about the exhibit

The West Nebraska Arts Center, with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, is pleased to present Continuing the Tradition - A Celebration of Native American Art by Native American artists of South Dakota and Nebraska. It will be presented Thursday, May 2nd.  Featured art includes ledger art, handcrafted jewelry, bead work on authentic leather, pastels and more.

 This exhibit will run from May 2nd- 26th. This show encompasses ten Native American Artists that have come together to show the uniqueness of how holding on to tradition unfolds into beautiful pieces of art in the modern age. They come from all different walks of life and it illuminates their interpretation and individuality.

Artist Bios

Del Iron Cloud
Del Iron Cloud was born at Little Eagle, South Dakota on the Standing Rock Reservation in 1949.

At age five, while living with his grandmother, he created his first "masterpiece." Unfortunately, the canvas was her kitchen door, and a bucket of water and a sponge quickly replaced his crayons.

In fourth-grade, while attending St. Joseph’s Indian School at Chamberlain, South Dakota, he won his first art contest. The students were asked to draw posters showing what they wanted to be when they grew up. He drew a soldier with binoculars crouching in the back of an army truck with explosions bursting in the background. He wrote under it, “I want to be an Army man to protect my country.”

Upon graduating from high school in 1968, he entered the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Two years later, he received his postgraduate degree and went on to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

In 1971, he received his draft notice and enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in England, Iron Cloud had a chance to study the European artists and present some one-man shows. Eventually, the Air Force recognized his immense talent and transferred him to the graphics department.

Throughout his military career, Iron Cloud continued to work in his studio and exhibit his art. His work varies from realistic portraiture and military jets to airbrushed motorcycles, murals and Indian and western art.

In 1991, Iron Cloud retired from the Air Force after serving 20 years. Since his retirement, Iron Cloud has re-focused himself on his first love: painting.

As an established artist, he has won many awards and gained much recognition for his talent. His ability to paint military subjects and Native American art has made Iron Cloud one of the most versatile Native American artists today.Iron Cloud is presently working and living in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Roger Broer
“As an artist with a limited attention span, I have found that the monotype is a great tool for me to use because it is so immediate. I get an idea, work it though the monotype process, finish the idea in one session, put it down and walk away, and the idea is already recorded. I can come back to it later to enhance add polish or sparkle to what I have already done, but the image was captured in the first few minutes of addressing it. I don’t have to get into the original mind-set again.

I work in a modified version of the monotype. Traditionally the monotype is a process by which an artist works in reverse on a non-absorbent surface utilizing printer’s ink. The work is then taken to a press; paper is laid on top of the painted plate and run through the press to transfer the image. I do not have the luxury of a press and cannot tolerate the stickiness and smell of the inks, so over a period of several years back in the ‘80s, I developed a modified monotype process to suit my needs using oil paint, working in reverse on plexi-glass with different tools. Media - Monotype, painting (oil and mixed media)”, says Roger.

Roger has won over 85 awards at National shows. Including the Northern Plains Tribal Arts and Northern Plains Indian Market, Tesoro Indian Market, and the Red Cloud Show.

He has exhibited in more than 50 one man shows, over 175 group shows, and has paintings in both national and international collections, including the Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., Oglala Sioux Tribal Health Services Hospital, Pine Ridge, SD, Mountain Bell, Denver, CO, SAFECO Insurance Company of America, Seattle, WA, SEAFIRST Bank Corp., Seattle, WA, Northern Plains Tribal Arts, American Indian Services Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, Museum of Nebraska Art, Kearney, NE, and Pierre Cardin, Paris, France.

In 1972, Roger received his BA at Eastern Montana College (now University of Montana, Billings). Then he continued his education and got his MA at Central Washington University.

Donald Montileaux
“I draw Warriors and their Horses strong, aggressive, and full of life, unafraid, fearless.  Today, if this ismy last Day, let it be my BEST DAY”, says Donald.

 Donald F. Montileaux (Oglala Lakota) is a master ledger artist, and following in the footsteps of his forefathers, he has rekindled ledger art with striking images that capture the unique Lakota ways of life.

