The Cathedral City Public Arts Commission (CCPAC) and the Cathedral City Public Library are hosting the photographic exhibit entitled, “The Sioux Wars: A Historic Exhibit,” in main lobby leading to the multi-purpose room at the Cathedral City Public Library during normal business hours for an indefinite period of time. The library is located at 33520 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City and admission is free.
“The Sioux Wars: A Historic Exhibit” showcases the photographic work of the late photographer David Frances Barry. His collection includes photographs captured from the Western Frontier from the 1860s to 1900 including images taken after the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn, commonly known as Custer’s Last Stand. The collection includes the first photographs known of Indian Chiefs Gall, Low Dog, and Sitting Bull. Additionally, Barry photographed military leaders of the 7th Cavalry Regiment and others including General Custer, Lt. James Calhoun, and General Nelson A. Miles as well as Annie Oakley.
These photos capture a split moment in time of the men who fought nearly 40 years to preserve their way of life on the Great Plains. The Sioux Wars were a series of battles over culture and land that tragically ended the lives of hundreds. David Frances Barry’s exhibit provides a visual glimpse into our nation’s history.
In 1934, the Denver Public Library purchased the negative collection of David Frances Barry collection. Several reprints were made available. Cathedral City residents Michael and Jan Marchese generously donated these extremely rare images to the City several decades ago.
The CCPAC’s mission serves to collect and preserve art from local and renowned artists and is funded by developer fees. Composed of five local residents who are appointed to three-year terms by the City Council, CCPAC meets once a month in Council Chambers on the 2nd Monday of each month starting at 5:30 pm. The agenda for each meeting and video of the meetings are available on the City’s website at: www.CathedralCity.gov.
The CCPAC also maintains an APP (Cathedral City: Where Art Lives) that provides listings, photos, descriptions, and walking/driving tours of the City’s public art. It is available as a free download for Apple or Android Devices from their respective APP stores.
