This is our hub for all First Peoples Fund related events aimed at empowering Native artists, culture bearers, and community leaders. From skill-building workshops to art exhibitions, we offer a variety of events to foster growth, encourage dialogue, and inspire change.
NEWS > events
First Peoples Fund's two-day trainings give artists real-world tools and detailed resources to navigate the arts industry and become successful entrepreneurs. The training is intended for emerging and seasoned artists alike. At the training, we will work with you to help you grow your arts business.
Robert Martinez was born on the Wind River Reservation in Riverton Wyoming. He attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and in 3 years he graduated becoming the Youngest Native American to graduate at that time.His Northern Arapaho & Chicano heritage remains a constant inspiration and source of ideas for his work. Living in Wyoming amongst the hard working people of the west and experiencing their issues also influence his creations. The past and present often resonate strongly throughout his work.Robert was recently honored with his home state’s highest creative honor, the Wyoming Governors Art Award. You can currently see select pieces of his work as part of the permanent collection for the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington DC, The Plains Indian Museum at the Bill Cody Center of the West, and the Red Cloud Heritage Museum.
Leslie A. Deer is an apparel designer and artist who began her career by making her own dance regalia out of necessity while on tour with American Indian Dance Theatre. As her love for creating apparel grew, so did her clientele and Leslie decided to pursue a degree in apparel design to strengthen her skills. In May 2015, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Production from Oklahoma StateUniversity. The first thing people notice about Leslie’s artwork is quality and craftsmanship. Her work is often described as elegant, and is popular for the classic silhouettes that make the wearer feel confident and empowered. Leslie’s work is influenced by the motifs ofher Mvskoke people and their ancestors, the Moundbuilders. She believes she is meant to work with these designs:“It is my duty, as part of my tribal community, to ensure these designs survive for future generations to learn from, remember, absorb, and pass on. It’s really kind of like bringing our ancestors with us wherever we are - in the present, and in the future. We bring them forward with us.”Leslie has shown at numerous Native Art Markets including The Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market, The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival, Cherokee Art Market, Chickasaw Nation’s Southeast Art Show and Market, and Santa Fe Indian Market (winning both First Place - Contemporary Dress - Garments, and Best of Division – Contemporary Dress in 2017).In addition to designing for clients locally and across the U.S., Leslie teaches cultural activity classes at the Citizen Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center, and a sewing class in her community at the Holdenville Creek Indian Community Center. She also serves as a Cultural Arts Mentor for Muscogee Nation Youth Services. Leslie is a 2016 First Peoples Fund Artist In Business Leadership Fellow. Leslie has a garment in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and her work can be seen on her website, LAdeerApparel.com.
Oglala Lakota Art Space
7904 Lakota Prairie Drive Kyle, SD, 57752
This workshop series will provide participants with a knowledge of creating beaded and dentalium earrings. Participants will learn the techniques of beadwork and the cultural significance behind these traditional adornments.
Join our vibrant community of makers! Whether you're a seasoned artisan or new to the craft, this supportive environment welcomes all skill levels.
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will focus on providing participants with knowledge of leather tooling and horse tack repair. Led by Catlin Clifford, participants will gain hands-on experiences.
Oglala Lakota Artspace
Join our upcoming workshop series led by Stephanie Two Crow and deepen your knowledge of our rich Lakota heritage! These sessions delve into the creation stories of the Lizard "agleska" and the Turtle "Keya," exploring the significance of amulet creation for children. Learn two distinct styles of amulet decoration using quills and beads, and discover the cultural importance behind Hoksi Cekpa Ojuha (Umbilical Cord Pouches). Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Lakota heritage and craftsmanship! All are welcome, including young men and boys eager to understand this cherished tradition for future generations.
Oglala Lakota Artspace
This workshop series will focus on creating ribbon skirts, shirts and vests, regalia, and ceremonial dress. Traditional stories and teachings about the historical and cultural significance of these items will be shared with participants as they create their pieces.
Secure your spot now and embark on this inspiring journey of cultural exploration and artistic growth! Classes are scheduled for the following dates:
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will focus on using watercolor and mixed media techniques to create earrings, keychains, moccasins, a scrapbook and community piece. Participants are welcome to bring poems and pictures that serve as memorials of an event, person or place.
