Native American artist Ronald Anderson of Whites Creek, Tenn. has presented 18 paintings and four sketchbooks to UALR’s Sequoyah National Research Center.

The artworks depict the artist’s recent experiences in and around Gracemont, Okla., and the sketchbooks detail the paintings’ development and his thoughts during this period. The paintings were featured in Anderson’s “Arte Povera” exhibition in October 2008 at the Southern Plains Indian Art Museum in Anadarko, Okla.

“Importance of the donation is enhanced by the inclusion of a storyboard of sketches that relate to his visits to Anadarko during the exhibition, plus many photographs and recordings pertaining to Anderson’s recent stay in Gracemont,” said Daniel F. Littlefield, director of the SNRC. A reception to celebrate the gift this donation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4.at the SNRC.

Choctaw artist Anderson is best known as a sculptor of gigantic works that often utilize parts of automobiles. He has created sculptures of an automobile wrapped in blankets atop a burial scaffold and of an automobile hanging from a telephone pole. Only recently has he begun to show his paintings.

“The Sequoyah National Research Center is grateful to Mr. Anderson for generously sharing his art and the documentation of his art processes,” Littlefield said. “These materials will be invaluable to scholars and researchers studying today’s native American art and thought.”

The center is home to the Dr. J.W. Wiggins Native American Art Collection, which currently contains more than 2,200 works of art.  A portion of the collection is on display for the public in the Dr. J.W. Wiggins Native American Art Gallery at the SNRC located in UALR’s University Plaza, Suite 500.  Additional information about the art collection and gallery hours may be obtained by calling 501-569-8336.