Happy New Year!

It seems these years fly by anymore. 2011 came and went. I am very thankful for all the blessing received, and pray for a better 2012 for all of us.

The Christmas art show at Littlecrow's trading post was a hugh success. . Met a lot of people, made some new friends and rekindled some old friendships. Even sold some art!

I'm looking forward to 2012, and want to expand on where my art will lead me. Thinking about heading North toward South Dakota this year.

Have some plans on more new stuff I am preparing to start on. I completed all commissioned work and feel like I can once again work at my own pace. I will keep you posted to everything as it develops.

Blessings, Sid

Native American Art show/Market coming

Finally finished construction on our home studio. Angelika is working daily out there with her orders. She also has the opportunity to create new stuff with all of her materials in front of her. There is still room for all of my stuff as well.

I have been busy with more commissioned work, and trying to get everything complete by the weekend. Hopefully I will finish up so I can get on with my new stuff.

I had a call from Janet Littlecrow at Littlecrow trading post. Her and her husband Sonny opened up a local store here in Ponca City, and are making plans on an Art market here sometime around the first part of December. Maybe the second week. My friend David Kaskaske will be joining me for this one day event. Once the date is set I will post it. Exciting times are coming, so if your in the area, make plans to attend the one day show/market.

Indian summer is beginning

Last winter we were beginning to think will summer ever get here, after a record setting winter. Coldest on record for Oklahoma. Then once summer rolled around it was a summer from hell. With the month of July being the hottest on record for any State in the US. Not a record we wanted to see. I think there were more days at or above 105 in a row than I ever recall. No wonder the city of Ponca city broke a water main. The whole city was without water. It is either feast or famine.

To see a cool down with rain is a welcome. Compared to many folks we have had our days, so this is nice for what were had gotten used to. You actually feel like doing something outside for a change.

This weekend is the Ponca City art centers outdoor show, which features local artists from around the State, as well as surrounding States. Next week will begin the annual Standing bear powwow that runs Sept. 23rd and 24th. We always look forward to going to look on and eat one of our friends Indian Tacos.

The end is drawing near with moving things into our studio. Finished the last set of shelves for my wife's crafts, and materials. Won't be long now before I will be making my own frames for my creations. Blessings, Sid

Latest happenings

My wife and I went back to Tahlequah again for the Cherokee Holiday art show, that was held at the armory again, and for the 3rd time in a row, I walked across the stage for my painting "The abstract fancy dancer". They always bring in new judges for this event, and thus far they have liked my entries. This time neither one of my paintings sold. My other entry was the "Ponca trail of tears". We had a great time there. Got to meet a few more people. American Meredith, Tom Farris and Troy Jackson. Tom owns a Native American art gallery in Norman, Okla. America owns one in Santa Fe, NM. America was one of the judges for the show. Troy is a great artist as well. I hope to get to meet more as time allows. Another good thing about attending these art shows and viewing all the wonderful artwork, you get energized to want to create. It has you thinking about something outside the box. We will see how things develop. Our home studio is now complete except for one more set of shelves for my wife's yarn and material. It actually looks like a studio. Were happy with it up to this point. Still not sure about a date yet for our gallery opening, but it will happen!

Niobrara and Neligh, Nebraska

It is not too often when you see a golden eagle fly over head to come look in on what you are doing. Sunday morning we saw one. Our ancestors were looking in on us. I was very happy that my Mom went with me to witness this event. No doubt her great grandfather White Eagle was there, and his father Waegah-saupie (The Whip). The day had a cool breeze, partly cloudy, with a warm sun shining down on us. The Creator blessed this day for us, and made everyone feel blessed.

18 month old baby girl named White Buffalo Girl's memorial was today, she died on May 23rd, 1877. For 134 years the town of Neligh, Ne. has decorated WBG's grave and cared for it just as one of their own. The towns people gave WBG a christian burial, at the request of her folks, Black Elk, and her mama. Black Elk asked them to do this because the Ponca people didn't like to leave their dead behind. The towns people agreed, and kept that promise! It is refreshing to see people of a different culture do this, from all the broken promises the Government made to not just to Ponca, but Indians across the US. It is a new found respect you have for people.

