Whitney Virden

Whitney Virden stands as a beacon of creativity and entrepreneurship, redefining the floral industry with her unique heritage and innovative vision. A proud Comanche, Kiowa, and Cherokee woman, Whitney is a first-generation florist and entrepreneur, carving a niche in a field where less than 1% of florists are Native American.

Growing up, Whitney was surrounded by a tapestry of creativity woven by the women in her family. These artistic influences included painters, weavers, and crafters, who each contributed to a vibrant atmosphere of artistic expression. Despite this rich familial backdrop, Whitney initially believed she lacked a creative bone in her body. It wasn't until later in life that she discovered her own artistic talents through the medium of flowers.

Whitney's journey into floristry was fueled by a passion for beauty and a desire to express her cultural heritage through floral design. As a first-generation florist, she brought a fresh perspective to the industry, combining traditional floral techniques with a modern twist. Her work quickly gained recognition for its distinctiveness and cultural depth.

Whitney's talents and dedication were celebrated when she won the People's Choice Award at the Philbrook Art in Bloom event. This prestigious accolade highlighted her ability to captivate and inspire audiences with her floral creations. The award not only recognized her artistic vision but also underscored the importance of remembering the tens of thousands of native children forcibly removed from their families and communities and placed in boarding schools in an effort to assimilate them into modern society. The violence levied against native ways and identity left wounds that reverberate through generations.

As a trailblazer in the floral industry, Whitney Virden is committed to paving the way for future generations of Native American florists. Her success story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the power of embracing one's cultural identity and pursuing one's dreams with passion and determination. Through her work, Whitney continues to challenge stereotypes and break barriers, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring impact of heritage.

What Will Take Root? A Fight for the Heart

Medium: Sculpted using chicken wire, air clay, leave, dried petals and silk florals

 3' x 5' x 4'

$3200

This piece is inspired by the relationship between mother and child and their eternal embrace. From 1879 to 1969, tens of thousands of Native children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and placed in boarding schools in effort to assimilate them into modern society. Cutting their hair, changing their names, removing their traditional clothing and forbidding them to speak their native language are a few ways they tried to accomplish their mission to "kill the Indian and save the man." The violence levied against Native ways and identity left wounds that reverberate through generations. The artist great grandmother survived a boarding school, and the impact left her family disconnected in many ways.
To heal we must understand where our generational pain and trauma blooms from. A seed planted that takes root will bloom and bear fruit. We must plant seeds to heal.
Less than 1% of florist in the US are Native American. Our journey is to support and develop efforts of educating Native American youth in floristry.

Pickup at Red Earth Art Gallery, 100 N Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.