Edward S. Curtis American Indian photogravure exhibit opens Friday

“Bear Bull, Blackfoot” by Edward S. Curtis

Special to American Press

An opening reception for “Mingled Visions: Images from The North American Indian Collection,” an exhibit by photographer Edward S. Curtis, is set for 5:30-8 p.m. Friday at Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, 1001 Ryan St.

The exhibit includes 40 original photogravure prints, a printing process where a photographic negative is transferred to a metal plate and etched into it. It will be on display until June 30.

Well-known works like “Geronimo” and “Cañon de Chelly — Navaho,” will be on display, along with “Bear Bull — Blackfoot” and “Wichita Grass House.”

Denise Fasske, the center’s arts and cultural events director, said Curtis, who died in 1952 at the age of 84, spent his life documenting the American Indian tribes that stuck to their traditions. Over a 35-year span, Curtis visited more than 80 tribes and produced more than 720 photogravures. His output also included four books, 40,000 photographs, a feature film and 10,000 recordings of speech and music from various tribes. 

“Geronimo, Apache” by Edward S. Curtis

Special to American Press

Fasske said Curtis used fragile glass plate negatives to make each of his photogravure prints, and he was accompanied by assistants during his travels either on horseback or boat.

President Theodore Roosevelt endorsed Curtis’ effort in 1906, and the project got financial backing from J.P. Morgan. Threats of cancellation and a hefty price tag were constants until Curtis finished the project in 1930, nearly two decades after its originally-planned end date. 

Despite Curtis’ work, the project was largely forgotten about over the next several decades. It was rediscovered in the 1970s.

The exhibit, part of the permanent collection from the Dubuque Museum of Art in Dubuque, Iowa, is free to view. The cultural center is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Donations are accepted.

For more, call 491-9147.

Online:

SportsPlus

Local News

BREAKING: Shooting reported near Prien Lake Mall

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls set for a noisy start

life

Listen up: Colossus chime newest feature at Millennium Park

McNeese Sports

Cowboys open against tough foe

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column: Don’t wait up to see who won

life

Gators are back: Refurbished Alligator Cypress Pond reopens to visitors

Local News

BREAKING: Helicopter crash kills 3 in Iowa

high-school Sports

Field of dreams: Lacassine High to soon have home field advantage

Local News

Traffic disruptions planned on I-10 eastbound

Local News

Cameron ferry will soon move to dry dock

Local News

Sowela students hear from local successful business owners

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Halloween in SW La.

Crime

11/1: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Man killed in suspected hit-and-run in Westlake identified

life

City, United Way join forces for LC United Resource Fairs

Football

Hobbs column: LSU fashion fails an unforced error

McNeese Sports

Cowboys look to feast on home cooking

Local News

Carolina Jagneaux has ‘developed a genuine passion for teaching’

Crime

Deputies investigating possible hit-and-run after body found in ditch

Local News

Pumpkin Chunkin contest Saturday at North Beach

Local News

Strain working with farmers to try and increase Louisiana export capacity

Crime

10/31: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Louisiana breaks in-person early voting record

life

It’s Halloween time: Check out area events, trick-or-treating times