The second-floor galleries of the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art in Logan stand as a time capsule, displaying the beautifully restored murals of the Intermountain Indian School. One mural, titled “Returning Home,” captures a Diné family in a serene scene before their traditional hogan, evoking nostalgia and cultural heritage. Painted in the 1960s for the school’s cafeteria, this mural typifies the vibrant student art that characterized Intermountain until its closure in 1984.
Established as part of a system of government-funded Indian boarding schools, Intermountain aimed to assimilate Native children into Western culture, often at the cost of their own identities. Yet, for many like Ronald Geronimo, the experience yielded unexpected joys. “Sometimes people don’t believe us that we actually enjoyed going to school there,” he remarked, reflecting on how some staff there encouraged cultural sharing despite the oppressive mandate of the institution.
Led by renowned Apache artist Allan Houser, Intermountain’s art programme allowed students to express their cultural identities. Lorina Antonio, an alumna, recalls the poignant sentiment behind the mural “Returning Home,” relating to her own homesickness upon arriving at the school. Reflecting on her journey from a student to a leader in the alumni community, she wore traditional attire during her first visit to the exhibit, proud to represent the legacy of her education.
By the 1980s, Intermountain blossomed into a flourishing gallery of Native art, a testament to cultural evolution among its diverse student body, which represented over two dozen nations. The art created during these years highlights profound questions about identity and belonging, as noted by historian Farina King. Notably, the environment fostered healthy competition, sparking creativity and camaraderie among various tribes.
Photographs by Sheila Nadimi capture this artistic legacy, showcasing the dynamic blend of styles among students’ works. Geronimo noted the mix of Pueblo and Navajo influences in the artwork, a reminder that Intermountain facilitated invaluable exchanges of cultural narratives among its attendees. Now, King hopes visitors will glean wisdom from the exhibited pieces, enriching their understanding of Native American history and contemporary realities.
The murals and Nadimi’s photographs are currently on display until January 17, 2026, serving as a reminder of the vibrant cultural expressions that once resonated within Intermountain Indian School. These restored artworks encourage reflection on the students’ experiences, their journeys, and the rich tapestry of Native American histories and traditions, paving pathways for future generations.
The restored murals at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art showcase the vibrant cultural expressions of students from the Intermountain Indian School, a former government-run boarding school. Despite its oppressive legacy, many alumni found joy and cultural sharing within their art programs. The exhibition highlights the importance of understanding Native American identities and histories while celebrating the artistic talents nurtured during the school’s years.
The restored murals at the Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art not only celebrate the artistic talents of the Intermountain Indian School’s students but also evoke a profound cultural narrative. Despite the assimilative intentions of government-run boarding schools, many students found ways to share and express their identities. The exhibition invites introspection on the complexities of Native American experiences and continues to plant seeds of knowledge for those who encounter these poignant works.
Original Source: www.kuer.org
