Winston Publishing

46 • portfolio irst Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park may be an off-the-beaten-path venue, but it is definitely worth the short drive. As part of their fourth year participating in Western Art Week, the show will once again host the work of contemporary Native American artist DG House, of Bozeman's Big Medicine Art Studio. Her use of bold colors and lines create images with surreal qualities that have drawn the attention of famous collectors like Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney. While her work will be on exhibit, she will be available for questions at the Out West Art Show and Sale taking place at the Heritage Inn. In addition, the family of Blackfeet Artist Kingsley "King" Kuka will be present to display his artwork. Kuka, who passed away in late 2003, had garnered international attention not only for his paintings and lithographs, but also for his writings. He once said, "I say this for the smallest pieces to the largest, each one is important. Each one has a message. I hope this message connects with you." Kuka's lithographs, known as "Kukagraphs," used embossing (raised) and debossing (recessed) techniques to add rich texture to his work. It's almost as if Kuka was taking those ancient rock art forms and sending them out into the world to educate others of his rich culture, both on paper and on canvas. Kuka's wife and children will be on hand to talk about his rich legacy. In addition to beautiful Native American art, Saturday, or any open day, visitors always enjoy following the three-mile looped hiking trail. The view from the top of the jump is amazing and the photo opportunities are abundant. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse at some Pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, golden eagles, owls and other wildlife. But, foremost, the park and National Historic Landmark is an archaeological site with possibly the largest bison cliff jump in North America, and by far, the largest in the Great Falls region. There are over 40 bison jumps in the region; some were rarely used and aren't accessible due to private ownership. Native Americans used the First Peoples site for at least 1,000 years before Lewis and Clark passed through, the State Park Service says. The bison jump site consists of a mile-long sandstone cliff; there are remnants of drive lines on top of the cliff and there are up to 18 feet of compacted buffalo remains below the cliff. The interpretive trail and visitors center are open limited winter hours. Days and hours of operation can be found at http://stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump/. The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is located at 342 Ulm -Vaughn Rd; 12 miles off Interstate 15 at exit 270, Ulm. From exit, drive 3.5 miles west on Ulm-Vaughn Road and signs will point you to the park. First Peoples Buffalo Jump Art Show Where Ancient Art Meets Modern Day first peoples buffalo jump art show March 23 DG House and King Kuka Art Show 12-3pm First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Visitor Center • 342 Ulm - Vaughn Road First Peoples Buffalo Jump Art Show F By Ellie Stone *** Please note the schedule for this show may change. Please call ahead prior to making the drive .tel:406-866-2217 http://stateparks.mt.gov/first-peoples-buffalo-jump

• Cover