R. C. Gorman
1931–2005 (age 74)
Native American painter
Biography
R. C. Gorman came to national attention by painting luminous canvases celebrating Native American women with warmth, dignity, and a palette that glowed from the inside out. Born 1931, he shared his Navajo heritage through graceful brushstrokes and the belief that art could heal.
He inspired young artists with his workshops, encouraged audiences to listen to Native voices, and used his reputation to benefit cultural institutions from Taos County to beyond. His legacy continues to shine in museum collections and in the hearts of those who stood beside him.