This summer, I was privileged enough to travel across Europe as a young professional. For three months, I traipsed through thick forests, and discovered abandoned castles. I walked along cobblestone streets through dreamy, seaside towns. It is hard to believe that the same medieval towns sparked inspiration in so many historical figures: William Shakespeare, Mary Queen of Scots, Vincent Van Gogh, etc.

My trip is over, but the experience will last forever. My time in Europe was cultural, transformative, and adventurous. I created lifelong connections and ideas. While in Brussels, I met a dedicated Western Art historian and collector, Francois Chladiuk.

Francois had acquired some suitcases filled with clothing and ornamentals from the Oklahoma Plains Indians. He was amazed to discover hundreds of objects: war bonnets, men’s leather shirts, beaded embroideries, dresses, breastplates, etc.

The collection landed in Brussels after Native American Tours through the 20th century World Fairs and Sarrasani circus, where they were grouped in a teepee village. At these festivities, the Native Americans wore and traded authentic clothing and ornamentals, many of which are now seen in Chladiuk’s personal collection.

A few years later Chladiuk corresponded with one of the working photographers from the World Fairs. This artist offered Chladiuk old photographs of the Native Americans in their authenticated clothing. This evidence offered a new generation a rare opportunity to see live pictures alongside the authentic objects gathered by Chladiuk, a personalized exhibit in pristine condition.