Walter Richard "Dick" West, Cheyenne Painter

Walter Richard "Dick" West (Cheyenne, 1912-1996) Artist, Educator, and Pioneer

Walter Richard "Dick" West (1912-1996) was a monumental figure in Native American fine art-a Cheyenne artist, educator, and true pioneer. His foundational training at Haskell Institute, Bacone College, and the University of Oklahoma equipped him with a unique ability to seamlessly blend classical art education with profound Indigenous themes.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II, West dedicated decades of his life to teaching and mentoring, profoundly shaping a new generation of Native artists. His impactful work is held in numerous major museum collections, cementing his legacy. Today, West's significant contributions to Native art, education, and cultural preservation continue to be deeply influential.

TAGS: Native American Painting, Cheyenne Nation