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Comanche museum acquires Watchetaker painting |
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| LAWTON, OK – In just less than three years, the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center in Lawton, Oklahoma, has become home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Comanche Fine Art in the world. When the small Southwest Oklahoma tribal museum opened in 2007, there were very few pieces the museum could call its own. Since then, the museum’s Collections Department has attained a variety of items, including 120 paintings by 22 different Comanche artists. Its latest acquisition: six rare paintings by world renowned Comanche artist, dancer and spiritual leader George “Woogie” Watchetaker. The museum staff recently purchased the painting from art collector Bert Koch of Dallas, Texas. “Mr. Koch contacted us to see if we wanted them and we jumped at the opportunity,” said Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi, Executive Director. “Woogie Watchetaker is one of the tribes’ most distinguished figures of the 20th century. He had an extraordinary way of using his art to depict American Indian life. |
Comanche National Museum Cultural Specialist Bambi Allen (left) and Executive Director Phyllis Wahahrockah-Tasi (right) hang a newly acquired piece by renowned Comanche artist George "Woogie" Watchetaker. The painting is one of six paintings recently added to the museum's growing collections. |
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His work has won numerous awards and has shown in galleries all around the world. It’s also extremely hard to acquire so we are very fortunate to own these pieces.” The museum also houses 14 sculptures by 11 different Comanche artists as well as 600 various Comanche items including photographs and regalia. “We are experiencing some growing pains but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We’ve had to purchase special shelving and moveable walls to store all of our items. When I first started working at the museum, our collection consisted of a couple dozen items laid out on a folding table. As we slowly began accumulating various things, we’ve had to find ways accommodate our growth," Wahahrockah-Tasi said. "Our entire staff understands the importance of preserving our history and culture and we are all committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure the legacy of our Comanche Nation lives on for generations to come. We are a work in progress but we’re off to a very good start.” The Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center is an entity of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma. The museum offers visitors a glimpse of traditional cultural items and detailed history about the tribe, allowing visitors a better understanding about the Comanches, the largest American Indian tribe in the Lawton-Fort Sill area The museum is
located 701 NW Ferris Avenue in Lawton, behind McMahon Auditorium.
The hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free
and tour groups are welcome.
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Beginning
March 2, 2010 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm - Indian Taco Tuesdays, Jacobson
House, 609 Chautauqua Ave., Norman, OK. 405-366-1667