Ak-Chin Indian Community Artist Enjoys Working for his Community

Written by

Ak-Chin Indian Community member and employee, Waylon Antone began drawing as a young boy and he found art to be something he truly enjoyed. Not locked into a specific style, he likes creating all types of art and is open to different mediums.

Antone comes from a long line of artists including his mother, basket weaver Sally Antone. Some of his artwork have been displayed in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Him-Dak EcoMuseum. Antone does not sell art for a living, but he works with community members at the Ak-Chin Indian Community Him-Dak EcoMuseum and also acquires jobs within the Ak-Chin Indian Community to help with art needs.

In his teens, Antone entered art contests within the Ak-Chin Indian Community which included t-shirt design contests. Antone encourages youth to do the same.

Antone studied graphic design at Collins College in Phoenix and received a $500 scholarship from the Cowboy and Indian Days organization. Each year, this organization awards scholarship money from a roping event held in February to one student from each of the four O’odham tribes – the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Gila River Indian Community, the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.

Antone worked at the Ak-Chin O’odham Runner newspaper as a graphics artist designer while attending school, and maintained a near-perfect grade point average. The Ak-Chin Indian Community Education Department recommended Antone for the scholarship.

After graduation, Antone started working for the Ak-Chin Him-Dak EcoMuseum and is now the art program coordinator. The museum collects, preserves and displays artifacts from the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Antone coordinates art classes for the community. viewing this as a way to give back to the community. He believes that helping students people learn any art form – whether drawing, sketching, painting– can help them come out of their shells and express themselves through art.

“I see the look,” Antone said. “The look of learning an art form they didn’t think they were capable of learning, gaining confidence from knowing they can do it, opening themselves up to creativity.

[rev_slider_vc alias=”akchinslider”]
Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather and zumba. As a writer, she’s covered technology, medical and travel topics.

Share
Written by

Recent Posts

YETI Junior World Finals Returns to Las Vegas

Who says competition in Vegas is just for the pros? The top youth rodeo competitors… Read More

3 hours ago

Historic Tunes & Ropes: Live Music Comes to Earnhardt NoBull.com Stage for Kimes Ranch Million $ Breakaway

Enjoy live music and good times at the Earnhardt NoBull.com stage during the Kimes Ranch… Read More

2 days ago

Fishing Supplies at Shoppers Supply: Everything You Need for a Successful Day on the Water

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, having the right fishing supplies can make… Read More

3 days ago

Get Kilted for a Cause: Kilt Classic Pub Crawl to Benefit Chandler Fire Department

📅 Saturday, November 2, 2024 📍 New Square, 180 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ Get ready… Read More

7 days ago

Camp Verde, Arizona Welcomes the 2024 Turquoise Circuit Finals!

Arizona and New Mexico, the Turquoise Circuit Finals is right around the corner and you… Read More

1 week ago

Las Vegas Rio Round-Up: Meet the Artists

Sure, we all love going to Vegas to watch the best rodeo athletes in the… Read More

1 week ago