Christopher James Rowland, Ma'heonehoo'estse ("Man of the Holy Place") is a renowned multi-media artist from the Northern Cheyenne Nation (Suhteao'o and Tsistsistas). His artwork is exhibited in museums, exhibition halls, and private collections world wide. Rowland grew up on the reservation in east-central Montana and began painting when he was seven years old. It was a tough life, yet from this oppressive experience he learned resiliency and perseverance, making him a standout athlete and a gifted artist. He sold his first 18"x 24" oil painting sophomore year of high school and signed his first commercial contract to design tee-shirt logos for Bears Den of Colstrip, MT that same year. Blackfoot abstract artist Neil Parsons told him early on, "Don't go to art school, instead find an artist whose work you like and study from them." His artist mentors included James Poulson, Howard Terpning, and the artist couple Jessica Zemsky and Jack Hines whom wrote in 1995 for Southwest Art Magazine, "Through study and practice Rowland perfected his knowledge of drawing, anatomy and perspective and now paints his impressions of contemporary and historical Native peoples using expressionistic color." Among his accomplishments is a 10-by-30 foot mural in the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital and a 6-by-15 foot mural in the Montana Historical Society. Rowland was appointed as the Cultural Ambassador in 2006 working as a liaison between the Governor's Office and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. The Montana State Tribal Development Commission recognized him as the first "Indianpreneur." As an accomplished Native flute player, he has also released two albums, “Dreams May Come” and "Flute Dreaming." He has collaborated with world-renowned musicians and continues composing songs and blesses many performances with his flute melodies. "Oftentimes my flute becomes a prayer that is soothing and calming to me, so I share this medicine together with everyone." Christopher is working with his dad, Dr. James C. Rowland, EdD, on a series of buffalo hides depicting Cheyenne History, sanctioned by the Chiefs and Warrior Societies. He is also perfecting the "Rowland Light Panels" with the copper sculptures, in which a tetrahedron is assembled with a spiral to form an "energetic and purifying field." Rowland’s artwork, both visual and audio, creates a peaceful and tranquil environment for everyone to enter and enjoy the moment, and it’s meaning, for their lives. To learn more about the projects and his organization ATP (American Tribes Project) visit www.americantribesproject.org!