Idabel, OK (June 19, 2018)—The Museum of the Red River recently opened a new exhibit, Arts of the Southwest. The show features a range of prehistoric, historic and contemporary art from the American Southwest.
The area is home to a range of artistic traditions, including wood carving, weaving, and jewelry-making. However, it is best known for its production of multi-colored pottery. (Several examples from the Museum’s collections are featured in the show.) The region’s ceramic traditions remained the same for hundreds of years until the arrival of the railroad in the 1800s. After that, artists began producing non-traditional ceramics for sale. In the 20th century, there was a renewed emphasis on the use of traditional methods and materials. Of particular note, was the use of prehistoric techniques. Nonetheless, most of the pots were made for sale, not domestic use.
Arts of the Southwest closes August 19 and will be replaced with Andean Textiles on August 28. Other upcoming exhibits include Island Spirits (June 26) and Recent Acquisitions (November 13). Admission to the Museum of the Red River is free. Parts of the Museum, including its Acrocanthosaurus atokensis exhibit, are unavailable due to construction. For more information about the show, visit the Arts of the Southwest exhibit page.
[Pictured: Polychrome Jars (2), ca. 1960 by Lucy M. Lewis (1898 – 1992). Acoma Pueblo (New Mexico). Gift of Alice Dockstader in Memory of her Husband, Frederick J. Dockstader.]