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The acclaimed exhibition "ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" culminates its national tour in Oscar Howe's home state of South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ. "ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern" will be on view June 10, 2023–Sept. 17, 2023 at the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum at South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ State University in Brookings.

This retrospective exhibition celebrating the art of Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ artist Oscar Howe was curated by Kathleen Ash-Milby and organized by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Portland Art Museum. It opened at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in March 2022, in New York City, and traveled to the Portland Art Museum, where it closed May 14, 2023. The South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum is the final stop for ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern.

The exhibition at the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum features more than 60 works by Howe, including early works created in New Mexico and Oklahoma and a large selection of mature works painted by Howe during his many years living in South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ and teaching at the University of South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ. Howe’s public works, such as the Corn Palace murals, are also touched upon in the exhibit. ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern draws upon collections from across the country, including many South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ collections. A large body of work from the Oscar Howe Collections at USD and selections from the collections of the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum, the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ State Historical Society, as well as private collectors from the state and beyond make up the exhibit.

For questions, please emaiil the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum or call 605-688-5423.

Exhibition News Release

Opening Day Celebration News Release

Oscar Howe Collection and Biography

Continuum: Honoring Oscar Howe's Legacy companion exhibition


Outreach and Engagement Opportunities

Travel Reimbursement Scholarships for Tribal-Affiliated Organizations

Non-profit Tribal affiliated institutions/organizations within South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ are invited to apply for a reimbursement travel scholarship to visit the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum to view ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe and Continuum: Honoring Oscar Howe's Legacy. Funds are limited and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. While it is not required to schedule a tour to receive a scholarship, please know that various tours are available to you when you visit. Organizations may qualify for up to $600.00 in reimbursement (amount awarded based on miles traveled).

Note: This opportunity is available during the run of "ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern," from June 10, 2023 to Sept. 17, 2023. For questions, email Abigail Ramsbottom, Education Curator or call 605-688-6981.

Oscar Howe Community Celebration Grants

Oscar Howe Community Celebration Grants support opportunities for public engagement with, and community access to, the artistic legacy of Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ artist Oscar Howe. Organizations can request up to $2,500.00 for funds to be utilized in a 1:1 match for their project. Organizational match can be accomplished through other grant funds, donations, staff time, volunteer time and in-kind donations.

Note: This opportunity is available during the run of "ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Modern," from June 10, 2023 to Sept. 17, 2023. For questions, email Abigail Ramsbottom, Education Curator or call 605-688-6981.

Guided Tours for Groups of 10+

Free guided tours of current Museum exhibitions are available to groups of ten or more people (of any age) with advance registration. Please complete registration at least two weeks in advance to secure the best possible date and time for your group to enjoy a tour!

To schedule tours or learn more about our educational opportunities, email Abigail Ramsbottom, education curator/coordinator or call 605-688-5423.

Coming soon: Oscar Howe Traveling Exhibit

The Oscar Howe Traveling Exhibit aims to bring Oscar Howe’s life and artistic legacy to community spaces across the region. The exhibit features eight banners that explore the artistic development and biographical details of the Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ artist who helped to expand the definition and understanding of Native arts. This opportunity will be free for the hosting institutions, as the South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum will cover costs to ship the exhibition to and from the host organization.

Note: Stay tuned for this opportunity by checking here on our website and following our social media. This opportunity will launch in mid-summer 2023 and is projected to continue for years to come. For questions, contact Abigail Ramsbottom, Education Curator or call 605-688-6981.

Oscar Howe, ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Medicine Man
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983)
"ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Medicine Man"
1968. Casein on paper, 18 x 25 in.
South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum, South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ State University, Brookings, SD, 1970.06
Gift of the Artist.
© Oscar Howe Family
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983), Umine Dance, 1958. Casein and gouache on paper, mounted to board, 18 x 22 in. Garth Greenan Gallery, New York © Oscar Howe Family. SDAM
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983)
"Umine Dance"
1958. Casein and gouache on paper, mounted to board, 18 x 22 in.
Garth Greenan Gallery, New York
© Oscar Howe Family
Oscar Howe, "Horses" casein on paper, 1963. South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum Collection, 1971.1.4. © Oscar Howe Family
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983)
"Horses"
1963. Casein on paper, 21 x 17 in.
South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum, South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ State University, Brookings, SD, 1971.01
South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Art Museum Purchase.
© Oscar Howe Family
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983), Fighting Bucks, 1967. Casein on paper, 20 1/4 x 26 15/16 in. National Museum of the American Indian 27/0217 © Oscar Howe Family. SDAM
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983)
"Fighting Bucks"
1967. Casein on paper, 20 1/4 x 26 15/16 in.
National Museum of the American Indian 27/0217
© Oscar Howe Family
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983), Abstraction after Wakapana, 1973. Casein on paper, 24 7/8 x 20 3/16 in. Oscar Howe Family Collection, University Art Galleries, University of South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, HF OH 1 © Oscar Howe Family SDAM
Oscar Howe (Yanktonai ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, 1915–1983),
"Abstraction after Wakapana"
1973. Casein on paper, 24 7/8 x 20 3/16 in.
Oscar Howe Family Collection, University Art Galleries, University of South ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, HF OH 1
© Oscar Howe Family

Exhibition Tour

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