High Noon Western Americana

Good Friends

James Nottage, continued from August 2012, Smoke Signals

James Nottage

Vice President and Chief Curatorial Office,
Eiteljorg Museum of the American Indian and Western Art

By Jayne Skeff

OAnyone who has ever had the chance to meet, chat or spend anytime at all with James Nottage feels the passion for what he does electrifying the room, but in the most soft spoken of ways.

What he has done throughout his professional life is, at the root, the reflection of who he was as a young boy. It's not often that you meet someone who knew, by the ripe old age of 9 years, that he wanted to be a museum curator. "Did you even know what a museum curator was at that time?" I asked him. "Well, I'm not sure I knew what a curator was but I knew I wanted to work in a museum." What his life would be about was determined after his first visit to the Wyoming State Museum in the 4th grade. "I became completely enamored with museums and history and knew my life had to revolve around this world," he recalls.

Nottage, a 6th generation Laramie (WY) resident, was a city boy, not a cowboy, who spent a good deal of his time growing up talking to "the older folks" about the West and its history. He didn't get the chance to see that many museums as a youngster but that didn't deter him from his goal.

He went on to achieve both his bachelors in History and masters in American Studies from the University of Wyoming, then went on to obtain another masters degree in Museum Studies at the Cooperstown New York Graduate Program. From then, he was on to a whirlwind adventure and an amazing career in world-class museums - museums he would help to create.

While his professional life and what he has accomplished is staggering, at the core is that he believes that "Western history is not just about cowboys and Indians - it's about diversity of people, of thought, of environment, and of expression."

He spent his first museum years at the Kansas State Historical Society. He comments that one of the best things that has ever happened at that time was meeting his wife, Mary Ellen, also a museum professional, who he has worked with since 1977.

In 1985, they got a call from the Autry Museum of Western Heritage. Well, it wasn't a museum yet, it was just a concept. The opportunity to be involved in creating such an important institution was something he couldn't pass up. So he and Mary Ellen moved to Los Angeles where he helped found, from every single exhibit to building design, and mission, what we now know as the Autry National Center. The doors to the Autry opened in 1988. "It was a foot race all the way for three solid years. But to see the concept come to fruition was so rewarding." Nottage and his wife both remained at the Autry until 2001 with James as founding Chief Curator, along the way curating and developing over 100 special exhibitions, educational programs and creating its book publishing division.

In 2001, he got another call, this one from The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis (IN). "I considered retiring but was so impressed and captivated by this Museum with its great spirit that I could foresee how it could develop and double in size. I wanted to be a part of that growth." And so he joined, in world-class Nottage style. Today, the Eiteljorg Museum of the American Indian and Western Art holds some of the most important exhibits and collections, including the Eiteljorg and Gund, in the country.

For someone who wasn't planning on working anymore in 2001, a conversation with James today, 11 years later, shows no sign of retiring any time soon. His passion and his commitment to preserving the past, showcasing the future, and educating all people are too strong to let go. He is not about to stop writing and is the author of many books including the popular Saddlemaker to the Stars: The Leather and Silver Art of Edward H. Bohlin (1996) and he has edited, authored or contributed essays to a dozen books, publishing frequently in historical journals and magazines, including our own Smoke Signals eMagazine.

Though my interview was about James, in his naturally generous, spirited way, he made sure we all know about the Eiteljorg's Fabulous Upcoming Buckarro Bash! "Get out your petticoats and pistols for one colorful hoedown!" the press release says. The Eiteljorg's annual Buckaroo Bash coming on October 20th, 2012, is an event not to be missed. The largest fundraiser for the Museum each year, this exciting evening is held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and is an evening filled with spectacular art, live entertainment, a silent and live auction and a chance to be Western for the night. Linda and Joseph, our High Noon Chiefs, have been there and can attest to its spirited and colorful theme, along with the warmth and hospitality of the Eiteljorg family. Be sure to attend and give a shout out to James!

For information on the event and to purchase tickets, please call the Eiteljorg Museum at (317) 636-9378 or visit www.eiteljorg.org

Good Friends

James Nottage

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