The Oscar Howe Collection is comprised of 27 paintings by Yanktonai Sioux artist Oscar Howe. Howe was one of the first and most distinguished graduates of the Santa Fe Indian School's art program in the 1930s. It was largely through Howe's work that it became acceptable for Native American artists to express themselves in artistic styles and media other than those taught by the Santa Fe School. The collection is comprised of works that were donated by the artist, transferred to the museum from the Bureau of Indian Affairs or donated by individual collectors.