Our Northern Ponca relatives were in attendance from Niobrara and the surrounding communities in Nebraska. Brother Dwight Howe and the Omaha tribes "Big Crazy society" came to help and support us with providing and preparing the noon meal feast of corn soup, fry bread, fruit, and water. The Omahas brought their drum as well, to provide memorial songs for the memorial. WBG never had a tribal burial, and on May 22nd, 2011 we were able to complete it for her spirit. The Ponca tribe of Okla. provided a plaque to Neligh, presented by brother Dan Jones.

The noon meal was handled by Uncle Nate Merrick of the Omaha, he narrated to the people of what was to transpire. Elder brother and road man Mark Merrick performed a cedar ceremony for the Mayor, her chamber members, and members of the cemetery board. We took the food offering to the cemetery for WBG's spirit.

Upon returning to the indoor arbor where some 400 - 500 towns people were in attendance and were fed. Once the line died down, we began our give away. The Northern Poncas gave a blanket to the oldest male, who turned 104 yrs. old on Sunday, and a shawl to a woman who is in her nineties. Brother Dan Jones spoke for the Southern Poncas upon giving the plaque to Mayor Jeri Anderson. Once he finished I spoke on behalf of the painting I created for the memorial. Mayor Jeri excepted the painting and it will hang in the chamber of commerce for public viewing. Only one of a kind. When I finished my part brother Dwight Howe spoke, and presented them with a Ponca cradle board. The town maintains a Ponca Trail of Tears Memorial Park. We were able to take some pictures of the town's efforts on behalf of our ancestors.

The day before were headed to Niobrara, Ne. with brother Dwight to visit our old home lands. Very beautiful eco transition happening in that area. I can see why so many wanted this land for themselves. We attended a sweat lodge at the old Ponca Agency and met brother Larry Wright who lives right at the agency. He also cares for a herd of buffalos. We exchanged gifts of cedar with one another! He gave me flat cedar from Niobrara, and I presented him with cedar from Mr. Scott SW Okla. Amazingly we had the same thoughts for one another! Brother Larry poured for the sweat lodge, and during the ceremony a rain cloud appeared. When we had finished, the rain stopped for us. Another good blessing!

The Nebraska historical society along with Joe Starita (University of Nebraska, Lincoln) were present. The NPR was filming and recording the event in Neligh, so I expect a press release to come out about the event. All in all everyone I shook hands with had a smile on their faces with a friendly greeting. Our Ponca people are loved there, you can feel the good spirit around the community. I would one day hope to travel back to Niobrara and maybe attend another sweat, and take in the powwow there. Blessings, Sid

Native New Years coming.

Learned something about my ancestors recently from one of my brothers living up in Nebraska. I got to visit with him over the phone the other day and learned he has been researching some history of my Ponca ancestors. Like so many tribes that were forced to move to Oklahoma there was a trail of tears that followed them on their journey to Indian territory. Deaths of almost 1/3 the tribe was lost from disease, and pneumonia. The spring of 1877 was one of the worst in history. Rained much more then normal, and made crossing rivers very challenging. Can you imagine old people trying to walk through flood waters because a gov. agent has to meet a deadline. There was no compassion for cold, wet, sick, hungry Poncas.
About 4 days into the trail of tears there was a little girl name White Buffalo Girl, that got sick with pneumonia and died. Her parents were Black Elk and Moon Hawk. Heart broken, and desperate, they pleaded with the local folks at a small town of Neligh, Ne. Black Elk asked they bury his daughter and treat her with the respect just like they did their very own. They complied and agreed to take care of the little girl. They buried her in their cemetery. Every year for 134 years those people in that small community decorated her grave. Kept it clean just like one of their own. In the beginning there was a wooden cross, that later rotted away, then later on there was a monument they erected besides a new head stone with Black Elks wish for his daughter placed on it.
My brother has a good heart and wants to give back to that small community, and I agree with his wishes. My brother is going to cook and feed that small community some fry bread and corn soup, with coffee and tea. I even started a new painting about White Buffalo girl, and her parents Black Elk and Moon Hawk. It's a good thing when art can be used to help heal those old wounds. Mark your calender down for May 22nd, at Neligh, Ne. for this historical event.

