A new exhibit at the Museum of Northern Arizona through September 14
A new exhibit of Navajo paintings from the MNA Fine Art Collection is now open at the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Katherin L. Chase Gallery through September 14, 2005. The exhibit displays the works of many fine painters including world-renowned Navajo artists Beatin Yazz, Robert Chee, Harrison Begay, and Bahe Whitethorne.
This exquisite exhibition of rarely seen, original paintings was selected by Guest Curator of Fine Arts Alan Petersen, Chair of the Fine Arts Department and Coordinator of Colorado Plateau Studies at Coconino Community College. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Museum visitors to view work that is seldom exhibited. Some of these paintings are classic examples of mid-twentieth century Navajo painting in the Studio Style. Harrison Begay’s “Four Sacred Mountains” series are rarely displayed. They are powerful masterpieces that convey an important spiritual message,” stated Petersen.
The exhibit of historical Navajo paintings is a great addition to the many contemporary artworks that will be on display in the 56th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts and Culture on July 30 and 31. “We are very happy to be opening this exhibit of Navajo paintings in association with the Festival,” says Dr. Stefan Sommer, MNA’s Deputy Director for Public Programs. “We are always looking for opportunities to display the many treasures in the Museum’s extraordinary collections. Alan Petersen’s curatorial work has assisted us in showing these fine paintings that have not been on public display for many years.”
Beatin Yazz (Jimmy Toddy) began painting professionally in the 1930s. He is best known for his brilliantly colored and stylized depictions of the peyote ceremony. He also did work in the more conservative Studio Style and was well known for his illustrations for children’s books.
Bahe Whitethorne’s unique style is broadly known throughout the world. In addition to his colorful and energetic paintings, he has also illustrated many children’s books which are cherished by children, parents, and art lovers alike.
The Museum of Northern Arizona is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180. Its mission is to inspire a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau through collecting, studying, interpreting, and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The Museum is a regional repository and houses some 600,000 artifacts and other bulk collections, including MNA collections, tribal collections, and federal collections.