Woody Crumbo

Throughout his life Woodrow Wilson Crumbo, better known as “Woody Crumbo,” has dedicated himself to portraying the culture of the American Indian and preserving their ancient traditions. Born in 1912 Woody’s father was a trader who died when he was just four. After moving to the Potawatomie lands in Kansas his mother died. He moved in with a Creek Indian family and subsequently lived with many different families until he was 17. he then enrolled at the Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma. It was there that Susie Peters became a major figure in his life encouraging traditional art styles that led to a scholarship to the American Indian Institute in Wichita. He graduated at the top of his class and continued his education at Wichita State University.

During those years he earned his living as an Indian dancer and his reputation for excellence quickly spread. He led a group of 13 dancers on a tour of many Indian reservations. From each tribe he learned traditions and dances, dozens of songs and dances were perpetuated due to his efforts. He was also a talented Native American flute player and was spotlighted by a performance with the Wichita Symphony.

Woody’s skill as an artist were acknowledged when his old friend Susie Peters sold 22 of his paintings to the San Francisco Museum of Art, where they remain as a part of their permanent collection. This launched an impressive career in painting and also several Museum directorships where he continued to preserve Native American art.

Woody’s paintings are in numerous museums, galleries and private collections around the world including the Philbrook Art Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Metropolitan Museum in New York, Smithsonian and the U.S. Department of Interior. Both the Queen of England and the Museum of Modern Art own complete sets of his etchings and silk screens.

The art of Woody Crumbo communicates the spirit of the American Indian in harmony with nature and all men; his art unites the viewer with the spiritual life, history, and culture of the American Indian.