Page 138 of Forbidden Moon
“The Navajo Nation is large, and some of our people began arriving last night to get a place in line. Also, we invited local, regional, and national news outlets to the opening. I believe my grandfather may have underestimated the interest in Gray Feather’s story.”
Gray led them through back hallways and a set of secured doors into the public part of the museum. While Jack and William were familiar with the place, it was all new to Katrine and Mandy. Walter’s excitement showed in both expression and scent as he gave them a quick tour, ending with the new addition.
The oval-shaped exhibit space smelled of new construction, fresh paint, and nervous staff. The draped painting sat at the far end, next to the enlarged and enhanced photograph of Gray Feather and Hezekiah Matson. An informational placard explained the connection.
“The portrait is based on this photograph, the only known image to exist of Gray Feather. It was taken in 1853 by a government survey team near his home in what is now northern New Mexico. The other person in the photo is Hezekiah Matson, a close friend of Gray Feather for many years. An acquaintance of the Matson family has kindly provided the museum with this photograph and accompanied historical background.”
The other exhibit displays held an array of rare weapons, art, household items, and jewelry. Also included were stories and photographs of Gray Feather’s notable descendants, traced right down to Walter’s family. While Gray pointed out various items to Jack and William, Katrine turned to Walter with a request.
“Mandy and I did some research about the Navajo Nation before we came and were shocked to learn so many of your people live in poverty. We’d like to help.”
Mildly surprised, Walter nodded.
“What did you have in mind?”
“We want to donate all the proceeds from the sales of my photo prints to those in need.”
Walter’s expression revealed both pleasure and concern. Looking around, he caught the board chairman’s attention and explained Katrine’s request. He, too, was taken aback by the generous offer.
“We will, of course, continue to promote your work and refer your name at every opportunity. On behalf of the museum and our people, please accept our heartfelt thanks.”
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THE EXHIBIT SPACE WASN’Tlarge enough to hold the crowd. Walter anticipated this by setting up a raised platform and chairs in the adjacent hallway, and once the seats filled, it left standing room only for additional guests and the media. After opening remarks, there were short speeches by the mayor, the Navajo Nation president, and Walter—who explained the significance of Gray Feather’s legacy. Then a select group was ushered into the exhibit, where Katrine removed the drape to thunderous applause. A wave of photographers streamed by to take pictures of Katrine and the painting, followed by paying guests.
Mandy and the others were so proud, believing she deserved the accolades coming her way. She’d received compliments before, but this was praise on steroids, and it fed her artistic soul. Once the initial rush ended, Katrine moved to a large conference room where many reporters waited to ask her questions. She began the session with a few comments about how the painting came to be and her love of wolves, art, and nature.
The questions were as varied as the people asking them, leaving almost nothing untouched. At length, Walter closed out the session by announcing Katrine’s generous donation of profits, creating quite a buzz. With that, the press conference concluded, and a blushing Katrine was escorted from the room and into Walter’s quiet office. Unrepentant, he explained.
“I know you didn’t donate the proceeds to gain attention, but I wasn’t about to waste an opportunity to remind the public of the great needs we have just beyond the walls of this facility. Believe me, the announcement will probably result in doubling your contribution over time.”
Proud of her mate, Mandy wrapped an arm around Katrine.
“I see we should never underestimate a descendant of Gray Feather. Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m starving!”
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KATRINE SPENT THE RESTof the afternoon shuttling between the exhibit and the autograph table outside the gift shop. Around three o’clock, Mandy fielded a frantic call from the Co-Op. It seems the New Moon Artists website crashed shortly after the news media released their stories, as thousands of customers logged on to view and purchase Katrine’s artwork. Fortunately, Robyn volunteered to get the site back up and running with a promise to keep an eye on it until they returned home.
Once the museum closed at six, Walter took them all out to eat and celebrate. The next day proved to be almost as busy, minus the formalities. About an hour after lunch, Walter escorted them out of the building and back to the hotel to change. Then it was off to see the local sights from the comfort of an air-conditioned van.
Walter showed them some of the reservation's well-known tourist areas and panoramic views. That night, he and Tayen invited them to supper once more, becoming better acquainted. In the morning, Walter drove them to the airport and saw them off with hugs and gratitude. Though exhausted when they reached home, there were stories to tell and children to snuggle before settling back into their lives at Gladstone.
Chapter 52
