Community Read sets stage for Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian

The Muskegon Museum of Art will present Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian, an exhibition of national significance, May 11 through September 10, 2017. The exhibition celebrates the artistry and cultural legacy of early-1900s photographer Edward Curtis. The entire collection of 723 portfolio photographs from The North American Indian will be on display. This in-depth survey of Curtis’s iconic body of work will also examine the challenges and controversies that the work generated from the start.

The MMA is collaborating with a wide array of cultural partners presenting special programs—films, lectures, and events—to enhance understanding of Curtis’s masterpiece and Native American culture. A Community Read book give-away and book discussion groups sponsored by area libraries and the MMA kick off the program schedule.

Community Read

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Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher book cover

The MMA is collaborating with area library branches to offer free copies and discussions of the book Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward S. Curtis by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Timothy Egan. Egan’s book tells the riveting, cinematic story behind the most famous photographs in Native American history and Edward S. Curtis—the driven, brilliant man who made them. This is all in conjunction with Timothy Egan’s visit to the Frauenthal Center theatre in Muskegon on May 17 to discuss his book.

Book Give Away
Area libraries will give away books, while supplies last, compliments of the Muskegon Museum of Art. Books are available at Muskegon Area District Library branches, Hackley Public Library, White Lake Community Library, Loutit District Library, and Spring Lake District Library. Books may also be purchased at the MMA.

Book Discussions
Book discussions will take place April 5 through May 4 at the library branches, Muskegon Museum of Art, and at the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague.
Schedule:
April 5, 6:00 pm at Book Nook and Java Shop, Montague
April 11, 5:30 pm at White Lake Community Library
April 11, 7:00 pm at Spring Lake District Library
April 13, 7:00 pm at Loutit District Library
April 18, 10:30 am at Muskegon Township Branch
April 18, 6:30 pm at North Muskegon – Walker Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
April 24, 5:30 pm at Dalton Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
April 27, 6:00 pm at Muskegon Museum of Art
May 2, 10:00 am at North Muskegon – Walker Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
May 3, 6:30 pm at Ravenna Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library
May 4, 2:00 pm at Hackley Public Library
May 4, 10:30 am at Norton Shores Branch of the Muskegon Area District Library

An Evening with Author Timothy Egan

timothyegan

Timothy Egan
Photo by Lisa Howe Verhovek

The Community Read program is organized ahead of an evening with the award winning author Timothy Egan on May 17 at the Frauenthal Theater. A book signing will follow Egan’s program. Tickets are $10. For tickets, visit frauenthal.org/event/author-timothy-egan.

See the full list of The North American Indian exhibition programs, including the book discussion schedule and locations, at http://www.muskegonartmuseum.org/edward-curtis-north-american-indian.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440. Call 231-720-2580 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for more information.