“There’s a lot of people painting traditional stuff and, you know, I just want to paint the kind of stuff that I would like to see. It’s cool, but I want to twist it up a little.”
The next generation of Native Artists will find new opportunity through the Buddy Foundation.
The Summer 2026 session of the HOZHO Academy, co-hosted by the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Buddy Whitethorne Foundation, is now open for students to apply. Native students will receive instruction in painting techniques and how artists build a business and connect with their community…these were the teachings of Baje and Buddy as they reached out and touched the lives of so many young people.
This year’s instruction will be provided by Baje’s brother Ed Whitethorne.
Click Here to apply for the 2026 Academy
Student Art Programs
Our commitment to support art education for youth continued this year by donating supplies to Sinagua High School, working directly with art educator Carol Sharp to meet her students’ needs. Through your generous giving, the kids in Ms. Sharp’s class had a truly SPOOKtakular Halloween.
Student Scholarships Awarded
We were honored to sustain our ongoing partnership with Coconino Community College. That commitment is rooted in shared values of access, opportunity, and community uplift. Foundation President Patti Whitethorne joined two art students, Tavia Bedonie and Orion Clark who were recognized at a luncheon that brought together students, college leadership, and community partners.
All of the Foundation Mentors contribute original works of art for sale in the Buddy Store to support the Foundation endeavors.
Announcing our first two scholarships at Dine College. The Buddy Whitethorne Foundation (BWF) haspartnered with Diné College to offer two scholarships inthe amount of $600 to two enrolled Diné College