Frank Geionety, a Kiowa, comes to Weatherford, Texas, September 25th, to tell tales of the Kiowas, to show traditional crafts, demonstrate the way a sense of family is essential to a strong cultural heritage, and offer his own artistic vision. Frank will sing the legends and tales in his native language (Kiowa) and then render them into English. Dressed in dance regalia his presentation is both a step back in time and a contemporary vision of his heritage. What he does energizes the Kiowa traditional culture.
Frank Geionety was born in southwest Oklahoma in 1956 and graduated Mountain View High School (1976). From high school he went off to Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, but finished his two-year degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado. Never abandoning his art, he has worked in security for the American Indian Movement and as a wildland fire fighter, joining fellow Kiowa and Apache from Oklahoma. He has been a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan since 1975.
As an artist Frank works in a number of mediums: graphics, acrylics, oils, free hand-drawing, and portraits. In addition, he does feather work (fans, gourds, bustles). He is particularly keen on painted hides with natural pigments.
The Kiowa maintain a strong heritage. On July 4th each year the Kiowa Gourd Clan gathers in ceremonial dance in Carnegie, Oklahoma. The focus is upon language, tradition and culture. One manifestation of cultural perspective is the pledges from the dancers of a beef, sacks of flour or money for the next encampment. These pledges will serve as the commissary for the gathering a year hence. These pledges are not solely for the Kiowa, but are pledged to feed even the guests of the tribe. Indeed, for a non-Kiowa to sit under the arbor watching the dancers is to evoke invitation to dinner or lunch with people never before met, now new friends.
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