The most important thing I have learned is that art can be found in everything that we do. For me it has become an act of communication. When I feel a strong emotion, I tend to pick up a paintbrush and turn to the canvas - my way of processing life and turning it into something tangible.

My compositions often depict individuals that “wear” life, embracing our unique lives, our losses, our passions -the true value of this world. You might find recognizable characters or emotions that I hope trigger a sense of nostalgia. I hope when people view my work, they recognize that stage in life we have all visited and are by that made equal.

Gabrielle attended the Rocky Mt. College of Art and Design in Denver, Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Interior Design. Her artwork has been seen in art shows in South Dakota and Colorado as well as the renowned House of Blues in San Diego, California.

My name is Twyla Robbins. I grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I have always loved art so I decided to pursue my dream and went to Bemidji State University where I got a Bachelors Degree in Art Education. I then taught art at Central High School in Rapid City for 10 years before becoming a stay at home mom and artist. My love for color, texture, and shapes led me more towards abstract artwork. My love for animals kept me with that theme as I enjoy taking photographs of them that I use as references to create my paintings. For me, art is therapy. The act of painting is pure joy. Art is all around us, and everyone is capable of creating something from within them. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s music and sometimes it’s a paintbrush or a camera . I hope to continue creating and sharing my love for art with others. I also like to give back to the communities and donate artwork for fundraising auctions. I currently reside in Rapid City with my husband and five children.

Sandy is from the Pine Ridge Reservation and is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux tribe. Her paternal grandmother was Northern Cheyenne. Her heart and artistic vision has always respected the Scared Black Hills. After researching her heritage she discovered that her great grandparents were at the signing of the 1868 Treaty at Ft. Laramie, WY. Her Great Grandmothers Sally Mills and Sara Long Chin came into Ft. Robinson with Crazy Horse’s band in 1877.

Proud of her Native American heritage she incorporates this into her artwork. She had her own Art Gallery for 12 years and became internationally known. One of her artistic accomplishments was creating the cover for the USDA Guidebook for Native American programs. She has been invited to the White House and also participated in many art shows throughout the Nation. Sandy has original artwork, prints, and a line of notecards. Currently she continues with her artwork, has a Podcast (Lakota Link), and is writing songs.

Woyawaste (Blessings)

Sandy Swallow

Kelsea is a passionate Western artist whose inspiration was deeply rooted in her upbringing in Basalt, Colorado. Spending much of her time with horses and rodeo amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Kelsea fueled her talents by constantly immersing herself in the outdoors and the cowboy way of life. After graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Agricultural Business, she worked in multiple sales offices in different states while keeping her horses and artwork active in her life. Later, she moved back to the picturesque region of southeastern Wyoming, where she and her husband raise their two boys amid the busy, day-to-day tasks of their farming and ranching operations, including caring for cow/calf pairs and a thriving feedlot operation. In addition to being a mom, ranch wife, and artist, Kelsea is also a realtor and art instructor.

My name is Taryn Platt, I am from Torrington, Wyoming. I was homeschooled growing up on my family's hay farm, where many afternoons were spent sketching with my older sister. My passion for drawing people began when I started making art of video game characters at age 11. From then on, I began teaching myself to draw, focusing on portrait art primarily, while most recently dabbling in landscapes, animals, and architecture.

Over the years, I have exhibited my artwork in shows across Wyoming and Nebraska. My work has been featured in Game Informer Magazine twice, and I am a member of the Harrison, NE Prairie Art Guild.

When not pursuing creative endeavors, I love being outdoors, traveling, and working on restoring my 1970 Ford Galaxie, Miss Lucy. I am grateful to God for the life He has given me.

“As a child I spent hours outside making mud pies and building forts. I cherished my grandparents’ ranch where I rode horses and picked treats from the garden. When not outside I could be found at the pink dining room table that once belonged to my grandmother. It was there that I was always allowed to make a creative mess. I believe we are created beings. For this reason, we are all creative. It is only a matter of finding it.”

Mackenzie Swanson uses traditional methods to create classic and modern stained glass designs. Her work has been featured in Arts Alive Magazine, and captured in film form. She creates custom works for businesses, churches, and homes. Monument Health, the City of Hill City, places of worship, and private collectors have Swanson’s work on display. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from Chadron State College. Her deep love of the land, big skies, and simple living informs her work. She also paints, carves, makes jewelry, and dabbles in all things creative.

“Live a quiet life, work with your hands”- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12