Mary Schlick

Mary Schlick was an influential curator, scholar, and author specializing in the textile arts and material culture of Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples. Her career was primarily associated with the Maryhill Museum of Art in Washington, where she served as curator and significantly expanded the institution's Native American collections. Schlick's meticulous research and publications provided critical documentation of traditional weaving techniques, particularly tule mat and cedar bark weaving, contributing substantially to the fields of anthropology, art history, and museum studies.

Early life and education

Mary Schlick was born in Portland, Oregon, and developed an early interest in the arts and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest. She pursued her higher education at the University of Washington, where she earned a degree that laid the foundation for her future work. She furthered her academic training at the University of Oregon, engaging with studies that deepened her understanding of anthropology and material culture. This educational background in the Pacific Northwest provided her with direct exposure to the rich artistic traditions of regional tribes, which would become the central focus of her professional life.

Career and contributions

Schlick's distinguished career was most prominently centered at the Maryhill Museum of Art, located near Goldendale, Washington. Appointed as a curator, she dedicated decades to building and interpreting the museum's holdings, with a special emphasis on Native American art. She became a leading authority on Columbia River tribal arts, organizing seminal exhibitions that brought wider recognition to Plateau and Coast Salish artistic practices. Her fieldwork involved close collaboration with tribal elders and artists from communities such as the Yakama, Warm Springs, and Umatilla, ensuring the accurate and respectful representation of their cultural heritage. Beyond Maryhill Museum of Art, her expertise was sought by institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and the Portland Art Museum.

Major publications

Schlick authored several key publications that are considered essential references in their field. Her most noted work is *Columbia River Basketry: Gift of the Ancestors, Gift of the Earth* (1994), a comprehensive study that details the history, techniques, and cultural significance of basketry among tribes of the Columbia River Plateau. Another significant publication is *Woven History: The Tule Mat of the Plateau* (2005), which offers an in-depth exploration of tule mat weaving, a vital tradition for Interior Salish peoples. These books, published by the University of Washington Press and other academic presses, are praised for their scholarly rigor, detailed photography, and incorporation of Indigenous voices, serving as vital resources for researchers, artists, and cultural institutions.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, Mary Schlick received significant recognition for her contributions to preserving and promoting Native American art. She was honored by various tribal governments and cultural organizations for her respectful and collaborative approach to scholarship. Her work earned grants and support from entities such as the National Endowment for the Humanities, enabling further research and publication. The enduring value of her publications has led to their inclusion in the collections of major libraries and museums worldwide, cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in the study of Northwest Coast and Plateau material culture.

Personal life

Mary Schlick was known to be a private individual who dedicated her life to her scholarly and curatorial passions. She maintained a long-term residence in the Columbia River Gorge area, a landscape deeply connected to the cultures she studied. Her personal commitment to her work was evident in her extensive travels throughout the Pacific Northwest to conduct research and build relationships with Native communities. She passed away in 2019, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to inform and inspire those interested in the Indigenous arts of North America.

Category:American curators Category:American non-fiction writers Category:Native American art Category:People from Portland, Oregon Category:University of Washington alumni Category:University of Oregon alumni