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.
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.
I remember the evening we bought his paintings at the Harvest Moon Ball, an annual fundraiser organized by the Blackfeet Community Foundation. The evening was enchanting. Furthermore, the entire event made me realize what can happen if we dare to dream. In this case, the Blackfeet dreamed they could build a $1 million endowment to help fund community projects.
The problem: How do you raise money in a community where unemployment can top 80 percent?
The late Ernie Pepion provided the answer: Host an art auction.
That was 11 years ago. Not only has the Harvest Moon Ball raised $300,000 for the community endowment, but the live auction also creates a platform for artists to show, tell and sell their work. The event attracts about 200 people - that's all the historic Glacier Park Lodge can hold - including artists, community members and art collectors from throughout the country.
Steve Powell, program director for the Blackfeet Reservation Development Fund, said ticket sales are in full swing for the 2007 Harvest Moon Ball, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29. This year, the ball has a rose theme, in honor of featured artist Howard Pepion's, “Picking of the Wild Rose Berry.”
Besides supporting community ambition, the country-inspired, dress-up ball is downright fun. The evening is filled with remarkable art, dinner and dancing, all of which takes place in the striking environment of East Glacier Park. For more information, call (406) 338-2992.
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