Living Traditions: Dakota, Nakota, Lakota Art, a traveling exhibit from the South Dakota State Historical Society, will open the season at the Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center three miles west of Sisseton on Highway #10.  The exhibit will begin May 1 and run through July 7, 2008. Tours for school groups will be available during the month of May. To arrange a tour, contact Jane Rasmussen at 605 698 3025 or e-mail the Nicollet Tower at nicollettower@sissetonmuseums.org.  

        The Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people of South Dakota have produced beautiful art throughout their history. Bringing out the beauty in everyday objects led to strong traditions of decorative quillwork, beadwork, painting, and carving. Dance and ceremonies also have an important place in Sioux culture. Living Traditions: Dakota, Nakota, Lakota Art showcases artistic work done in three different time periods – the nomadic hunting period, the reservation period, and modern times. Text, photographs, and images of objects from the museum collection are shown on twenty text panels in five pop-up kiosks.          

   “The artwork featured in this exhibit is outstanding,” said Jay Vogt, South Dakota State Historical Society Director. “Using visual art from different historic periods shows how important traditions continue to be a part of life today.” This exhibition was funded by the South Dakota Heritage Fund and the State of South Dakota and is sponsored locally by the Heritage Museums of the Coteau des Prairies www.sissetonmuseums.org   and the Sisseton Arts Council www.sissetonartscouncil.org