Adult Program · Discussion · Special Exhibition & Related Program

The Many Faces of Edward Curtis: An Afternoon of Exploration

Saturday, February 21
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
02.21.26 curtis event.jpg

Dive into the world of Edward S. Curtis with an afternoon full of ideas, stories and unexpected insights. Drawing inspiration from Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time and The James Museum’s extensive Curtis collection —one of the best in the country— this program brings together an artist, a historian and a portrait descendant for a dynamic exploration of his creativity, controversies and cultural impact.

Whether Curtis is new to you or a longtime fascination, you’ll experience his work from fresh angles that illuminate the people, moments, and motivations behind the photographs.

SCHEDULE:
1–1:15 p.m.                    Welcome
1:15–2 p.m.                   Shane Balkowitsch, American Photographer
2:15–3 p.m.                  Clay Jenkinson, Humanities Scholar
3–3:30 p.m.                 Break (with coffee and light refreshments)
3:30–4:15 p.m.            Dr. Liz Ross, Portrait Descendant
4:30–5:15 p.m.            Moderated Panel Discussion
5:15–5:30 p.m.            Closing Remarks

$40 Adults; $30 members and seniors; $5 college students with ID. Includes museum admission. Space is limited; advance ticket purchase required.

Speakers

American Photographer

Shane Balkowitsch

Shane Balkowitsch is a self-taught wet plate (ambrotype) photographer. He proudly bears the Hidatsa name, Maa’ishda tehxixi Agu’agshiu (“Shadow Catcher”) given to him by Calvin Grinnell of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation. rnrnBalkowitsch’s presentation will focus on Curtis’s photographic techniques and his complex relationship to the photographer’s legacy.

Humanities Scholar

Clay Jenkinson

Clay Jenkinson is a well-known writer, moderator and documentary filmmaker who is frequently featured as an expert commentator on historical documentaries, collaborating with the likes of Ken Burns. rnrnJenkinson will share insights into Curtis, providing an overview of his life and work based on his expertise as a historian.

Portrait Descendant

Dr. Liz Ross

Dr. Liz Ross’ grandparents—Joe and Ola Nashoalook—and her mother, Ana Nashoalook Ellis, were all photographed by Curtis during his work on u0022The North American Indian,u0022 and her grandfather Joe Nashoalook was the last traditional chief in Unalakleet, Alaska. rnrnRoss’ presentation will offer an insight into Curtis’s work from a very personal perspective as she reflects on her mother and grandparents’ involvement in the photographer’s work in Alaska.

James Museum program and event tickets, excluding Jamboree, are refundable up to 48 hours before the event, non-refundable within 48 hours or after, and transferrable; for assistance, contact info@thejamesmuseum.org.