Woodrow "Woody" Crumbo

Woodrow "Woody" Crumbo was a celebrated Native American artist and educator of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, born in 1912 in Oklahoma. His detailed paintings, prints and sculptures vividly depicted Indigenous life and spiritual symbols, such as buffalo, eagles and dancers, aiming to communicate the beauty and significance of Native American culture to a wide audience.

Beyond his artwork, Crumbo worked as a curator to promote Native American art in prominent American museums, helping to integrate Indigenous art and establish it in its rightful place as a respected genre. His style combined realism with spiritual storytelling, reflecting Indigenous views of nature and sacred traditions. Through his art, he bridged cultural divides, preserving Native American traditions for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences.

Crumbo's legacy is rooted in his advocacy for Native American art and his efforts to create opportunities for Native artists in mainstream institutions. His iconic, collected works, along with his curatorial influence, paved the way for greater representation and appreciation of Native American art, securing his place as a key figure in its 20th-century preservation and elevation.

Featured paintings, from left to right, top to bottom, are: Eagle Dancer, Buffalo Hunt, War Dancer, Deer, Releasing Soul from Earth, Deer Dancer, The Last Sunset and another Eagle Dancer.