The Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) and the Native Presence Gallery, Wisconsin Dells, will be presenting an exhibit on the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial this summer, “Remembering Stand Rock.”
LEAF’s Native Presence Gallery at 412 ½ Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, will host an opening reception for the show from 3 to 7 p.m. on July 20.
The Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial was held at the Stand Rock amphitheater on the Wisconsin River in the Wisconsin Dells area from 1929 until 1997. The ceremonial featured the dances of the Ho-Chunk who made their home in the Dells area and dancers from other Native American tribes.
The exhibit on the Ceremonial will feature photographs of the dancers, courtesy of the Wisconsin State and Wisconsin Dells Historical Societies and will include a portrait of Grace Decorah, one of the longest performers at the Ceremonial. Melanie Tallmadge Sainz, founder of LEAF, said the exhibit will also include recordings of music from the ceremonial and props used in dances such as those used in the dog feast dance and traditional regalia worn by performers.
Kendra Greendeer, whose father and grandfather performed at the ceremonial, is LEAF’s collection manager and is assisting in the formation of the exhibit. Original artwork created exclusive for this exhibit by noted Ho-Chunk artist Christopher Sweet, who painted the eagle mural below the gallery, and Sainz, who will be the 2018 artist in residence at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will also be on display.
During the opening celebration LEAF will also host a silent auction fundraiser featuring Native arts and crafts to aid in the renovation of its property on River Road. Special guest and acclaimed Ceremonial performer Spencer Lonetree will provide music (vocals and acoustic guitar) from 5-7 p.m.
The exhibit will be open through Wo-Zha-Wa weekend, September 14-16.
On Aug. 18, LEAF will host an appraisal day for those who would like appraisals of Ho-Chunk baskets or vintage Wisconsin Dells memorabilia.
Mike Schmudlach, a member of the Wisconsin State Historical Society Board of Directors and an authority on Ho-Chunk baskets will do appraisals and Phil Helley, an antique authority, will appraise vintage Dells memorabilia.
