B.L. HENSLEY

2018 was a year of growth. I participated in new markets, had the opening of my first group traveling exhibition and as well as my first group show abroad. I am looking toward 2019 with optimism and a list of plans and goals. It can be difficult to maintain focus and momentum, especially working in a home studio as I do now so having plans in writing is key to keeping myself on track. In 2019 I plan to work on building my social media presence, applying to additional markets

When I was in Santa Fe for Indian Market in 2017 I met Joanne Prince, the owner of Rainmaker Gallery in Bristol England. She has shown a few of my works in her gallery over the last year and invited me to be a part of her 2018 winter exhibition; Birds, Beasts and Butterflies. Fifteen native artists from different tribes all over the United States will display work featuring animal themes from November 1st through February 28th 2019. She has curated a wonderful selection of wo

The first half of this month has been a whirlwind! I spent the first weekend in Tishomingo for the SEASAM (South Eastern Art Show and Market) It is a wonderful event currated by the Chickasaw Nation. The art show and market coincide with the Chickasaw Nation's annual meeting and festivities. This is my fifth year to compete and show and I truly appreciate the chance to represent my Chickasaw heritage with my work. I entered a Mixed Media piece (pen and ink with watercolor) en

After the prep and excitement of getting ready for and actually going to Indian Market September is my time to regroup and rest a little before the market madness that is October. When I say rest a little, I mean little. I still need to finish a few things before the SEASAM and Cherokee Art markets and I have a small show happening this month at the Jacobson House in Norman, Oklahoma. The Jacobson House is a Native Art Center that is on the campus of the University of Oklahom

I just returned from my second trip to Indian Market in Santa Fe. The prep and buildup to get ready for market season is always a whirlwind that starts months in advance and ends with stacks of finished paintings filling my home and studio. SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market has a long and rich history and just being accepted to participate in this the 97th annual market is such an honor. I had a new booth assignment this year, booth 804 on Marcy Street. I loaded up the car in the

I am so honored to be a part of the Chickasaw traveling art exhibition, Visual Voices. This has been a project years in the making. A team of talented Chickasaw artists began working with a desire to bring attention to Chickasaw artwork. They worked together to create the vision for this incredible project. They developed the theme and the logo, created a list of artists to include and presented the project to the head of the Chickasaw Nation, Governor Bill Annoatubby and bro