In “Picturing Indian Territory,” experience a scholarly examination of the visual history of Oklahoma. Here, you’ll see how the nineteenth-century fascination with native cultures and the ‘undiscovered’ frontiers of North America encouraged numerous artists to depict the cultures and spaces of the territories.

Through the work of artists, illustrators and journalists who were mostly outsiders and non-residents, you’ll understand how the territories and their imagery influenced the popular imagination. The exhibition focuses on work by non-native artists like George Catlin, Frederic Remington and John Mix Stanley, who visited Oklahoma but didn’t settle. You’ll also see drawings by artists who helped to explore Indian Territory, as well as important ephemera from the nineteenth century that helped to visually define the area.

OPENING RECEPTION – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6
7:00 PM – Public Opening Lecture with B. Byron Price, director of the Charles M. Russell Center and the University of Oklahoma Press
8:00 PM – Public Opening Reception with light hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

SYMPOSIUM – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
10:00 AM – Explore the rich and often complicated history of the Indian and Oklahoma Territories. Featuring Sterling Evans, Louise Welsh Chair, Department of History, University of Oklahoma; Clara Sue Kidwell (White Earth Chippewa/Choctaw), former director of the American Indian Center, University of North Carolina; Bob L. Blackburn, Executive Director, Oklahoma Historical Society; and Dan Flores, Professor Emeritus, University of Montana

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4
6:00 PM – “Picturing Indian Territory” comes to life in this fun, family-friendly event with crafts, rope twirling and historic reenactors.

BUILDING GUTHRIE: A MUSEUM MEET-UP – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
1:00 PM – Explore the eastern European-influenced architecture of Oklahoma Territory’s historic capital with Associate Professor Ron Frantz. This event will take place in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Transportation will not be provided; please meet at the northwest corner of Harrison Avenue and Division Street to begin the walking tour.

FAMILY DAY – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
1:00-4:00 PM – Explore art in the museum's permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, and enjoy a variety of hands-on art activities for the entire family.