A life of patience and fortitude paid off for Vladan Stiha.  He had been born in Yugoslavia and departed his home country when it was invaded during World War II.  He attempted to immigrate to the United States but the quota was full so he went to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and ten years later, moved to Sao Paula, Brazil. It was during the twenty years he spent in South America that he developed his impressionistic style and use of vivid colors—rich colors based on those so visible in the landscapes and clothing of the colorful peasants he witnessed.

The Stihas traveled extensively after moving to Santa Fe, visiting Indian reservation after reservation, soaking in the culture, the colors, the landscapes. He then transferred his visual experiences to canvas.  He never painted from photographs.  He was a celebrated Western artist who painted landscapes, Native ceremonies, and portraits of Native Americans such as this charming portrait of a young Navajo girl holding her lamb.  He was enchanted with his new-found home in the Southwest and left a legacy of paintings for all to share and enjoy.

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Samuel W. Pick (born 1936) is an American businessman and politician. He was the mayor of Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1976 to 1978 and from 1986 to 1994.