KENNY MCKENNA

McKenna’s painting subjects are widely diverse. With the emphasis on landscapes, “I simply paint what interests me.” He paints exclusively in oils creating an impressionistic style with texture and loose brushwork. His paintings elicit a sense of warmth and calmness, an open invitation to explore and all share the inherent ingredient of the infusion of sunlight.

McKenna was fortunate to have parents that loved to travel. With relatives residing on both the west and east coasts, the road trips from Kansas covered a lot of territory. The desert landscape, canyons, and colors of the southwest was especially appealing to him when covering the miles to California. His travels continued throughout the United States while working as an accomplished musician. The combination was great. He was doing something he loved and was aware of the beauty of the country. The years of touring with the group The Young Raiders have been rewarded with the 2009 induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and in April of 2018 into the South Dakota Music Hall of Fame.

Although music remains an active part of his life, painting satisfies his creative nature. With a gypsy spirit, McKenna has called several places home. His work reflects the places he has lived and those he has traveled.

McKenna has been commissioned by the Friends of the Capitol along with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Office of the Governor of the State of Oklahoma for an art installation in spring of 2018 honoring the centennial of the Oklahoma State Capitol building. His exhibits have included Masters of the American West, Autry National Center in Los Angeles, CA; Small works Great Wonders, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK; Collectors Reserve, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK; Night of Artists, Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio, TX.  McKenna’s art has been featured in Art of the West, Southwest Art, and Western Art Collector.

HARRISON JIM

Harrison Jim is Navajo and a member of the Red House Clan. Born and raised in Gallup, New Mexico. Growing up, he was exposed to the traditional arts through his aunt and grandmother who often wore beautiful pieces and would also weave rugs at home. This early exposure sparked a strong interest in the arts for him. Harrison honed his skills by apprenticing under renowned jewelers such as John Hall, Tommy Jackson, and McKee Platero. These mentors not only taught him the technical aspects of jewelry making, but also instilled in him a deep respect for the traditional Navajo methods and materials. Harrison also pursued formal training through various workshops and classes to further refine his craft.
Harrison has developed a unique style that sets his work apart from others in the industry. He blends traditional Navajo techniques with contemporary designs, resulting in pieces that are both modern and rooted in tradition. His attention to detail and use of high quality materials have earned him a loyal following among collectors and admirers alike. His designs are reflective of bright stars in the New Mexico nights and his geometric forms, of the landscape. With his sleek and contemporary shapes and designs, he manages to balance the flavor of tradition along with his stylized approach to Indian imagery. The colorful and innovative inlays in his jewelry are inspired by the natural gifts that Mother Earth and Father Sky provide to each and every one of us.