 Montileaux was born in Pine Ridge, SD.  He received formal art training at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, NM.  He continued to refine his skills and participated in numerous area art shows and many prestigious art shows nationally, while pursuing a professional career at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, SD for 22 years. In the summers of 1964 and 1965 Montileaux interned under noted artist Oscar Howe at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, along with the late Herman Red Elk who was a close friend and mentor. In 2000 he fulfilled his lifelong dream of being a full-time artist.

 These influences and his own drive have taken his art on a dramatic journey.  With art work spanning the globe, numerous awards and commissions to date, Montileaux’s work is represented in many private and public collections.  He has illustrated several book covers; he has explored a new avenue of becoming an author and illustrator of children’s books that tell stories of Lakota legends.  One titled Tasunka A Lakota Horse Legend, released in 2014 has won four national awards:  the Mom’s Choice Award, Moonbeam Award, Aesop Accolades Awards and in 2015 the coveted Western Writers of American Silver Spur Award.  In September 2014 Montileaux was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.  In October 2017 his second book Muskrat and Skunk Sinkpe na Maka A Lakota Drum Story was released.

 Wade Patton
Wade Patton is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was born and raised in Pine Ridge and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Black Hills State University. He is best known for his oil pastel and ledger art work. He currently lives and works near Boston, Massachusetts and work can be found in homes and galleries across the country.

Martin E. Red Bear – Hehaka Gleska (Spotted Elk)
Martin is an Oglala/Sicangu artist whose work encompasses his culture and values. His art comes from the inspiration as a combination of his culture and contemporary societies.

Martins hold a M.A. in Art Education from the University of New Mexico, a B.A. in Visual Arts Education from the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico, an A.F.A. from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and a Two-year certificate of completion in Fine Arts from the Rocky Mountains School of Art in Denver, Colorado. Today, Martin is an adjunct teacher for Oglala Lakota College and is always creating new works.

 “I have always told my students that although math, science and technology are great, who would we be or where would we be if it wasn’t for the arts”, says Martin.

Martin works in acrylic, watercolor and mixed media on canvas, paper and tanned hides. His works are in private, college and museum collections. He also lectures on American Indian Arts, both traditional and contemporary.

Jackie Sevier
As an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, she is proud of her Native American heritage. Legends and traditions of her native Wind River Reservation in Wyoming are often subjects for her unique works of art.

Residing in the heart of the Nebraska sand hills near the small community of Seneca, her family encourages her to develop her talent and career at every opportunity.  Jackie’s family fuels her inspiration and is an important part of her life.

Continuing to study, Jackie credits “the greats who have not only taught me technique but expression, dedication, and determination.  Some of these people have been Benjamin Harjo, JR, King Kuka, and Reynold Brown.

As Jackie’s work becomes recognized, awards and honors are accumulating; winning Best of Division for graphics at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market, the Aplan award, the Deiderich award, and the Bonnie Ericksen Award at the Red Cloud Indian Art Show.  The National Campaign Office for the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian has commissioned work.  More of Jackie’s works can be found in private, corporate, and university collections throughout the United States, Japan, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and Great Britain.

Awards include honors at the Santa Fe Indian Market, Santa Fe, NM; Heard Fair, Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ: Cherokee Art Market, Tulsa, OK; Northern Plains Indian Art Market, Sioux Falls, SD; Red Earth Festival, Oklahoma City, OK; Cahokia Contemporary Indian Art Show, Collinsville, IL; Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, Gallup, NM; Lawrence Indian Art Show, Lawrence, KS; Artesian Arts Festival, Chickasaw Nation, Sulphur, OK.

Jackie's works have been included in “Let the Spirit Speak”, Pope VI Institute of the Arts, Washington, DC: “Our Way Continues”, Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO, The Sioux Indian Museum, Rapid City, SD, Museum of Anthropology, Lawrence, KS; “Influences of our Grandparents”, Oscar Howe Museum, Mitchell, SD; and “Heart Dreams and Legends”, a joint indigenous exhibit that toured the US and Australia.  Her works were also included at the Bradford Brinton Memorial Museum, Sheridan, WY: “The Cowboy, Rodeo & WYO Rodeo”, “West of the Mississippi”, “Ladies’ Choice”.

Sandy Swallow
“Through the years I have come to realize that art will bridge many barriers. People of different cultures come together with art. When I am creating art, I cannot rest until it is finished. The process takes me away from troubles and worries. I believe each person has a God given ability or talent in their own right. It is up to us to work hard & help others to achieve their best work. Using my art to bridge barriers is a large part of my mission in life”, says Sandy.

