Winston Publishing

48 • portfolio irst Peoples State Park – home of the mile-long stretch of sandstone cliffs that Native Americans stampeded buffalo over for hundreds of years before the Lewis and Clark expedition – is one of the few places where visitors can see the work of both modern-day artists as well as the ancient masterpieces of early Native American painters. Adventurous art-lovers are invited to come celebrate Western Art Week at the park on Saturday, March 21. The day kicks off at 10 a.m., when park staff will lead up to 20 visitors on a strenuous, 1.5 mile off-trail hike to view the ancient pictographs painted on the rocks below the park's cliffs. "There are a variety of different pictographs that were painted on the cliffs sometime between 500 and 1,000 years ago," Park Manager Clark Carlson- Thompson explained. The fortunate few who make the journey across the archeological site will find primitive handprints, a shield- bearing warrior, and a tipi, among others. The $4 per-person hike is weather-dependent, and those interested in attending must call ahead to register at (406) 866-2217. Space is limited. Back at the visitor's center, guests are welcome to enjoy refreshments as they peruse a stunning display of boldly-colored, sharply-contrasting paintings by contemporary Native American artist D.G House, as well as the wispy, dreamlike creations by the late Blackfeet artist Kingsley "King" Kuka. Works by Kuka's family members – including pastels, metal art, and a variety of other mediums – will also be on display. "Some of Kuka's family representatives will also be there, so people will be able to speak with the artists while they look around," Carlson-Thompson said. "It's a very low-key atmosphere." D.G. House's artwork has been featured at both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Her pieces adorn the walls of many permanent collections across the globe, to include the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, as well as those belonging to musicians such as Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and Michael McDonald. Kuka's paintings and lithographs are recognized internationally, and one is said to be a part of the prestigious collection at the Vatican in Rome. He has long been hailed for having inspired an entire generation of American Indian artists. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, located at 432 Ulm-Vaughn Road, is a 20-minute drive from Great Falls and less than three miles northwest of Ulm. The art show will be held from noon to 3 p.m., and is free to attend. First Peoples Buffalo Jump Art Show Where Ancient and Modern Artists Meld first peoples buffalo jump art show March 21 10am to noon: Park staff will lead a strenuous off trail hike to the park's rock art panels. Cost for the hike is $4 per person and registration is required, call (406) 866-2217 to register. This hike is weather dependent. DG House & King Kuka Art Show • Noon - 3pm The art show is free to attend. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Visitor Center • 342 Ulm - Vaughn Road First Peoples Buffalo Jump Art Show F

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