Good time in Tahlequah

The "Abstract Warrior" painting got honorable mention this time at the Cherokee National Holiday Art show. There was around 30 or so entries in the digital, graphics category, so I was happy with my showing, since I didn't know who the judges were.

Got to meet some nice people, some customers that appreciate my art. Saw some pretty amazing art as well. The reception afterwards was good.

Downtown Tahlequah was jumping, softball tournament, powwow, and 3 other art galleries going on all at the same time. Wife and I took some pictures at one of the parks there, went to a coffee shop and had coffee and cake while we waited for the show to begin.

Then today (Saturday), I was lucky enough to win a print by Sharon Irla "Necessity of a Mother" print #1. Her work is pretty amazing.

There is so much to do there, that we are planning on going back when we can do more stuff there.

High time to post something..

It's been a few months again since my last post. Hope everyone is having a good summer thus far. It has been hot here in Okla. but fall is on the way. It is always good to get a cool front every now and then to cool things down some.

Powwows are happening everywhere right now. My baby sister is in Rocky Boy, Mt. right now at their doings. Her and one of our relatives ventured up that way. I hope she does well in the ladies buckskin division. Both are exceptional dancers. My sister won 1st at the Otoe encampment this year, and is now hoping to make a good showing up in Montana.

I finished another painting the other day. I painted a Ponca wearing a blanket in downtown Ponca City. The time frame is back in the late 40's early 50's. I Remember going downtown with my grandmother and seeing people still walking around with blankets on. Something you don't see now days. My plan is to do a series of these paintings, using different parts of downtown Ponca City. I have high hopes for this project.
Everyone have a good summer and fall, I will try to post as I go along. Thanks for reading.

2010 is here!

Happy New Year everybody! I sincerely hope you have a very prosperous 2010. The shape of the economy is still trying to recover, and hopefully we will all have affordable health insurance, as well as jobs. It pretty much hits home, when the job market affects your immediate family.

As far as resolutions for 2010, I want to expand on my art, and enter into a few more shows/contests. I do want to continue to persevere for our Native youth, with the Standing Bear Art contest. Starting Monday Jan. 4th, I will get back at it. I have contacted several tribes here locally and need to make contact with one more. Then I can set a date for a 1st meeting.


I still need to do one more painting for the Ponca City Art Centers contest they hold every year in February. Have some good ideas I am throwing around, and want to see where it will lead.

My partner finished with another gallery wrap for an order, and hope to finalize that sale next week as well.

If you get a chance to go to the movies, and have a chance to see Sherlock Holmes, go see it! This is the very 1st movie my wife and I attended together. There just hasn't been anything out there that we have ever wanted to go see, until this one. So it is a must see!

December 09'

Can you believe it is already December? Time flies it seems the older we get. I guess I must be starting to get older, cause where did 09' go too? I thought Obama was just inaugurated the other day! Wow.. that was fast! Next thing you know you will be doing your taxes.

Janine our daughter from Germany is flying home for Christmas in a couple of weeks. Think Angelika and I may put up a few decorations before it is over with. We will wait for the kids to come over first before we put up a tree. We usually let them decorate the tree.

Angelika has been busy making her hand made hats for Christmas, she ships daily all over the world. This is her busy time, so I know she appreciates all the help I can do for her at this time of year. I assist with making some of her tags she uses when she packs the hats customers have ordered. She really does a great unique job in her style of packing. Lot's of TLC goes into each one of her packages.

I completed 3 more paintings, but will only be posting 2 of the 3. I also framed and matted another 7 clans painting. I am wanting to make a presentation to the Otoe Missouria tribe with it. I want to share with the tribe where all members can view it.

I guess I need to think about what to get for Christmas gifts for everyone. Think we may send out a few Christmas cards this year as well.

The money I made from the painting sales from the speaking engagement with the Daughters of the American Revolution. My plan was to pay it forward, but we had a death in our extended family. I helped my family with the cost of the feast for the traditional meal. I know there is a blessing from that.