Internationally and locally-renowned Sandy Swallow-Morgan’s artistic passion began in midlife, as she experimented with oils and watercolors while living on a ranch near Pine Ridge. Being self-taught, Sandy created art capturing her spiritual connection to nature, home and family. Sandy is most well known for her hand-pulled block printmaking.

This painstaking medium provides her with the ability to create dramatic pieces saturated with deep earth and pastel colors which evoke traditional Native American symbols and images from the natural world. Her prints convey a soothing, peaceful quality which enhance any living or work space.

An enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Nation (Sioux), Sandy’s fascinating life history
enriches her artistic vision. Her parents Woody and Ethel (Mills) Swallow were ranching when
Sandy was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Later, while living with her Aunt, she met and married her husband Wayne Morgan and they have three children; Clint, Jackie and Matt. Sandy has always felt an intense spiritual connection to the Black Hills and is proud of her heritage as both her great-grandfathers were present at the historic signing of the 1868 Treaty at Fort Laramie. Chief Red Cloud was a close friend of her great-grandfather Ben Mills, who married a full-blood Lakota. Her other great-grandfather, Eli Swallow was a “galvanized” soldier and was ordered west to Fort Laramie, where he met Sandy’s great-grandmother, Lizzie Lote, a Rosebud Sioux. The famous Indian leader, Red Cloud, and Eli Swallow are buried close together in the old cemetery overlooking the Mission at Red Cloud on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Sandy has participated and received many awards from the art world. Winning awards from many art shows such as the Northern Plains Indian Art Market, Sioux Falls, SD; Sweet Willow Indian Market at Great Falls, MT; and Grand River Indian Artists Gathering at Grand Junction, CO have helped inspire her art career.

National recognition of her artwork began in 1999, as she was selected to be the artist for the National American Indian Heritage Poster for the United States Department of Agriculture. This piece was titled “In the eye of a Feather”. 10,000 prints were distributed worldwide. In 2007 Sandy was commissioned to provide the artwork for the “USDA Guide to American Indians and Alaska Natives Programs”. this piece was titled “Soaring into the Future“.

Sandy is honored to have displayed her art in many prestigious places such as the Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; the Newberry Library, Chicago, IL; and at a traveling exhibit “Through Indian Eyes” for the legacy of Lewis & Clark. Buyers from as far away as Sweden, England and Germany are anxious to taker her art work home.

Her success as a Native American Artist continues to grow as in 2007, First Lady Laura Bush sent and invitation for Sandy to attend a White House Reception for her painting of the National Parks (Devil’s Tower) for the White House Christmas Ornament.

Linda Szabo - AKICETA WIN (SOLDIER WOMAN)
“You need to love what you are doing, or you won’t be happy doing it.”

Linda was born in Valentine, Nebraska on May 27, 1955, to Glen and Clairene Tucker.  Her mother is a full-blood Rosebud Sioux and her father is of Irish descent.  Linda is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, South Dakota. Linda Szabo grew up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, raised by her parents, grandmother and great grandmother.  Always surrounded by artists from the beginning.  Her great grandmother was well known for her beautiful handmade star quilts and she had made hundreds, in her 99 years.Linda's grandmother was also a big influence on her. She made all of Linda's dresses, her brother's western shirts, coats, purses, curtains, etc.  Linda's mother was also an amazing artist.  She painted, crocheted, hand quilted, made pottery, knitted and many other crafts.

She took this knowledge and exposure to art as a sign as to what she wanted to do.  Linda did all the things she learned from her elders and adapted them to her own personal style.  She has always created artwork from the time she was a little girl.

While attending high school and college, Linda enrolled in several art classes as she has had a great appreciation for all aspects of art. She enjoys such things as painting, beadwork, leather work, cross-stitching and drawing.  She has always admired fine gold and silver jewelry, especially Native American design pieces.

Linda is now furthering her appreciation for art and fine jewelry.  She and nationally known artist/silversmith, Paul Szabo were married on March 7, 1992, and since that time Linda resigned her position as a criminal investigator to work full-time as an apprentice to Paul.  Linda now designs and creates her own line of silver and gold jewelry along with assisting Paul in his creations.  Together they travel extensively through the United States, exhibiting and marketing their jewelry creations at various art shows and galleries.

