ARTIST BIO

Tchin (pronounced 'chin) is a nationally known, multi-award winning, multitalented Blackfoot/Narragansett artist. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia and lived in rural Virginia and Rhode Island where he received his early schooling. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. He is an accomplished metalsmith, author, flutemaker, educator, lecturer, folklorist, musician, entertainer and clothes maker; and a great father to his four beautiful daughters.

Tchin travels nationwide giving lectures about Native American culture and performances featuring storytelling and the Indian courting flute. He has been highlighted at institutions spanning from local schools to prestigious museums such as the Museum of Natural History, The Children's Museum, Peabody Museum, Mingei International Museum and The Museum of Man.

Traditional Storytelling

In the winter time, the children gather around the fire waiting to hear the stories that they will later tell their own children. Stories represent various aspects of human life. Often with a touch of humor and vividness, these tales teach us how we should behave, how things came to be and to give thanks for all our blessings.

Cassettes:

"American Indian Lessons" is a cassette created in the oral custom of a people who educate with insight and humor. Included is an introduction to the storytelling tradition. Tchin's reciting of these long-standing stories is accompanied with sounds of nature and flute music.

Books:

Tchin's book, "Rabbit's Wish for Snow," tells us how rabbits come to look the way they do and why a special tree looks the way it does.. It was published by Scholastic in 1998 and later it was translated to French by Scholastic Canada. A fun, lighthearted children's story, enjoyable for adults too.

Website:

www.tchin.net