Maiki is an emerging Native American, agender artist who uses the alias Z0MB1E MED1A (Z0mb1e). They specialize in digital, watercolor, ink, and acrylic paintings, often depicting portraiture as his preferred subject matter of choice.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this experience is your chance to dive into a supportive and inspiring environment. Mark your calendars for every other Friday starting February 9 from 3-8pm.
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will focus on introductory sewing projects including sewing star patterns on baby bags, potholders, and pillows; culminating into creating star quilts. Let's connect, create, and celebrate our heritage together. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or just starting out, this immersive experience offers a supportive and inspiring environment for all.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions!
Oglala Lakota Art Space
Dive into the vibrant world of beadwork at Oglala Lakota Artspace! This workshop series will focus on creating turtles, lizards, moccasins, and ceremonial balls. Stories and teachings about the historical and cultural significance of these items will be shared with the participants as they create their pieces.
Don't miss out – secure your spot for the beadwork sessions!
Oglala Lakota Art Space
Join our upcoming workshop series led by Stephanie Two Crow and deepen your knowledge of our rich Lakota heritage! These sessions delve into the creation stories of the Lizard "agleska" and the Turtle "Keya," exploring the significance of amulet creation for children. Learn two distinct styles of amulet decoration using quills and beads, and discover the cultural importance behind Hoksi Cekpa Ojuha (Umbilical Cord Pouches). Don't miss this opportunity to connect with Lakota heritage and craftsmanship! All are welcome, including young men and boys eager to understand this cherished tradition for future generations.
Oglala Lakota Artspace
Hosted by Tiana Spotted Thunder, the Wicaglata Learning Circle offers a safe space for winyan relatives interested in learning to sing. Attendees in this women-only circle will get to learn about Wicaglata protocol, societal importance, making skirts and shawls and more!
Tiana Spotted Thunder is a Lakota recording artist from Oglala, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is a vocalist of many genres, but specializes in singing traditional Lakota and indigenous music. She travels throughout North America to powwows as a backup singer for drum groups as well as performs solo for various audiences. Her vocal range reveals the pride of her identity as a Lakota woman.Tiana Spotted Thunder is also a Teaching Artist with the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program.
Oglala Lakota Artspace
This workshop series focuses on empowering women through traditional self-care methods led by Kelly Hosie at Oglala Lakota Artspace. Participants will learn about natural medicines and methods to support and connect with one another in a nurturing environment.
This event emphasizes the importance of traditional kinship practices using native plants and herbs. Kelly's expertise and wealth of knowledge will guide participants on a journey through centuries-old traditions, offering insights into natural remedies that promote well-being.
As a descendant of Cree, Anishinaabe, Assiniboine Sioux, Dakota Sioux, Arikara, and Hidatsa people, Kelly draws inspiration from her children, embodying the ancient practice of traditional medicines. Learn about her foraging practices, nurturing a respectful connection with Mother Earth, and delve into the preparation of various traditional medicines.
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will provide participants with creative knowledge of doll making using different colored material and applying dresses, shawls & blankets. Doll will be constructed using a premade pattern to put it all together.
Don't miss out on this opportunity! Reserve your spot now!
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will focus on the traditional history and meanings of cradleboards. The first three sessions will be open to 15 participants who will make miniature cradleboards. For the next 4 sessions we will offer 4-6 participants the option to make a full size cradleboard. These participants will need to be committed to attend all 4 sessions and complete weekly homework assignments.
Oglala Lakota Art Space
7904 Lakota Prairie Drive Kyle, SD, 57752
This workshop series will focus on creating ribbon skirts, shirts and vests, regalia, and ceremonial dress. Traditional stories and teachings about the historical and cultural significance of these items will be shared with participants as they create their pieces.
Secure your spot now and embark on this inspiring journey of cultural exploration and artistic growth! Classes are scheduled for the following dates:
Oglala Lakota Art Space
This workshop series will focus on using watercolor and mixed media techniques to create earrings, keychains, moccasins, a scrapbook and community piece. Participants are welcome to bring poems and pictures that serve as memorials of an event, person or place.
Maiki is an emerging Native American, agender artist who uses the alias Z0MB1E MED1A (Z0mb1e). They specialize in digital, watercolor, ink, and acrylic paintings, often depicting portraiture as his preferred subject matter of choice.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this experience is your chance to dive into a supportive and inspiring environment. Mark your calendars for every other Friday starting February 9 from 3-8pm.
Oglala Lakota Art Space