World-renowned Cherokee Artist, Donald Vann, will be celebrating his 51st year of painting at the annual Celebrate Bandera 2009 Festival, September 4, 5 and 6. He will be included in the artist connected with the "Circle of Life" InterTribal Pow Wow. Donald, a decorated Vietnam veteran, combines his love for art and his Cherokee heritage, he creates moving images that speak of the Indian way of life and capture the hearts of art collectors worldwide. He was proclaimed, "one of the best known Indian artists of the twentieth century" by the Cherokee National Historical Society. The Smithsonian Institution's Museum of the American Indian honored him with their top painting award for watercolor medium. He has also won first place ribbons in juried competitions at Oklahoma's Red Earth Exhibit, Colorado Indian Market and National American Indian Arts Exposition.
Donald was born and raised near Stilwell, inside the Cherokee Nation, but it is more than just his Native American heritage he strives to share. He has spent much of his life in nature first camping and hunting with his Grandfather as a young boy, then as an artist studying nature and wildlife up close. Donald draws his greatest inspiration from the earth, sky and the rhythms of nature. His creations have qualities that allow the viewer to share some of the inner facets of the world as he sees it.
Donald was honorably discharged from Fort Hood, Texas in March of 1973. He was so impressed with the surrounding country; he decided to make his home and studio in Austin. This is the studio where most of his visions have been transferred to art. Although his paintings are sold in galleries in several areas of the United States, Donald enjoys going on the road, meeting new people and keeping up with collectors.
When asked what would he like people to know about him, Donald said he has met lots of nice people and all people are important to him. He has had a good life and has been able to share it with loving friends and family. He is thankful for the ability to enjoy the things he is able to do in his life now and hopes to continue for many years to come.
To preview Donald's art view his website at www.donaldvann.com or find him and his works on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/DonaldVann
Donald was born and raised near Stilwell, inside the Cherokee Nation, but it is more than just his Native American heritage he strives to share. He has spent much of his life in nature first camping and hunting with his Grandfather as a young boy, then as an artist studying nature and wildlife up close. Donald draws his greatest inspiration from the earth, sky and the rhythms of nature. His creations have qualities that allow the viewer to share some of the inner facets of the world as he sees it.
Donald was honorably discharged from Fort Hood, Texas in March of 1973. He was so impressed with the surrounding country; he decided to make his home and studio in Austin. This is the studio where most of his visions have been transferred to art. Although his paintings are sold in galleries in several areas of the United States, Donald enjoys going on the road, meeting new people and keeping up with collectors.
When asked what would he like people to know about him, Donald said he has met lots of nice people and all people are important to him. He has had a good life and has been able to share it with loving friends and family. He is thankful for the ability to enjoy the things he is able to do in his life now and hopes to continue for many years to come.
To preview Donald's art view his website at www.donaldvann.com or find him and his works on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/DonaldVann
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