Linda works with Paul in their studio, Szabo Studio, which is located in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.Linda and Paul have three sons; Paul Jr., Brian and Matthew.

Paul Szabo - PEHAN MANNI (WALKING CRANE)
The accomplishments, deeds, beliefs and spirituality of an individual Lakota were expressed through adornment of their personal belongings and themselves utilizing natural and supernatural images.

Through the development of his own artistic style, Paul Szabo expresses Lakota Culture and religion with unique symbolism’s, which appeal to all people, not just Native Americans.  Although the designs come from Northern Plains Cultures, the Zuni and Hopi metalsmiths have influenced his technique.

Paul was born on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota on December 26, 1947.  He is of Hungarian, Polish, French and Native American descent and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Rosebud, South Dakota.  He attended Todd County High School in Mission, South Dakota and went on to college at Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota.  Paul earned a BSE degree with a major in History and a minor in Art.

Paul taught social studies, art and photography for 10 years on and around the Rosebud Reservation.He has been silversmithing on a part time basis since 1976, resigning his teaching position in 1991, to dedicate himself full-time to his art. 

Artistic accomplishments include several awards in the Northern Plains area and a purchase award to the Reinwick Collection of Northern Plains Indian Art, which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

DustinTwiss
“I am a Native American Artist, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe the Lakota. I reside on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota with my family. My award-winning art is based on the natural pattern found within the Fairburn Agate, South Dakota's state gemstone”, says Dustin.

Dustin is a modern conceptual artist. His unique and individual style captures the spirit of the Plains with works featuring the local wildlife and scenery.  A modern blend of traditional Lakota culture and the classic beauty of nature.  Each piece is done by hand and is a tribute to the history and spirit of the Plains.

Soldier Woman Art and Gift Gallery
Soldier Woman Art and Gift Gallery is owned and operated by artist, Linda Szabo. It carries a variety of Native made products including beadwork, pottery, star quilts, jewelry and more. Feel free to contact them with questions about their selection. It is located at 548 E Eagle Dr. Mission, SD or call at (605) 856-4774.  

Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries
This is a featured retail store specializing in Native American books, music, jewelry and ceremonial items.  Feel free to contact them at 606 Main St. Rapid City, SD or call at (605)342-3086.

Sponsored By:

thank you

 Thank you to Vic Bentley, Jan Durnin, Vicki Schmit, Cheryl Wilkinson, Karen Mecklem, Mary Hunt & Victor Dominquez for their assistance in installing the exhibit. Thank you to Questors and Board Members for providing food for the reception.

 The exhibit is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska, Edward Jones Jess Pilkington and JaCee Pilkington Petko, The Pettit Law Firm, The Gering Public Library, The Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment.The views expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views of Humanities Nebraska and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. And a special thanks to Lied Scottsbluff Public Library and Scottsbluff National Monument.

 Thank you to each artist participating in this exhibit. Great work!

about WNAC

The West Nebraska Arts Center is a 501c3 cultural non-profit organization committed to education, awareness and excellence in the arts, serving the North Platte Valley Region.  WNAC is located at the corner of 1st Avenue and 18th Street in Scottsbluff, NE.  Visit the gallery free of charge Tuesday through Friday 9 to 5, Weekends from 1 to 5.  www.thewnac.com. find us on Facebook.

 Show your support!

 WNAC is supported by local businesses and individuals who value having the Arts Center in our community.Do you support WNAC with an annual membership gift?If not, please consider joining our efforts.Members of West Nebraska Arts Center receive first notification of our events.Members also receive gallery postcards, a monthly newsletter, discounts gallery and gift shop purchases as well as classes, workshops, fundraiser tickets, and other special events.You will also receive the WNAC newsletter and invitations to special events.Activate or renew your membership online at www.thewnac.com, by visiting the Arts Center office, or call 308-632-2226

The West Nebraska Arts Center is a cultural non-profit organization committed to education, awareness and excellence in the arts, serving the North Platte Valley Region.  WNAC is located at 106 East 18th Street in Scottsbluff, NE.  Visit the Arts Center’s website, www.thewnac.com or find us on Facebook to learn more.  The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this program through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.  Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.