Working With Ute Artists

In preparation for the opening of Until Forever Comes: This Is Ute Homeland,  CSPM staff worked with over 20 Ute artists and creators to commission and/or purchase items for exhibit in the gallery and for the museum’s permanent collection. Many of these objects can be seen throughout the UFC gallery, including the beautiful ribbon dress created by Frances Bison, Southern Ute. Ms. Bison’s ribbon dress can be found in the Bear Dance case, and illustrates the type of dresses worn by members of all three Ute Tribes when attending Bear Dances each spring.

To celebrate the opening of this important exhibit, the CSPM invited our Tribal partners, Tribal consultants, and all the artists and creators to the opening reception. After months or even years of talking on the phone or exchanging emails, it was wonderful to meet so many exhibit contributors in person. Southern Ute Tribal Vice Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose provided extremely meaningful remarks during the opening reception, and we were honored that both Vice Chairman Pinnecoose and his wife Frances Bison were in attendance. Afterwards, Frances Bison sent a nice note to CSPM staff stating, “Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the museum. The history you have is amazing.”

 To learn more about Bear Dance and to see Frances Bison’s ribbon dress in person, please visit the CSPM Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.