Beyond The Frame Symposium - Part 2

The Seattle Public Library is hosting a symposium on November 17th during National American Indian Heritage Month. This symposium examines the work of Edward Curtis while recognizing the need to move beyond the frame of his work to explore concepts of authenticity in art, tribal sovereignty, environmental activism, and Indigenous ways of knowing. A variety of scholars, historians, Native American community leaders, and students will discuss these topics through lectures, panels, group discussions, and performances. The symposium is free and everyone is welcome.Schedule 8:30 a.m.Doors open; coffee service Level 19 a.m.Opening Remarks with Clay Jenkinson Level 1 - Microsoft Auditorium9:30 a.m.Tim Greyhaven: Unframing Edward Curtis Level 1 - Microsoft AuditoriumTim Greyhaven looks at the dualistic nature of Edward Curtis’ work given his use of a pictorialist photography style mixed with his ethnographic text. To explore the significance of this paradox, Curtis and his approach will be contrasted with other photographers who were active on Indian Nations during that same period, including Native artists. Marna Murray: Inside the Frame Level 4 - Room 1In this session, Marna Murray begins with his vision to “picture all of Indian life and environment – their young and old with their habitations and industries, ceremonies, games and everyday customs” to tell the story. 10:30 a.m.Elizabeth Brown: Look Again--Curtis as a Visual Artist Level 1 - Microsoft AuditoriumCurtis started thinking about the North American Indian around the turn of the century and issued the final volume in 1930. Elizabeth Brown will look at key moments over this expanse of time that represent dramatic shifts in art and thought. Do any of these developments, such as Cubism, Relativity, or the first World War, make an impact on his single-minded focus?Vaun Raymond: Curtis at the Rainier Club Level 4 - Room 1Get a glimpse into the Rainier Club’s private Curtis collection. Vaun Raymond screens his video highlighting the collection and history with excerpts from a Tim Egan's lecture. Raymond will follow up his screening with a discussion of his work documenting the Beyond the Frame initiative.11:30 a.m.Lunch BreakWe have several options for lunch. You are welcome to bring your own lunch, purchase lunch from “Off The Rez” food truck (for authentic Native American food), purchase lunch from Chocolati Café on Level 3 in the Central Library or eat at one of the local restaurants. Please feel free to use Room 2 on Level 4 to eat your lunch (eating is restricted in the Library).12:30 p.m.Coll Thrush: The Vanishing Race Narrative Level 1 - Microsoft AuditoriumColl Thrush discusses the settler colonial idea of the “vanishing race” through images from the late 18th and early 19th century. Then the relationship between these ideas and policies and practices directed at Indigenous peoples.1:30 p.m.Kathryn Bunn-Marcuse: Reframing Boas Level 1 - Microsoft AuditoriumKathryn Bunn-Marcuse’s presentation contrasts Franz and Franziska Boas’ intentions for their ethnological recordings from the Kwakwaka’wakw village of Tsaxis (Fort Rupert) with the current uses for this material among today’s generations of Kwagiulth, many of whom are descendants of the film’s original participants.Emily Washines: Relations Level 4 - Room 1Edward S. Curtis photographed Emily Washines great-great-grandparents. For this session, Emily Washines will add voice to this photo by telling their story as well as the larger story of the Yakama people.2:30 p.m.John and Coleen Graybill: Descendants Level 1 - Microsoft AuditoriumThe Descendants of Edward Curtis’ Native American photographs have a powerful voice to be heard – a message of survival. The Descendants Project tells their stories in their voice, linking their past and their present. John Graybill, great-grandson of Edward Sherriff Curtis, along with his wife Coleen, want to write their stories and share it with others so that we all have a better unders