On Mon, 2 Oct 1995 18:22:00 GMT
Robin Parkinson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> At the end of the year we hope to send two Maori exhibition designers to
> visit some North American museums and cultural attractions.  Along with the
> standard stops, the Smithsonian, Disneyland, etc., they want to see as many
> interesting and innovative displays of indigenous American culture as
> possible.  Do you have any suggestions?

Robin, You should send your designers to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/Saint
Paul). The recently (1994) reinstalled galleries, Art of the Americas, at the
Minneapolis Institute of Art are superb--as is their use of interactives for
visitor orientation, information, and education. Evan Maurer, director, and
Louise Lincoln, Curator, are your contacts <[log in to unmask]>. Also,
the Minnesota History Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota (both in Saint
Paul) have stong 19th century American Indian collections--though not always on
view.

Lastly, to see how we handle works from your part of the world (well, Irian Jaya
anyway) the American Museum of Asmat Art just opened (Sept.'95); it is small but
has a superb collection and a handsome survey show, _To_Honor_Wowipitj:_Master_
_Carver_, currently installed. It is located in the Saint Paul suburb of
Shoreview. The director there is Tom Carkhuff, you can reach him at
<[log in to unmask]>.

Best,  Jim Cz

M.J.Czarniecki III                     Program, Facilities, & Financial
Principal & CEO                       Planning for Cultural Institutions
S/RI Cultural Planners                         - - - - - - - - -
123 Farrington                          Cultural Programming & Planning
Saint Paul  MN  USA  55102.2101                 for Communities
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