“Tree of Life: South Dakota Woodworking Traditions” Exhibit (2006-2008)

The Tree of Life exhibit showcased the diversity of woodworking traditions from South Dakota. The artists on display were:

Bryan Akipa, Dakota flutes (Sisseton)
Arne Bortnem, Norwegian carving (Sioux Falls)
Francis Country, Dakota horse dance sticks (Sisseton)
Mel Eisanbraun, miniatures, diamond willow (Sturgis)
Kim Graber, German-Russian willow baskets (Freeman)
LeRoy Graber, German-Russian willow baskets (Freeman)
Don Green, diamond willow canes (Rapid City)
Michael He Crow, Lakota flutes (Rapid City)
Greg Hesla, Norwegian & Swedish bentwood boxes (Wakonda)
Ted Hofer, furniture (Bridgewater)
Art Jansen, chains, spoons, canes (Rapid City)
Ken Marso, diamond willow (Spearfish)
Richard Peterson, wildlife carvings (Sioux Falls)

The exhibit was designed and fabricated by the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, and traveled to the Adams Museum on Deadwood and the Dacotah Prairie Museum in Aberdeen, where artist demonstrations and school programs were presented.

Exhibit at SDAM
Overview of the Tree of Life exhibit at the South Dakota Art Museum

Graber
LeRoy Graber explains the process of making willow baskets to a young visitor at the South Dakota Art Museum.

Tree of Life Brochure
The brochure that was printed to accompany the traveling exhibit.