"Storytelling is the basis of all my art forms," says Dayton Edmonds.

 Dayton is a full-blooded American Indian.  His art education began with his culture and his forebears long before he was even aware of it.  From his family have come generations of tribal storytellers.  His grandfathers were priests of the peyote religion.  His relatives still sing the songs of religious and social dances--the turkey dance, the bell dance, the duck dance and others.

 His people, the Hasinai or Caddo, originated in the present states of Lousiiana and Texas, and their territory grew to include some of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  The Caddoan people was one of the largest moundbuilding cultures of ancient times, once numbering half a million people.  They were excellent gardeners, potters and artists.

 There are only about 4000 Caddo people remaining.  Their civilization was nearly wiped out by invaders from Europe.  Their culture, however, has survived decimation and constant hardship.  Dayton's philosophy of life and art derive from this ancient culture.

 Dayton has studied life drawing, painting, sculpting and printmaking in a formal educational setting.  However, his expertise comes in larger part from an intrinsic understanding of the old values and a grasp of the collective memory which comes through the stories of his people.

 Dayton is a professional storyteller who travels throughout the United States and its territories.  He strives to dispel the stereotyped imaging of the Native American people; to tell the creation stories through wildlife, landscape and portraiture; to show another aspect of Indian lifestyle, both past and present.  His intent is to help people become aware of and begin to use the right hemisphere of the brain and to show things not usually noticed or understood.

 It is now possible to collect the art of Dayton Edmonds, available in limited edition prints, cards, audio tapes and CDs which show and tell his knowledge and feeling for the Native American people--his people.

 From southern summer dancegrounds to the mountains of the snowy north, Dayton has studied the hues and nuances of nature taught him by his grandparents.  He has learned his art both from the inherited trials and and the inherent wisdom and humor of a strong, gracious people.

 Dayton reveals..."My purpose is to tell the story; to pass it on so that others may hears, see, feel and enjoy.  As a storyteller, I strive to give a voice to the voiceless.  As an artist, I seek to give a perspective from a different part of life's cycle.  The stories I tell and the artwork I create are to gently challenge people to grow."

 Share the stories of Dayton Edmonds through these graceful works of art.