We are sponsoring some amazing programs this summer!
Rick Gray Grass will lead the Annual 500 Mile Sacred Hoop Prayer Run, June 19-25. The event takes over 100 kids on a 6 day prayer run through the Black Hills to reconnect them with their culture, land and history. It teaches youth to turn to their traditions instead of drugs, alcohol and harmful behavior.
The Hoye Wayelo (“I am Sending a Voice”) Summer Arts intensives, July 5-16 will serve youth all over Pine Ridge. Professional artists from across the country will teach intensives in film, dance, music, visual arts, and writing/story telling. The two week workshops will culminate in a group spoken-word music video project that kids will be a part of both in front of and behind the camera. There will also be a public exhibition of their work for their families and communities. Details are below – register now!
And our Monthly Art Contest will be running throughout the summer as well! New themes are announced at the beginning of each month!
It was a very hard year for Lakota kids. With over 25 youth suicides and averages of 150 attempts per month we have been urgently working on creating opportunities for them. Experiences like these can help to lift one up out of the daily task of survival. These kids deserve the same opportunities that everyone else in this country have. They deserve to not just survive but to blossom and thrive. We are committed to creating every opportunity we can for them to do just that. We hope you will help!
You can Donate here and please note if you want to donate for “RUN” or “ART”. https://mitakuyefoundation.com/donations/ All contributions are tax deductible!
“Breianna’s submission was top ranked by all judges unanimously – and she was up against some top contenders. For such a young artist Breianna is developing an eye catching style. Her work is simple yet very striking. She employs great use of color and the design has within it a lot of dynamic energy. It is a unique take on a classic theme and the use of asymmetrical lines is very effective in offsetting the symmetry of the medicine wheel/sun. Breianna also has a real flare for coming up with catchy lines that encompass the themes we present. The work has a positive and uplifting tone and message that is a very hopeful take on the theme of the month: courage. “
“Jayden’s work is skillfully executed and very striking. This dynamic drawing of the powerful eagle really jumps off the page and brings a fierce rendering of the idea of courage both in the subject matter and dynamic presentation. It is a bold and beautifully executed interpretation of the theme of the month. We want to see more from this young artist.”
“Jordan’s peice is striking both in the use of color and in the interpretation of a traditional motiff. His creative choices – the lightning, the flourishes on the feathers – create movement in a piece that also has very static elements. Jordan entered two submissions this month – both which reflect his unique style and approach to drawing. His natural skill is apparent and with some focused work has great potential to really blossom.”
” Aidan’s poem grabbed us immediately. This is a powerful and poetic piece which demonstrates how much can be said with just a few thoughtfully selected and arranged words. The poem is honest and haunting and pulls the reader in in just a few short lines. It is a deeply moving work.”
“Jewelia’s drawing struck us on so many levels. Her visual lay out echoes her idea of standing tall in many ways: the figure dwarfing the earth below, radiating color that reaches up to the sky above. The strength of the body position and the dynamic lines of movement all suggest strength and power. Jewelia’s drawing encompasses a natural sense of shape and line and color which all blend beautifully with the message. A very positive and uplifting work.”
“Ted’s drawing shows skill on many levels. Great use of color and a great sense of dynamic movement in the way he uses the strokes of color and the positioning of the horse. It sends a message of power and courage.”
“Marena’s piece is simple and poetic. Her selective use of cooler colors is very effective in giving the work a thoughtful tone. The windswept lines of her drawing give the work a lyrical feeling. Her text has a quiet power to it as does her image.”
“Tayza contrasts strong ideas, bold colors, and patterns against a field of black. The dark background allows the colors and ideas to jump out. It is a very striking marriage of text and visuals.”
“Jasmine’s painting combines an abstract sensibility with eye catching color and bold lines of symbol and text to create a piece that is simple in its few elements but very compelling. Beautiful use of color.”
“Jacinda is a second time winner! She again has found a very creative way to use a classic motif – this time the dream catcher. Her use of color and symbols and text all create a very positive and uplifting message.”
“Tina’s submission is simple and very effective. The use of color and line work very well and the skill in lettering shows strong ability. Can’t wait to see how Tina develops as she continues to practice and experiment with new ideas and techniques!”
“Joey has a great eye for color and great skill. The picture was very successful in relating a mood and a tone. That is very hard to do! We can’t wait to see how Joey inyterprets upcoming themes. Beautiful sense of color and composition. “
“Makana has created a complete peice of art. Done in the style of a comic book – we see his character go through a whole arc of being afraid and then conquering his fears as demonstrated both visually and in his dialogue. Animation and comic book art takes a certain knack to create and Makana shows skill for telling stories in this genre. We can’t wait to see how Makana’s work developes as his skill increases!”
“Lewis’ submission is a very clever twist on a well known symbol. Very creative and well executed.”
