Frank LaPena facts for kids

Frank Raymond LaPena, also known as Frank LaPeña and by his Wintu name Tauhindauli, was an important American Indian artist and teacher. He was born in 1937 and passed away in 2019. Frank LaPena was a member of the Nomtipom-Wintu tribe.

He was a talented painter, printmaker, and ethnographer. He also worked as a professor, ceremonial dancer, poet, and writer. LaPena taught at California State University, Sacramento, from 1975 to 2002. He helped many Native artists share their stories, traditions, and culture.

Early Life and Education

Frank Raymond LaPena was born on October 5, 1937. His birthplace was San Francisco, California. His parents were Evelyn Gladys (whose family name was Towndolly) and Henry LaPena.

His family belonged to the Nomtipom-Wintu tribe. From a young age, he learned about his tribe's traditions. He also learned from elders of nearby tribes, like the Nomlaki Wintun.

As a child, he attended federal boarding schools. These included Chemawa Indian School and later Stewart Indian School. He finished high school in 1956 at Yreka High School. He earned his first college degree (a Bachelor of Arts) in 1965. This was from California State University, Chico. Later, he received his Master of Arts degree in anthropology in 1978. He earned this from California State University, Sacramento.

Teaching and Cultural Work

LaPena began his teaching career at Shasta College. He taught there from 1969 to 1971. Later, he joined California State University, Sacramento. He taught in both the art and ethnic studies departments. He also directed the Native American studies department. He worked there from 1975 to 2002.

He often gave talks about Native American traditions and culture. He especially focused on the traditions of California. In 1970, he helped start the Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists group. He was a founding member, ceremonial dancer, and instructor. One of his well-known students was Harry Fonseca.

LaPena also shared his knowledge about the Wintu people. His work was included in a major book. It was called Handbook of North American Indians Volume 8: California (1978). He also wrote many articles for the journal News from Native California. He contributed to this journal from the late 1980s to the 2000s.

Art and Poetry

Frank LaPena started showing his art in 1960. His first exhibition was at a gallery in Chico. His artwork was displayed across the United States. It was also shown in Europe, Central and South America, Cuba, Australia, and New Zealand. He worked in many different art forms. These included painting, printmaking, silversmithing, photography, and woodworking.

In 1976, LaPena was part of an important art show. It was called Other Sources: An American Essay. Artist Carlos Villa organized this exhibition. It was a special way to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. The show focused on artists of color and women. Many artists from the San Francisco Bay Area were featured.

LaPena also helped organize art exhibitions. He was a co-curator for The Extension of Tradition. This show featured contemporary Native American art. It traveled to the Crocker Art Museum and Palm Springs Art Museum from 1985 to 1986.

In 1999, LaPena's art was shown at the 48th Venice Biennale. This is a very famous art event in Italy. The exhibit was called “Rendezvoused.” It was sponsored by the Native American Arts Alliance. LaPena was featured alongside other artists. These included Harry Fonseca and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.

Besides his art, LaPena also published several books of poetry.

Legacy

Frank LaPena passed away on May 2, 2019. He was 81 years old. He was married to Catherine Alice Sell Skinner from 1966 to 1984. They had two children together.

His artwork is now part of many public museum collections. These include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. His art is also at the Cantor Arts Center and the National Museum of the American Indian. The C.N. Gorman Museum also holds his work.

LaPena was featured in two documentary films. One was called Frank LaPeña: Wintu Artist and Traditionalist (1988). The other was The Heard Museum Presents Frank LaPeña, Artist and Lecturer (1993). These films help share his story and his contributions to art and culture.

See also

• Timeline of Native American art history