Greenwood mural inspired by ‘Define Your Direction’ call for youth leadership

This article appeared in the May 2021 edition of the Chickasaw Times

SULPHUR, Okla. – Chickasaw artist Brent Greenwood put the finishing touches on a new mural on the north wall of the “3rd & Broadway” boutique in downtown Sulphur March 27.

Mr. Greenwood said the painting was an engaging way to enrich the community with beauty and meaning. In this case, the meaning is expressed with contemporary imagery, and centered on family and Chickasaw cultural values.

“This mural is open for interpretation while having intent,” Mr. Greenwood said. “I wanted to reinforce the positive impact that the Define Your Direction (DYD) campaign is making in the area, instilling pride in oneself and community.”

The mural is easily spotted while strolling in downtown Sulphur. Both of his Sulphur murals face the downtown plaza stage, Mr. Greenwood said, adding to the overall aesthetic of the area.

“It adds a nice colorful vibe, while complementing the nostalgic downtown feel,” he said.

DYD made this mural possible and its message is at the heart of it.

DYD is a campaign and movement inspiring teens and young adults to be leaders in their communities while living healthy lifestyles. The aim is to steer them toward positive futures, and away from underage drinking and prescription drug abuse.

“By educating teens and young adults about the dangers of both subjects, we are creating a generation of students eager to participate in their communities, live healthy lives and be positive role models,” the group’s direction statement reads.

DYD’s listed goals are to inspire leaders, raise awareness, educate individuals, provide resources and change attitudes. Mr. Greenwood kept these goals in mind while designing his mural.

That’s how he decided to focus on family and Chickasaw values.

The mural features a young Chickasaw looking over his shoulder to see his family in a field of flowers cheering him on. Swirls of wind and color fill the upper portion of the mural. Tribal water designs flow through the bottom portion.

“I always want to embody energy and movement through my process,” Mr. Greenwood said. “From the swirling sky, which is on both murals, to the contemplative youth and traditional Southeastern references.”

Reflecting on family, the contemplative youth reinforces hope, smart decisions and pride in one’s self. The youth is a blend of graffiti styled traditional and contemporary – as depicted by a swan headdress, shell necklace and facial marking, but also a pair of headphones.

Reflecting the purpose of the mural, the youth’s shirt displays the DYD logo.

In addition to expressing what DYD is all about, Mr. Greenwood said, as a personal goal, he hopes this public piece fosters a deeper appreciation of art for those who stop by and take it in.

DYD is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation and Southern Plains Tribal Health Board.

More information can be found at DefineYourDirection.com. This includes free resources to use when talking to teens about prescription drug abuse and underage drinking.

To sneak a peek of Mr. Greenwood’s mural, pedestrians and drivers can find the boutique on Third Street between West Broadway Avenue and Muskogee Avenue. It is a stone’s throw away from his previous Sulphur-based mural on the side of Mahota Studios.

The boutique is owned and operated by a trio of ladies, including young Chickasaw entrepreneur Madeline Jack and her Choctaw mother, Julie Jack.

“We are excited about it! It adds a lot of color,” Madeline Jack said.

About Brent Greenwood

A native Oklahoman and contemporary artist of both Chickasaw and Ponca heritage, Mr. Greenwood was born in Midwest City, Okla. He is a graduate in fine arts disciplines from the Institute of American Indian Arts and Oklahoma City University.

His artistic journey with the Chickasaw Nation began more than 20 years ago as a tribal artist.

He started teaching at the Chickasaw Arts Academy in 2013 and was appointed Chickasaw Nation Director of Fine Arts in 2017. He now facilitates the Chickasaw Arts Academy and other programming, including arts education, outreach, workshops and student initiatives.

“I’ve been able to employ what I’ve learned over the years. We have a lot of budding young artists that just need some direction, and I know exactly where they are coming from, because I was there too,” he said.

He also maintains work as an independent artist on commission. Even early in his career as a rural letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service serving as a means to pay bills, he worked as an artist.

“I consider myself an artist first. That’s my passion. That’s what I love to do. That’s always going to be there,” he said.

He is known for more than his murals. His figurative works in vibrant acrylic paints are a staple among his creations, but he also is known for his ledger, printmaking and mixed media art. His originals and prints adorn numerous tribal facilities and even have been applied to a Pendleton blanket sold exclusively at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

As for his mural work and student mentorship, Mr. Greenwood said there were always new plans and tempting walls. He hopes to spark creativity in those who view public art as well as his students.

“Public art engages the community. It encourages and fosters the arts. It enhances the community, it spawns other projects, it leads to beautification. It’s a visual expression for the community in a public setting,” Mr. Greenwood said. “It’s free. It’s not in a museum. You don’t have to pay to see it. It’s there if you want to see it. That’s what makes public art so great.”