Dwayne “Chuck” Wilcox is a master contemporary Plains ledger artist. He began his artistic endeavors in high school and although he considers himself to be self-taught, he cannot overlook the multiple mentors he has had along the way. He continues to be inspired through research and often consults historical examples to gain further insight into his works. In 1987, Chuck began his professional career as a full-time artist. His ledger art emphasizes the contemporary life of Native peoples, not a life of the past – although he often does like to revisit ‘older subjects’ with poignant sarcasm and wit. He focuses his subject matter on vignettes of Indian life infused with humor and favors depicting scenes of pow-wows, social dances, families and everyday mundane activities.
Throughout his career, Chuck has won numerous prizes and placement ribbons across the country. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries both nationally and in Europe. His most recent awards include the 2010, 1st Place Mixed Media award and the Honikle Humor award at the Red Cloud Heritage Center. Recent exhibitions include shows at the Hood Museum of Art in Dartmouth, NH and the Harwood Museum in Taos, NM.
Chuck’s own words best describe his approach to the ongoing tradition of ledger drawing – “I’m alive now. Our time today is just as important as the past.”