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Several readers interested in Indian art have asked what happened to the watercolors of sand paintings which were used to create the controversial murals at El Navajo in Gallup, which had to be blessed by Navajo leaders before it was allowed to open in 1923 because they incorporated “forbidden” images made from sand paintings, which were from the private collection of Minnie Harvey Huckel and her husband John Huckel.
While the El Navajo was knocked down in the late 1950s, the images still exist: they now reside in the Taylor Museum of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. It’s not clear if anyone by Navajo leaders can see them. They were the subject of a 1971 book by Leland C. Wyman. If anyone ever gets a chance to visit the museum and explore whether the paintings are allowed to be seen–or can get any more information–please post it here.
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One Response to “Where are the controversial sand paintings from El Navajo?”
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Mr. Wyman, I was head of the docent program at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts center many years ago and remember the water color sand paintings very well. i also served on the FAC board of trustees. i certainly think i could arrange for you to see them, or i would be happy to inquire about them on your behalf. To my knowledge they have always been stored–and carefully protected–in the basement storage area and have never been exhibited. The CEO there is Sam Gappmeyer who is very approachable and i’m sure would be delighted to help in any way. i’m in the midst of your FASCINATING book–enjoying it immensely!