This summer marked the 57th Annual Red Cloud Indian Art Show at Holy Rosary Mission, Pine Ridge. According to Heritage Center Curator Ashley Pourier, there were 182 art pieces submitted by 76 artists who represented 26 tribes. This year there were eight categories including quilts, sculptures and paintings.

The Br. C. M. Simon, SJ, winner is Maka Duta Win (Brittany Hill). Her drawing on ledger paper is titled Wahpe with my Winyans (Tea with my Ladies). The drawing is 15.5” x 20.5”, and it has been purchased as part of The Heritage Center Collection.

Wahpe with my Winyans (Tea with my Ladies)

Drawings and paintings on ledger paper (old accounting pages) became popular among the Plains Indians in the late 1800s and early 1900s. “Artists source ledger books from antique stores, auction sites as well trading amongst themselves,” said Pourier. Judges selected the winner.

There is also an Oyate Award (peoples’ choice). Sina Duta Win (Ihantowan Dakota/Mvskoke) won with her figure of a woman holding an umbrella. It is titled Magazu Kte Seca (It Might Rain). It is made with cotton, beads, deer leather, and brass. It stands 14” tall. The Heritage Center is also purchasing it for the Permanent Collection and it will be used to promote next year’s art show.

One of the Jesuits who served at the mission, the late Brother Simon, began the art show in 1968 to display Native American art on native lands. Artwork can be viewed by clicking here.

The Heritage Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.