New Life for Maidu Exhibit at the Oroville Visitors Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2002
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Georgia Fox, Deparment of Anthropology
530-898-5583
New Life for Maidu Exhibit at the Oroville Visitors Center
The Museum of Anthropology and Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, is working in conjunction with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to revitalize an existing natural history diorama featuring traditional Maidu life.
The ancient Maidu lived in the Sierra foothills chaparral and oak woodland of what is now the Oroville area. The project, which officially began July 7, 2002 and extends to May 30, 2003, is being conducted through a $23,000 grant from the State of California.
Part of the exhibit refurbishing involves the painting of a mural by artist Phil Schmidt, who has been involved in rendering artifact drawings for the Archaeology Lab at CSU, Chico in the past. Under the supervision of Professor Georgia Fox, anthropology students will learn about the building and installation of natural history dioramas, as well as other aspects of museum installations.
Participants include graduate students Chris Ruiz and Elizabeth Kallenback, as well as an outside contractor, Michael Barnett, of BRM Exhibit Productions, who is a master natural history diorama designer and builder.
The project involves the addition of native plants and animals, as well as extension of an existing mural and some conservation work on original Maidu basketry. Ellen M. Clark, the district interpretive specialist for the Northern Buttes District of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is the acting representative for DPR.
“Clark’s expertise and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region is the guiding force behind the revitalization of this exhibit,” said Fox, who represents the Department of Anthropology in the project.
In directing the project, Clark is making sure that Maidu prehistory is accurately represented to the thousands of visitors who come to the Oroville Visitors Center annually. Professor Stacy Schaefer, co-director of the Museum of Anthropology, was also involved in the initial planning phase of the exhibit.
For more information about the project or the Museum of Anthropology, contact Fox at 530-898-5583 or by e-mail at gfox@csuchico.edu.
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