The selection of paintings highlights the diversity of styles and artists represented in the museum’s permanent collection. Since 1938 the Nation’s museum has stood at the heart of Osage artistic and cultural practice. In the creative space defined by the boundaries of the three districts of Gray Horse, Hominy and Pawhuska, an Osage painting tradition developed during early to mid 20th Century that continues to today. Paintings from the Osage Nation Museum features some of the finest pieces from the collection from the early works of Russell Wagoshe (1910-1974) to the vibrant abstractions of Yatika Fields. These painters who have the passion, talent and commitment to capture the strength and beauty of the culture can be understood as visual storytellers of the people.
Governor Joe by Jim Red Corn, 1974, T2015.11.19. Mamie Fletcher Pitts by Todros Gellar, 1936, FA27703. John Big Heart by Todros Gellar, 1936, FA27704. Whitehorn Standing by Gina Gray, n.d., T2015.12.66. Todros Gellar paintings courtesy of the Fine Arts Collection, U.S General Services Administration WPA, Federal Art Project, 1935-1943.