I cleaned out my closet, and removed clothes I no longer use. I packed them up and took them to the Salvation Army. I know they will be put to good use. Someone may stay warm this winter.

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and if I don't get to make another post before 2010, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year as well.

Sid

Another good time dancing with our friends.

This past weekend we got to go to Enid, Ok. for a gourd dance my Indian friend Hank and Marie Childs hosted. Our gourd dance group was the host gourd club, so we were in full force. My sister and mother were able to come join us as well. I was very happy for this. My mothers Indian friend was there as well, and they got to dance together again.

The Enid intertribal club had a wonderful dinner served for us. The fellowship with all my brothers, and relatives was priceless. Look forward to helping my friends for the upcoming Otoe encampment next July. My friend Hank is the chairman for the powwow. I told him I would support him with this great endeavor.

Chairman John Shotton of the Otoe tribe is a member of our group as well. He just got back from his trip to D.C. He was in attendance at the White House with President Obama, when he greeted all the recognized tribes in the U.S.

On Nov. 20th I will be speaking for the Daughters of the American Revolutions monthly meeting at the Marland Grand home here in Ponca City, on Native American Art. They said they will have a write up about it coming out in the local newspaper this coming Sunday. I will begin to prepare for it. I look forward to it.

On Nov. 21st the Otoe encampment with have their first benefit dance at the Otoe culture center. I will see about attending that dance.

I will be starting a new painting for the contest here that the Ponca City art center holds in February. Still thinking about what to paint.

Thanks for reading.

Otoe encampment was good!

The 3rd week in July is typically very hot! Traditionally you get to a point to where you kinda hate to go because you know it's going to be like an oven during the gourd dance. The gourd dancing usually begins around 2pm in the afternoon, just about extreme heat time.
On Sunday before the start of the encampment, our family will traditionally put our camp up first! Since we are Buffalo clan. This year the encampment committee asked my Aunt to bless the powwow grounds. She is our Buffalo clan elder. I was there to witness it. At the same time we had a death in our tribe, and I was busy helping my youngest brother take care of the funeral. It was very hot those days.
My Aunt prayed to the creator at all 4 directions. Blessing the grounds with cedar smoke.
Tuesday we had the funeral for our Otoe relative that passed. By the time Thursday came around there was a cool front that came through. We was treated with some cooling rain, and North breeze. Made things much better. Friday was very nice. We enjoyed a wonderful gourd dance Friday evening. Saturday was just as good. Sunday it warmed up a little bit, but was still in the mid 80's.
On Thursday I donated print #1 of 100 of the "1st Otoe Meeting" to the encampment committee. They had tickets printed with a smaller version of the painting on the ticket. Sold chances at a dollar each. No need to be present to win. The committee, thanked me for this. It helped them raise over $400.00. The winning ticket belonged to a lady that lives in Enid, Okla. I am very happy someone won that appreciates my work.
Saturday night, my baby sister dressed in her buckskin dress, and competed in the ladies buckskin. She won 2nd place, and that made everyone happy. She is a good dancer. I was very thankful for the way the whole week went. The funeral went as well as we hoped. The feast was as good a meal as I ever had. The weather at the encampment came from the creator in answer to so many prayers. Everyday was very tolerable.
Best part of everything both brothers, sister, and my Mother all got to come home, with all the nephews, and neices. We sat down Saturday evening, and all shared a meal together. I am very thankful for that. No body can tell me there is no God. God blessed us with a wonderful week. Everyone made it home after everything was over with. It made for some life long lasting memories, and that is priceless!
Just wish I could have taken some pictures.

Update.. it's been awhile..

Things have been busy here at the home office as usual. Seems my retirement is something only I can control. I guess if I want to do nothing, then I can, but my emotions and love of art won't allow it. I guess that is a good thing. I have been busy painting again, and want to finish at least 3 more by the weekend. If things go according to plan it will happen, but we all know how things can go sometimes.

