Blood Run Artworks of the Big Sioux

CLOSING RECEPTION: August 16, 2014, 2:00pm – 5:00pm, Gallery Talk 4:00pm, Refreshments Served

The Stearns History Museum is proud to host a traveling art exhibition by several prestigious South Dakota artists. The artist collective known as “Blood Run Artworks of the Big Sioux” consists of the collaborative work of noted South Dakota artists Jerry Fogg, Ihanktonwan Nakota Oyate mixed-media artist; Chad Nelson, printmaker and art educator; Angela Behrends, a mixed-media sculptor, installation artist, and arts educator; and Chris Francis, who works with a mixed-media appreciation, constantly skirting a line between painting and assemblage, with an emphasis on exploring mechanical elements.

Their ongoing collaboration stems from a mutual friendship, respect, and appreciation of one another’s work and process. Each artist personally draws heavily from a unique personal background and approach towards their own work, crafting stories and drawing relationships within each piece. It was a natural progression for these artists to pursue working together, and this exhibition represent the ongoing culmination of their collaboration.

Their use of the name “Blood Run” is a reference of honor and respect to an 8,500 year old Paleo-Indian site which is located on the borders of Iowa and South Dakota, straddling the Big Sioux River. Blood Run itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States, and at one time contained 480 mounds, but after extensive looting by settlers and gravel quarrying, only 78 remain. This site was recently established as a co-state park in 2013, known as Good Earth State Park at Blood Run.

“Blood Run Artworks of the Big Sioux” show at the Stearns History Museum this summer will feature many collaborative pieces along with personal selections of their own individual work. The art show will be on display at the Stearns History Museum June, July, and August. A closing receptions is scheduled for August. Please visit the Museum website for details as the date gets closer.

More information about the Blood Run Artworks Collective can be found at www.facebook.com/bloodrunartworks.