Art studio rails for in progress original oil on canvas fine artwork. Formline with contemporary abstract style. Modern background.

About
Nena Howell

Reverence in creation

Contemporary Visual Artist

"Experience the transformative power of my art, inspired by ancestral rhythms and a
deep connection to nature.” Thank you (Gunalchéesh) Nena Howell

My favorite all-time brushes that have won multiple of awards, juried art events, national worldwide favorite, Nena Howell.
Nena Howell's makers tools
Nationally award winning visual artist Nena Howell born Edmonds WA, studio Wenatchee, Gallery 110, Seattle.

Artist Statement

Like the resonant beat of my ancestral spirits' drums, my work arises from a place of celebration and inherent rhythm. Immersed in the embrace of brushes and oils, I experience a profound sense of wellness. Within this creative space, a fluid energy, enlivens and energizing my spirit, which I then translate onto the canvas. My art is an expression of movement and ancestral energy, seeking to connect and foster well-being.

On canvas, I bring forth values of survival, connection, stewardship, respect, and gratitude. I explore pursuits and passions that reveal intimate connections between figures and the natural world. My contemporary figurative oil paintings hold reverence for my Northwestern coastal Tlingit formline, the rich heritage of my Ukrainian roots, and the expressive freedom of abstract expressionism.

I continually draw inspiration from artists such as Richard Schmid, Lee Krasner, Jeffrey T. Larson, Alice Neel, Preston Singletary, and the significant legacy of my late grandfather, master Tlingit artist Rudolph Walton of Sitka, AK, whose works reside in museums across Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada.

Reverence for my elders and a deep commitment to stewardship for all people, land, and sea are central to my artistic practice. This well-being I find in creating guides my hand as I continually seek new opportunities to place meaningful works with private collectors, to honor cultural expression through regalia in oils, and to connect with communities seeking wellness through art.

More than just materials and visible forms, my art embodies presence and a guiding fluid energy that connects and celebrates all sentient life.

Aunties wrap our union in art

Preston design Tlingit formline blanket wraps Jamie and Nena Howell on wedding day.

Artist Bio

Nena feels her ancestral spirits and wellness guide as she creates her contemporary figurative oil paintings. Nena’s work is an expression of movement that connects people and nature. Born from her Tlingit and Ukrainian roots, she infuses each work with themes of abundance, wellness, and stewardship. 

Inspired by a number of contemporary artists and her late Tlingit grandfather, Rudolph Walton, a distinguished
master artist and carver from Sitka (pic shown here).

After a full career in business and marketing, in the winter of 2020, Howell pivoted full-time to art, and the business of art creation for the private portfolio market and wellness through art practice.

Howell is a juried top 40 national finalist at the Interstate Exhibition, Central Wash University. She is a 2024 First Peoples Fellowship awardee and is a certified Tlingit & Haida tribal artist and a member of Women Painters of Washington. Her studio is homed in Wenatchee and Gallery 110 in downtown Seattle represents Howell.

Grandfather Rudolph Walton, Sitka, Alaska, master Tlingit artwork, granddaughter, Nena Howell (Walton).

Juried Exhibitions & Awards

One of my favorite shows, In the Spirit, Tacoma, Nena Howell
One of the first placements, national placement at Sarah Spurgeon Gallery, Central WA University, Nena Howell, artist participant.
Wild Art Bird Festival in Oregon, one of my favorites, artist Nena Howell.
One of my largest all time sales at Bellevue Arts Museum Art Fair, lots to learn and art community gratitude!
With thanks to be a winner of First Peoples Fund. Such a great gathering of native art leaders.

Artist CV

JURIED

Apr 2025 Award "Honorary Mention", Alatheia's National Exhibition & Benefit, Leavenworth, WA

Sept 2024  In the Spirit, WA State History Museum, Tacoma, WA

Aug 2024 Statewide Juried Exhibition 'Confluence', Gallery One, Ellensburg, WA

Jul 2024 In the Spirit Exhibition, WA State History Museum, Tacoma, WA

Jul 2024 Bellevue Art Museum Art Fair, Bellevue, WA

Nov 2023 National Finalist Interstate Exhibition, 

Central WA University – Sarah Spurgeon Gallery, Ellensburg, WA

Jun 2023 Winner 2YR Membership, Gallery 110, Seattle, WA

Mar 2023 Finalist, Heritage University, Toppenish, WA

Jun 2022 First place Plein Air, Two Rivers Gallery, Wenatchee, WA

EXHIBITIONS CURRENT

See TODAY page for all current exhibitions

EXHIBITIONS PREVIOUS YEARS

Mar 2024 Group, Gallery 110, Seattle, WA

Jan 2024 Solo, Art Alley Pybus, Wenatchee, WA

Nov 2023 Group, Wild Arts Audubon, Portland, OR

Sep 2023 Group, Lemolo, Wenatchee, WA

Aug 2023 Group, Village Art, Leavenworth, WA

Jul 2023 Group, Night Market, Wenatchee, WA

May 2023 Group, Bird Fest, Leavenworth, WA

Oct 2022 Group, Pacific Art League, San Francisco, CA

Dec 2021 Group, Collapse Art Gallery, Wenatchee, WA

Jun 2021 Group, Two Rivers Gallery, Wenatchee, WA

EDUCATION

Institutional art studies:

University of Alaska and University of Washington

Seattle’s Gage Academy of Art and Wenatchee College

Sedona Art Center and Pacific Art League

Sessions studied under:

David A. Boxley Sr. and David Laffel

Nancy Taylor Stonington and Andy Thomas

Kai Lun Qu and Lonnie Zarem

Artist travel studies:

Alaska, Pacific Northwest, Spain, France, Italy and Sweden

COMMUNITY

Feb 2024 Elected Member, Women Painters Washington

Jan 2024 Art Business Fellowship, First Peoples Fund

Dec 2023 Elected Board Member, Gallery 110, Seattle

Jan 2023 Certified King County Small Contractor Supplier

Nov 2022 Certified WA Office Minority & Women Business

Feb 2022 North Central Washington Arts Alliance member

Oct 2021 Certified Tlingit & Haida Tribal Artist

What people are saying

★★★★★

"I dreamt about it last night and keep thinking of it, I must bring it home."

Deb
★★★★★

“In my favorite chair, I want to see this each morning with my coffee”

Victoria
★★★★★

“Your work just gives me goosebumps.”

Chrissy
★★★★★

“You bring so much energy and light everywhere you go.”

Shay
★★★★★

“This one, took my breath away.”

Nicole
★★★★★

“Absolute pleasure, your spirit is special.”

Jana
★★★★★

“I have to have this one, it makes me think of my family.”

Neal
★★★★★

“So joyful.”

Susan