporary ledger artists, a highlight of this exhibition was an untitled piece by Sharron Ahtone Harjo depicting a warrior on a horse holding an umbrella. Contemporary artist Linda Haukaas depicts an unusual scene filled with Native Americans, and their artwork as well, in “Artists Release Their Souls”. This unique exhibition will be on view until through September 21, 2014.
Lastly is a fascinating exhibition Chocolate, Chili, and Cochineal: Changing Taste Around The World. Chocolate joins many other delectably displayed depictions of foods in the Heard’s presentation about several edibles many people might be surprised to know are from the Americas. The exhibit explores foods including tomatoes, potatoes, chili, beans, squash and more plus a very important insect, the cochineal. This insect and these foods were exported from the Americas creating great change throughout the world. Be sure to check out this fascinating exhibition now on view until November 8th, 2014.
Plus don’t miss the several ongoing exhibitions including the traditional Navajo Hogan and the striking Pueblo horno, or the spectacular display of 400 katsizna dolls that are sure to impress with their dazzling colors and intricate details. An excellent exhibition to learn about the culture, history, and fascinating artwork of the American Indian People is “Every Picture Tells a Story”. Here you are able to explore and experience seven geographic regions and how these American Indian artists reflect their environment in their artwork. Hear them speak about their lives, the land, the animals and more. It is a wonderful interactive gallery where children and adults alike can get hands on!
So get out of your house and head to the Heard Museum where you can enjoy your community, culture, and art!
Admission to the museum and this special exhibition is a bit pricey running $18 for adults; $12.50 for students, Children ages 6-12 are $7.50, Children Ages 1-5 and Native Americans are $5, free for children younger than 1. They offer wonderful free guided tours daily at 12, 2, and 3pm. The Heard Museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 85004. Visit their website for more information: heard.org.
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