“Tell Clyfford I Said ‘Hi’”: A Unique Exhibition Curated by Children of the Colville Confederated Tribes
“Tell Clyfford I Said ‘Hi’”: An Exhibition Curated by Children of the Colville Confederated Tribes at the Clyfford Still Museum sheds light on the perspectives of Colville youth regarding Still’s portrayals of their homeland, as well as his abstract artworks.
Over the course of three years, the museum team has worked closely with children aged three to 14 and their educators to bring this exhibition to life. Bailey Placzek, the museum’s curator of collections, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in enhancing our understanding of Clyfford Still’s art. “Our partnership with the Colville Confederated Tribes enriches the narrative surrounding Still’s work, fostering a more inclusive and diverse interpretation of history,” Placzek commented.
During the mid-1930s, Clyfford Still spent three summers immersed in the Colville community while serving as a young art professor at Washington State College. Following a visit to the reservation in 1936, Still and his faculty mentor established a summer art program in the region the following year. His interactions with the people and landscapes inspired over 100 sketches, paintings, and photographs in 1937 and 1938.
“Tell Clyfford emerged from a request by Tribal leaders for the Still Museum to engage with Tribal youth in creating an exhibition,” explained Nicole Cromartie, the museum’s director of learning and engagement. “This initiative further underscores the museum’s commitment to empowering its communities by sharing authority on Still’s legacy with a broader audience.”
The exhibition will be open for viewing until May 10, 2026.
For more information, please visit clyffordstillmuseum.org.
Located in Denver, Colorado, the Clyfford Still Museum is specifically designed to showcase Still’s extensive body of work. With approximately 3,125 pieces on display, representing 93% of his artistic output, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore a world-class collection within an architecturally acclaimed space, fostering creativity and appreciation for Still’s contributions to the art world.
