NEAT 2011-2012 is Off and Running - Lander

The 2011-2012 Native Emerging Artist Training (NEAT) is now in full swing celebrating 10 students who have already completed 25% of the NEAT curriculum. The NEAT program is designed to teach local Native American artists the professional behind-the-scenes skills of entering art exhibitions and juried shows.

Over the past two months, NEAT students learned how more effectively to use their own personal digital cameras as well as work alongside a professional photographer with high-end equipment to take quality photos of their artwork. Some students have already started using their own cameras to help other students take photos of their artwork outside of class! These photos are part of the students’ digital portfolio that will be required for entry into the NEAT exhibition, which opens in June 2012. Additionally, these photos are designed to be used for business portfolios, signage, websites, and other marketing needs the students may have outside of the NEAT program.

This year’s NEAT student body is primarily comprised of Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribal members living in and around Fort Washakie, Lander, and Riverton. Half of the students are 2009-2010 NEAT students wanting a refresher. Many of the female artists do beadwork – traditional and contemporary - and make clothing such as tribal dance dresses, moccasins, and Pendleton jackets. Marty Tillman draws pictures in ink and colored pencil using a “Latino lowrider airbrush” style with images from Native American culture. Maggie Haukaas has recently started making large, rustic, hand-built red clay pots.

NEAT instructors thus far have been Brad Christensen (photography) and Shane Parrott (digital editing), and Cleve Bell will round out this year’s classes with a class focused on writing artist statements in December. Per student request, we are planning on adding some new elements this year, such as marketing, grants, and legal considerations relevant to making and selling artwork.

The Lander Art Center NEAT program is sponsored in part by the Wind River Development Fund, Central Wyoming College, Small Business Development Center, Wyoming Arts Council, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, and Wyoming Community Foundation.

For more information, visit http://www.landerartcenter.com/.