Houser Centennial Tribute Showcases Monumental Works by Sculptor and Devotees

Allan Houser. CourtesyMIAC

MIAC News:

Internationally collected and admired sculptor, painter, and teacher Allan Houser (1914-1994), is back in the Santa Fe spotlight in a major way this summer on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Beginning Aug. 3, five large scale artworks by the famed Chiricahua Apache sculptor will be displayed in the exhibit “Footprints: The Inspiration and Influence of Allan Houser” at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC), accompanied by an assortment of life-size and monumental sculptures by notable artists who either studied with Houser, worked with him at his studio, and/or were influenced by him.

More than 20 monumental sculptures by several well-known Indian artists will appear on Milner Plaza. The imposing exhibit will include works by such well-known Indian artists as Houser’s sons, Bob Haozous (Chiricahua Apache) and Phillip Mangas Haozous (Chiricahua Apache), along with Doug Hyde (Nez Perce), Don Chunestudey (Cherokee), Tony Lee (Navajo), Estella Loretto (Jemez Pueblo), Oreland C. Joe (Southern Ute/Navajo), Craig Dan Goseyun (San Carlos Eastern White Mountain Apache), Larry Ahvakana (Inuit), Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo), Rollie Grandbois (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), Robert Shorty (Navajo), and Bill Prokopioff (Aleut). The show opens Aug. 3, marking the 100th anniversary of Houser’s birth on June 30, 1914.

While various other Houser shows are being mounted to commemorate his centenary, MIAC director Della Warrior (Otoe/Missouria) conceived this show with the aim of emphasizing Houser’s legacy.

“What we are trying to demonstrate is his legacy extends far beyond his own works because he influenced so many artists,” Warrior said. “We’re concentrating on the monumental sculpture, but he influenced hundreds of artists, including painters, to develop their own artistic style and become themselves as artists. To look at this array of artists from tribes throughout the nation is a profound statement about his ability to influence, generate, and excite students.”

Preparator Andrew John Cecil is installing the monumental sculptures for the show, which will be on display Aug. 3 until May 31, 2015.

An opening exhibit 1-4 p.m., Aug. 3 will feature participating artists Phillip Mangas Haozous, Bob Haozous, Don Chunestudey, Oreland C. Joe, Estella Loretto, Cliff Fragua, and Rollie Grandbois expected to attend, along with performances by Native dance groups.

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