Winston Publishing

64 • portfolio portfolio FIRST PEOPLES BUFFALO JUMP STATE PARK ART EXHIBIT & SALE By Hayley Lenington legacy in lines and colors A Celebration of Native Art at First Peoples Buffalo Jump The art show will feature original works by "King" Kuka and the Kuka Family. FIRST PEOPLES BUFFALO JUMP STATE PARK ART EXHIBIT AND SALE Saturday, March 22 (One day only) 10 am to noon: Strenuous Off-trail hike, $4 per person, Reservations are Required, Call Clark Carlson-Thompson First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Manager (406) 866-2217 or email: ccarlson-thompson@mt.gov Show Opens | Noon - 3:30 pm Park Visitor Center • Free admission First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Visitor Center • 342 Ulm - Vaughn Road For those who find beauty in history and inspiration in artistry, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is once again opening its doors to a cultural experience that blends past and present. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the park will host its annual Art Show and Reception, a unique opportunity to view and purchase original works from the legendary King Kuka and his artistic family. e Kuka family, esteemed Blackfeet artists, continue to honor the creative legacy of Kingsley "King" Kuka, whose pioneering work in painting, lithography, poetry, and sculpture redefined Native American artistry. is exclusive event is the only time each year when collectors and admirers can acquire original King Kuka and Kids artwork directly from the family. e reception runs from Noon to 3:30 p.m. inside the park's visitor center, where aendees can also enjoy refreshments, browse the gi shop, and explore museum exhibits. Adding an element of excitement, visitors will receive a raffle ticket upon entry for a chance to win a King Kuka print—a treasured piece of Native art history. As the artistic heart of the event, the Kuka family will be present, sharing their personal connections to their father's work and their own unique artistic visions. eir presence offers guests a rare and personal glimpse into the evolution of Native American art across generations. Before the art show, history enthusiasts are invited to step even further back in time with the Rock Art Hike, a guided exploration of the petroglyphs and pictographs found at the base of the towering sandstone cliffs. Led by park rangers from 10 a.m. to Noon, this popular tour delves into the stories le behind by ancient Indigenous peoples, etching their lives and beliefs into stone. With only 20 spots available, early reservations are recommended. e hike costs $4 per participant, and standard vehicle entry fees apply for out-of-state visitors. Park Manager Clark Carlson-ompson, who also serves as the art show's coordinator, emphasizes the significance of hosting this event at such a historically rich site. "is is an important event at First Peoples as it is another way people can connect with their park," Carlson-ompson says. "We hope visitors take away that there are multiple ways to enjoy their park—whether it's exploring the trails, learning about the history of the Jump, or experiencing the incredible works of art at the show." With its combination of contemporary artistry and ancient storytelling, the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Art Show and Rock Art Hike offers an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate Native culture in a seing steeped in history. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in a day of learning, appreciation, and artistic exploration—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Montana's most sacred landscapes. "King" Kuka was a local Blackfeet artist and poet known for his paintings and lithographs, which he called "Kuka-graphs. The art show will feature original works by "King" Kuka and the Kuka Family.

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