Asa Battles

BATTLES, ASA
Artist
Asa Battles left us September 12. A generous, compassionate, talented American Indian and Western American Indian artist. Asa was born August 12, 1923 in Buckeye, Arizona, with Cree heritage, and attended school there. He joined the Army in 1944; served two years in Europe; won many awards for Battle of the Bulge engagement. He and his first wife Anne moved to Denver where he joined (father/son) at "A&I Nut and Bolt." He had served as supervisor of the company for 32 years when he retired. Widowed in 1968, he then married Marge Montgomery Goodman in 1969 in the Colorado capitol with Judge Day officiating.
In 1976 he received an honorary membership in Colville Conferated tribe and honorary Chieftainship in the Chief Joseph Band of Nez Perce for the high degree of authenticity of lore, legend and culture of six paintings. First show was held at International House on Logan & 16th. He won the most popular outside award in 1976 at the George Phippen Memorial Art Show in Prescott, Arizona. In 1987 he won first award at the 33rd American Indian Art Exhibition at Philbrook Art Center and Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service commissioned 2 pieces for the Mesa Verde 100th Anniversary Traveling Art Show. He demonstrated and participated in shows at Denver Museum of Natural History, 1980-87. Eleanor Geheres purchased a work for the Western History Museum of the Denver Public Library.
Asa and his wife traveled 25 years to most invitational Western and American Indian art shows west of the Mississippi River. He lectured, juried, and taught scratchboard workshops. With expertise and knowledge of Western and American Indian history combined with natural art ability and authentic pictures, his artwork will keep his memory alive through many years.
He is survived by his wife, two half-brothers, and three nieces. No services. Burial, Ft. Logan National Cemetery.