Harrison's Begay'sYouth
Harrison's Begay's Fine Arts Background / Awards and Shows

      Harrison was raised traditionally; speaking Navajo, living in a hogan, and herding his family's sheep and goats.  When he was about eight, Harrison left to attend a government boarding school.  This boarding school was only one of many schools that was inspired by the Carlisle Indian Boarding School.  The 1887 Compulusory Indian Education Law was passed by Congress to teach Native Americans English and the "civilized" ways of the European Americans. Thus many boarding schools were created nationwide to "Kill the Indian and Save the Man". It was at such a school that Harrison learned to speak English. Since Harrison left home at such an early age, he did not have a deep understanding of the Navajo and religious ceremonial heritage until he was older.

      Years later, Begay read and was inspired the artist Don Perceval's book on Navajo legends. Infused with curiosity, research, and creativity Begay started painting the legends, ceremonies, and the way of life with which he first lived by.  His art is now considered a historical record of traditional Navajo life and philosophy.   

       During World War II, Harrison signed up to become a member of the armed forces. He was assigned to communications and served in Normandy, Germany, France and Iceland.  He was wounded in France while setting up a communications line, and fell from from the telephone pole, down a canyon cliff, to where a tree broke his fall and saved his life.  Months later after recuperating from broken bones in a hospital, he was released from duty.  Despite ensuing problems with alcoholism, Harrison's portrait of Navajo life continued to be centered in beauty and innocence in the subject matter, fine detail of drawing, and use of acrylic with light pastel colors.