CALIFORNIA MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST LENDS TALENT TO HEIGHTEN
INDIAN LEGAL FIRM'S MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

BOULDER, CO – The talented California-based multi-media artist, Bernie Granados, Jr. donated his artwork entitled, "Runnin’ Rainbow" to the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) for its use in a direct mail membership campaign that was distributed to more than 40,000 individuals across the nation. "Runnin’ Rainbow" is an original acrylic embossment painting on a tempered-masonite panel that was reproduced and distributed in mail packages containing 12 matching greeting cards with envelopes.

Bernie Granados is an accomplished artist who works in a variety of mediums including embossed acrylic paintings, watercolor, Prismacolor, pencil, pen and ink drawings, wood carvings, and ceramic and bronze. He produces paintings, sculptures, masks, prints, and miniatures. He originated and perfected the technique of embossing acrylic on canvas that gives his pieces three-dimensional characteristics.

"I proudly offer my support to NARF because they help those who need help," says Bernie Granados. "By donating my art, I hope it achieves positive results by boosting membership and increasing revenue. I hope members enjoy my artwork."

"In the past two years, Bernie has faithfully donated art to our annual benefit art auction in Santa Fe, New Mexico," says Mary Lu Rousseaux, NARF’s director of development. "Bernie’s willingness and ability to help NARF in another fundraising area is greatly appreciated. His friendship and caring spirit means so much to NARF."

An Apache and Zacatec Indian, Bernie has mentored artists at the University of California-Irvine Intertribal Pre-University Summer Program. His passion is helping native youth cultivate their artistic talent. He is currently Artist-in-Residence at The Southwest Museum. The Museum is now accepting applications for the 2004 Native Mentors Fine Arts School that provides educational opportunities for native youth age 15-20 years.

Bernie’s art is collected by celebrities like Ben Kingsley, Dustin Hoffman, and Ted Turner. His work has appeared throughout major art galleries from California to Florida. His editions are available at the Smithsonian Museum Stores in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of the American Indian, New York, and The Southwest Museum Store in Highland Park, California. Future shows include Casa Adobe in Glendale, California (June 6), the Prescott Indian Art Market in Arizona (July 10-11), and the "Native American Exhibition" at the Hilton of Santa Fe, New Mexico (August 19-22). El Studio Granados is located in Glendale, California. For more information visit the web site www.elstudiogranados.com or call 818-240-4421. You can email Bernie at fineart@elstudiogranados.com.

The Native American Rights Fund is a national nonprofit organization formed in 1970 to assist Indian tribes, individuals and organizations with legal advice and representation on issues of national significance to Native Americans. The Native American Rights Fund is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Anchorage, Alaska and Washington, D.C.