Marlene Riding In Mameah facts for kids

Marlene Riding In Mameah (March 5, 1933 – July 10, 2018) was a talented Pawnee Native American artist. She was famous for her amazing silverwork and her beautiful paintings.

Marlene was born Marlene Mary Riding In in Payne County, Oklahoma. She was a proud member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.

Marlene's Education and Learning Journey

Marlene Mameah went to the Chilocco Indian School. After that, she attended Bacone College. She really wanted to learn how to make things with silver.

However, the silverworking class was not open to women at that time. So, she had to take painting classes instead. Her painting teacher was W. Richard West, Sr., a Southern Cheyenne artist. Later, Marlene learned how to work with silver by working for a jeweler.

Her Amazing Art Career

Marlene's art career started early. In 1950, she won a prize for her painting called Morning Star Ceremony. She submitted it under the name "M. Riding Inn." This painting earned her $150, which was a lot of money back then!

Mameah also shared her skills with others. She taught metalworking at Pawnee Nation College. Throughout her life, she received many awards for her artwork. In 2007, she was honored at the Red Earth Festival. Her famous painting, Morning Star Ceremony, is now part of the collection at the Philbrook Museum of Art.