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Jodi Rave: Harvest Moon Ball promotes Native art
Friday, August 17, 2007
Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

"If you're Indian, you probably know an artist.

That's because so many of our tribal communities are brimming with talented painters, beaders, sculptors and more.

My husband and I met Ken Morsette, a Chippewa Cree from the Rocky Boy's Reservation, at the Harvest Moon Ball, an art auction in East Glacier that celebrates Native artists. Today, two of Ken's eye-catching paintings grace a wall in our family living room.

I appreciate Ken's attention to detail. When I look at the traditional dancer in the larger of the two paintings, I see puffs of dust floating off the canvas from where the dancer's feet hit the dry ground. I imagine the sound of the Mandaree drum group, singing somewhere on the Northern Plains.

The second painting we have by Ken shows a common powwow scene, the grand entry. Everybody loves grand entry. It's one of the few times during a powwow when a spectator can see every single dancer as they enter the arena in single profile. Ken painted the Rocky Boy Powwow color guard during grand entry, a scene taken from a photo taken several years ago.

A number of the flag carriers, such as the late Roddy Sun Child, a World War II veteran, are easily recognized from within the Chippewa Cree Tribe. The color guard typically leads a grand entry procession while carrying eagle staffs, as well as tribal and U.S. flags. A flag song - something equivalent to the Star Spangled Banner - is always sung once the dancers are standing still. Ken's work allows me to appreciate a great artist, and lets me share in a community vision."

Get the Story:
Art purchased at Harvest Moon Ball delights and inspires (The Missoulian 8/16)

Relevant Links:
Jodi Rave - http://www.missoulian.com/jodirave

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