Paintings from the Soul
Alan Norberg Compo and R. David "Scribbles" Huerta
About the Artists
Alan Compo Norberg is an artist from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he uses his Native American traditional beliefs and Catholic upbringing to tell his stories through art.
Alan has shown pieces in the University of Michigan's Prisoner Art Exhibition for several years. He was chosen as an exhibitor for the 2017 Spring Collectors Show, and exhibited work at the Standing Rock-Solid exhibit at the Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Mostly a self-taught artist, Alan credits his life's teachers who he has been blessed to cross paths with. Growing up surrounded by many great Anishinaabek artists greatly influenced his work, along with Ms. T., (an art teacher), who showed him the beauty in acrylic paints in her prison art class. Alan's recent work is acrylic on canvas. He also works in a wide selection of mediums and styles, with many of his older works painted on kitchen aprons scavenged from the prison kitchen.
The 16 years in prison was a true defining period in Alan's life as an artist. There he found how to place his emotions and thoughts into creative expression. Now that he's returned home, he continues to work at his craft and let others know the power of art and the ability to put a voice into the unspoken.
R. David "Scribbles" Huerta is a West Michigan artist. He is a past member of the Grand Valley Artist Guild and an airbrush teacher in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
While Scribbles lived in Grand Rapids throughout his teen years, he has also lived, worked, and created in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Scribbles began painting at an early age, and has continued creating throughout the past 40 years. He is currently working on a book and website, and expects to complete his book by December 2018. Scribbles is a member of the Seymour Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.
Scribbles' primary artistic influences include music and religious and Native American images. He looks forward to continued exploration of these themes throughout his life. He prays you enjoy his works.