This collection was given to the University of Iowa by Renee Sueppel. Ms. Sueppel has supplied this history of the donation:

"I have been interested in the work of James Luna for many years. When I taught Intermeda Art, James Luna's performance art was included in the section on Performance Art. Sometime in the mid-2000s I reached out to him via email. We startetd corresponding every few months, then monthly or weekly - exchanging ideas and reactions to music, art, and world issues. When he expressed an interest in visiting the UI as a visiting artist, I wrote a letter of support for him. I also reached out to Professor Round (Native Studies) and Intermedia to facilitate an invitation. After his visit, we continued to correspond. About 2013, I asked if he needed or ever hired artist-assistants. James said the only thing coming up that he could use some help with was writing an essay about his work for UCLA's American Indian Culture and Research Journal. A first draft was due April 2013 or 2014. James sent several DVDs to me to review. After reviewing the material, I drafted essays writing from the point of view of James Luna. We emailed drafts back and forth until he was content with the final essay. (Altought the first draft was due in April of 2013 or 2014, it took a year or two for the journal to edit and publish.)"

2019-02-22

American Indian Culture and Research Journal. Vol.39:No.4 2015