Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts
Generations: The Helen Cox Kersting Collection of Southwestern Cultural Arts
Helen Cox Kersting grew up in Illinois, but gained fame as an opera star in Europe. Kersting became a sophisticated collector of exceptional work by famed jewelers, such as Leo Poblano, John Gordon Leak, Charles Loloma, and Frank Dishta, and she was fascinated by the pottery of masters such as Maria Martinez, Lucy Lewis, Margaret Tafoya, and Nampeyo. Creations by leading Native artists today, including brilliant works by Veronica Poblano, Tammy Garcia, Grace Medicine Flower, Jacob Koopee, and Les Namingha, were added to the collection.
Generations presents a visual feast of Native arts of the American Southwest, with approximately 550 color plates. Essays by James H. Nottage, Diana F. Pardue (Heard Museum), and Bruce Bernstein (Santa Fe Indian Market) provide insights into the history of the collection.