I’m often complimented for the artwork in my office (pictured here). Nearly every Microsoft Teams meeting I take features a stunning original painting behind me, created by painter, muralist, and illustrator Armando Silva.
In Fall 2020, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) celebrated its 35th anniversary. I’ve had the honor of serving on their board since 2017. In lieu of a big in-person event that year, Covid moved the celebration online.
As part of the celebration, Armando was filmed painting a “self-portrait.”
A self-described Indigenous Mexican, Armando is featured in a headdress celebrating his indigenous heritage. The video offers an intimate glimpse into his studio, allowing you to connect with the artist, his process, and the painting.
Following the video, Bobby LeFebre, then Colorado’s State Poet Laureate, offered a Spoken-Word response written specifically for the event and Armando’s painting. It was a deeply moving piece that resonated with the celebration’s theme and Armando’s art.
I know Bobby as a civic co-conspirator, as we served together on the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, and he’s a pioneer in Denver’s nationally recognized spoken word community.
The celebration coincided with a powerful moment in my life — around the same time my mom reached me to say that she was going to register me, my kids, and my brother in the Cherokee Nation and the Shawnee Tribe.
While I’ve always known my heritage (my grandmother’s maiden name was BlueJacket), recently I’ve found myself reflecting more about what this heritage and history means to me. I want to honor this part of me, and I recognize I still have much to learn about the history of the Cherokee Nation and Shawnee Tribe. How do I ensure that I’m engaging my heritage thoughtfully and authentically?
In this journey, I’ve only begun to reach out to the Native American community and exploring the histories and contributions of the Cherokee Nation and Shawnee Tribe. It’s a journey of discovery and learning—one that feels like a vital exploration.
Armando’s painting and Bobby’s response serve as a constant inspiration for me to engage my heritage and find opportunities to positively impact our Native American Community. More than that, their artistry is about what they represent: the beauty of cultural pride, the importance of heritage, the power of engaging deeply with who we are, and the power of art to allow these conversations.
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