Winston Publishing

32 • portfolio celebration of native plains artists Celebration of Native Plains Artists A Festival of Indigenous Culture and Heritage W By Holly Matkin MARCH 19-22 • 2020 Thursday, March 19 Friday, March 20 Saturday, March 21 Sunday, March 22 Pacic Steel & Recycling 4 Seasons Arena • ExpoPark Great Falls www.nacdcfinancialservices.com Guardipee Martinez The premier showcase exclusively featuring Native American Artisans 10 am • 5 pm • 6-7 pm • 8 pm • 10 am • 4-5 pm • 5 pm • 6-7 pm • 8 pm • 10 am • 11-5 pm • 5 pm • 6 pm • 8 pm • 10 am • 3 pm • Artist and vendor booths open Daily rae drawing "Stories of the First People: Indigenous Reections Under the Big Sky" Jack Gladstone and Darrell Norman Artist and vendor booths close Artist and vendor booths open Introduction to the American Indian Parach Jimmy Ray of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (Great Western Living and Design Show) Daily rae drawing "Interpretation of Blackfeet Legends: Origin of the Bear" Missouri River Dance Company Artist and vendor booths close Artist and vendor booths open Native American Dances and Regalia Interpretation (on the hour) Missouri River Dance Company Daily rae drawing Pollo Locco Performance Artist and vendor booths close Artist and vendor booths open Show closes estern Art Week's largest gathering of exclusively Native American artisans can be found at the Celebration of Native Plains Artists Show during the Great Western Living and Design Show at the Montana ExpoPark. "This event allows visitors to get a look into Native American culture and art, and gives them the opportunity to speak with artists and to learn directly from them about their history, culture, and inspiration," show coordinator Leah Noel says. The Celebration of Native Plains Artists event stems from the Harvest Moon Ball, which was created by the late Elouise Cobell, founder of the Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDC). The ball, which was held at the East Glacier Park Lodge in Browning, featured a silent auction and an art market brimming with the artwork of Native American crafters and artists. The Celebration of Native Plains Artists has become a beloved aspect of the Great Western Living and Design Show since it joined the exhibition in 2016. "We felt developing an event during Western Art Week underscores our efforts to promote the dynamic and powerful work of Native American Artists," says NACDC Executive Director Angie Main. "So much of Charlie Russell's work is about Native American life and culture." In addition to putting on the art show, the NACDC also provides professional development, grants and resource opportunities for new and veteran artists, as well as other Native American entrepreneurs. "It's amazing the work they're able to do," Noel says of the nonprofit organization. "They are really making a difference in providing opportunities and resources you don't usually see in Indian Country." At least 25 artists will be showcasing an eclectic mix of fine art, sculpture, woodwork, crafts, clothing, jewelry, handmade drums and much more during this year's show. Hand-painted tipis and a variety of Native American artifacts will also be on display. "This is the only place during Western Art Week where you can go see truly Native American artists exclusively," Noel notes. The show will feature the contemporary and traditional work of Blackfeet artist Darrell Norman, who utilizes an array of different media to create dreamcatchers, dolls, masks, shields, rattles, and various other works. An award-winning artist, Norman has also worked as an artistic consultant for the American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C., as well as for many film and book projects involving Blackfeet heritage.

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