Wi-Jun-Jon, An Assiniboin Chief , George Catlin (American; 1796-1872)

The Interior of the Hut of a Mandan Chief , Karl Bodmer (Swiss; 1809-93)

Within a few years of Lewis and Clark’s famous expedition, artists who ventured into the American West were making illustrations that not only provided first impressions of native people but also influenced the perceptions of generations to come.

Among these artists was self-taught American artist George Catlin (1796-1872), who spent years sketching and painting the Native Americans he met on his travels through Louisiana Purchase territory.

Between 1830 and 1836, Catlin visited more than 65 tribes and made over 500 paintings. But do his paintings and prints convey a “true” record of the people he encountered?

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14 Laura Van Buren explores this question with her slide presentation and talk In the Name of God, Country, and Science: Putting Catlin in Context.

Van Buren, a student of history, art, and American art history, will engage listeners in creating a framework for considering Catlin’s work, the influences on the artist, and how the artist influenced society’s view of native people.

Her slides will enhance the experience of viewing the prints included in American Exploration: Prints by Karl Bodmer and George Catlin from the A.G. Edwards Corporate Collection, on exhibit in Spiva’s Main Gallery through November 18. The presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested.

American Exploration is sponsored by A.G. Edwards Joplin Branch, with additional financial assistance from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Spiva Center for the Arts is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the Galleries is by voluntary contribution with $2 suggested for adults, $1 for students and children.

For additional information, please call 417.623.0183.

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts
222 W. 3rd Street
Joplin, Mo 64801
Tel: 417-623-0183
Fax: 417-623-3805
www.spivaarts.org


See you at Spiva–where imagination lives!