Native POP hosts premiere event

Morning Prayer (I am the land, the land is who I am) artwork by Joe Pulliam, Oglala Lakota won Best of Show at 2023 Native POP. (Photo by Christopher Piña)

 

Above: “Indian Alley – L.A. artwork by Galen LaRoche won Best of Division II- Two Dimensional B
Below: Models showcasing Designs by Della. The dress “Indigenous Culture” (4th from left) won Best of Division I – Adornment B. The dress has been purchased by the South Dakota Art Museum, in Brookings SD. (Photos by Christopher Pina)

RAPID CITY- Native POP: People of the Plains, hosted an annual Native American art market and cultural celebration July 7-9. This is the eleventh Year Native Pop hosted their gathering of arts and culture along with several events that coincide with the Art Market including an art award ceremony to kick off the event as well as live music downtown at Murphy’s. Each event is a free gathering for the people.

A Fashion show was the Finale to this year’s event showcasing some of the top designers and models in Native Fashion. This event is a gathering of arts and culture. This three day event has grown into a yearly event that a lot of indigenous artists look forward to. This market allows artists to network with other artists and showcase their crafts.

Featured Northern Plains’ artists at this year’s event included Della Big Hair, Marshall Burnette, Gerald Cournoyer, Norma Dupris, Tani Gordon, Billy J. Janis, RyKelle Kemp, Jared Lanz, Bonnie LeBeau, Ryia LeBeau, Gaylen LaRoche, Rose Neuharth, Taylor Neuharth, Michael Patton, Joe Pulliam, Martin Red Bear, Nelda Schrupp, Adrianne Shabi, Donovan Sprague, Sheldon Starr, Eunice Straighthead, Travis Tremblay, Angela Twiss, Dustin Twiss, Andrea Two Bulls, Dalaena Uses Knife, Matthew Uses Knife, Jennifer White and Gerald YellowHawk.

Kicking off Native POP was the Premier juried art show and award ceremony at the Journey Museum on Friday July 7.

Lawfawn Janis Executive Director of Native POP says, “It is an honor to be part of Native Pop. It represents Lakota fine art on another level. To be part of the community of Native artists is exciting. We have done this event for eleven years and it wouldn’t be possible without the help from the Dahl Arts Center, Crazy Horse Monument, and the Journey Museum. This event helps bring healing to the artists individually as well as healing across the nation. There is no one better or worse in any which way. The art is all amazing. This event is a good way to stay interested and invested in our community.”

Gerald Yellowhawk opened the award ceremony with a prayer. Gerald had a couple works entered in the art exhibit. One was titled “Spirit Horse” This painting is of two Lakota war horses and it’s a spirit. In the painting the horses are enjoying their freedom. This painting teaches the history of the Coup. Gerald says, “It is better to touch with a coup stick. That’s an honor greater than killing or injuring your enemy.”

Billy Janis, another artist, had entered his art piece titled “Spirit Sincere.” Billy had started this piece at 10 that morning to put something together for the show. The background to his painting started out completely different then the way it turned out. Billy expressed that, “It turned out a lot better than I thought it would.” 

Native POP also featured a “fabulous fashion show” with amazing designers and glamorous models this year to the 2023 production. Designers this year were Designs by Della, Zuya Arts, Hopa Darla Takes the Knife, Lady Popmadour, Rattler Mountain, and AltarXNatives.

One of the beaded dresses done by “Designs by Della” has been purchased by the South Dakota Art Museum, in Brookings SD. The dress “Indigenous Culture” won Best of Division I – Adornment B.

Della says, “I didn’t really start designing clothes till 2017, I took it seriously and started to leave Montana for fashion shows out of state in 2018. Sometimes you have to leave the Rez to pursue your dreams. Don’t be scared to leave your comfort zone, just keep true to yourself, do what you know and everything else will fall into place. Life is short, just do it and stay humble! The dress took me a whole month to complete and includes matching beaded earrings.” 

According to Native POP they have always supported Indigenous fashion, and many “Greats” have showcased their latest fashion lines on the Native POP stage.

 

(Contact Christopher Piña at staffwriter3@nativesunnews.today)

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