The Native American Student Association at Rogers State University is holding a public celebration to recognize the work and influence of internationally acclaimed artist Allan Houser.
The celebration will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 27 in front Houser’s sculpture “Hunter’s Vision,” which is on permanent display at the University Clubhouse Courtyard on RSU’s Claremore campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Houser, a member of the Chiricahua Apache tribe, was the first Native American to be awarded the National Medal of Arts and the first artist to be designated an Oklahoma Cultural Ambassador by the Oklahoma Arts Council. His work can be found in museums and public places throughout the country, including the United Nations and the Gilcrease Museum.
Speakers at the event will include Bill Glass, Jr., a sculptor and ceramicist, and Mark Dolph, the associate curator of history at the Gilcrease Museum. Glass, who was named a Cherokee Living Treasure in 2009, will share about his experiences as both an apprentice and friend of Houser. Dolph will discuss how the history of the Houser’s ancestral tribes being held as prisoners of war impacted both Houser’s life and art.
RSU Dining Services will also offer a special lunch menu inspired by indigenous Apache, Osage and Cherokee foods. Standard meal rates apply.
The event is being held in cooperation with the RSU Diversity Committee to promote awareness of Native American art and culture both within the campus and in the community.
For more information, contact Dr. Hugh Foley at [email protected] or call 918-343-7566.