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DANA TIGER

"By realizing the natural strength and courage of women in my ancestry, I hope to portray the historical dignity and contemporary determination of Native American women" Dana's work portrays Native American women as historical and contemporary leaders. Her art provides us with a glimpse of wisdom and spirit, embodied in the subjects' determination to resolve and persevere. This ability is drawn from her experiences as a young Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee woman, surrounded by the art of her father, Jerome Tiger, whose influence is felt wherever there is Native American all, and the guidance of her mother, Peggy Tiger.

The Tiger name has a distinguishing place in the history of Native American art. Although Jerome Tiger died when Dana was only five, he left a prolific legacy. Jerome's brother, Johnny Tiger, Jr., recognized Dana's talent early, and served as a mentor and tutor Inspired by her fathers work, Dana pursued her artistic skills, as a way to know him. Through his delicate brush strokes she learned not only her fathers' genius, but the extraordinary richness of the Native American culture.

During high school and college, Dana won numerous awards for her paintings. In 1985, at the age of twenty-four, Dana began her full time career as an artist. From the beginning, her one-woman shows have been sellouts, establishing her as one of America's leading contemporary artists.

Dana has enjoyed many triumphs and endured great tragedy; the death of her father from an accidental gunshot wound in 1967; the murder of her brother Chris in 1990; and in 1992, Lisa Tiger, Dana's only surviving sibling tested positive for HIV, the virus which causes AIDS.

Dana's work continually reflects her involvement with her community, and her advocacy for the rights of women and minorities, especially Native Americans. She has donated paintings for poster projects to a number of worthwhile campaigns. Among these are the National Police Chiefs Convention, AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach, American Indian College Fund, American Cancer Society, Ozark Literacy Council, the Indians in Medicine Project, the National Organization for Women, and the Conference of the State of the American Family.

Dana married Donnie Blair on November 7, 1992. They have two children; a daughter, Christie, and a son, Lisan. Dana divides her time between her family, painting, traveling to art shows, and speaking about her art, family, and Native American Women's issues. Dana, Donnie, Christie, and Lisan enjoy living in the heart of the Cherokee Nation where they are close to family and friends.