Asa Battles (August 12, 1923 – September 12, 2005) was an American artist known for his historically accurate depictions of Native American and Western subjects. Born in Buckeye, Arizona, and of Cree heritage, Battles developed a lifelong interest in the history, culture, and traditions of Indigenous peoples and the American West, themes that became the foundation of his artistic career.

After attending school in Buckeye, he joined the U.S. Army in 1944 and served in Europe during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and received numerous commendations for his military service. Following the war, Battles moved to Denver, Colorado, where he joined the family business, A&I Nut and Bolt. He served as a supervisor for 32 years before retiring.

Battles pursued art throughout his adult life, earning recognition for his detailed and authentic portrayals of Native American life, Western history, and cultural traditions. In 1976, he received honorary membership in the Colville Confederated Tribes and was named an honorary chief of the Chief Joseph Band of the Nez Perce in recognition of the historical accuracy and cultural authenticity reflected in a series of six paintings.

His work was widely exhibited throughout the western United States. He received the Most Popular Outside Award at the George Phippen Memorial Art Show in Prescott, Arizona, in 1976, and First Award at the 33rd American Indian Art Exhibition at the Philbrook Art Center and Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1987. The U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service commissioned two works for the Mesa Verde Centennial Traveling Art Show. Between 1980 and 1987, he regularly demonstrated and participated in programs at the Denver Museum of Natural History.

Battles was also an educator, lecturer, juror, and instructor of scratchboard techniques. Along with his wife, Marge Montgomery Battles, he traveled extensively for more than twenty-five years, attending major invitational Western and Native American art exhibitions throughout the American West. His work entered several public collections, including the Western History Collection of the Denver Public Library.

Remembered for his dedication to historical accuracy, artistic skill, and respect for Native American cultures, Asa Battles left a lasting legacy through his paintings and educational contributions. He passed away on September 12, 2005, and was interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado.

Source: Denver Post, October 31–November 2, 2005.

Submitted by Lonnie Pierson Dunbier, Art Historian.