Official Guide to Art Week Great Falls, Montana March 15th-19th, 2023
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1533210
portfolio CELEBRATION OF NATIVE PLAINS ARTISTS 52 • portfolio Among the featured designers is Della BigHair-Stump, whose distinctive style has earned a place in the Smithsonian's permanent collection and even graced the prestigious runways of Paris Fashion Week. An Apsáalooke artist from the Crow Agency, this marks her first appearance at Western Art Week. Rooted in tradition, Della's work carries the spirit of her ancestors. She has been granted permission to incorporate her family's historic designs, ensuring that each piece honors generations of Apsáalooke crasmanship. Her signature beadwork bursts with bold geometric and floral paerns, brought to life in striking hues. "I use a lot of color," she shares. "I love color; color makes me happy." Traditionally, beadwork was limited to just seven colors—white, green, yellow, light blue, dark blue, red, and pink. While modern artisans have a far broader palee to choose from, one color remains a cherished favorite among the Crow. "e main color that us Crow love is pink," says Della. "We call it Crow pink." Lyle Omeasoo, a self-taught artist, refuses to be confined to a single medium. Moving fluidly between oils, acrylics, airbrushing, ledger work, and scratchboard art, he thrives on variety. "Being the artist that I am, I was always up for the challenge, so I would take on these different mediums," he shares. An enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation and Cree tribes, Omeasoo has recently focused on large-scale oil paintings for the upcoming exhibit. Among his featured works is a striking landscape of Chief Mountain and a powerful depiction of a Blackfeet woman on horseback, adorned in a traditional headdress. Della BigHair-Stump and Lyle Omeasoo are just a glimpse of the incredible talent featured at the Celebration of Native Plains Artists. e event brings together a diverse array of Native creators, each weaving their own stories into stunning works of art—whether through intricate beadwork, bold contemporary fashion, or evocative paintings that capture the essence of the Plains. From seasoned masters to emerging voices, this gathering offers a rare chance to witness the depth and diversity of Indigenous artistry, all under one roof. A young dancer moves with grace and pride, honoring generations before her through the rhythm of tradition. Young dancers stand in quiet anticipation, ready to join the rhythm of their ancestors. Their steps unite with those of seasoned performers, weaving past and present together in a powerful celebration of heritage, resilience, and pride.