Project Description

A collection of fine arts sculptures permanently placed within the "Walk With Dakota" landscape tells the story of the human relationship to the land and the relationship of Dakota society to the land. It is an actualization of the Granary Mission:

"Respect for the land, and the people who live on it"

"Reconciliation". A large granite structure designed by John Sieh in consultation with artists Mary G. Schriver and Edward Haskel and constructed by AmeriCorps workers, the massive mahogany granite pieces represent the futility of self-appointed leaders, unable to agree, attempting to impose their ideas on the people resulting in chaos as compared to ordinary folks agreeing on a common goal and building a strong society with grace, dignity and tolerance.

"Where the West Begins". An intricate wooden garden entrance designed and contributed by Dan Johnson is representative of the settler's 'Covered Wagons' as they searched for free land in the west.

* Indicates Native American Sanctuaries

* "Turtle" Lakota Creation Legend. Iron sculpture designed and constructed by Stephen Fink. Each culture has its own unique story of creation, the Lakota legend is presented here.

* "Red Iron" - "Ma-Za-Sha". Bronze and iron sculpture of an Indian statesman by John Lopez, famed sculptor from Eagle Butte, SD. A man of peace, Red Iron was instrumental in the release of 269 hostages - mostly women and children - that had been seized during the 1862 uprising in Eastern Minnesota. A respected Tribal leader, he was outraged that some $400,000 due his people for tribal lands was paid to traders to cover bogus or unverified claims.

"Great Northern Railroad". Materials donated by Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. Observation deck railing and Great Northern Logo (mountain goat) replicated by metal artist 'Tyke' Nyberg. The sculpture represents the impact the railroads had on the settling of the West, the Native American Culture and even the environment.

"RFD". Life-size bronze sculpture of a farmer picking up bad news from his mailbox. The letter depicts the struggles that rural people endured on the Dakota Plains. It could be a bank foreclosure, an eviction notice, a letter of condemnation from a government agency or railroad. It could be an overdue bill as a result of illness, weather or drought. Famed sculpture artists Lee Luening and Sherri Treeby capture the pathos of the moment as well as the determination to persevere and change public policy. "RFD" was unveiled and dedicated June 15, 2008.

"Furrow". Designed by Ronald Angerhofer, this sculpture reminds us of the consequences of plowing up 50% of the native prairie grasses in Dakota.

"Glacial Boulders". Entrance to the environment discussion area. Giant boulders moved here from "Prairie d'Coteau", 20 miles east and originally pushed into this region from Canada 10,000 years ago by a mile-high glacier.

"Shakespeare Outdoor Theater". Tall junipers form the backdrop for the grass stage and hillside grassy slope with seating for 50.

"Forests Keep our Air & Water Clean". A sunny glade with a bench to rest and the challenge by John Muir, founder of the Sierra Clubs of America, etched in granite, to inspire; "People need a place to Pray in and a place to Play in".

"Tribute to German-Russian Immigrants". Three iron crosses to memorialize loved ones that passed on the plains of North and South Dakota. Immigrants struggling to survive on the wind-swept prairie used materials at hand - iron pieces from worn out implements and scrap iron to fashion iron crosses of great beauty to mark the graves of those loved ones, "Gone but not forgotten".

"Staff of Life".

Towering 50 feet above the tall prairie grass display, this sculpture dramatizes the role of the Prairie Grasses in nurturing the animals and sustaining the lives of the people of Dakota. Designed by Rebecca Mulvaney with the metal sculpting by LaVerne Gerling the sculpture is surrounded by granite benches that represent the four directions as well as the four seasons. The staff of life is a fitting conclusion of "Walk with Dakota".

An aerial view of the Granary Rural Cultural Center and the "Walk With Dakota" landscape.

Dakota artists have been commissioned to create the sculptures. The sculptures selected will reflect the theme "Respect for the land, and the people who live on it.". The Granary shall engage North and South Dakota citizens from all ethnic, cultural, and interest groups for expressions of the theme.

Theme

On the prairie of Dakota, all living things are part of the land. The land nurtures human life, the family, the community and society. The land provides sustenance for the body and soul. The land provides opportunity for commerce and trade. Our institutions of government, education, and religion have roots in the land.

The land is sacred. The land is sovereign. The land is place. The land is home. The land offers freedom and security, and opportunity for cultural, social, and spiritual development. Human and societal bonds to the land reflect the values of stewardship, equity, sustainable environment and community.

The land divides us. There are many competing forces - cultural, economic, ownership. If we claim rights, the land demands responsibilities.

Reconciliation is only meaningful when people work together to achieve understanding and resolution. If we are to improve Dakota society, then people that live in the Dakotas must be directly involved in community development and the formation of policy that is beneficial to all minorities and majorities.

As a point to explore reconciliation, the theme of the fine arts sculpture examines the human relationship with the land through an expression of respect.

Public Involvement

52 citizens of North and South Dakota have participated with the Granary in the interpretation of the theme. Testimony on the meaning of the theme "Respect for the land, and the people who live on it" was taken from people representing all ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic walks of life and compiled by author Peter Carrels in the book "One House Many Skies", published by the Granary Rural Cultural Center. Books available for $14.95, includes shipping and handling. Email granary@granaryfinearts.org or mail order to Granary, 11 E 4^th Avenue, Groton, SD, 57445.