OFE News Release
Dana Tiger Painting Selected for Commemorative Poster
May 6, 2008
OKLAHOMA CITY --
“To Parts Unknown,” a painting by Native American artist Dana Tiger of Park Hill, Okla., has been selected for the commemorative poster for the 22nd annual Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet.
Three outstanding Oklahoma teachers, a superintendent and an alternative education program will be honored along with 100 of the state’s top public high school seniors during banquet, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, 6806 S. 107th E. Ave. in Tulsa. Former Gov. George Nigh will emcee the gala event, and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin will be the keynote speaker.
“Each year, the foundation creates a poster featuring an Indian-themed painting to present to its Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence winners,” said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. “We are grateful to Dana Tiger for sharing her painting of a young woman embarking on a journey of unknown wonder and possibilities. It is a beautiful image to help illustrate the theme for this year’s Academic Awards Banquet, ‘Leading the Way.’”
Tiger, whose father, the legendary Indian artist Jerome Tiger, died when she was only 5, was inspired by her father’s influence and mentored by her uncle, Johnny Tiger Jr., to develop as an accomplished artist in her own right.
She said the painting, “To Parts Unknown,” was created during a challenging time in her life when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was in the midst of creating the Legacy Cultural Learning Community, a non-profit organization devoted to preserving arts, language and culture for Native American youth. “That painting symbolizes that you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, but you try to go out and face it with the best courage and determination that you’ve got within you.”
Courage and determination have led Tiger to become a nationally renowned artist and activist. The Muscogee/Seminole and Cherokee artist portrays Native American women as historical and contemporary leaders. Her art work has helped promote and benefit such organizations as the American Cancer Society, the National Organization for Women, the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach and the Ozark Literacy Council. In 2001, Tiger was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame for her advocacy on behalf of women, children and Native Americans. In April, Oklahoma State University awarded its first scholarship established in Dana Tiger’s honor to a young art student.
Despite the physical effects of Parkinson’s disease, Tiger continues to paint and is passing on her family’s art legacy to her 12-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter. She is also building an arts and wellness center in Tahlequah that will house a gallery and her youth organization, Legacy Cultural Learning Community, (www.legacycultural.org).
Tiger said she is honored to share her artwork with the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, which is helping recognize the accomplishments of outstanding students. “It’s inspiring to see young people who have put their hearts, minds and spirits into alignment to achieve great things. They are role models for the rest of us.”
The 2008 Academic Awards Banquet commemorative poster is available for $15, including shipping. It can be purchased at the Academic Awards Banquet or by contacting the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence at (405) 236-0006. For more information, visit the foundation Web site at www.ofe.org.