I called one of my Otoe/Ponca brothers, and learned he was in the hospital, battling kidney problems. Hopefully he won't be in there much longer. We all need him home with us. We more than likely will be planning a early morning sweat lodge on his behalf. Prayers in that holiest of circles is very strong.

I am still working on the display at the Standing Bear museum. I am now wanting to add some ribbon work, and shawls, to display my peoples craftsmanship. We are known for our bead, ribbon, and feather work. It seems that things just don't happen as fast as we would like, but eventually it will all happen.

Thinking back over the last couple of weeks, I want to thank my friend Firgs for giving me a shot out on her blog.
I was very honored by this. I checked my website dashboard after her shout out hit an all time high on people viewing my website.

I also want to thank my Arapho friend Neyom Friday for her blog radio talk show interview she did of me and my background. I was very honored by these good people, for recognizing Native American art, and wanting to tell the world about it.

I got a message from a lady that runs a Native American art gallery in Norman, Okla.
Tribes 131. She will be contacting me about bringing some prints down to her store.
I am excited about the prospect of finally getting out there in the State of Okla.

As I near completing each painting, I am more and more thankful that I will someday be remembered for something I loved doing. Art is my passion.

I hope to make a presentation to the Ponca tribe as well the Otoe/Missouria with paintings depicting their ancestors, and traditions.

I am nearing completion of my Aunt Jo's painting as well. Not sure how that presentation will work yet since my Aunt lived in So. Calif. among the Mission Indians at Barona Rez. My relatives want to hang this portrait of her up in the library that was named in her honor.

My oldest son called me on Fathers day, wishing me happy fathers day. This time I was able to wish him happy fathers day as well. My first grand child Paelin Grace Armstrong was born on Jan. 8th this year. My wife and I are planning on going to see her in Idaho, sometime next month.

I will be posting more as my paintings are completed and my friend Dave begins printing, and stretching canvas.

Thanks for reading

Another Gallery upcoming soon!

Ok, I went to the opening for Linda Rous, her name is pronounced like Rose. Come to find out she is renowned through out the country, and has been painting for over 40 years now. I had a chance to visit with her, and the formal invite for my gallery will be coming in the mail. She did mention it will be a one day show. On a Saturday, during the annual alumni gathering in Fairview, Okla. She said there will be a lot of people there at that time, which sounded promising. I must say I was impressed with her no face doll creations. Very lovely work. Each one is individual, no two alike. Some even had beads hanging on them. Definitely something to see if you ever get a chance. Here are a couple of sites she has. Website #1 and Website #2

Spirits watch over us!

I have a friend that I met through Photoshop, who takes wonderful photos of hoot owls, eagles, yellowhammers. Significant birds of our people. Sacred birds, and I feel very fortunate to have made Connie and her husband's acquaintance. I now have an unlimited source of photos I can use to paint with.

These past few days have been very trying here, with tornado warnings. The local TV stations here are very good with keeping you abreast to all the warnings. They have storm chasers out looking for funnels that drop out of the clouds, relaying the info back to the station, and airing it for everyone to see. They do a great job in keeping everyone informed.

Connie had submitted a picture of a hoot owls face, I took that picture and I did a hurry up job of it, with a tornado that happened in Enid, Okla. I have no shortness of inspiration living here. Living here, keeps you very mindful of the creator's power, and his grace. We pray a lot for our home, and for those that maybe in the line of fire with a tornado.

This is the end result of what I did. Enjoy..

Art Gallery is a success!

It's funny cause your thinking, that so and so said they will come to the show, but for some reason they don't make it. On the flip side of that coin, you see people you had no idea would come. Then people purchase prints, who you never even met before. The place was packed! More people than I expected. A lot of the people were my relatives, but mostly friends.

The reception offered a nice atmosphere with refreshments.

When it was all said and done, I was approached by the board about putting on a class for digital art. I didn't see that one coming! I will have to see how that all goes, after the gallery finishes next month!

It was a success! My wife and I both feel completely exhausted now.. Time for a break!

Check my website out.. I just added my latest renderings!

