Indian Artists Calendar 1980 [Cover title].

Norman, Oklahoma: The Galleria, [1979]. 14” x 11” (closed). Twelve-month calendar, pictorial wrappers, holes through two edges for hanging. Pp. [26]. Very good: light scuffing and corner wear to wrappers; internally fresh and bright.

This is a large and lovely unrecorded calendar featuring the work of twelve Native American artists. It was published by a longtime Native art gallery in Oklahoma owned by a successful and enterprising woman, Reba Olson.

The calendar has a long quote by “Chief Seattle of the Suquamish, Year 1854” and each month shows a striking illustration, a brief bio of its artist and the title, size and format of the original work. The rear cover conveys that “No attempt has been made to include the numerous awards and honors received or the outstanding contributions” of the artists, but that “An awareness is growing on the national and international scene that Oklahoma is fast becoming an important art center.” This was no doubt due in large part to The Galleria, a renowned exhibition space for Native art in Norman for 25 years, and its enormously accomplished owner, Reba Olson. Born in 1926, Olson assisted the war effort as a “Rosie Riveter” in the California shipyards, then returned to Oklahoma where she opened a daycare center as well as the gallery. She later became one of few (if any other at the time) female real estate developers in Oklahoma City, was declared a City Ambassador-at-Large and was a charter member of the Associates of the University of Oklahoma Western History Collections. She also appraised Native American art and artifacts and hosted the Reba Olson Show, a local program on Native art and culture.

A rare calendar of beautiful Native American art, published by a woman devoted to the theme. Not located in OCLC. Very good. Item #9488

Price: $500.00