Teddy Van Vale

Teddy Van Vale is a multi-talented community organizer, master artisan, and musical historian who has dedicated over four decades to direct community service, cultural advocacy, and resource development.

Born in Wewoka, Oklahoma and raised in Tahlequah — the heart of the Cherokee Nation — Teddy's early life was deeply shaped by his heritage and his family's roots in the region. Leading up to the era of the Sixties Scoop, his family relocated to Kansas — a pivotal transition that ultimately laid the foundation for his decades of regional grassroots leadership.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Teddy served with profound distinction in Vietnam, where his deep-seated dedication to safeguarding and supporting others was forged — notably delivering over 300 babies during his service.

A true virtuoso, Teddy plays over ten different instruments and is a recognized master luthier. He is the designer behind Van Vale Hand Crafted Guitars, culminating in signature cultural design concepts like the widely admired Eagle guitar series. His deep commitment to precise, high-caliber craftsmanship directly shapes the high standards and structural discipline backing the development of the Sovereign Threads artisan manufacturing workspace.

In addition to his dedicated leadership at CLM Outreach, Teddy is a master craftsman and the artisan behind Van Vale Guitars, where he designs and hand-builds custom stringed instruments—including a special, custom-designed guitar crafted in memory of the legendary B.B. King, with whom he shared many years of musical adventure. He brings that same lifelong passion for precision, traditional craftsmanship, and mentorship into our community programs, helping guide the next generation of creators and learners.

Long before dedicating his focus to economic infrastructure development, Teddy spent decades as a prominent professional touring and session musician, sharing stages and performing alongside legendary musical icons including B.B. King, The Staple Singers, and Redbone. For his unwavering dedication to utilizing the arts to uplift others, he was formally recognized across the state of Kansas as a regional Sunflower Hero.

An ordained community leader since 1984, Teddy brings a rich legacy of grassroots leadership to CLM Outreach, historically directing resource-sharing initiatives, creative arts workshops, and direct supportive programming across regional public spaces, correctional facilities, and regional reservations.