Knowing the west exhibition [knowing the west is a traveling exhibition that embraces and examines the american west to be more inclusive, complex, and reflective of diverse peoples

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) awarded a $399,960 Project Grant under the CFDA 45.164 Promotion of the Humanities Public Programs to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Inc. for the "Knowing the West" traveling exhibition. This exhibition will feature 130 artworks from the 19th to early 20th century by both Native and non-Native artists, including textiles, baskets, paintings, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, saddles, and prints. The goal is to present a more inclusive, complex, and diverse perspective on the American West, celebrating the rich cultural expressions within American art and history. The exhibition development is collaborative and interdisciplinary, involving co-curators and a curatorial advisory council. The project period runs from May 1, 2024 to July 31, 2026.

The checklist of 130 artworks from the 19TH to early 20TH century by native and non-native artists includes textiles, baskets, paintings, pottery, sculpture, beadwork, saddles, and prints. This major art exhibition holds historic artwork accountable, encourages deeper exploration of a familiar topic, and celebrates the rich cultures that reflect the complexity of the american west. Exhibition development is collaborative and interdisciplinary. Directed by CO-curators mindy N. Besaw and jami C. Powell (OSAGE), a curatorial advisory council provided guidance to refine the exhibition?S parameters, define themes, and inform the checklist. Knowing the west prioritizes native american and other underrepresented artists to celebrate the depth of creative expression within the context of american art and history.]