Open Forum

The Museum Association of Arizona, a state-wide organization representing more than 400 individual museums and historical associations, supports the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP) in their efforts to halt the sale of Hopi sacred objects at the EVE Auction House in Paris on June 1, 2015.

As museum professionals, we understand the importance of preserving and sharing great art, but these materials are not objects and do not belong in a gallery, museum or private collection.   Our museums do not claim ownership of Native American sacred materials, nor do we disrespect the beliefs and deep feelings of our fellow citizens.  Art does not exist in a vacuum, but only has value in as much as it honors and respects its makers and their values.

We are dismayed by the continued inaction of the French authorities in disregarding the sacred nature of these materials, as well as the human beings whose lives have been disrupted by their public display and sale.   We urge both the US and French authorities to find a way resolve these issues in accordance with the accepted principles of international law and U.S. interests.

------------------------------
Janice Klein
Executive Director
Museum Association of Arizona
Tempe AZ
------------------------------

The Museum Association of Arizona, a state-wide organization representing more than 400 individual museums and historical associations, supports the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP) in their efforts to halt the sale of Hopi sacred objects at the EVE Auction House in Paris on June 1, 2015.

As museum professionals, we understand the importance of preserving and sharing great art, but these materials are not objects and do not belong in a gallery, museum or private collection.   Our museums do not claim ownership of Native American sacred materials, nor do we disrespect the beliefs and deep feelings of our fellow citizens.  Art does not exist in a vacuum, but only has value in as much as it honors and respects its makers and their values.

We are dismayed by the continued inaction of the French authorities in disregarding the sacred nature of these materials, as well as the human beings whose lives have been disrupted by their public display and sale.   We urge both the US and French authorities to find a way resolve these issues in accordance with the accepted principles of international law and U.S. interests.

------------------------------
Janice Klein
Executive Director
Museum Association of Arizona
Tempe AZ
------------------------------

Is there a link, or online petition, that we can share with colleagues, friends and family to help raise awareness?

------------------------------
Alexander Tronolone
Senior Educator
Brooklyn Historical Society
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2015 05:19 PM
From: Janice Klein
Subject: MAA Statement Regarding Sale of Hopi Sacred Materials

The Museum Association of Arizona, a state-wide organization representing more than 400 individual museums and historical associations, supports the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP) in their efforts to halt the sale of Hopi sacred objects at the EVE Auction House in Paris on June 1, 2015.

As museum professionals, we understand the importance of preserving and sharing great art, but these materials are not objects and do not belong in a gallery, museum or private collection.   Our museums do not claim ownership of Native American sacred materials, nor do we disrespect the beliefs and deep feelings of our fellow citizens.  Art does not exist in a vacuum, but only has value in as much as it honors and respects its makers and their values.

We are dismayed by the continued inaction of the French authorities in disregarding the sacred nature of these materials, as well as the human beings whose lives have been disrupted by their public display and sale.   We urge both the US and French authorities to find a way resolve these issues in accordance with the accepted principles of international law and U.S. interests.

------------------------------
Janice Klein
Executive Director
Museum Association of Arizona
Tempe AZ
------------------------------

Here is a link to the HARP Facebook page with information about sale and today's press conference:

Holocaust Art Restitution Project

------------------------------
Janice Klein
Executive Director
Museum Association of Arizona
Tempe AZ
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2015 12:23 PM
From: Alexander Tronolone
Subject: MAA Statement Regarding Sale of Hopi Sacred Materials

Is there a link, or online petition, that we can share with colleagues, friends and family to help raise awareness?

------------------------------
Alexander Tronolone
Senior Educator
Brooklyn Historical Society
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2015 05:19 PM
From: Janice Klein
Subject: MAA Statement Regarding Sale of Hopi Sacred Materials

The Museum Association of Arizona, a state-wide organization representing more than 400 individual museums and historical associations, supports the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP) in their efforts to halt the sale of Hopi sacred objects at the EVE Auction House in Paris on June 1, 2015.

As museum professionals, we understand the importance of preserving and sharing great art, but these materials are not objects and do not belong in a gallery, museum or private collection.   Our museums do not claim ownership of Native American sacred materials, nor do we disrespect the beliefs and deep feelings of our fellow citizens.  Art does not exist in a vacuum, but only has value in as much as it honors and respects its makers and their values.

We are dismayed by the continued inaction of the French authorities in disregarding the sacred nature of these materials, as well as the human beings whose lives have been disrupted by their public display and sale.   We urge both the US and French authorities to find a way resolve these issues in accordance with the accepted principles of international law and U.S. interests.

------------------------------
Janice Klein
Executive Director
Museum Association of Arizona
Tempe AZ
------------------------------