Donald Vann is a full-blood Cherokee born near Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1949. He is a quiet man who grew up feeling very comfortable being alone. His grandparents were instrumental in teaching him the ways of the tribe and instilling in him an appreciation for the stories of his ancestors.

If you ask anyone who knows Manuel (M.S.) Franco, they will tell you he is one of the nicest and most generous people they have ever known. Years ago, when we had a fine art publishing company, we carried his prints, and he was one of the best-selling artists we represented.