Description: Pastel | Image Size: 12”h x 9”w; Framed Size: 17”h x 13”w

Where his family tended their sheep, Fred Cleveland (b.1943) was born in a traditional hogan on the Navajo Nation in Ganada, Arizona. His parents were both artisans as well; his father’s medium was sandpainting and his mother a weaver. And when his mother taught her techniques at the former Arizona State College, now Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, she brought her young son with her since a babysitter was not economically feasible at the time. And as her students shared their class supplies with him in order to entertain the young boy, the makings of a young artisan began. He painted murals while at boarding school and even continued to do so while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Following his military service, he attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

While working as an illustrator, Cleveland honed his skills. He has received numerous awards, honors and accolades throughout his career.