About the Artists

Frank Lapena, Wintu
from Sacramento, California

Listen to Sample MP3

Frank Lapena is a Nomtipom Wintu native from Sacramento, CA. His home is filled with beautiful works of art, sculptures, photographs and lots and lots of books. He is recently retired from his career as Profesor of Art and Ethnic Studies and Director of Native American Studies at California State University.

Frank had his first one-man art exhibition in 1960. Since that time, his painting and mixed media works have appeared in numerous exhibitions, collections, and publications. The man is highly accomplished, but is quiet and unassuming. There is a presence about him that makes you just want to listen to his every world.

During our recording session, he was joined by Brian Tripp, a long time friend and advocate of traditional native music and art. There He is an artist and singer and is joined in this program by Brian. Frank and Brian work tirelessly to preserve the strict traditional forms of the music and dance in their area. Together their voices move back and forth with such smoothness. Really beautiful.