Now: Notable Nevada Niceties, Number 1

Now is a fine time to view baskets in Nevada. Two of these exhibitions will close on November 16, 2025. The other remains until December 31, 2027. 

 The Nevada Museum of Art in Reno is showing “Of the Earth: Native American Baskets and Pueblo Pottery” that features baskets recently donated by Larry Dalrymple and Steve Moreno. The text included with many of these remarkable baskets, several hundred amassed over decades, includes the names of the artists who created them, as well as photos of some of the artists, which were taken by Mr. Dalrymple. From the late 19th through the late 20th century, the names of basketweavers were often not recorded, so this information is a pleasure to have. The text is accessible through several touch screens in the gallery. An extraordinary collection and a magnificent gift, Mr. Dalrymple and Mr. Moreno are to be commended for their generosity. Larry Dalrymple is the author of numerous articles and three books: Indian Basketmakers of California and the Great Basin, Indian Basketmakers of the Southwest, and Their Heritage, Their Tradition: The Resilience of Native American Basket Artists. I recommend all of these publications as important contributions to the corpus of basketry literature.

Some Southwestern Stunners

According to the Nevada Museum of Art’s website, 

“To commemorate this special occasion, the exhibition also features 15 newly commissioned Native American baskets from weavers in the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada, including Leah Brady (Western Shoshone), Loretta Burden (Northern Paiute), Sue Coleman (Washoe), Norma Darrough (Western Shoshone), Gracie Dick (Northern Paiute), Julia Parker (Coast Miwok | Kashaya Pomo), Lucy Parker (Kashaya Pomo | Yosemite Miwok | Mono Lake Paiute | Coast Miwok), Melanie Smokey (Western Shoshone | Washoe), Sandra Eagle (Northern Paiute), Rebecca Eagle (Northern Paiute), Nila Northsun (Shoshone | Chippewa), and Jacqueline Rickard (Walker Lake Paiute).”  Highlighting these artists proves that the art of basketry remains alive and well in our contemporary world.

https://www.nevadaart.org/art/exhibitions/of-the-earth-native-american-baskets-and-pueblo-pottery/

There’s more to see down the hall from this exhibit. Pass a lovely mural and watch a video on your way. Some of the vibrant paintings showcased in the exhibition “The Art of Judith Lowry” include basket images. Within “The Lowry & Croul Collection of Contemporary Native American Art,” Ms. Lowry’s personal art collection which she donated, is another contingent of baskets.  It’s a treat to see baskets made by Maidu artist Shiwaya Peck and others.

Tap tablet for text

Central California Charmers

Co-curators Melissa Melero-Moose (Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe) and Ann M. Wolfe, the Museum’s Andrea and John C. Deane Family Chief Curator and Associate Director, are to be commended for these three excellent exhibitions.

 Be sure to step outside to the rooftop deck, a celebration of basketry plants in three separate gardens.  Plants include devil’s claw (which I had never seen growing before), willow and redbud. Plus other delights, such as bracken fern and dogwood. Hats off to the landscape architects and staff who envisioned and created this oasis. Majestic views of the Sierras and the city below make a nice respite, and a museum staff member mentioned future plans to incorporate contemporary sculptures into this space.

Rooftop garden with devil's claw at the front right.

If you’re thinking of visiting, do so soon. “The Art of Judith Lowry” and “The Lowry & Croul Collection of Contemporary Native American Art” will both close on November 16, 2025.

“Of the Earth: Native American Baskets and Pueblo Pottery” will close on December 31, 2027.