Dana Tiger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dana Tiger
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Tiger at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival
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| Born |
Dana Irene Tiger
1961 (age 63–64) |
| Nationality | Muscogee Nation, American |
| Education | Oklahoma State University, Bacone College |
| Occupation | artist |
| Years active | 1985–present |
Dana Tiger, born in 1961, is a talented artist from Oklahoma. She is part of the Muscogee Nation, and also has Seminole and Cherokee heritage. Dana is known for her powerful paintings that often show strong women. She uses her art to speak up about important issues and help people learn more. In 2001, Dana Tiger was honored by being added to the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame.
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About Dana Tiger
Dana Irene Tiger was born in 1961. Her parents were Jerome Tiger and Peggy Richmond. Her father was a full-blood Native American with Muskogee-Seminole roots. Her mother, Peggy, is a member of the Cherokee Nation.
Early Life and Family
When Dana was only five years old, her father passed away. Her mother raised her and her siblings. To help her father's art stay famous, her mother ran their art business. She even pretended to be a man to be taken seriously in the art world. Dana's uncle, Johnny Tiger Jr., also helped. He shared stories about their father and made sure art was always around them.
Education and Artistic Journey
Dana Tiger went to Oklahoma State University from 1981 to 1984. She studied in the College of Arts and Sciences. Later, she also attended Bacone College.
Dana started painting when she was 24 years old. She was inspired by her father, Jerome Tiger. He was a great artist who changed how Native Americans were shown in art. Dana's paintings often feature strong women. These themes came from her own experiences. She uses her art to make women feel powerful. Her art often shows resilient Native women. They are shown in important roles, both from history and today. She usually paints with watercolor or acrylics.
Art for a Cause
Dana Tiger often uses her art to help others. She supports groups like the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach. She also helps the American Cancer Society and the National Organization for Women. Native American health is a very important topic to her. While she promotes healing through art, she is also a mother, sister, and grandmother.
Dana's Personal Life
Dana Tiger had planned to stay single and focus on her art. But things changed in her life. In 1990, her brother was murdered. Two years later, her sister was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. These events made her see the world differently. She felt she could honor her siblings by bringing new life into the world.
Family and Health
Dana married Donnie Blair on November 7, 1992. They have two children. Their daughter, Christie, was born on September 1, 1993. She was named after Dana's brother. Their son, Coleman Lisan, was born on July 16, 1995. He was named for her sister. Both of Dana's children have become award-winning artists themselves.
In 1999, Dana Tiger was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Soon after, her sister Lisa also received the same diagnosis.
In 2002, Dana started a non-profit group. It is called Legacy Cultural Learning Community. This group helps young Native Americans develop their artistic talents.
Notable Artworks
Dana Tiger's painting We Ride Again was chosen for the cover of the 2006 Oklahoma Women's Almanac. In 2011, some of her work was shown in Paris, France. It was part of the Oklahoma Painters exhibition at the Grand Palais. She was one of 11 Native American artists chosen for this show.
Some of Dana Tiger's other important artworks include:
- Totkv (2017 Apex Magazine Cover)
- Changing The Face of Leadership (2006)
- Patrol of the Light Horse (1990, for the National Police Chiefs Convention in Tulsa, OK)
- Courage and Culture (1992, for the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach)
- Circle of Life (1993, for the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Project for Native American Women)
- Under Control (1993, for the American Indian College Fund)
- Beautiful New Worlds (1993, for the Ozark Literacy Council)
- Keeping Cultures Fires Burning (1993, for the National Organization for Women, Oklahoma State Conference)
- The Healing Dream (1994, for Follies, Inc., an AIDS Benefit)
- Wisdom from the Past, Strength for the Future (1995, for the Conference on the State of the American Indian Family)
Awards and Recognition
Dana Tiger has received many awards for her art.
- Youngest Master Artist by Five Civilized Tribes Museum
- Two Best in Show awards at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum Annual Student Art Show
- First Place, Watercolor Division, 1988 Tulsa Indian Art Festival, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Special Merit Award, 1988 Trail of Tears Art Show, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Featured Artist, 1989 Tulsa Indian Art Festival, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Creek Nation Artist of the Year
- First People's Fund Community Spirit Award, 2001
- Inductee, Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, 2001
