[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 151 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S13614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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           EITELJORG FELLOWSHIP FOR NATIVE AMERICAN FINE ART

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, as November has been designated 
Native American History Month, I am honored to congratulate a museum in 
my own state for its efforts to recognize Native American artists and 
encourage the creation of new Native American fine art. The Eiteljorg 
Museum of American Indians and Western Art recently launched an 
unprecedented 10-year program to strengthen the recognition and study 
of Native American artists who are making a valuable contribution to 
our nation's fine arts. The long-term goal of the program is to create 
a national alliance of scholars, curators, artists, teachers, and 
collectors who would further the notice and study given to Native 
American fine artists.
  Under the leadership of John Vanausdall, the museum's president and 
CEO, an international jury of scholars was appointed to select the 
first year's fellows and master artist from 106 qualified nominees. 
Jurors included: Gerald R. McMaster (Plains Cree), curator of 
contemporary Indian art at the Canadian Museum of Civilization; Bruce 
Bernstein, assistant director for cultural resources at the National 
Museum of the American Indian; and Kay WalkingStick (Cherokee), artist 
and professor of fine art at Cornell University.
  On November 13, the first five recipients of the Eiteljorg Fellowship 
of Native American Fine Art will travel to the Eiteljorg Museum where 
they will receive national acclaim. They will each be presented with a 
fellowship award of $20,000 and participate in the opening events for 
an exhibition of their art. I am pleased to announce the inaugural 
winners: Lorenzo R. Clayton (Navajo), Truman Lowe (Ho Chunk), Marianne 
Nicolson (Kwakwaka'wakw), Rick Rivet (Metis/Dene), and Jaune Quick-to-
See Smith (Flathead). In addition, George Morrison (Chippewa) was named 
a master artist. I urge Americans to visit the exhibition which will be 
on view at the Eiteljorg Museum, located in the beautiful White River 
State Park in Indianapolis from November 13, 1999 through January 23, 
2000.
  I commend the Eiteljorg Museum for conceiving this long-overdue honor 
to Native American artists. This wonderful program is due to the 
generosity of the Indianapolis-based Lilly Foundation, Inc. which has 
directed $490,000 to this worthy endeavor. Thanks to the efforts of the 
Eiteljorg Museum and Lilly, the future is bright for Native American 
artists, as this program will award $100,000 to five artists every two 
years. Our state is fortunate for their vision and I am honored to 
recognize their efforts in promoting Native American Art and preserving 
the culture of Native Americans.

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