JD Challenger is considered America's leading painter of Native Americans. He learned color, shading, light and shadow from closely observing nature and then drawing what he saw. When he was young, JD Challenger was always fascinated by the culture and customs of the Native Americans near to whom he lived and soon considered his closest friends. JD Challenger absorbed their stories and traditions and sketched his observations of their lives. At first, he was reluctant to show his paintings in public for fear of offending a people he greatly admired. However, upon witnessing a "Ghost Dance" ceremony, JD Challenger discovered his mission With encouragement from friends, JD Challenger showed his paintings to some Native Americans, one of whom was a holy man. JD Challenger was told, "Your path is to tell our story and educate others."

JD Challenger paints the story of a people rich in heritage and tradition. These stories are sometimes poignant, often angry, but always powerful and demanding to be told.