GUEST ARTIST SERIES
November 19th & 20th
Gary Keene
Acoma Pueblo | Diné
Painting
The Museum of Indigenous People Guest Artist Series features Gary Keene (Acoma Pueblo/Dine') showcasing his painting this weekend on November 19th, 2022 (10 AM-4 PM) and November 20th, 2022 (1 PM-4 PM) in the museum, 147 N Arizona Avenue, Prescott, AZ.
He wrote, "My name is Waya’aisiwa and I am Eagle clan (Dyaami) from Acoma Pueblo on my mother’s side. On my father’s side I am Dine, Red streak extending into the water clan (Taachiini).
My English name is Gary Keene. I am a self-taught artist, drawing since 1968 and have no formal training. I have been on a recovery path and grateful for my sobriety since 1985.
The Pueblo of Acoma is where I make my home. I am a Vietnam Veteran having served in the U.S. Navy as a parachute packer.
People say my work is medicine for the soul. When I do my pieces, I aim for the heart, and I aim for the mind. I remind people of what is important in our lives. Today, it is so easy to lose focus because there are so many distractions. I choose India ink as a medium because I am challenged when I make a mistake.
Each of my pieces has a story relating to the title, designs and/or the purpose of its creation.
My trademark is the red headband and/or the red arrowheads at the bottom of the piece.”