09/02/2026
A few weeks ago, I mentored an incredible teen from the Fort Peck Reservation here in Montana. This oil painting and aspiring artist mentorship was through the Kaj Seifert Foundation who reached out to me to see if this beautiful grant recipient of theirs could work with me for a week.  I was beyond inspired by her application video and immediately wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. We had a full 5 days of color work, sketching, composition, Plein air painting, and studio work. There were not enough hours in the day to be able to teach her everything I wanted to, but we did so much more than just art. She and I made a connection that will last years. We had very deep, meaningful, and intentional conversations about many aspects of life, hardships and experiences that make us who we are, God/Creator, and how being an artist is something that can’t be denied, ignored, or un-lived. Sophia Four Bear is a gift to not only her communities of Wolf Point and Poplar, but also to her people, her tribes, her heritage, and this world of complex and diverse people. She always has a place with my family, and with Don and Chris Seifert who are building one of the most impactful and meaningful foundations I have ever been blessed to become connected to. They understand the importance of music, dance, acting, and fine art in the lives of our young developing men and women and work tirelessly to give growth opportunities to these youth who would not otherwise have opportunity or access to grow within their gifts. Thank you Sophia and the Kaj Seifert Foundation for a profound experience!
