NORMAN — The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma has added Heather Ahtone to its ranks as the new James T. Bialac Assistant Curator of Native American and Non-Western Art.
“OU has a legacy of supporting Native American art and artists that is known worldwide,” said Ahtone. “I am excited to join my esteemed colleagues in building on this legacy. I believe the vision for the museum’s future is bright.”
Ahtone completed her master’s degree at OU in 2006 and received her associate’s degree at the Institute of American Indian Arts in 1993. Her new title is named in honor of James T. Bialac, a private art collector based in Phoenix Bialac donated to the university his collection of nearly 4,000 works in 2010 and established the James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.
Previously, Ahtone worked with the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts and the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum, both in Santa Fe, and for Ralph Appelbaum Associates in New York. She has curated independently and has taught Native American art as an adjunct instructor at the OU School of Art and Art History for the past four years. Ahtone is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and is a descendent of the Choctaw Nation.
“Heather’s experience and education in Native American studies will make her a valuable member of the museum’s staff,” said Ghislain d’Humières, director of the museum.
Since 2007, Ahtone has taught American Indian Women in Art at OU. She also has instructed students in historical bookmaking within the context of Native American culture.
In 2007, Ahtone was recognized in Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40, an annual feature recognizing the state’s distinguished young professionals in business, law, politics and the arts.
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located in the OU Arts District on the corner of Elm Avenue and Boyd Street, at 555 Elm Ave., on the OU Norman campus. For more information on the museum visit www.ou.edu/fjjma.
