Interesting concept, and it seems important to the country. I'm interested to see this exhibit. Great post.

Thanks for this, Jen. Its so thoughtfully written.

Well written commentary on the problem of cultural representation in art. We read/discuss historical novels that misrepresent cultures, so why shouldn't we read/discuss art in the same way.

It always amazes me when people don't read the commentary next to works of art. Excepting the most banal and/or over-the-top examples, they always teach me something I didn't know.

I'm a TAM member, I'm a lifelong fan of art of the American West, and I'm looking forward to finally seeing this collection. Wish I could have made it for the opening Nov. 15.

I had a chance to catch a PBS interview with TAM's director and the curator of the new collection. I vaguely recall the interviewer asking if there were any Native American artists in the collection, and they answered there were a few. Trying to make sure the Native American perspective was fairly represented was one of a few delicate issues that came up.

The other big issue was the trust that TAM and the Haub family had to build with each other. TAM had to maintain their institutional credibility and the Haub family had to make sure their gift was going to get the platform they felt it deserved, and not have the following applied to themselves: "Right now, somewhere in the world, someone is representing you and speaking for you without you knowing about it (ADD: until it's too late)." I'm hoping and expecting that once I see the exhibit, I'll be able to (A) give the Haubs credit for letting the museum do its thing, and (B) give TAM credit for not portraying the Haubs as a couple of out-of-touch, old white people (and Europeans, to boot!).

Love the pairing of the iconic George Washington portrait (they've got that?!) with the Ojibwe leader's portrait.

does this help? http://comics.feedtacoma.com/tacomic/tac…

These paintings are GOD AWFUL. I would say having to show them is far too high of a price---even with a new wing.

Just saw the exhibition last weekend. Many of the paintings are stunning--even if they were created during "problematic" periods of US history. They make you think.