figurine
Catalog Number
2022.62.1Description
Figurine consisting of a piece of clay in the shape of a bear, attached to a wooden base. The clay is all black except for some gray swirls.History
This figurine was made by Holland, MI resident and artist Annie Olson. She was born in Holland, Michigan and is a 5th generation Ten Cate.Annie married a Tlingit Indian from Alaska whom she met in Holland. He attended high school at Holland High School and college in the area. The couple were very involved in Native American affairs and activism. This eventually led them to be introduced to Marlon Brando in the 1970s. Brando asked the couple and 2 other men (one of these men they met at Hope College) to attend the premier. Jim, her husband, dressed in full North American regalia. This was meant as a silent gesture of protest on how Hollywood depicted Native Americans in movies. When Brando was to receive the best actor award for Godfather, he sent Sacheen Littlefeather to accept it, again to voice his objections. This is still one of the most dramatic moments in Oscar history. Littlefeather was welcomed with both boos and applause.
In September the Academy of Motion Pictures invited Annie to the apology event for Littlefeather in California.
Annie also earned her pilots license and lived in Alaska. After Annie’s divorce from her first husband, she moved back to Holland Michigan in 1980 with her 3 children. She graduated from GVSU in 1988. She is actively involved with ACEH and creates clay art. Annie shared her experience in an ACEH & Museum event on Friday, November 4.