Press Release from December 31, 1988:
Sunday, February 12, 1989 at 1 PM, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opens its newest exhibit, “Have You Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?” An exhibition of Navajo children’s art curated by Bruce Hucko, photographer and Artist-in-Education for Montezuma Creek, the exhibit focuses on the abstract dimensions of a Navajo child’s world revealing traditions, ceremonies, dreams, visions, symbolism, secrets, and special places. The artwork is curated from students in kindergarten through the 7th grade from the Montezuma Creek Utah community, located northeast of the Four Corners area on the Utah strip of the Navajo Reservation.
Over 50 different works will offer viewers of any age an unusual yet honest view into a world not seen. Most of what we know of Native American art and culture is derived from the Anglo experience as perceived by anthropologists, archaeologists, and other researchers. And despite their sensitivity to the subject they cannot know and communicate the Indian way as accurately as one who lives it.
This is not so with children. Navajo children today, like children everywhere are challenged to prepare for a future that most of us can scarcely imagine. Not only do they carry the responsibility for the preservation of their own heritage they must meet the challenge for involvement in mainstream culture. Through the artworks and comments of these children, we the audience, are presented with an insightful opportunity to enter and see the vision of these Navajo children.
The exhibit to continue through May 21, 1989.