About
Dana Warrington, based in Keshena, WI, is a multidisciplinary artist blending contemporary perspectives with centuries-old traditions and practices. Dana is passionate about sharing his knowledge of traditional art mediums and tribal dance styles of the Great Lakes Woodland people.
His tribal artwork is exhibited at the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, the Eiteljorg Museum and Forest County Potawatomi Museum. He is also featured in American Craft Magazine, Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Publication, and The Indian Leader, Haskell Newspaper.
His awards include, Best of Classification in Diverse Art from the Santa Fe Indian Art Market, 2019 and 2021. Dana has also won Best of Show at Eiteljorg Indian Market in 2017, along with Harrison Eitelijorg Purchase Award in 2018.
Within the Tribal dance arena, Dana won the 2021 & 2022 Men’s Woodland World Championship and the 2007 & 2009, Jr Adult Men’s Contemporary Northern Traditional at the Schemitzen World Championship of Song and Dance.
Artist Statement
Growing up on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Northeastern Wisconsin, I was introduced to artwork by my mother and maternal grandmother from a young age. My curiosity and ambition lead me to experiment with my dance regalia and immersed me into artistry long before I understood the term “artist.” Those years of creating small cultural items for my dance regalia taught me valuable lesson of perseverance and instilled pride in creating and wearing native inspired artwork. With 30 years experience, life lessons along with cultural beliefs and traditions create a desire to continue this tradition tribal artistry in my family.
My artwork is a reflection of a Menominee / Potawatomi man living in modern times with a tribal mentality. The ability to adapt to an ever-changing world has given me the opportunity to take a traditional craft and continuously evolve the artform. As a tribal artist with a calling to preserve historic artforms I have come to realize and accept that adapting to and incorporating new materials and techniques is also critical to the survival of our historic artforms. By expanding my knowledge of the broader artworld and incorporating these techniques into native art concepts, our history and culture will be preserved for generations to come.
Press & Interviews
American Craft Magazine, May 2019 - Slow Art by Jodi Rave
Curating Indigeneity, August 2019 - Podcast interview with Tahnee Ahtone at the Santa Fe Indian Market
Sante Fe Reporter, August 2019 - The Quill is Mightier by Nicole Madrid
Haskell Indian Nation University Museum, October 2019 - Solo Exhibition
Woodland Indian Art Show & Market, May 2019 - Keynote Speaker