When everything was perfect, the ancestors gathered for a Native American Church meeting. One time the Buffalo would run it, next time it would be the bear, or the eagle, the clan leaders would take turns leading the service. The bear, and buffalo would go by the season. Spring and summer the buffalo is in charge. In the fall and winter, the bear would lead since it was their time to be in charge. The other clans would get permission to run things. There is an order to how things are conducted among the Otoe Missouria. At one time there were either 11 or 12 clans of the Otoe, but only 7 today.

Giving credit where credit is due!

My friend and partner Dave Nelsen who does all my printing for me, has been very busy in some new discoveries with framing. I had asked him to see what he could do with my Donnie painting, and I think he surpassed all of my expectations. He actually superseded them. A frame inside a frame, with what feels like a very soft foam. He said it is a fabric with a foam board behind it. The color of the frame itself is pewter. The color of the fabric is purple, to compliment the red and blue colors I used in this painting. I couldn't be more happy with the end result. I think it will only add to the art show!

I wanted to display the frame and mat work I finished last night as well. I really like how it finished. I hope people will like what I do. Thanks for looking, Sid

Ponca Powwow history through my eyes..

As old as Ponca Powwow is, I still enjoy going to look on, and listen to the songs. Those old songs never get too old to listen too. I remember going to the powwow as a small boy, and there was so many dancers. Lot's of straight dancers. Looked like all the men would wear black vests with bandannas around their necks. A Ponca trait. I remember looking at the dancers and could tell what tribe they were just by the way they dressed. Something you can't hardly tell today!

The fancy dancers had come some distance from when the first fancy dancers (Gus MacDonald) had started at the Ponca Powwow. I remember one man in particular when attending the powwow. When you saw him dance you could automatically tell who he was, by the tall frame, and the high head dress, (no roach)the black and blue costume of Garland Kent Sr. He was the benchmark of Ponca powwow fancy dance in his day. I know the older tribal memebers from around the surrounding area, of the Tonkawa, Osage, Otoe Missouria, Pawnee, and Kaw tribes, remember GK when he danced. He was always fun to watch during the contest on Sunday night.

I had contacted him, and visited with him about his dancing, and was able to get a few photographs of him from Lucy (his wife).

I wanted to capture that image on a mat, as the way I remember his dancing. After a couple of start, erase, and start overs. I was finally able to finish what I had intended in the first place.

I won't show this painting until the gallery at the Ponca City art center, but just wanted you to know what I have been doing here the past few days. I already sent it on to Dave, my printer for press. I will have prints available for sale, for those of you that may be interested.

Do any of you remember the Indian two step going in a giant round circle, with nothing added to it? Two steps forward one step back, turn pivot and keep going. It was that way I remember when the two step was danced. There always was a clown in the arena too, wearing a weird straight dance costume. Used to scare the heck out of us kids too.. Funny today when you think back to how things used to be in the big arena. A very scared place, the clown was a whip man. Kept order in the arena.

My late Grandmother along with 3 other Ponca women, (all grandmas) were the very first women to go out around the big drum and sing with the men. That was forbidden until they broke the rule. Lots of history in our family with the big drum.

Thanks for reading.. aho!

ArtNatAm featured artist webpage at last!!

Marten Jensen resides in the Netherlands. He is the web master of ArtNatAm he sent me an email today notifying me of my web page being up and live now! I have been waiting for this for some time now. Total elation! I just sent him several more paintings for him to add to the site for me.

I was preoccupied with the upcoming art gallery here in Ponca City next month, I had honestly forgotten about it. Now that it is up now, makes things much better all the way around. When you do a google search on Native American Art the first page up is ArtNatAm. This excites me!!!! Should get some good responses now.

3 more paintings completed and ready for the Gallery!

I have the painting of the buckskin lady dancer complete, and will send it on for printing. I finished another one the first Otoe Meeting, that depicts all 7 clans in one meeting. I already sent it on for printing. I finished another one last night in the series of painted faces. This one I did is of my youngest brothers son, my nephew Donnie. He is a traditional dancer, who has won many contests for his dancing. He is a proud father today, and has a good woman by his side. Someone to help keep him grounded.
I thought I would go ahead and post his painting I just finished.