Native Arts Trunk Show at Chief Oshkosh

On July 22, Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts in Egg Harbor will host Lac Courte Oreilles member, artist and storyteller Dick Mindykowski. Mindykowski’s art will be exhibited from 10 am to 4 pm, with special storytelling at 2 pm.

Mindykowski will feature his artwork (walking sticks, dancing staffs, turtle rattles, shields, dream catchers, etc.) that highlights the earth’s four orders: physical, plant, animal and human. In his work he includes aspen, paper birch, speckled elder or cedar, after the wood has been seasoned for one or two years. The bark and outer wood are scraped off, and the wood is cut to the proper length for each project. Using a belt grinder, he burns designs into the wood. He then adorns individual pieces with various combinations of stones, fur, deer antlers, leather, feathers and/or beads.

Encouraged by his late brother to follow the path of artist, Mindykowski quit his job as a computer components inspector in 2007 to become a full-time creative artisan. He has no regrets. That very first year he took first place in the Midwest Native American Arts Market competition. Today Mindykowski’s works are sold at powwows and stores throughout Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Chief Oshkosh Native American Arts is located at 7631 Highway 42 in Egg Harbor. For more information, call 920.868.3240 or email [email protected].