"Feather Dancer," an acrylic on canvas painting by Southwestern artist John Nieto, has been selected for the commemorative poster for the 29th annual Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony. "Each year, the foundation creates a poster featuring a Native American-themed painting to present to its Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence winners," said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. "We are grateful to John Nieto for sharing his beautiful artwork for our poster. His bold and vibrant painting of a feather dancer is a wonderful reflection of our banquet theme, 'Mission Possible!'"

"Feather Dancer," an acrylic on canvas painting by Southwestern artist Paul Nieto, has been selected for the commemorative poster for the 29th annual Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Awards Banquet and Ceremony.

"Each year, the foundation creates a poster featuring a Native American-themed painting to present to its Academic All-State and Medal for Excellence winners," said Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. "We are grateful to John Nieto for sharing his beautiful artwork for our poster. His bold and vibrant painting of a feather dancer is a wonderful reflection of our banquet theme, 'Mission Possible!'"

Nieto was born in Denver in 1936 and raised in Roswell, New Mexico, near the Apache reservation. After high school, he studied art at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then moved to France. In Paris, he studied the work of Ingres, David and Picasso. He was particularly drawn to the French Fauve painters like Henri Matisse, who were known for their bold use of color. Nieto's experience in France clarified his artistic goals and eventually inspired his return to New Mexico.

"I paint Native American themes so I can step back in time and shine some light on those people – that culture," he said. "Through my artwork, I hope to show their humanity and their dignity."

Nieto has produced bronze sculptures, etchings, lithographs and silk-screen prints, in addition to drawings in pastel and charcoal. The past several years, he has been devoted almost exclusively to painting.

"In all of Nieto's art, sensitivity and respect for his subject are projected," stated his gallery biography. "He concentrates on capturing in his work his unique vision of the subjects he paints on canvases of vibrant, electric hues. … His art is a synthesis of his philosophy and his technical versatility, a powerful expression of pride and vitality."

Nieto's art has been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally in Japan, Europe, Latin America and Africa. One of his paintings was presented to President Ronald Reagan and hung in Washington before moving to Reagan's Presidential Library. Nieto and his family have lived in various New Mexico towns and now reside in Texas.

The 2015 Academic Awards Banquet commemorative poster, designed by Daren Shepherd of Southwestern Printing, is available for $20, including shipping. It can be purchased at the Academic Awards Banquet or by contacting the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence at (405) 236-0006 after May 16. For more information, visit the foundation website at www.ofe.org.