Gift from Mother Earth Art Show emphasizes diversity of artists

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Art shows are not unique to the area, but many don’t put as much focus on the background of the artists as the Gift from Mother Earth Art Show at Crazy Horse Memorial does.

“So the mission of Crazy Horse Memorial is to protect and preserve all the cultures of the North American Continent and therefore for this particular art show getting a diversity in the art forms but also the background culture of where these art forms come from is absolutely paramount to our mission,” Travis Dewes the Cultural Program Director at the Crazy Horse Memorial said.

This event is held at the memorial every year halfway through June and this year over 20 artists from all over the country were present at the event with art ranging from jewelry to pottery to painting. They shared why the show is special to them.

“Especially the Native American art is kind of a dying culture a dying art as well so it’s very important that we preserve and educate the Lakota the Native American people and the tourists and the very many people are wanting to learn about our culture so I’m here to share it,” Tracy Harrison the owner of Dream Catchers by Tracy Harrison said.

“Well, it is very rewarding to have someone come up to you and really fall in love with a piece of your art, and then it’s nice to see it walk away and know it’ll be on someone’s mantel for many years to come,” Chickie Harristhal the owner of Chickie’s Gourd Art said.

One artist shared why it can be beneficial to see the person who made the art when buying it.

“So you see the artist and you’re purchasing from the artist instead of a gift shop or a store somewhere where they well you oh this is made by this person instead of ya know, this is my work,” Travis Jensen the owner of Jensen Jewels said.

Those looking to be a part of the art show can find a link to their application process here. That process will start sometime in August.

The Gift from Mother Earth Show has seen many changes over the 30 years it has been running from adapting to being an event after the rodeo left to now joining with the Hill City Arts Council to encourage crowds from both events to attend. Dewes is hopeful that the event will continue to grow into the future.

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