Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, Indy

               Above photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

What's in This Post
1) A Commitment to Native American Art
2) Recognizing Indigenous Artists
3) Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada
4) Eiteljorg Tour Slideshow
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A Commitment to Native American Art

Anticipating a two-day road trip between our home in the Kansas City area, and a visit to see my mom in Pittsburgh, I decided to spend one night at an Indianapolis hotel.

Then I chose lodging located near Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. What a wonderful 'field trip'! Featuring plenty of natural wood, the front entrance captivated me (see photo, above).

Once inside, signage throughout the upstairs galleries provided plenty of background regarding the Native art assembled there. A portion of one sign described how the museum had evolved from its original intent:

"When the Eiteljorg opened in 1989, the Native American galleries were installed to showcase artworks using an intersecting framework of georgraphy and history. Since then, the interpretation of Native art and Native artists has evolved away from this colonial gaze, towards a culturally appropriate approach where Native art and artists are recognized on a global stage."

Recognizing Indigenous Artists

I also learned about the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship. Since 1999, it has recognized and applauded the creative work and accomplishments of contemporary Native American and First Nations artists. Today this remains one of the few institutions to award contemporary Native artists major unrestricted cash awards designed to support their work, publish a catalog, and create an exhibition. The museum also acquires art from each Fellow that becomes part of the museum's permanent collection. In the words of 1999 Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellow, Truman Lowe, "Art is a language. It reflects the ideas, philosophies and even projections into the future."

Native Americans in the U.S. and Canada

Additional signage reminds visitors that more than 570 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. and more than 630 First Nations in Canada each have a distinct culture, language and traditions. As established via the earliest interactions between Europeans and the First North Americans, Native peoples are members of sovereign and or self-governing nations. 

During the annual two-day summer Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival, attendees can experience Native cultures in and outside of the museum as they purchase handcrafted art and see incredible performances.

If you're a fan of Western art, be sure to check out the Eiteljorg's main floor exhibits too, full of framed paintings, and sculptures displayed inside protective glass enclosures. 

                                  All slideshow photos by Lisa Waterman Gray​
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Please note these images are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.