Keith BraveHeart

Oglala Sioux Tribe Artist Laureate 2023 – 2024

Story by Chad Coppess

Originally, Keith BraveHeart hesitated at the thought of the attention his new title of “Artist Laureate” might draw. But he also saw that it offers an opportunity to teach, share with and encourage other artists.

BraveHeart is an associate professor of art at Oglala Lakota College. “This is the type of work I’ve been plugging away at for a while with many state organizations, including Arts South Dakota” he says. “Maybe it’s meant to be.”

Eventually he hopes to enrich Native arts throughout the state. Serving as Artist Laureate within the Oglala Sioux Tribe allows him to work with a smaller group of people — his own tribe.

BraveHeart grew up in Kyle and teaches alongside fellow Artist Laureate Marty Two Bulls Jr. “We have combined our forces to enrich the vision. It sends a message that there is a need for sharing and helping,” BraveHeart says.

He concentrates on creating contemporary art, heavily influenced by his Native American culture. “There is no Lakota word for art,” BraveHeart reflects. “I am only doing what I was born to do.”

With degrees from the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico and the University of South Dakota, BraveHeart also works with young Native American artists through the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, an annual program at USD. He also serves on the Arts South Dakota board of directors.

BraveHeart has donated the monetary portion of the Artist Laureate position back to the tribe for establishment of the Oglala Lakota Arts Society.

Winyan Yuonihanpi [Respected Woman] (opposite page) 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 35.5" x 26"

Wowicala Iciwayankapi [Differences in Worldviews] (above), 2018. Acrylic on unstretched canvas, 60.5" x 103.5"