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Northwest Coast Art Collection
MS.2017.008
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Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives
Title: Northwest Coast Art Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MS.2017.008
Physical Description:
7.67 Linear Feet
Date (bulk): 1949-1997
Abstract: Mary Gormly was the former librarian and archivist at John F. Kennedy Memorial Library at California State University, Los
Angeles from 1962-1983. Gormly's Northwest Coast artwork impacted the campus with her diverse collection and dedication to
educate on Native American culture. Her interest in Northwest Coast art likely started from living in Washington. She also
received her B.A. in Anthropology in 1947 from the University of Washington. Gormly also went on to Mexico and received a
M.A. from Mexico City College in 1948. She received a MLS degree from the University of Washington in 1959. Gormly was employed
at John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in 1962 as a social sciences librarian. Gormly's interests at the campus centered on the
arts and ethnography of Native American populations. She retired from Cal State Los Angeles in 1983 but continued to teach
about Northwest Coast art and Native American history. Gormly passed away in 2004, but has left her legacy on campus with
her Northwest Coast Art collection, a fellowship for Native American studies students in her honor, and an exhibit of the
collection in 2007.
Language of Material:
English
.
The Northwest Coast Art Collection is the physical property of
California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library,
Special Collections and Archives.
Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by
Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California
State University, Los Angeles
The collection is organized into seven series: I: Kwakwaka'wakw
Art, 1979-1986; II: Nuu-chah-nulth Art, 1978-1982; III: Gitxsan Art, 1976-1986;
VI: Haida Art, 1974-1979; V: Other Art, 1949-1983; VI: Miscellaneous, u.d. ; VII:
Oversized Art, 1982-1997.
Mary Gormly was the former librarian and archivist at John F. Kennedy Memorial
Library at California State University, Los Angeles from 1962-1983. Gormly's
Northwest Coast artwork impacted the campus with her diverse collection and
dedication to educate on Native American culture. Her interest in Northwest
Coast art likely started from living in Washington. She also received her B.A. in
Anthropology in 1947 from the University of Washington. Gormly also went on to
Mexico and received a M.A. from Mexico City College in 1948. She received a
MLS degree from the University of Washington in 1959. Gormly was employed at
John F. Kennedy Memorial Library in 1962 as a social sciences librarian.
Gormly's interests at the campus centered on the arts and ethnography of Native
American populations. She retired from Cal State Los Angeles in 1983 but
continued to teach about Northwest Coast art and Native American history.
Gormly passed away in 2004, but has left her legacy on campus with her
Northwest Coast Art collection, a fellowship for Native American studies students
in her honor, and an exhibit of the collection in 2007.
Mary Gormly former librarian and archivist at John F. Kennedy Memorial Library
at California State Los Angeles from 1962-1983 collected Native American Art
from the Northwest Coast. In 1983 she donated her collection to the library.
Series I: Kwakwaka'wakw Art
Inclusive Dates: 1979-1986
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This series includes Posters and art cards collected by Mary Gormly through the
years from 1979-1986. The series is focused on Kwakwaka'wakw art and culture.
Some of the artists include the Hunt Family: Henry Hunt, father, and his sons
Tony, Stan, and Richard. The Hunt family provide black and red art that depicts
nature related to the Kwakwaka'wakw people.
Series II: Nuu-chah-nulth Art
Inclusive Dates: 1978-1982
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This series consists of posters and art cards collected by Mary Gormly from
1978-1982. The series is focused on Nuu-chah-nulth artwork by Tim Paul and
Joe David. Their artwork exhibits various aspects of Nuu-chah-nulth culture with
their colorful and diverse art.
Series III: Gitxsan Art
Inclusive Dates: 1976-1986
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This small series consists of posters collected by Mary Gormly from 1976-1986.
The series is on Gitxsan artwork by artist Ken Mowatt. Mowatt's black and red
and animal centered artwork provide insight onto Gitxsan culture.
Series IV: Haida Art
Inclusive Dates: 1974-1979
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This small series consists of posters and art cards collected by Mary Gormly from
1974-1979. The series includes artists' Robert Davidson and Bill Reid
interpretations of Haida culture. Their art is characterized by its circular shapes
and fine strokes.
Series V: Other Art
Inclusive Dates: 1949-1983
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This series consists of posters, art cards, and pages collected by Mary Gormly
from 1949-1983. This diverse series includes various artworks that are not
directly connected to a specific indigenous community. Artist Barry Herem is
influenced by a Northwest Coast Indian Style and black and red are his preferred
colors. Artist Roy Henry Vickers is from a mixed heritage of Tsimshian, Haida,
and Heitsuk and reflects that diversity in his art. The series also includes Hopi
artist Fred Kabotie's pages that introduce Mimbreno art and history.
Series VI: Miscellaneous
Inclusive Dates: u.d.
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This small series includes artist biographies and exhibit labels related to the
Pacific Northwest Art Collection.
Series VI: Oversized Art
Inclusive Dates: 1982-1997
Arrangement: Alphabetical and thereunder chronological
This series consists of posters collected by Mary Gormly from 1982- 1997. The
series includes Kwakwaka'wakw, Gitxsan, and Tsimshian artwork that portray
animals like wolves, ravens, and sea animals.