Tiger Art Gallery News

The Canebrake in Oklahoma

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 07:17:34 CST

My latest paintings will be on exhibit at the lovely Canebrake on Ft. Gibson lake near Wagoner. My painting, "Medicine Man," is of Sam Proctor, Mvskoke elder, teacher and friend is included in the exhibit. Sam said, "If you paint me you will win." He was right.

The other day my friend, Kimberly Guerrero came back to Tahlequah to do finish work on the film, "Cherokee Work For Water." She plays Wilma Mankiller. My kids and I went to her birthday celebration where many loved ones and people involved with the movie production gathered. She came up to me and handed me a ring, very large green turquoise stone with silver. The ring was Wilma's. Kimberly had worn it during the entire filming of the movie. She said it gave her strength. I put it on my little finger as my other fingers were too big. I felt so blessed. The next day as I was painting that big stone on my little finger made itself known by leaving light gray marks on the canvas. I had decided the day before to do a painting using the pinkest pink so I could utilized these pink mat boards I had bought months before and had wondered what the heck did I buy them for?! Wilma loved pink. I love pink. The painting is called, "This is how we Ride," and it is.

Things picking up

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:53:48 CDT

A lovely time at the Cherokee Art Market this past October weekend. My daughter won 1st place with her piece, "The Audition," My boy won 3rd with his sculpture, "The Battle."

I had a good time being a part of the newly joined Southeastern Indian Artists Association. Some fine fellow artists are members. Sharing a booth with them at the market was a pleasure. A highlight of the weekend was meeting my sisters boyfriend. He is a director of the Santa Fe Indian Market. We laughed, hung out and talked good about Lisa. I'm happy for them both. I met him at the party in the Hard Rock high rise. Christie, her boyfriend, Taylor and I got all dressed up hoping to hear my kids won, but unfortunately they didn't announce until the next morning. Bummer, that night, but happiness the next day!

I sold my one painting, fresh from the art table to a new friend, Jenny, who gave me tips on traveling in France. Oh Yeah! I'm going to Paris next month with my art and my daughter.

This Business of Hope

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:01:14 CST

A few weeks ago I was going through a rough time. We all have them but this one crept in and overpowered me. I've been diagnosed with Parkinson's for 11 years. Dopamine, the "feel good" chemical is what I have very little of. I was reading that symptoms included the inability to feel love, hope or worth. It scared me. It came to me that I've been dealing with low dopamine levels for years before I was diagnosed with this disease. That's why when I look back at all the paintings that I painted, hundreds of them, I am amazed. A beautiful thing happened through a time of pain. The inner spirit took over and led me through.

At the scariest, most painful moments, we pray for that spirit, that Guiding Spirit, to be with us. It always is.

Motorcycle Riders Remember the Trail of Tears Journey

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:53:24 CDT

Monday I enjoyed going to the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah to welcome the 200 motorcyclists who make a journey each year in honor of those who walked the trail so many years ago. Although it was hot during the afternoon, it became more pleasant as the sun started to set and we were able to have a meal together and listen to a Cherokee storyteller. The riders, the folks who set up this event and other fellow artists who came remind me why I love this place. Wado and Mvto (thank you in Cherokee and Mvskoke) to those who stopped by my booth to look at my art and visit. Have a safe ride home.

Between Shows

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 14:37:57 CDT

Its almost mid week. Today I'm in the middle of saving my business. My artist life is like that. Good thing I'm so calm and collected in my 4th decade. I will handle the crisis at hand and then I'll be attending the Seminole Festival outside of Seminole Oklahoma this weekend. Located outside of town on the southern side at the Mission grounds. A good time can be had by watching or participating in the Stomp Dance, browsing the arts and crafts, riding the carnival rides or seeing a country music concert. They will serve a traditional meal FOR FREE on Saturday. Come be with us.