Black Hills Indian Artist Market and Spring Fashion Show

RAPID CITY –Duwana Two Bulls, coordinator for the Black Hills Indian Artist Market, is a local supporter of upcoming artists. She believes in helping upcoming artists shine without the stage being an intimidating place for them to express their talent. Last week the 4th Annual Black Hills Indian Artist Market and Spring Fashion Show was held at the Dahl Fine Arts Center.

The first Black Hills Indian Artist Market and Fashion Show was held in December 2021. “This open artist market was initially started to give the artist an outlet to sell their items after Covid which hit them pretty hard,” Two Bulls said. “Artists have financial obligations like everyone else, so why not help them by providing a venue for them to make some money. I think the best part is the atmosphere with everyone having a good time and enjoying themselves.”

Two Bulls plans on continuing these open artist markets as long as there is a demand for them and she doesn’t see that demand going away anytime soon.

“We strive for a fun atmosphere,” Two Bulls said. “We’re still learning as we go along so we try different things every time and it’s an opportunity to find out different ways to have fun each time. Those who are invited are well-known and some are those who haven’t really modeled before. We are here to give the opportunity to build confidence and get them out there! The first step is showing up, then once they learn, they really blossom. They did a great job!” Promoting and nurturing local upcoming talent and those who want to achieve their dreams without it being too intimidating is Two Bull’s main focus.

Two Bulls said, “Chris Eagle Hawk has always been the MC because he’s so entertaining.” The drum group was the Iron Bull singers. Victor swallow explained his boarding school experiences capturing the attention of everyone in the room. He talked about his family, back two generations to his grandparents, and the trials and tribulations they faced. Swallow’s mother Lizzie (Two Bulls) Swallow attended the Rapid City Indian School along with her brothers and sisters. Oliver Swallow, paternal grandfather, attended school in Pennsylvania, the Lincolns Institute. Katrina Drust is assistant coordinator for the fashion show, Duwana Two Bulls is the coordinator for a Black Hills Indian artist market along with her cousin, Lorri Ann Two Bulls. Designer Samantha Bissonette, owner of Sam’s Auntie Wear thanked all who attended for their support: “I appreciate all of the models who wore my gear, everyone did a great job”

Bissonette’s Auntie Wear won first place for the ribbon skirt competition with her spring floral ribbon skirt “A lot of prayers went into every stitch,” Bissonette said.

MC Chris Eagle Hawk gave the opening prayer, Twila Two Bulls (speaker), was the introduction, followed by a song sung by the Iron Owl drum group. Free meal of Wahunpi (soup) Wojapi and fry bread in the cyclorama was prepared by Twila Two Bulls and Fillmore Richards. The meal was sponsored by the NDN collective. Designer, Wendy L. Roy collection, custom beadwork, allowed the models to wear her jewelry on stage promoting her sales for the artwork.

Kene Photography photographed the fashion show and ribbon skirt contest. DJ Brandis Knudsen, local hip hop artist “B,” played the music for the fashion show. Knudsen is also performing for the upcoming culture shock music festival and modeling event April 15 at the monument. At noon, dances with words (poets) were presented by a few local poets including Jacsyn Claymore.

Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out said “We need our leaders to hear from the youth because they speak the truth. The poems were inspirational and it is tuff to express yourself. Growing up with less is very challenging so we have to keep positive, I am speaking to the youth, stay positive. The ultimate goal is to live in peace and to enjoy life. It is encouraging to hear from the youth because they are speaking from the heart, and as a leader we must listen from our heart. So, please keep speaking your opinion and keep getting back up even if you’ve been knocked down.”

Performers from the Miller Light Orchestra played a few songs after Sheldon Star (comedian) entertained the crowd with jokes. Waylon Mendoza and the Hermanos played a few songs before Tyler Corbine (comedian) entertained the crowd with more jokes. Ending the event was the Wake Singers, and the winners of the Ribbon Skirt 50-50 raffle. Other artists in attendance were Multi award winning Native American musician Ryan Little Eagle, singer, songwriter, musician, and traditional dancer. Other vendors in attendance were Ray Rocky Boy Janis, who is a graphic designer artist; Alex Romero Frederick, Oglala Lakota artist; and John Duane Goes In Center, artist/engraver. Missouri Breaks was in attendance, creating opportunities for health. There was a CAS court appointed special advocate for children, and Patrick Joe Pulliam, who is the owner and artist for the Tusweca art gallery/shop.

(Contact Christopher A. Piña at staffwriter3@nativesunnewstoday)

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