Baje Whitethorne Sr. Honored with Spirit of the Heard Award

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Baje Whitethorne Sr. was recognized with the Spirit of the Heard award at this years’ Phoenix Indian Center’s Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards dinner which was held at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. Baje was celebrated for his work as founder and contributor to Art of the People (AOP), a collective of indigenous artists striving to share the heart story of Navajo religion, philosophy and way of life through live-painting demonstrations. Established in 2013, AOP would work together to create artwork for the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, 10 murals in 10 days project. Their work would continue to elevate their respective communities and encourage emerging artists to keep creating.

The Heard Museum Board of Trustees established the Spirit of the Heard award in 2004 to recognize excellence in community-based contributions by Native individuals. “We are deeply honored to bestow this award upon you [Baje] for your tireless efforts in art education and children’s literacy, Heard Museum Director and CEO David Roche said. “Your longstanding commitment to excellence in the arts as an author, illustrator, educator, and a passionate public servant to the Navajo people is an impressive model for other artists.”

Each year, the Heard Museum’s Board of Trustees honors an individual who has exhibited personal excellence in his or her life either individually or as a community leader working on behalf of American Indian people in an area consistent with the mission of the Heard Museum. “I’m deeply appreciative and very humbled to receive this award on behalf of AOP,” Baje said.