{"id":38294,"date":"2025-01-05T01:01:31","date_gmt":"2025-01-05T06:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/celebrating-quiet-talent\/"},"modified":"2025-01-05T01:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-05T06:01:33","slug":"celebrating-quiet-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/celebrating-quiet-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating quiet talent"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Roger<\/a><\/p>\n

Roger Broer at LNI Art Show 2024. (Photo by Marnie Cook)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

RAPID CITY \u2013 Meet Roger Broer, Oglala Lakota artist known for using his own unique modified version of monotype, a print-making technique, except Broer uses oil paints instead of ink. Broer has a long list of prestigious awards and will be adding another to his long list \u2013 the Living Treasure of the Lakota Nation Award. Broer received the award during the 2024 Lakota Nation Invitational Art Show in December, South Dakota\u2019s largest high school art show.<\/p>\n

Broer met with Native Sun News Today at the Art Show to talk about the award, his art and the art show.<\/p>\n

Broer, whose formal art education didn\u2019t begin until he was 26, has been recognized regularly for his exceptional talent and innovative approach. His work has been featured in numerous shows, galleries, museums and collections both nationally and internationally including Washington, D.C. and Paris, France. With a portfolio that reflects a profound evolution in artistic expression, Broer\u2019s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of creative excellence.<\/p>\n

Born in Omaha Nebraska in 1945, economic hardships led to Broer\u2019s removal from his Oglala Lakota mother. He was placed in an orphanage and at age two, he was adopted by a German blacksmith and raised in Randolph, Nebraska.<\/p>\n

As an adult, Broer reconnected with his Lakota heritage. After serving in the military, he returned home to Pine Ridge to spend time with relatives. He eventually pursued a fine arts degree at Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana and a master\u2019s degree from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last regular job I had was in 1979. I was a counselor for the State of Washington,\u201d said Broer. Since then, he has made a living as an artist while upholding his values. \u201cSome times were better than others. My wife worked for many years. We had to eat and feed the children.\u201d He mentioned that being an artist has been very rewarding but also emphasized the need for commitment. \u201cYou have to stay committed. I see many young artists who have a gift but abuse it. They treat it as a game and create art just to sell, but it says nothing about our people, our ways, or our values. These are things I deal with in each piece I create.\u201d<\/p>\n

Broer can understand why someone might use their gift to make a sale occasionally, but he firmly believes in dedication. \u201cTo me, it\u2019s not just a way to make a living; it\u2019s a way of living. I live my art, and I can\u2019t imagine anyone not being that committed. How can anyone be so casual about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Broer promotes family and respect through his art, and he is disheartened by those who do not take their artistic responsibilities seriously. \u201cIf a person wants to use their talent to make a sale now and then, I can understand that to a certain extent,\u201d he added. But he warned about such mistreatment. \u201cThose young people who are using the gift as a way to make a living they\u2019ll be able to do that for a while, but my feeling is the gift will turn on you. And it will go away. If you don\u2019t use it, you lose it. If you only use it for profit, it will evade you. I believe that very seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

He described his own work ethos. \u201cI work every day. I go to my studio every day. Even if I\u2019m traveling, I do something every day. You have to keep stimulating the gift and being respectful to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a prestigious art show,\u201d said Broer of the LNI art show as he surveyed the roomful of artwork. He discussed the challenges many students face in securing funds for college, even those with exceptional talent. \u201cIt\u2019s interesting to see how many young people pour their hearts into this. Of course, many of them do it as a class assignment and aren\u2019t deeply involved; they probably have other interests. But then there are the few gifted students. I just spoke with one such student who I taught at the Oscar Howe Summer Arts Institute in Vermillion last summer. The kid is very talented, as is his sister. Unfortunately, it\u2019s unlikely they will attend university due to the high costs which the family can\u2019t afford. It\u2019s an unfortunate situation, so they are considering attending Sinte Gleska, which is a fine school that offers many valuable opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Broer continued, \u201cI also spoke with he and his sister both about the possibility of getting a scholarship to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It would likely provide them with a more well-rounded education and make them more competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Broer laughed heartily as he joked about receiving the Living Treasure Award. \u201cI guess they\u2019re a little worried and decided to honor me this year instead of waiting until next year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his career, Broer admitted, \u201cI\u2019ve kind of been wondering the last few years why I\u2019m never honored. It\u2019s because I don\u2019t brag. As a Lakota, I try not to boast. I try to live my life as a warrior and as an artist. Art is my life. And I don\u2019t toot my own horn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel very honored,\u201d and with a big smile, Broer expressed his true feelings about being recognized, \u201cI just want to jump up and down and scream, I\u2019m so happy, but I try to maintain my composure and be humble about it. That\u2019s very important.\u201d<\/p>\n

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com<\/a>)<\/span> <\/p>\n

The post Celebrating quiet talent<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Visit Original Source<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/span><\/div>

Roger Broer at LNI Art Show 2024. (Photo by Marnie Cook) RAPID CITY \u2013 Meet Roger Broer, Oglala Lakota artist known for using his own unique modified version of monotype, a print-making technique, except Broer uses oil paints instead of ink. Broer has a long list of prestigious awards and <\/p>\n

Read More<\/a>
Shared by Native Sun News Today<\/a> January 5, 2025<\/p>\n

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