is a Native American/Veteran partnership. Veteran Dana Bahe is an enrolled Navajo and Salish and grew up mainly in Montana on the Flathead Reservation. He is an Army Veteran 25th Infantry Division and is direct relative of an original Wind Talker (Navajo Code Talker), Henry Bahe. We lived in the Albuquerque, New Mexico for 9 years and served on New Mexico Veteran Art Association Board where I resi
ded as Vice President for 2 years. We have had our art shown in galleries as well as several pieces of our art shown on the street of Albuquerque, on the bus routes. I was honored to have one of my one pieces, “Frida Kahlo – Her Father’s Son,” to represent the art route, with a map on the back, as a flyer introducing the Veteran art route. Dana and I both have won numerous ribbons for our art, and his contemporary jewelry, in several shows which included an Honorable Mention ribbon for me from the New Mexico Historical Society at the Pastel Society Art Show in 2016. During our time on the Board of New Mexico Veterans Art Association we helped to hold annual gallery shows for Veterans and their spouses every November. These gallery showings were by entry only, judged, and ribbons and monetary rewards were given. We will be bringing, little by little, authentic Native American art by different tribes as well. Dana specializes in contemporary jewelry that mixes both of his heritages; Navajo and Salish (we will post about Salish in the near future). He combines sterling, polished stones, turquoise, bone, and shell making some beautiful and unique pieces. My main focus is soft pastels portraits with dabbling some in jewelry ranging from Southwestern Style to energy healing stones/crystals. It was an unexpected move back to Ohio in 2020, but COVID shutting down states became the contributing factor since my children and grandchildren live here; my son, grandchildren and great-grandchild all born in Bellefontaine and both of my children attending Bellefontaine City Schools when they were growing up. I had no clue how long I would be prevented from seeing them. Over the years of visiting here I have seen how much work that has been done to revitalize this town! I was very impressed! This was THE timing to bring something new to Bellefontaine! I am super excited to go into business with my daughter-in-law to bring creativity and gathering into a quaint setting where talent is nurtured and encouraged!
