1) The document describes an art exhibit by a Native American artist seeking closure for the Trail of Tears. It includes summaries of several paintings and their inspiration relating to the forced relocation of Native Americans. 2) The artist lives on land where the Trail of Tears ran through, finding inspiration in spirits of ancestors and the landscape. 3) The paintings explore themes of the ancestors being forced west, the land they once owned, and the artist finding peace in living close to their past.

1. “ Heaven’s Gate” Seeking Closure on Trail of Tears Created for the Indians’ ghosts of the Trail of Tears who did not have a proper burial. Art and sculptor exhibit at 7395 Old Hickory Blvd, White Creeks TN. My conclusion is that there will never be a closure for the Indians whose ancestors were forced to make this journey. We’ll just think of it less in time. Painting is 4.5’ x 10.5’

3. After moving to Nashville and seeing the highway marker, “Historic route of the Trail of Tears”, I realized for the first time, I was living in the land where our ancestors last ran free and civilized. Living with this knowledge 24 – 7 inspired the following artistic expressions. Acrylic on Canvas 35”x35”

5. The Evolution of an Indian Artist Acrylic on Canvas 35” x35”

6. The glitter expressing the birth of the casinos and with that the dream of being free and civilized reopened. “Seeking closure” is written in gold lettering. I had a feeling of depression living so close to our past that I could only think of a way to seek closure. “Seeking Closure” Acrylic on Canvas 14” x11 ½”

12. (writing on) Trail of Tears 2007 Living with an icon of our race running through the front yard always expecting ghost or spirits coming face to face. One pulled my foot the other night and whispered everything was alright . One appeared to smile in the studio but he was from the other side of the I-35 rainbow. Sitting on the front porch watching a blue moon Watching a fog creep from the creek to the house. Driving down Old Hickory Boulevard In my truck Hitting golf balls across the creek Into the south forty Doing water colors of the little up creek bridge Watching ducklings swim up creek in Judy’s creek Riding Smokey mosquito to the top of Boner Mountain Strolling down the old short cut trail towards Nashville Knowing I am close to home when I see the three radio towers Knowing there will never be a end Of this trail I find peace knowing I am in the Land of our Ancestors. Where they last ran Free and civilized.

14. Old Hickory Blvd, Whites Creek, TN. From Nashville, The Trail of Tears goes to Whites Creek, turns right, goes to Bear Hollow, turns left then heads to points North and West. Living on this site has inspired a rollercoaster of my imagination. “ Old Hickory Trail” Acrylic on Canvas 21” x 11 ¾”

16. There are documentations of things happening to them, but nothing about any questions they may have had. I am inadequate to speculate on any things of that nature. “Lighten bugs/ Blue Moon” Acrylic on Canvas 15” x 10”

17. On May 31 07 there was a Blue Moon. .While sitting on the front porch and watching the night, the lightning bugs seem to be more noticeably active than usual. While gathering information about the scope of individuals involved in the removal, I was overwhelmed by the numbers. One thing that escaped my investigation was any information of what the Indians were thinking during this time. “Fireflies Along the Trail” Acrylic on Canvas 14” x 7 ½”

19. “ Seeking Closure From Trail of Tears” Sponsored by the Native American Indian Association was on exhibit at the Tennessee Legislative Building In February and March of 2008 The following pictures is Ron getting the exhibit ready for display.