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The Storytellers Hand:
The Frederick and Lucy S Herman
Native American Art Collection

October 19 - December 17, 2000
In the spring of 2000, the University of Delaware proudly announced the acquisition of the Frederick and Lucy S. Herman Native American Art Collection. The Hermans, of Norfolk, Virginia, are veteran collectors of drawings by important American and European artists, some dating back to the 15th century. Many of these works on paper have been exhibited in major museums throughout the United States, and over the years, the couple have welcomed countless art historians and student scholars into their home in order to study and conduct research on their collection. Almost 15 years ago, the Hermans also developed an abiding interest in Inuit art, attracted by drawings which compellingly depicted a society on the verge of transition. Until recently, the Inuits were a semi-nomadic people who roamed from British Columbia to the Arctic Circle.
Although known as carvers of whalebone and soapstone, it was not until the late 1940s and early 1950s that the Inuit were introduced to the concept of drawing as a "make work" project of the Canadian government.

With the expert guidance of the late Joe Murphy of the Inuit Art Gallery of Vancouver, the Hermans started the process of educating themselves about the lives of these native artists, and began acquiring works by masters like Irene Avaalaaqiaq and Jessie Oonark of Baker Lake, and Pitseolak Ashoona of Cape Dorset.

The Herman’s Inuit drawings, which now number almost 200 and comprise the majority of works in their Native American art collection, portray the Inuit’s everyday lives and traditions over the span of three generations. There are scenes of their hunts, the wildlife in their environment, their rituals, myths, and legends. Increasingly evident in the work collected in the 1990s is the emerging awareness and influence of modern life in the 21st century. These images share an unique artistic perspective, and as importantly, serve as critical anthropological documents which chronicle a quickly vanishing culture.
In seeking a permanent home for their collection, the Herman’s were impressed by the recent establishment of the University of Delaware’s Center for American Material Cultural Studies, which builds on the institution’s significant tradition of interdisciplinary studies, and the University Gallery’s commitment to training students in the standards and practices of the museum profession by utilizing collections in a hands-on way. It is the Herman’s intention for their collection to be used extensively by faculty in the development and delivery of curriculum so that UD students will have the opportunity to learn about Inuit culture through their art. The Hermans share the University of Delaware’s dedication to public service and education, and strongly support access to the collection by teachers and schoolchildren throughout the state.
Click HERE for links to sites about Inuit art & culture
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