Frank Howell Artwork Appraisal

Denver American Indian Art Show Commemorative Poster (May 1981) featuring Frank Howell Artwork

This is a framed exhibition poster for the Denver American Indian Art Show held in May 1981, featuring a central lithographic image by the renowned artist Frank Howell. The artwork depicts a stoic Native American man with long, weathered hair, wrapped in a vibrant red and blue patterned trade blanket adorned with white cross motifs. The visual style is characteristic of Howell’s 'ethereal' realism, utilizing soft, textured backgrounds and a muted color palette of lavender, sage, and ochre that contrasts with the bold red of the textile. Text at the bottom edge is stylized in a fluid script, indicating the event name and date. The print is housed under glass and professionally mounted with a wide lavender matting board that complements the cool tones of the artwork’s background. It is encased in a thin, gold-toned metallic frame. Regarding condition, the piece appears well-preserved for its age, though there is a slight ripple visible in the paper substrate, potentially from humidity or poor mounting. The frame shows minor surface handling wear along the top edge, and the matte color exhibits slight sun-fading. There are no visible tears or heavy staining on the primary image area. Frank Howell’s work from this period is highly collectible among enthusiasts of Contemporary Native American and Western art.