Think Thoroughly — Mark Once
Discipline
DG Smalling, a celebrated Choctaw Nation Master Artist, works with restraint, precision, and intent. Each piece of his artwork is resolved through a single, uninterrupted line and an approach that reflects a deep Cultural Collaboration and demands total commitment to clarity, proportion, and meaning, characteristic of an Indigenous Master Artist.
Expertise
With two decades of professional practice across fine art, brand commissions, and Cultural Collaboration, Smalling, Choctaw Nation Master Artist, creates works that endure—visually, materially, and reputationally. His projects, are supported by a trusted network of production partners when scale, installation, or fabrication requires it.
Process
Every engagement begins with Listening. Smalling aligns with the client’s objectives and, when culture is involved, establishes Cultural Collaboration consultation and authorization. The process unfolds through a disciplined sequence: Discovery, Concept, Composition, Execution, and Delivery—ensuring integrity from the first conversation to the final placement of Artwork.
Multi-National Corporation & Tribal Association Case-Study:
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
Goal: Strategic Relations
Solution: Cultural Collaboration
FanDuel is developing long-term strategic relations within Tribal Gaming.
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As part of this initiative, they are significant supporters with the NNAHOF.
This particular Cultural Collaboration effort aimed to incorporate artwork to celebrate Tribal Sport.
Deliverable
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FanDuel launched an online auction for a Tryptic of Ishtaboli/Stickball.
This initiative highlights a Cultural Collaboration during the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association 2024.
Tribal Nation Case-Study: Delaware Nation of Oklahoma
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
Problem: Cultural Appropriation
Solution: Cultural Collaboration
The Delaware Nation of Oklahoma leadership issued a Statute authorizing DG Smalling:
”to create with full faith and sanction any and all Delaware & Lenape designs.”
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Deliverable
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Collaborative BETA with Emser Tile involved the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma were integrated into Emser Tile's commercial tile line.
This collection, titled ‘Lenape Deco,’ showcases a Cultural Collaboration that reflects accurate interpretations.
Deliverable
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Authorization by the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma President Dotson and Vice-President McLane highlights a significant Cultural Collaboration.
This initiative is featured at the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma Museum and Cultural Center in Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Multi-National Conglomerate Case-Study: Amazon
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
Problem: Cultural Appropriation
Involves the misrepresentation of cultural expression.
Solution: Cultural Collaboration
Involves the authorized representation of cultural expression.
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AWS (Amazon World Service) boasts excellent and effective global employee representation through initiatives like the Indigenous and Military Workgroups.
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These designs symbolize significant consultation to showcase Amazon's commitment to inclusion, drawing inspiration from the Ledger Art Style.
This style features a Shield atop Amazon's policy positions, reflecting a rich cultural collaboration.
Multi-National Private Mint: APMEX
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
Asian Zodiac Series
Problem: Cultural Appropriation
Solution: Cultural Collaboration
APMEX and DG's 2nd collaboration celebrates the diverse interpretations and imagery centered around the Lunar New festivities.
This project exemplifies the beauty of Cultural Collaboration, highlighting the captivating Single Line Artwork.
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DG Smalling consulted with Asian Community Leaders in Oklahoma City to ensure his Cultural Collaboration norms were adhered to, particularly as he integrated elements of the Choctaw Winged Serpent into the artwork.
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Released in 2024, the first of the Asian Zodiac Series: The Dragon has been excellently received.
This piece is a remarkable example of Cultural Collaboration. The single line artwork beautifully captures the essence of the Dragon.
Casino Furniture Case-Study: Gary Platt Seating
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
GPS and DG Smalling wanted to celebrate the establishment of the Department of Interior/Justice ‘Operation Lady Justice’ Taskforce with a Cultural Collaboration.
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GPS and DG Smalling decided to created a collaborative showcase.
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As debuted at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Durant Casino.
