In the fall of 1942 and the spring of 1943, Jeff King, a Navajo Medicine Man, gave to Maude Oakes (1903-1990), an American ethnologist, writer, and artist, the legend and the sand paintings of Where the Two Came to Their Father,  a War Ceremonial that was and is, performed over young men who have volunteered or been drafted into the service. World War II was upon us.

Veloy Vigil was considered more of a Southwest artist than a Native American one, despite his mother descending from Pueblo Indians. His father was Hispanic.

During the Great Depression, which started 95 years ago, President Roosevelt initiated a new federal program called the Works Project Administration, which provided Federally funded jobs. This included the Federal Art Project.

Albert Handell was born 85 years ago in Brooklyn, New York. His first memory of creating art was using chalk to draw on the sidewalks. It ingrained in him a love for painting and drawing what was close up.

For more than 20 years, Cowboys & Indians magazine has been one of the most popular publications for people who love and appreciate the Western and Native cultures. The magazine is so popular that people buy and sell past issues online.

J.D. Roybal (1922-1978) was an artist with a great deal of talent and a sense of humor. His favorite subject was what the Tewa Pueblo people call the Kossa Clown, figures that are considered something like Court Jesters in the Kiva religion.

Most Native American painters today are easy to track down and find information about. They tend not to be shy about recognition or fame. Early on, that was not always true.

Acts of kindness are usually done without any thought of personal gain or any idea of what they could lead to. Sometimes they are simple, solitary gifts; sometimes they can change a life.

Maria is deservedly considered the “Potter of San Ildefonso” because of her long and illustrious career and her part in creating the black on black pottery that made her famous. Her polishing technique created the first “gun metal” finish and her legacy is etched in clay.

When Albert Dreher began painting fine art, following a successful career as a commercial artist, he was looking for something different, something that would make his work unique.

For several years, Peter quit painting and focused on canvas art, sewing animal figures out of canvas and decorating them with feathers, beads and acrylic paints.

I kept asking him when he was going to start painting again and last year he broke out the easel and reached into his bag of creativity.

This last year I met an amazing, interesting and talented artist that we are looking forward to sharing with the you. This young man and his talent are for real. I would like to share his fascinating journey towards becoming a great artist.