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Painting with Inspiration
Chamberlain, S.D. (February 14, 2020): It took several hands and creative minds to paint two beautiful murals this week at St. Joseph’s Indian School. The Artist in Residency Program welcomed visiting artist Markus Tracy to campus to work with the students on design components and ways to incorporate their culture through mural art. This is the third visit for Tracy with the Artist in Residency program at St. Joseph’s Indian School. “It was fun spending time getting to know and working with all the students and their Art teacher Rachel Butzin who was a creative support during every step of this residency,” said Tracy.
After spending a week in the art room, Tracy felt like the most rewarding part was working with the students because they were all very enthusiastic, creative and excited to be a part of their school mural. “Their thought process and contribution to overall design helped me better understand not only Lakota culture but also other Native cultures of the Plains Indians of the Dakotas,” said Tracy.
This unique program invites artists from all over the nation to work with students on different types of art and ways to incorporate culture. One mural Tracy and the students completed is located at the St. Joseph’s Indian School Thrift Store, and the other is in the hallway at the school. Tracy is an award-winning arts programmer and teaching artist who enjoys collaborating with schools and communities across the nation.
The visit was made possible in part through the South Dakota Arts Council Artists in Schools & Communities (AISC). AISC is a residency program for K-12 schools and community organizations, with matching funds from the South Dakota Arts Council.