LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Two University of Kansas students have been charged with stealing part of a Native American art exhibit that also was vandalized while displayed outside a campus museum.
Samuel McKnight and John Wichlenski were charged in Douglas County District Court with theft of property of a value of at least $1,500 but less than $25,000.
The exhibit, titled “Native Hosts,” by artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, is installed outside the Spencer Museum of Art. One of the pieces went missing in late September, several weeks after four pieces were vandalized.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.
Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized.
Earlier this month, museum officials announced that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.
The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.
Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.
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