Celebrating Indigenous Art
& Resilience
In an effort to reduce isolation, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic we announced two separate art calls. These initiatives were meant to encourage creative outlets for Native girls, women, and Two-Spirit people during a difficult period. Through the generous funding of Marty Jeiven, we were able to reward our winners for their art submissions and create a booklet with all of the winning pieces.
Supporting traditional crafts and techniques is a key component of cultural preservation. Encouraging younger generations to take an interest and learn from their elders is crucial to ensure Native culture is strengthened and passed on from one generation to the next.
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Check out the winners here →
Check out the winners here →
Native Tradition is Medicine:
Resilience and Native Lifeways during COVID-19
2020 Art Call
Age Category 10-13
Grand Prize – “Protecting Future Generations”
By Zawzee, age 13, Prairie Band Potawatomi
“Bozho ZawZeeKwe ndeznekas moewe nododem kisko miné bodewadmi ndaw mshkodani ndebendagwes. My English name is Eliana (which I didn't know until I started public school.) But I go by Zawzee which means Yellow woman. I am Wolf Clan & my birth color is red. I’m Potawatomi, I belong to the Prairie Band.”
“I made a toddler size skirt and matching mask because we have to protect ourselves and the future. Natives have been adapting for so long I thought about how our new regalia will include masks now.”
Runner up – “Sun & Moon During COVID-19”
By Brielle, age 10, Oglala Lakota
“I have enjoyed painting and drawing since I was a toddler. The sun and moon looking at each other during this hard time of COVID-19”
Runner up – “Bodies are Beautiful”
By Isabella, age 13, Ponca
“I started drawing 2 years ago. My favorite type of drawing is thermal body art. I moved from Niobrara Nebraska to Omaha 2 years ago and that’s when I started drawing and painting. It helps to calm me down and de-stress.”
Honorary Mention – “Namjoon from BTS”
By Isabella, age 13, Ponca
Age Category 14-17
Grand Prize – “Should Have, Could Have, Would Have”
By Tehya, age 16, Cheyenne River
“I grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, in a family of nine. I was adopted at birth, and grew up loving to read and draw. I love music and have been chosen to sing in South Dakota All State Chorus twice.”
“A short paradoxical poem about the past.”
Runner Up - “Flying Solo”
By Emily, age 15, Cheyenne River
“I am a sophomore in high school, and I love writing.”
“Short poem about hope.”
Runner Up – “Damianos the Dragon”
By Tehya, age 16, Cheyenne River
Age Category 18+
Grand Prize – “Earth, Sky, and The Medicine Keeper”
By Amber L. DuBoise-Shepherd, age 27, Navajo/Diné, Sac & Fox, Prairie Band Potawatomi.
“Amber depicts contemporary Native American narratives based on her family heritage of Navajo, Sac & Fox, and Prairie Band Potawatomi. Her mixed media pieces and oil paintings reference an illustrative quality.”
“This has a strong Potawatomi influence with the woodland designs and clothing. Oil paints on panel board, 20" x 24" “
Runner Up – “Family, Stew, Frybread, and Blessings From The Holy Ones”
By Amber L. DuBoise-Shepherd, age 27, Navajo/Diné, Sac & Fox, Prairie Band Potawatomi.
“Amber has taught educational art classes sponsored by OKCIC Health Promotion Disease Prevention Youth Programs, specifically the MISS Program. The MISS Program is an adolescent girls program for ages 12-16.”
“A family gathers together to enjoy each other's company and to eat, as they are all blessed by two holy beings. Mixed Media (Watercolors, Pen & Ink, Gouache, Copic Markers) 21” x 25.5" “
Runner Up – “Springtime in Hopi”
By Kierra Lee, age 18, Hopi
“Nu’ Lomahongwani yan Hopi maatsiwa Nu’ Kierra Lee yan pahan maatsiwa. Nu’ pipwungwa. Tewa Sino. Hello! My name is Kierra Lee. My hopi name is Lomahongwani. I come from the tobacco clan. I am an artist from the Village of Tewa in First Mesa. I am preparing for my first year of college.”
“My art piece symbolizes the true beauty and simplicity of our people and home mesas. A spring sunset setting, displays a young hopi girl under a blooming cherry blossom tree in her traditional attire looking unto the silhouette of her home. In sync with nature.”
Honored Artist Award
“From Wicincala to Winyan”
By Mary Jo LeBeaux, age 50, Oglala Lakota
“I have been practicing traditional art for approx. 30 years. throughout the years I have done some small art shows, and also do art classes for different Organizations. I bead, do quillwork, paint, sew, regalia, to name a few. Moccasins are what I like making the most.”
“Beaded knife sheath on brain tanned deer hide with buffalo horn knife and a strike a light pouch. When the young girls transitioned to womanhood, The Isnati ceremony took place, and teaching were given to them. This set was made for them to make sure they had the tools to cut meat and make a fire at any given time, and was carried on their belts at all times.”
