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.

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

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.

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

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.

Ladies Buckskin dancer..

In this painting I was compelled to paint a dress I attempted to design for my sister. She looks very beautiful in that dress. I still feel proud when she wears that dress and dances to our tribal songs.

Added 3 more paintings to my web site

Busy Saturday, was busy with Twitter today increasing my followers. I also added 3 more prints to my web site. Go see at here.

I have a good idea of how I want to compliment the Chicken dancer now. I will be adding a woman dancer that will face him. I have another good idea for a third painting to go with them as well. You will have to wait for it though.

I will keep you posted to how things come along. Still working toward the gallery in April.

Cusp of falling off into dream land I saw this

I had heard that when your right on the cusp of falling into rem-sleep your mine is as clear as it can be. When you have a vision at this time it has potential to be something either great or maybe not so great. lol All I know is I knew what I wanted to paint when I saw this. I know when you see traditional Native American Art it will have a certain type of dancer, but in this case my dancer is by no means of that certain type, he has his own style.

Another thing that I liked when doing this is how receptive my wife was about the outcome of it. She really loves this painting. I will prepare it for the gallery, and have it listed in my website for sale as well. Hope you like it as well. Please leave a comment. Thanks, Sid

2 more paintings..

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In Sept. I was able to capture some of my nephews and relatives with some pretty good shots. I was able to use those photos to paint from. I think the end result turned out pretty good. I will be posting them in my website in a day or two.

New Web site is up and running!

Alright bloggers, it is offical in case you haven't heard. My first website is up and in operation now. I can actually market all of my stuff I have been working on. If there is something you have been wanting, you can now have it. Go check it out,(http://redeartharts.com/) if you see something you think I can improve on then please leave me a message in the comments. I always appreciate comments left by you guys.

Still working toward having Marten with Native American Art web site finish up with my web page there as well. I need to get my wife to take my picture along with some of my prints for that site. If it is good enough I may put it on my web site as well.

Everything is a go with the Art center gallery showing in April. If you haven't made plans as of yet, then mark your calender for my very first gallery showing for the whole month of April at the Ponca City Art center. I will find out the dates on everything and will be posting it here. I know there will be a reception the first day. You will know when that will be.

Once all this excitement passes, I will be working once again on the 7 clans paintings. I still need to do the Beaver, Bear, Pigeon, and Buffalo. Hopefully have those paintings done by the gallery showing.

Eye of the Eagle

7 Clans Series painting of the Eagle Clan. My thoughts for this painting took me outside the box, for my relatives and friends of the Eagle Clan. I envisioned something completely different than what I actually put down on the mat. My Mother is of the Eagle clan. As a child I would dream sometimes of being able to fly. I would often wonder how the view would be for the Eagle from his point, being so close to Heaven. Enjoy!

7 clans Owl painting..

Ron Jones a professional photographer, took the picture of the owl sitting in the tree. He granted me permission to use his photo as a source picture to paint from. The overall painting turned out pretty nice. I am pleased with it. It is actually my 3rd Owl painting thus far. Now off to see my partner Dave, for some print work. Thanks for looking.

Finishing a portrait of Great Grandfather..

Been hard at it again as usual. It's been a few weeks since I started it, and about to finish it at last. I want to get a few printed so I can hand them out to my siblings at Xmas. Hopefully they will enjoy the addition to their homes.

I also found another Owl photo from a fellow NAPP member, who gave me permission to paint it. I have started that painting and will add it along with the Elk toward the 7 clan series paintings.

When the shadows are long

It is like a God given emotion the way a painting unfolds. When I start a painting sometimes things don't come to me all at once, but as it takes on a life of it's own I can see how I want it to finish.

This is a first of a seven painting set I have started, with the 7 clans of the Otoe Missioura.

The Elk Clan is a large clan in our tribe, and has large families. When I think about Elk or the Deer family, I think about when they move. It is only when the shadows are long. Like early morning or late evening just before dark, they will move out into clearings to graze. Usually Deer hunters will be up in their stands before the sun comes out to try and catch a big buck moving. One of their best defenses is a fog, with long shadows, making them very hard to see. This is what I felt when painting this. Hope you like it.

My friend, I have known all of my life.. I finally got a chance to capture him in a photo and was able to paint him. Actually I did a watercolor brush stroke. I think it turned out pretty good..

Spirit Messenger

When you start a painting, and take a few steps forward, and realize it isn't what you had expected, you go back and start over. This is how it has been for me, take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back!
It was getting old and frustrating, but now it is starting to take on a life of it's own. It has been about 3 months in the making of this painting.

I went into NAPP and asked the membership for their critique for anything that I may have overlooked, or just didn't see, and this is the end result. I am very happy with this.
Let me talk about the painting just a little bit to shed some light on everything, for those of you that may be wondering. Among some Native American tribes, the "Hoot Owl" is respected and left alone, because of it's spiritual powers. I learned my lessons growing up on the Otoe rez here in Oklahoma. My Grandmother was Owl clan, also a shaman or healer. She knew Mother Nature like a giant pharmacy. She always knew what to use and how to prepare it. She was very gifted.
People would come from everywhere to see her. She never took money as payment, she only took 4 different material things as payment. She only followed the "old way". So when I paint a "Hoot Owl" painting I have to always remember my Grandmother. Thanks for looking..