Dana Tiger facts for kids

Dana Tiger (born in 1961) is a talented artist from Oklahoma. She is a member of the Muscogee Nation, with Seminole and Cherokee heritage. Her artwork often shows strong women. She uses her art to speak out about important issues and help others. In 2001, Dana Tiger was honored by being added to the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame.

About Dana Tiger

Dana Irene Tiger was born in 1961. Her father, Jerome Tiger, was a well-known Native American artist. Her mother, Peggy Richmond, is a member of the Cherokee Nation. When Dana was five years old, her father passed away unexpectedly. Her mother raised her and worked hard to share her father's art with the world. Dana's uncle, Johnny Tiger Jr., also helped by sharing stories about her father and making sure art was a big part of their lives.

Dana went to Oklahoma State University from 1981 to 1984. Later, she also studied at Bacone College.

Dana started painting when she was 24 years old. She was inspired by her father's amazing artwork. He changed how Native Americans were shown in art. Dana's paintings often feature strong women. She uses her art to show the power and strength of women. Her paintings usually show resilient Native women in important roles. She often uses watercolor or acrylic paints.

Dana Tiger often combines her art with helping others. She supports groups like the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach and the American Cancer Society. She also works with the National Organization for Women and the Ozark Literacy Council. Native American health is a special focus for her. While promoting healing through art, she is also a mother, sister, and grandmother.

Her Family Life

Dana Tiger had planned to focus only on her art. But things changed when her brother passed away tragically in 1990. Two years later, her sister faced serious health challenges. These events made Dana want to bring new life into the world.

She married Donnie Blair on November 7, 1992. They have two children. Their daughter, Christie, was born in 1993. Their son, Coleman Lisan, was born in 1995. Both of her children are also award-winning artists.

In 1999, Dana was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Soon after, her sister Lisa also received the same diagnosis.

In 2002, Dana started a non-profit group called Legacy Cultural Learning Community. This organization helps young Native Americans develop their artistic talents.

Important Artworks

Dana Tiger's painting We Ride Again was chosen for the cover of the 2006 Oklahoma Women's Almanac.

In 2011, some of Dana's art 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 special show.

Some of her other important works include:

• Totkv (2017 Apex Magazine Cover)
• Changing The Face of Leadership (2006)
• Patrol of the Light Horse (1990, for the National Police Chiefs Convention)
• 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., AIDS Benefit)
• Wisdom from the Past, Strength for the Future (1995, for the Conference on the State of the American Indian Family)

Awards and Honors

Dana Tiger has received many awards for her art, including:

• 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