Reference Point

Fall 2011

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Sculptured People have called katsina dolls – a refl ection of the Hopi Native American culture – visible prayers, books in wood and spirit messengers. Recent visitors to Park Library's Baber Room also may consider them art after observing a collection of katsina dolls that Adelyn and Robert Leander donated to CMU Libraries' permanent collection. stories Student enrichment inspires gift to Libraries Adelyn served as dean of CMU's College of Arts and Sciences during the mid 1970s. "It was natural for both my husband Robert Leander and me to think of the university's library for a gift that celebrates Native American history and culture, b D C understanding of any part of Native American culture can serve as a bridge between people. " During Leander's time as dean at CMU, she and her late husband, Bob Dougherty, made many friends with whom she, and now Robert Leander, have kept in close contact. Many of these friends attended the opening reception for the exhibit, which was d w h t displayed Aug. 1 to Sept. 23. E a c i " Each doll represents a diff erent spirit, and each tells a story. Among the collection is the "Eagle Dancer, is Leander's favorite. w "I love the fl ow of it," she says. "I love what it represents. " " which While on campus the Leanders, who now live in Evanston, Ill., and summer in northern Michigan, also had the opportunity to tour Park Library, which Adelyn described as "fascinating. " " she says. "Deepening our Taking a break from her studies, Sarah Neubecker shares her thoughts on the katsina doll exhibit. "It's a diff erent culture than I'm used to, majoring in journalism. "It invites more interpretation and study than other exhibits. " says Neubecker, a CMU senior " Neubecker visits Park Library and the Baber Room frequently. Along with many other students, she utilizes the space for homework and reading, but also makes it a point to look at the art that the room showcases. "I like to look at the art because it changes frequently, cool thing to take you away from your studies, look at it and take it all in." • " she says. "It's a An opening reception for the katsina doll exhibit provides the opportunity for donors Robert and Adelyn Leander, center, to catch up with friends including Dennis Horton, left, and Martha Logsdon, right. Adelyn served as a CMU college dean nearly three decades ago. 7

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