Celebrating 25 Years of Northern Plains Art and Culture — Northern Plains Indian Art Market Plans Series of Events to Celebrates 25th Annual Show
I
n September, the Northern Plains Indian Art Market
celebrates 25 years of showcasing art from the Northern Plains. “It’s not just an art show. It’s a gathering of artists and art lovers, and it’s a celebration of culture and traditions,” says Jack Herman, coordinator of the Market, presented by Sinte Gleska University. “In the past, we’ve had as many as 100 artists exhibit—everything from traditional artwork, including paintings and drawings to beadwork, painted buffalo hides, stone carvings, bronze work, papier-mâché, jewelry, quilts—and much more,” Herman said. “Being the 25th year, we hope to attract new artists, artists that may not have exhibited for awhile, along with the artists who have been with us through the years.” Dr. Harry Thompson is executive director of the Center for Western Studies, an organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and cultures of the Northern Plains. For Thompson, the NPIAM represents a remarkable opportunity for both the art community and the city. “I remember when it was first announced that the Northern Plains Indian Art Market would be held in Sioux Falls. Those of us involved in the study of the Northern Plains rejoiced to
By Kelly Sprecher
know that tribal people of the Northern Plains would finally have the same national exposure that those in the Southwest enjoyed through the Santa Fe Indian Market.” Each Market artist is a member of a Northern Plains tribe. However, Herman says, the artists come from across the U.S. “They come from as far east as Washington, D.C., as far west as Montana. We have artists from Alaska, New Mexico, and everywhere in between,” he said.
Artist Henry Payer Jr. is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. He is shown here with “Prisons of Grass,” winner of NPIAM’s 2011 winner of the “Best of Show” award.
In honor of the Market’s 25th Annual show, a number of events are planned:
September 6—November 30: 25th Annual Northern Plains Indian Art Market Exhibit, Center for Western Studies at Augustana College, a collaborative program featuring the art of NPIAM artists since 1988—Roger Broer, Jackie Sevier, Paul Szabo, Richard Red Owl and Harvey Rattey. The Center for Western Studies is located in the Fantle Building at 2121 South Summit. Call 605.274.4007 for more information. Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, September 26: Reception for 25th Annual NPIAM Exhibit, 4:30-6:30pm, Center for Western Studies. Free and open to the public.