Wopila Artist Guild: Artists supporting art education for Native American youth
“We want to do our part to make sure the traditions that have inspired our work are kept alive for future generations.”~ Painter and Wopila co-founder, James Ayers
Two artists want to give back
Wopila Artist Guild was organized in 2010 with a simple, yet powerful mission: help sustain traditional art forms by providing support and funds for Native American youth art education.
The brainchild of sculptor Craig Bergsgaard and painter James Ayers, Wopila was conceived at barbecue in Bergsgaard’s back yard as the two men mused about their fine art careers. The two men joked about how even the worst day in the studio is better than the “normal” jobs they both held at one time.
Wopila co-founders Craig Bergsgaard, left, and James Ayers, right
“The conversation made us think of how lucky we were to be successful in our artistic careers,” says Bergsgaard, “and how we would like to share our success with young artists to help them get a start.”
Adds Ayers: “Since Craig and I both derive great inspiration for our art from Native American cultures, doing something to encourage traditional art forms seemed like the perfect choice for giving back.”
Wopila’s first benefit show will be held in June, 2011 at the Toadlena Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation to help buy materials and supplies for young weavers.
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] this, we started a new organization, Wopila Artist Guild [LINK TO: http://www.wopilaguild.org/2010/07/announcing-wopila-artist-guild/. We plan to have a benefit art show in 2011, with part of the proceeds going to benefit the young [...]