The Memorial Union Gallery will unveil a new visual art installation created by artist Black Pinto Horse, Monte Yellow Bird Sr., on Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“The piece not only has historic value and traditional elements, but also contemporary images and color,” Black Pinto Horse says. "It is designed to demonstrate the development of the meeting of two cultures, statehood and the birth of NDSU. I myself attended NDSU where I received some of my formal academic art training. It’s an honor to present two-dimensional public art to a major university.”
Mick Kjar, KVLY Valley News morning anchor, will be the master of ceremonies. He will introduce special guests, Brad Schlossman, CEO of West Acres Mall; and Martha Olsen, executive director of the Arts Partnership. They will speak about the importance of art in the community. As each panel of the installation is unveiled, Black Pinto Horse will interpret the stories held within the images, colors and symbols, also sharing steps of the creation process via a slide-show.
A member of the Arikara and Hidatsa Nation from White Shield, N.D., now living in Great Falls, Mont., Black Pinto Horse is an American Indian artist, cultural and educational consultant, presenter and storyteller. He focuses on collaborating First Nation images and objects with 20th century “Expressionism,” which has given him a better understanding of himself and has been the key to establishing his own style of works. His work is a reflection of pride for his people and a respect for life.
Black Pinto Horse also will have paintings, ledger art and a two-person exhibit hanging in the Memorial Union Gallery during November. He has many pieces on display across North Dakota. A colorful, life-sized Buffalo stands in the Herberger's court of West Acres Mall. He has created many paintings and public art, including “Black Pinto Horse,” a life-sized fiberglass horse purchased by the Pepsi Co. in Minot; “Holy Dog II,” a painting hanging in the permanent collection of the Cowboy Hall of Fame; and “Helps the People,” a commission for Sen. Byron Dorgan.
Melody Staebner, Fargo Public Schools American Indian Education program coordinator, will bring American Indian students from Carl Ben Eielson and Ben Franklin Middle Schools to take part in this opportunity. Students will participate in a gallery walk, followed by a presentation by the artist and a two-hour workshop.
For more information, contact Esther Hockett, curator of the Memorial Union Gallery, at 1-8239 and visit the artist’s Web site at www.blackpintohorsefinearts.com or e-mail blackpintohorse@hotmail.com.