NAPD 2-Day Course

First Peoples Fund's two-day trainings give artists real-world tools and detailed resources to navigate the arts industry and become successful entrepreneurs. The training is intended for emerging and seasoned artists alike. At the training, we will work with you to help you grow your arts business.

Robert Martinez was born on the Wind River Reservation in Riverton Wyoming. He attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and in 3 years he graduated becoming the Youngest Native American to graduate at that time.His Northern Arapaho & Chicano heritage remains a constant inspiration and source of ideas for his work.  Living in Wyoming amongst the hard working people of the west and experiencing their issues also influence his creations.  The past and present often resonate strongly throughout his work.Robert was recently honored with his home state’s highest creative honor, the Wyoming Governors Art Award.  You can currently see select pieces of his work as part of the permanent collection for the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington DC, The Plains Indian Museum at the Bill Cody Center of the West, and the Red Cloud Heritage Museum.

Leslie A. Deer is an apparel designer and artist who began her career by making her own dance regalia out of necessity while on tour with American Indian Dance Theatre. As her love for creating apparel grew, so did her clientele and Leslie decided to pursue a degree in apparel design to strengthen her skills. In May 2015, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Production from Oklahoma StateUniversity. The first thing people notice about Leslie’s artwork is quality and craftsmanship. Her work is often described as elegant, and is popular for the classic silhouettes that make the wearer feel confident and empowered. Leslie’s work is influenced by the motifs ofher Mvskoke people and their ancestors, the Moundbuilders. She believes she is meant to work with these designs:“It is my duty, as part of my tribal community, to ensure these designs survive for future generations to learn from, remember, absorb, and pass on. It’s really kind of like bringing our ancestors with us wherever we are - in the present, and in the future. We bring them forward with us.”Leslie has shown at numerous Native Art Markets including The Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival, Cherokee Art Market, Chickasaw Nation’s Southeast Art Show and Market, and Santa Fe Indian Market (winning both First Place - Contemporary Dress - Garments, and Best of Division – Contemporary Dress in 2017).In addition to designing for clients locally and across the U.S., Leslie teaches cultural activity classes at the Citizen Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center, and a sewing class in her community at the Holdenville Creek Indian Community Center. She also serves as a Cultural Arts Mentor for Muscogee Nation Youth Services. Leslie is a 2016 First Peoples Fund Artist In Business Leadership Fellow. Leslie has a garment in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and her work can be seen on her website, LAdeerApparel.com.