Danforth Art’s permanent collection of Katsina Dolls shows a unique range of Hopi Native American artwork. Katsina Dolls play a significant role in how the Hopi seek to understand and represent both their cultural and spiritual experiences in the world. In much the same way that the Katsina Dolls serve as a teaching tool for young Native American children to learn about their culture, the Danforth Art’s collection has also played an integral part in the Framingham Public School’s third grade curriculum through our Native American Program. Visitors and students alike observe these skillfully-crafted dolls that have evolved from the Native American belief of spirits in nature.
The Native American Program is an integrated arts and social studies experience that connects with the Massachusetts Department of Educations curriculum frameworks. Each year nearly 800 elementary-aged students from Framingham and surrounding communities visit Danforth Art for docent-led tours of the Native American collections, augmented by a hands-on studio art project led by Danforth Art faculty. This program explores the relationships between art, culture, geographic location, and natural resources. Students will also consider how traditions are passed between generations as they look at artwork created by contemporary Native American artists Jaune Quick-To-See Smith and Duane Slick.