"Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes"

7/31/2023 | Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park | Miami, MO

The public is invited to view the free exhibition “Savages and Princesses: The Persistence of Native American Stereotypes” at Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park.

Stereotypes of Native American peoples are ubiquitous and familiar. This exhibition brings together 12 contemporary Native American visual artists who reclaim their right to represent their identities as Native Americans. Whether using humor, subtlety or irony, the telling is always fiercely honest and dead on. Images and styles are created from traditional, contemporary and mass culture forms.

The exhibition intends to counteract the disappearance of Native portrayals. It embraces Native Americans’ power to replace stereotypical images that permeate the current pop culture landscape. Recognizing that stereotypes often occur without conscious awareness, the exhibition includes didactic information that explores common stereotypes about Native peoples that are falsehoods, followed by the truths behind them. The exhibition’s artists use the unexpected – humor, emotion or shock – to encourage viewers to question and challenge stereotypes – even unspoken, unacknowledged ones.

Originally presented at Tulsa’s 108 Contemporary in 2016, this exhibition is organized by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The exhibition will have a soft opening on April 15, followed by a grand opening gala on April 22. The exhibition will go through Aug. 11.

For more information about this event, contact Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park at 660-886-7537.

Exhibition Dates: Thursday-Monday, April 15 - Aug. 11

• April 15-17, 20-24, 27-30
• May 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29
• June 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-30
• July 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31
• Aug. 3-7, 10-11

Exhibition Times: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park is located at: