Frank Sheridan Sr., Cheyenne/Arapaho,
began as an artist 35 years ago when he took some mismatched,
multi-colored beads to his mother and asked her to teach him
how to bead. He has continued that practice through today.
For 29 years he has worked
in the federal service and is now employed with IHS as a community
intervention specialist. He uses his artistic gift within his
professional work to help people heal. Like all health care-givers
he has a compassion for people and is willing to share.
''I share whatever a person
needs from me. I let them take as much as they need. I try to
be there for them ... I try to take them to a place of healing,''
Sheridan said.
Frank has also mentored and
inspired many other award-winning Native artists.
"Frank embodies all that
is positive, giving, and culturally rich about the Southern Cheyenne
community. I believe for Frank, his manner of giving, educating,
and communicating through his art is a way of life for him.”
- Teri Greeves
Frank has received commissions
for the Southwest Native American Conference, The National Cowboy
Hall of Fame, the University of Oklahoma Press, and others.
Sheridan's handiwork and his
ledger-style artwork are prized collectors' items. An active
member of the Cheyenne traditional community, Sheridan is a ceremonial
painter and yearly participant in the Southern Cheyenne renewal
ceremonies - or Sun Dance.
Frank is a distinguished scholar,
having earned his BA, MAT, and MBA, and has lectured for the
Association of American Indian Physicians on “Spiritually
Based Alternative Therapies.” He spoke of his tribe and
why they do the things they do. He shared his views on the importance
of tradition to the tribe.
Frank was also awarded the
coveted First People's Fund Award in 2005, among many others
in a variety of fields and interests.
A fine award winning piece
of Cheyenne utilitarian art, this beautifully designed and expertly
fabricated rawhide purse exemplifies the best of contemporary
Cheyenne material culture.
In the traditions of the Cheyenne
hide painting and ledger book art, this pictorial rendered purse
records and preserves events and individual accomplishments.
In addition to the diligent hand work and purposeful decorations,
the hand painted iconic imagery augments the oral traditions
of the Cheyenne and tells us a story.
Front and back panels feature
two stories. The front panel portrays a Cheyenne courting scene.
As with any ledger style drawing, the presentation of detail
conveys a complete story. Described in artistic detail the courting
scene entails two prosperous Cheyenne family camps with a finely
dressed man and woman.
The notion of prosperity is
indicated by the fine clothing the families have dressed their
relatives with. As well, the painted Parfleche cylinder case
designs on each side of the couple are indicative of stature
and holdings for family prize possessions.
As with the customs of courtship,
the drawing shows a humble expression of gifting by placement
of gifts on Mother Earth in front of the recipient. An added
dimension to the courtship scene conveys the man's affection
for the woman by the playing of his flute.
As a horse culture, the Cheyenne
Nation had a great pride in their horses. Therefore this courting
scene is completed with a generous act of gifting a valuable
split-eared yellow horse.
The back panel tells a story
with incredible detail. Central and thematic to the story is
a Cheyenne Dog Soldier. A member of an elite society, this soldier's
prowess and deeds are recorded and portrayed with a great sense
of honor and is exemplified by his painted face and ownership
of a straight-up Cheyenne War Bonnet.
Evidenced by his accomplishments,
four captured enemy arrows and a Cavalry sword are placed upright
on each side of this protector. To complete this incredible scene
are the soldier's silent partners, his special split eared horses
and the camp circle for which he stands for and with.
Other interesting and profound
details embellish and adorn this fine purse. Painted and beaded
Cheyenne Military Stripes appropriately adorn many aspects of
the rawhide purse body and shoulder strap.
Additionally, good luck charms,
vintage coins, shells, two horse hair talismans, brass thimbles
and miniature carved deer hoof dangles adorn the hand tanned
and painted buckskin shoulder strap.
