50 NATIVE CALIFORNIA CULTURES ON DISPLAY

An overview of the arts and life styles of 50 Native California cultures, including Pomo, Miwok, Chumash and Gabrielino social units, called “Tribelets,” goes on view Tuesday at the Southwest Museum.”

Titled “People of California,” the installation occupies 2,400 square feet of renovated exhibition space and is organized according to California’s four main geographic areas: the far northeast coast, the extensive central core, the desert region and the southern coastal area. “Tribelets” were linked by an economy devoid of agriculture (with diets consisting mainly of acorns), a limited production of ceramics and a wealth of basketry.

Visitors to the new installation may see a life-size replica of a rock-art site or duck through a doorway to enter a re-created portion of a northern plank house. A 10-foot-tall Pomo acorn granary, containing a 3-foot basket, resting on a platform supported by ash and willow poles, demonstrates storage systems.

According to Southwest Museum Director Patrick T. Houlihan, “The sophistication and complexity of California Indians has been overshadowed by the popularized media images of horse-mounted and feathered plains warriors and pueblo-dwelling farmers. The Southwest museum is attempting to emphasize the diversity and dignity of native California people.”

A painting by Willem de Kooning sold for $1.21 million at auction in November, 1982. A year later, his “Two Women” set a record for a contemporary work at $1.98 million. This year, De Kooning will be represented when his 1950 “Woman,” a quasi-realist work, goes on the auction block at a Christie’s New York sale Nov. 6 and 7.

Another rare and important painting, one by Arshile Gorky, titled “From a High Place,” is among those to be sold at Christie’s.

Other works in the sale are by John Graham (“Untitled Portrait of a Woman”), Frank Stella (“Madinat As-Salam I” from the “Protractor” series), Claes Oldenburg (“Soft Tires for Airflow-Scale 5” and “Flashlight Model”) and David Smith (“Agricola III”).

Also, Lucas Samaras (“Box No. 55”), Wayne Thiebaud (“Eye Glasses”) Alfred Jensen (“Sun and Pyramid, Mayan Temple and Per V”) and three small 1955 sculptures by Eva Hesse. The younger generation is represented by works by Anselm Kiefer, Julian Schnabel, Jonathan Borofsky, Donald Sultan and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Pre-sale public exhibition will be Nov. 2-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-noon.

Artpark in Lewiston, N.Y., is now accepting applications for its 1986 summer visual arts program. Deadline is Nov. 1. Artists may apply in one of four categories: project artists, artists-in-residence, performing artists in the park and workshop artists.

Project artists generally create works on outdoor sites while artists-in-residence produce works in semi-enclosed studios.

No media restrictions are imposed and all participants are encouraged to work experimentally. Average stay at the park is three weeks.

To apply, specify a category and send a written and/or graphic description of the proposed work, slides or tapes of previous work, a resume and estimated budget (for projects only) and a stamped, self-addressed envelope large enough to accommodate all material. Send to P.O. Box 371, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092.

Selections and notifications will be made by April 1.

The National Endowment for the Arts and Apple Computer Inc. have joined forces. Participating art organizations in 35 states and the District of Columbia will each receive an Apple II computer under the partnership agreement. The goal is to develop sophisticated managerial and administrative skills and to launch major fund-raising programs with long-term financial goals.