Native American Female Art and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic
2021 Art Call
Age Category 10-13
“Hidden” By Isabella, age 14, Ponca
About the Artist: “My name is Isabella. I’m 14 years old. I love to do art. It relaxes me. I’m the 2021-2022 Northern Ponca Senior Princess. I live in Omaha Nebraska.”
About the Piece: “This art piece describes the different emotions with struggling depression. Having to put on your everyday mask (the angel).”
“Rise and Live” by Tehya, age 17, Cheyenne River
About the Artist: “I am an artist and a poet. I have six siblings, two dogs, and one cat. I do aerial silks in my free time and I love working with animals.”
“A Dance of Defiance” by Alaina, age 16, Navajo
About the Piece: “This art piece depicts a fancy shawl dancer during a dance. I personally believe that native dancing is a great way to keep our culture alive. I see it as an act in defiance against all of those who have attempted to wipe out Native American cultures as it shows just how resilient our people can be.”
“Rebuild” by Tehya, age 17, Cheyenne River
“In Thought” by Alaina, age 16, Navajo
About the Artist: “My name is Alaina. I am a sixteen year old student attending Mountain View Highschool. I am biracial with my mom being full Navajo and my dad being German and Czech. I have been doing art for over 8 years, and I especially enjoy using colored pencils.”
About the Piece: “This piece depicts my hands against a fabric background. This was my first attempt at doing a piece centered around hands so I wanted an interesting my complex pose. I decided to draw how I hold my hands when I am deep in thought..”
Age Category 18+
“Nizhóní” by Shondíín Greenburg, age 25, Diné
About the Artist: "I am a self taught artist located in Salt Lake City, UT. I have been drawing since I was a little girl and I have a passion for drawing minimalist pieces that showcase my culture and the natural monuments throughout the Southwest.”
About the Piece: “Holy person in yellow flowers. Digitally created in Procreate using an iPad.”
“MMIW” by Tashina Pitka, age 26, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
About the Artist: “Born and raised in Fairbanks, AK, I am 3/4 Athabaskan Alaskan Native and 1/4 Lakota Sioux. I am currently going to school to get my Bachelor of Arts degree. I identify as bisexual and I’m currently studying abroad to learn about new cultures.”
About the Piece: “This piece is a tribute to Missing and murdered Indigenous women.”
“Inside Your Eyes” by Ellei Burmeister, age 21, Spirit Lake Tribe
About the Artist: “I am a senior studying Psychology at UND. I am currently applying to Neuroscience graduate programs with a broad research interest in substance abuse and addiction.”
About the Piece: “This poem came to me while I was driving. I had to pull over to try to quickly write it down before I forgot.”
“We dance for our MMIW” by Alicia de la Cruz, age 27, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
About the Artist: “Alicia De La Cruz is an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. She creates beadwork and art influenced by both modern and traditional aesthetics. Her work reflects the many generations of teachings from her elders.”
About the Piece: “Made with acrylic paint, seed beads, and thread.”
“The Greetings and Clans of My Ancestors” by Amber L DuBoise-Shepherd, age 28, Navajo, Sac & Fox, Prairie Band Potawatomi
About the Artist: “Amber is an oil painter and mixed media artist that depicts contemporary Native American narratives based on her family heritage of Navajo, Sac & Fox, and Prairie Band Potawatomi. She is the current manager of Education and Outreach at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee, OK. She has an Associates of Art from Seminole State College and completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts and Minor in Business Entrepreneurship in Spring 2016 at Oklahoma State University.”
About the (top) piece: “Typography with Mixed Media (Pen & Ink, Copic Markers, Charcoal, Graphite) 42" x 48" Completed in 2021. Spoken word.”
“I long to pray before the mountain...” by Amber L DuBoise-Shepherd
About the (bottom) piece: Typography with Mixed Media (Pen & Ink, Copic Markers, Charcoal, Graphite) 42" x 48" Completed in 2021.
“Respect and Equality Shawl” by Suzanne Lynn Cross, age 74, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
About the Artist: “I create bead work, shawls and ribbon skirts. Currently, my MMIWG shawl and medallion are in exhibit in Tacoma, WA. My Healthy Heart shawls were danced in at the 30th Annual Hoop Dance Event at Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ in 2020. I began my work at age 7.”
About the (top) piece: “This shawl was designed to highlight the importance of receiving equality with Respect. The heart shapes represent love. The dream catcher’s peace symbols and rainbow colors exemplify the value of safety and equality for everyone.”
“Strength, Culture & Health” by Suzanne Lynn Cross
About the (bottom) piece: “The three Hearts, indicate women's body, mind, and spirit. The geometric design textile and beading enhancement represent the southwest and Midwest Native cultures. Our Native women create a strong family bond, practice culture ways, and work to keep family and tribe health.”
“In the steps of our ancestors“ by Mary LeBeaux, age 51, Oglala Lakota
About the Artist: “I have been doing art in many different forms for more than 30 years. My most favorite is making moccasins for people, especially graduates and pow wow dancers.”
About the Piece: “A beaded pair of moccasins on smoked brain tanned deer hide.”