2009 Artist in Business Leadership

Arthur Shortbull

Oglala Lakota
Watercolor Artist

Project Description:

Arthur Shortbull, Oglala Lakota, established a market for greeting cards which display images of his original watercolor and acrylic paintings. With his grant he was able to print cards in a larger quantity to market. As a result, fourteen new venues agreed to purchase his line of cards. Arthur sold well over 1,800 cards and prints 2009, drawing traffic to his website as well as providing his work to those who cannot afford an original.

Beverly Moran

Standing Rock Sioux
Beadwork

Project Description:

Beverly Moran, Standing Rock Sioux, prize winning beadwork artist, effectively marketed her artwork and business through the participation in 3 prestigeous Indian art shows and the placement of two major magazine ads. Beverly’s income in 2009 increased by 50% as a result.

Jeanette “Molly” Parker

Passamaquoddy
Ash and Sweet Grass Basketry

Project Description:

Jeannette, “Molly” Parker, Passamaquoddy, Master ash and sweet grass Basketmaker, has been teaching the art of basketmaking from a very young age. Her dream was to have a space where she could teach her community on a regular basis and give the Passamaquoddy people an opportunity to learn a part of their culture they made not have had. Molly renovated a small building that she now uses for basket making classes and private sales. The public can watch a basket being bade throughout its various stages. Through her project grant with First Peoples Fund, her revenues increased in 2009 by over $10,000. Her baskets often sell before she gets them completed. She’s taken on three additional apprentices to work with over the course of 2010.

Darrell Norman

Blackfeet
Traditional Painter and Sculptor

Project Description:

Darrell Norman, Blackfeet, designed and completed two welded steel spirit sculptures that are approximately six feet tall and twelve inches in depth with his Artist in Business Leadership grant. They depict images of warrior spirits taken from traditional Blackfeet pictographic forms. These sculptures now reside on his land where they can be seen from the highway to and from Glacier National Park. Darrell has seen a significant increase in visitors to his gallery.

Sandy Swallow

Oglala Lakota
Watercolorist

Project Description:

Sandy Swallow, an Oglala Lakota watercolorist from South Dakota, increased traffic to her gallery by advertisements in local magazines. She also purchased two signs for billboards leading to her gallery. This created a very busy summer tourist season and a significant increase in revenue as a result. Sandy is in the process of completing her website.

Monte Yellow Bird, Sr.

Arikara/Hidatsa
Mixed Media

Project Description:

Monte Yellow Bird, Sr., Arikara/Hidatsa, a mixed media artist increased his business revenue by $15,000 through the purchase of a laptop which allowed him to access his network of clients while on the road. Monte presents the story, “the Buffalo and the Porcupine” to many audiences and is creating a written version to include illustrations. The story addresses trust and establishing healthy relationships. Monte also purchased framing and matting equipment which allows him final touches on his artwork and saves significantly on expenses.