About
Based in the Menominee Territory of Northeastern Wisconsin, Dana Warrington is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends contemporary perspectives with centuries-old traditions of the Great Lakes Woodland people. Deeply rooted in cultural practice, his artistry spans traditional mediums and tribal dance, reflecting both ancestral heritage and modern expression.
Dana’s tribal artwork has been exhibited at leading institutions including the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at the University of Notre Dame, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Forest County Potawatomi Museum. His work has been featured in respected publications such as American Craft Magazine, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Publication, and The Indian Leader, the Haskell Indian Nations University newspaper.
His artistic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best of Classification in Diverse Art at the Santa Fe Indian Art Market (2019, 2021), Best of Show at the Eiteljorg Indian Market (2017), and the Harrison Eiteljorg Purchase Award (2018).
Beyond the visual arts, Dana is a celebrated Woodland tribal dancer. He is a three-time Men’s Woodland World Champion (2021, 2022, 2025 in Carter, WI) and a two-time Jr. Adult Men’s Contemporary Northern Traditional Champion at the Schemitzen World Championship of Song and Dance (2007, 2009).
With a passion for sharing his knowledge, Dana continues to teach and inspire through traditional art mediums and the dance styles of the Great Lakes Woodland people, bridging cultural traditions with contemporary artistry.
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