About the artist:
Since 1956 Ken Brunsvold has been involved in the arts in some form or another. Although he has been in many places throughout the U.S., he has called Montana home for the better part of 48 years. He went to the first twelve grades in Billings, Mt. After graduating high school, college ensued at Montana State Universtiy, Bozeman, where he majored in music and art. From MSU he moved to Eastern Montana College continuing with a music and art major.

During most of his life Ken has played many different instruments, specializing in acoustic guitar. He eventually became a luthier for well-known Gibson guitar and it was there that his interest in applying art forms in wood to musical instruments began to take shape. It was in 1991 that he first heard the Native American flute played, and the haunting spiritual tones kindled his interest in learing more about the flute. After investigating the instrument's construction techniques and history, he began to build his own.

Working to develop his flute business for two years with a traditional style of the instrument, Ken began to attempt carving animal heads into the ends of his flutes. He continues to perfect his craft which currently boasts seven different animal heads with more in store.

Although not Native American in blood, Ken is Native in spirit and is an adopted member of the Ogallala Sioux tribe. He has received numerous awards and honors for the quality of his workmanship, some of which include the Havasu Art Guild's People's Choice Award and Best of Show at the Livingston Depot Show. Ken's flutes were also accepted by and shown at the 2002 Winter Olympics and a number of his flutes were played by an Ogallala Sioux member, Nagi Nupa, at the passing of the flame ceremony at those very same Olympic games. The ceremony was broadcast world wide with an estimated audience of 3.5 billion people.

Thank you for your interest in our site and your interest in art and music.

Remember, the spiritual must precede the art or the art will not form.