At Greg Paton Studios, our concentration is on original cowboy and Western art through the mediums of oil painting, drawing, watercolor and photography.

Aztec Female Dancer

16″x 20″ Oil Painting on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas with 1 1/2″ Profile

But we are also keenly aware of the unique benefits we receive through participation in Pahrump’s inclusive and forward thinking culture.

A Paiute gourd dancer playing a conch shell

This website is devoted to Pahrump and its love affair with the annual Pahrump Social Powwow in November. It’s a celebration of cultures highlighting peaceful coexistence between Native American people, the first settlers, and the town of Pahrump. Pahrump’s history, even it’s name, has Native American origins as it is home to the Southern Shoshone and Western Paiute people.

Paiute gourd dancers

Powwows, as many are unaware, are both a celebration of the past and present by honoring the land, the animals around us and those who have come before us. A Powwow is both sacred ritual and social engagement. Uniquely, its Native American origins center around peace and cooperation as a Powwow is a “gathering of the tribes.”

Paiute gourd dancer

Traditionally, at the center of all Powwows, is a large circle. The circle is surrounded by grandstands and other seating for public viewing. Beyond the circle and seating, Native American venders and craftsmen provide food and wares.

The formal start to a Powwow is the Grand Entry at twelve noon. The Grand Entry honors the brave and the fallen. The Native American Veteran Honor Guard leads the solemn procession in the circle. There are prayers given and a moment of silence respecting those who have gone before us. Then the Powwow breaks out as the circle continues to grow. Public participation is encouraged and appreciated. With breaks in between, Native American dignitaries and town representatives are introduced and speak. Then the Powwow accelerates into the turn of the main event – good natured competitive dancing.

The dances, now viewed as friendly competition, are inspired and in tribute to the land and the wildlife that abounds on it. Powwow dances include: Fancy Shawl, Grass, Jingle Dress, Men’s Chicken Traditional (Prairie Hen), Women’s traditional, Men’s traditional, Hoop, Gourd and Aztec and are seen HERE.

Thought I’d toss in a painting.

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