Don "Standing Bear" Forest

Don was born in Massachusetts as the son of Andre “Grey Wolf” Forest and Esther “NightDancer” Forest. His grandparents, parents and sisters, have been influential in his pursuit of his native heritage and artistic expression.

In 1975, He followed a dream and moved to Alaska where he attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and later played on the college hockey team. Eventually he settled in the Two Rivers area (east of Fairbanks, Alaska) where he has lived now for over 20 years.

When not busy with art, He spends time with his wife Edie. Her interests include 17 sled dogs, gardening, hunting and fishing.

Don is associated with the Fairbanks Art Association, Coalition of Historical Trekkers, and the UAF Nanook Hockey Booster Club. He is also keeper of the “Walks the Nation” Drum and he teaches traditional Native American Drumming and Dancing to elementary students, as well as Native arts and crafts.

Since 2004 Don has expanded his artwork to other areas in the United States. During the summer of 2005 he spent five weeks on the “powwow trail” exhibiting work and subsequently he has been invited to participate in the American Indian Art show and other shows. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Council for Indigenous Arts & Culture and the Indian Arts & Crafts Association.