Randall Chitto, Koshare Storyteller
Randall Chitto
1961-
Mississippi Band of Choctaw
Date
1993
Medium Specific
Clay, corn husk, hide, leather, acrylic
Classification
Ceramic
Dimensions
10 x 6 x 7 in. (25.4 x 15.2 x 17.8 cm.)
Accession Number
2025.35.30.42
Credit
Gift of Doris M. Lumsden
Memo / Artist Statement
Randy's artistic journey primarily centers around the turtle, symbolizing the Choctaw's storytellers, and the bear, representing the strength and courage of the male facet of the tribe. His characters are renowned for their lively and animated expressions, reflecting his joyful artistic approach.
Biography
Randy Chitto has cultivated a distinguished career as a clay artist since his graduation from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, NM. Randy's early artistic inclination became evident during his formative years in Mississippi. When he was three years old, his family was relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1964 as part of the Indian Relocation Act of 1959. Recognizing his artistic prowess, his family provided unwavering support as he transitioned from sketching under the family porch to participating in citywide competitions and gaining admission to specialized art classes at the Chicago Art Institute and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
In 1980, Randy enrolled at IAIA. Initially focusing on painting. he ultimately discovered his passion for clay under the guidance of his first instructor, Otellie Loloma. Progressing in his studies, Randy continued to refine his skills under the mentorship of Ralph Pardington, who encouraged him to develop his unique artistic style. Randy graduated in 1983 with both 2 and 3 Dimensional Degrees in Studio Art.
Currently residing in Santa Fe, NM, Randy's artistic contributions have earned him a place in numerous museum collections, including the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, The Denver Art Museum, and The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Over the course of his prolific career, Randy has received several awards, including the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Fellowship and the Dubin Fellowship at The School of American Research.
https://randychitto.com/bio
In 1980, Randy enrolled at IAIA. Initially focusing on painting. he ultimately discovered his passion for clay under the guidance of his first instructor, Otellie Loloma. Progressing in his studies, Randy continued to refine his skills under the mentorship of Ralph Pardington, who encouraged him to develop his unique artistic style. Randy graduated in 1983 with both 2 and 3 Dimensional Degrees in Studio Art.
Currently residing in Santa Fe, NM, Randy's artistic contributions have earned him a place in numerous museum collections, including the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, The Denver Art Museum, and The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC. Over the course of his prolific career, Randy has received several awards, including the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Fellowship and the Dubin Fellowship at The School of American Research.
https://randychitto.com/bio
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