Wabash Apache

In September of 2024 I attended my 50th High School Reunion in
Wabash, IN.

I had moved to California in the middle of my Junior Year in High School. So while I didn't actually graduate with my class in Wabash, I've always considered Wabash my home town. I lived there for almost 15 years and I've known some of my Wabash classmates since I was 2 or 3 years old, more than 65 years.

Months before the reunion, my classmates on the reunion committee asked me to create a new image of the Wabash Apache mascot. I was honored to be asked and told them I could have it ready in February. In January I started doing my research into what a real Apache warrior might look like, so that my portrait could be as authentic as possible. The school colors are Orange & Black. This is a composite of many of the images I found, and a little artistic license.

When I ordered the frame, I decided I would donate the framed piece to the school. The frame took 2 weeks longer than expect so the finished piece was not shipped until March. The reunion committee loved it and they used this image everywhere. They also had an unveiling before our tour of the school.

This portrait is 11 x 15 inches, pencil and acrylic paint on acid free mat board.