Winston Publishing

42 • portfolio celebration of native plains artists Celebration of Native Plains Artists A Festival Full of History, Culture, and Exquisite Talent By Suzanne Waring ee the spirit, bathe in the beauty, and examine the detail of artwork at the largest gathering of exclusively Native American artisans during Western Art Week. Located inside the Four Seasons Arena at Montana ExpoPark, the Celebration of Native Plains Artists is enjoying its sixth year of showcasing internationally known and award-winning Native American artisans. e exhibition provides visitors a look into indigenous culture, history, and the opportunity to visit the artists behind their cra. e Celebration of Native Plains Artists event originated from the Harvest Moon Ball, created in 1996 by the late Elouise Cobell, founder of the Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDC). e Ball, an annual fundraiser to preserve tribal culture and broaden civic participation in the Browning community, was held at the East Glacier Park Lodge in Browning and featured a silent auction and the artwork of Native American artisans. In 2016 the celebration relocated to Western Art Week in Great Falls. "We felt developing an event during Western Art Week underscores our efforts to promote the dynamic and powerful work of Native American artists," said Angie Main, Executive Director of the Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDC). "So much of Charlie Russell's work was about Native American life and culture, so our celebration folded in with the purpose of Western Art Week. We wanted to provide a venue not only for established and well-known Native artists but also for new artists who might not normally have the opportunity to participate in an event like this." Edmond Albert returns to the Celebration of Native Plains Exhibit this year. Enrolled with the Lile Shell Tribe, Albert grew up in Great Falls and pursued his dream of becoming a professional artist. In 1987, he enrolled at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, earning a degree in art. While he works in multiple mediums, Albert's artistic passion reveals itself in capturing the beauty of the Native American spirit. His compositions depict the ceremonial dancers he meets while aending Pow Wows across the West. Albert is moved by the expressive faces and elaborate costumes of various tribes. His blend of old-world, contemporary, and traditional Native American dance recalls a time of bygone artistry. Artist Sammy Bird grew up on a ranch outside of Cut Bank on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Her artistic style captures a contemporary style of Native American horses and people. She grew up around horses, so naturally, they became a favorite subject to paint. "I paint horses because to me horses are very honest. ey are what they are, and they are just easy to paint because I have such a love for them." Bird paints with lots of energy and heart and hopes her work is more than just a painting. "I want my art to be more than something that makes a wall look prey. I want my paintings to positively impact whoever takes the time to look at them. at is why I paint with such bright and vibrant colors," notes Bird. Exhibiter Carlin Bear Don't Walk, a Northern Cheyenne and Crow artist, grew up on the Northern Cheyenne reservation in Busby, MT. Primarily self- taught and inspired by local native artists before him, Carlin is known for Carlin Bear Don't Walk - This Can't Be Life • 26"x 34" Oil on Canvas Edmond Albert - Old Cherokee • 3'x 3' Acrylic S

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