Tribal Citizen-Owned Case-Study: Skydance Brewery
Vision
Deliverable
Approach
Problem: Cultural Appropriation
Solution: Cultural Collaboration
Skydance Brewery is wholly Native American-owned by Bobbi-Lynn Keyes (Citizen of Muskogee Nation) and the Ioway Nation of Oklahoma Chairman Jake Keyes.
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Deliverable
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This Cultural Collaboration features the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma Tëme / Wolf design.
This was made possible by the leadership of the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma issued a Statute authorizing DG Smalling “to create with full faith and sanction any and all Delaware & Lenape designs.”
Deliverable
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Skydance Brewery incorporates designs that feature the work of a Choctaw Nation Master Artist in a commercial beer series, serving as an ongoing focus group for the process.
This initiative is particularly significant as Skydance Brewery is the only Native American-owned brewery in Oklahoma City.
Casino Case-Study: Choctaw Casino of Durant
Affiliations
Incredible Technologies
Incredible Technologies
Incredible Technologies
Ultra Rush Gold, Featuring DG Smalling™
The first full-collaboration Native American-designed casino game,.
DG Smalling’s artwork was integrated into the visual system of play, establishing a precedent for Cultural Collaboration and featuring Indigenous Master Artist contributions through the use of Single Line Artwork.
APMEX
Incredible Technologies
Incredible Technologies
APMEX, an Oklahoma City-based global precious metals mint and retailer, has partnered with Choctaw Nation Master Artist DG Smalling in a remarkable cultural collaboration to unveil an exclusive custom coin collection.
This Cultural Collaboration showcases:
Grand Buffalo—two iconic Oklahoma symbols,
Oklahoma City Grand Buffalo, &
Osage Shield; and
Asian Zodiac Series—debuting The Dragon.
BMM Innovation Group
Incredible Technologies
Operation Lady Justice
Celebrates BMM’s celebrates it’s longterm
relationships with Tribal regulators, suppliers, and operators—uniting art, innovation, and inclusion within the global gaming sector, highlighting the work of the Choctaw Nation Master Artist and showcasing Cultural Collaboration through DG Smalling artwork.
Operation Lady Justice
Operation Lady Justice
Operation Lady Justice (OLJ) is the federal initiative established in 2019 to strengthen the response to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) by improving investigations, coordination, and support for Tribal communities. Led by the Departments of Justice and the Interior, it works with Tribal, federal, state, and local partners to enhance public safety and accountability.
DG Smalling’s artwork became the visual identity of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Operation Lady Justice, inspiring its name and public messaging.
Emser Tile: Native Narrative
DG Smalling and Emser Tile promote authentic, sanctioned cultural identity through intentional design rooted in historical and cultural references.
Their collaboration celebrates meaningful Cultural Collaboration across diverse environments, including casinos and resorts, restaurants, waterparks, cultural centers, healthcare facilities, housing, and civic buildings.
These spaces are further enriched by demonstrating how Indigenous art & design can create places that are both culturally authentic and visually compelling.
AISES—American Indian Science and Education Society
"Rivers of Resiliency"
AISES 2024 Sponsors Honor Gift
Rivers of Resiliency weaves together enduring Indigenous metaphors of knowledge, responsibility, and perseverance. The Grandmother Spider represents the Technologist, Matriarch, and Advocate, while the Man in the Maze reflects each person's journey through life, guided by discernment, purpose, and choice. Flowing through the maze, the blue river symbolizes the continual pursuit of truth and our responsibility to transform knowledge into meaningful action.
Like the spider's web, we gather, connect, and evaluate information, recognizing that innovation emerges through thoughtful analysis, collaboration, and shared wisdom. This philosophy reflects the enduring ingenuity of Indigenous cultures and the creative vision embodied in the work of a Choctaw Nation Master Artist.
Ultimately, resilience is found in our continual return to our Indigeneity—honoring our traditions while advancing Cultural Collaboration and Indigenous innovation for future generations.
Yakoke Chito / Massive Thanks
DG Smalling
