Existing comment:
Ariel Rios Federal Building
Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires all federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties, such as the Ariel Rios Federal Building, and provide for public participation through a consultation process. The following six murals have been cited for their stereotyping of Native Americans and inappropriate imagery in the work place. The murals are located in the north and south elevator lobbies on floors five and seven:
* French Explorers and Indians by Karl Free
* Opening of the Southwest and Consolidation of the West by Ward Lockwood
* Dangers of the Mail and Pony Express by Frank Mechau
* Covered Wagon Attacked by Indians by William Palmer
In response to these concerns, the US General Services Administration (GSA) has chosen to initiate consultation in compliance with Section 106 of NHPA. As part of this process and GSA's commitment to education, information panels are installed in the lobbies where the works of art are located. These exhibit panels relate the history of the artists and their work, recount the nature of controversy, and outline GSA's actions to address the concerns that have been raised. This information for works of art throughout the building will be installed in September. In addition, GSA will hold a forum where experts on art, Native American subjects, and related disciplines will discuss the issues relevant to the controversy. For more information or to comment, please contact Gary Porter, Regional Historic Preservation Officer, at ncr.historic.preservation@gsa.gov |