Lloyd Gray, or Nessatako, of the Onondaga Nation was born into the Snipe Clan
on January 31, 1952 in a log cabin in Akwesasne, New York. He was one of the youngest of eleven children. Raised deep
in the heart of Iroquois Territory, he did not have his first experience with white society until he was eleven years
old. The hard lessons of prejudice that he experienced fueled his commitment to spend his lifetime fighting for Native
American rights.
A staunch traditionalist, he learned most of his cultural beliefs from his
Mohawk grandfather. Nessatako which translates as "pulls the feather" is a celebrated artist, working as a sculptor
and painter, as well as in beads and leather crafts. He is a realist, whose art embraces the true spirituality of the
Native people. Learning the foundations from his grandfather, he developed his own unique style without benefit of formal
education. He refined his talents as a young adult, attending art classes as Bacon College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Lloyd
has exhibited his work across the United States, England and Ireland. The Pequot Museum in Mashantucket, Connecticut recently
acquired a major sculpture by the artist.
Art Shows
1974-1978 - toured the United States. His work
was shown in a wide variety of galleries in major cities including: Tulsa, Shawnee, Oklahoma City and Telequa, Oklahoma. Also
shown in Reno, NV, Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, Albuquerque, NM and Winslow, AZ.
1983- Toured England and Ireland showing a series
of oil paintings revealing the struggles of Native peoples.
1985 - Various exhibits through-out Iroquois Territory.
1998 - 2005 - Participated in various Native arts
and crafts shows in the Northeast.
June 1998 - Contrast in Light and Color, private
show; Millbury, Massachusetts.
November 1998 - Northeast Open, The Heywood Gallery;
Worcester, Massachusetts.
April 2002 - Monson Art Festival; Monson, Massachusetts.
August 2002 - Mohegan Wigwam Arts Festival; Uncasville,
Connecticut.
August 2002 - Pequot Green Corn Festival; Ledyard,
Connecticut. Won first place in scupture and Best of Show.
April 2003 - Monson Arts Festival; Monson, Massachusetts.
August 2003 - Mohegan Wigwam Arts Festival; Uncasville,
Connecticut. Won second place in scupture and Elder's Pick.
August 2003 - Pequot Green Corn Festival; Ledyard,
Connecticut. Won first place in scupture and Best of Show.
August 2004 - Mohegan Wigwam Arts Festival; Uncasville,
Connecticut. Won first place in scupture and Elder's Pick.
August 2004 - Pequot Green Corn Festival; Ledyard,
Connecticut. Won first place in scupture.
April - June 2005 - Spring Arts Festival:Lake
County Arts Council; Lakeport, California.
Public Art Projects
Currently on commission to create a memorial on Deer Island near
Boston, Massachusetts. This is a $150,000.00 project which consists of (7) 3 1/2' granite stones, carved to depict the Native
American history of Deer Island.
