Merlin Little Thunder facts for kids

Merlin Little Thunder is a talented Southern Cheyenne artist. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His paintings tell stories about history, people, and the land. He often shows the world from the point of view of the Southern Cheyenne people. Merlin is famous for his tiny paintings, bright colors, and adding humor to his art.

Early Life and Family

Merlin Little Thunder was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, in 1956. He grew up in Canton, Oklahoma. This area is home to many Southern Cheyenne people. His great-grandfather, Frank Old Bear, was a performer. He was part of the Miller 101 Ranch Wild West Show. Merlin's uncle, Raymond Williams, was also an artist. He could draw things perfectly after seeing them once. Merlin remembers growing up in Canton as a wonderful time. He called it "an Indian kid's paradise."

Merlin's School Journey

Merlin's parents were George and Connie Little Thunder. He first went to Longdale Elementary School. Later, his family moved to Okmulgee, OK. There, Merlin attended Lee School. His father, George, was studying at Okmulgee Tech. After his father finished school, they moved to Enid, OK. Merlin went to Adams and Harrison Elementary schools there. Eventually, his family moved back to Canton. Merlin returned to Longdale and finished eighth grade. He then graduated from Canton High School in 1975.

After high school, Merlin started college in 1975. He went to Southwestern Oklahoma State College (SWOSU). He planned to study pre-pharmacy. In 1976, he moved to Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He liked the smaller school setting. He still studied pre-pharmacy there. Later, he transferred to Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, Oklahoma. This is where he changed his main subject to art. He left college in 1980 to work in a factory.

Becoming a Full-Time Artist

Merlin later moved to Tulsa. There, he met Jim Hewlett. Jim was an art collector. He bought drawings and paintings from Merlin. He also gave Merlin a place to work. Merlin's first marriage ended. He then focused more on his art. By 1981, many people wanted his artwork. He decided to stop factory work. He became a full-time artist. He then met Julie Pearson, who owned an art gallery in Oklahoma. They soon got married.

Artistic Style and Collections

Merlin Little Thunder is most famous for his miniature paintings. These artworks are very small. Some are as tiny as 1¼ by 2½ inches. Even though they are small, they have amazing detail. Merlin says his art comes from a spiritual place. He often paints Cheyenne subjects from his memory. Humor is a big part of his work. He likes to "poke fun at history" in his paintings.

Merlin is known for painting landscapes. These often show Cheyenne people from the 1800s. He also creates "medicine paintings." He describes these as more spiritual. They have no artistic limits. He has also gained fame for his 1950s-style work. These paintings are inspired by his great-grandfather's experiences. His great-grandfather rode in cattle drives. He also performed in the 101 Ranch show.

Merlin Little Thunder's art can be seen in several museums. These include the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. His work is also at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. You can find his art at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The Museum of the American Indian also has his pieces.

Notable Artworks by Merlin Little Thunder

Here are some of Merlin Little Thunder's well-known artworks:

• "Tornado warning at 3 a.m." shows his grandmother, Daisy Little Thunder. It depicts her family rushing into a cellar to escape a tornado.
• "Keeping an eye on the defense secretary" is a funny, made-up scene. It was inspired by news reports about a politician. Three Native American scouts are watching a man. He is floating down a river in a canoe.
• "A pillory can out preach a parson" (1990) features two men. One is Cheyenne, and the other is Huichol. They are in stocks.
• "The Time Queen Ann Got Ditched Around Hog Creek" shows two Native American men. They are deeply discussing a fancy chest of drawers.

Awards and Recognition

Merlin Little Thunder has won many awards. He has earned First Place honors for his miniature paintings. He also won awards for his water-based paintings. These awards came from the Trail of Tears Art Show. He also won at the Santa Fe Indian Market. In 2010, he received the Moscelyn Larkin Cultural Award. This award came from the Tulsa Commission on Indian Affairs. He has shown his art at the Tulsa Indian Art Festival since the 1990s. In 2015, he was named "Honored One" at the Red Earth Indian Arts Festival.