The recognition of American Indian art continues to grow as associations from across the nation show their support by making donations to various organizations that honor the creative work of native artists.

The Douglas Society is a support group established in Denver who recognizes the influence of American Indian art, African art, and Oceanic art. They host special workshops and programs regarding the collection and preservation of native objects and art.

Additionally, they host lectures and meetings with distinguished scholars and native artists/performers as they tour all throughout the United States.

The society paid a visit to the Southern Ute Indian Cultural Center and Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 8, providing a monetary donation, which will be used towards education Shirley Cloud-Lane, acting museum director said.

“We want to do more outreach to the community and schools,” she said. “We want to let people know about the exhibits and the beautiful story of the Utes.”

Robert Burch, board chairman of the museum, accepted the donation and gave thanks to the society with the gift of a Pendleton blanket.

“[The museum] has been open for four years and we’re moving along really good,” he said. “Additionally, we will be starting the Friends of the Museum campaign to invite people to go on a journey with us and tell the story of the Ute people. We hope to get other exhibits to join in on this campaign.”

Friends of the Museum is a campaign intended to bring together communities through the influence of art. It will be open to the public, allowing any artist to bring their creative works to the museum for display.

“[The museum] is a good place to come and learn about history,” Cloud-Lane said. “We set up events, host movie nights that display typical native stereotypes in films and adapt from it. People who come and watch all of the films can be awarded with a Pendleton blanket.”

The Friends of the Museum campaign hopes to branch a connection between creative artists and the community, all with hopes of telling a story through the voice of art.

“Anyone is welcome to come and bring art to the museum and show people,” Cloud-Lane said. “We want to get the word out to the community that we are here and that people can visit us.”