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Big boost for Inuit art in U.S.

An American couple has gifted their U.S. $2.5-million Inuit art collection and donated U.S. $2 million to create an Inuit art program at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Renowned Cape Dorset artist Kenojuak Ashevak created this print, titled The Enchanted Owl, which is part of the Power Family Program for Inuit Art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
image courtesy of Levi Stroud/University of Michigan Museum of Art

Philip and Kathy Power's assortment of Inuit art includes more than 200 stone carvings and prints, primarily from mid-20th century Baffin Island.

"Over the years, our family built a collection of Inuit art that ranks among the best in the world," Philip Power said. "Kathy and I decided to gift it to UMMA so as many people as possible could experience it, and understand how Inuit people understand and cope with their harsh Arctic environment – now under dire threat from climate change."

The Power Family Program for Inuit Art will debut in spring 2019 with an exhibition of selected works from the Power family collection.

"Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Phil and Kathy Power, UMMA will establish itself as a national center for Inuit art," said UMMA director Christina Olsen. "Their gift will enable the museum to share the art of the Inuit people with audiences throughout the United States.

-University of Michigan Museum of Art