What #1) When you step into Prairie Edge, you are entering a store that has high-quality merchandise and a wide variety of products. The building is beautiful and well appointed even without the products that are for sale, and the area is always very clean, neat and almost sparkling due to the care of the salespeople and owners. There are unique items throughout, including Native American crafts, art, beadwork as well as many other things from a variety of artisans including books, an art gallery, bead department, home decor, clothing, unique jewelry, etc. You'll enjoy this setting, the decor and the helpful staff. (1)

    What #2)  Patty and Allen Eckman have been creating wonderful high detail works in their hand made acid free cast paper sculpture since 1988 and they have become internationally recognized as not only masters in the medium but also the only masters of their medium. (2)

    What #3) JoAnne Bird’s paintings depict her Native American heritage, portraying the rich traditional way of life in a contemporary style. Much of her work is spiritual in nature and timeless. Her work often employs rich, bold colors in a fluid motion presenting images of warriors and horses that seem to be approaching the viewer straight off the canvas. Her preferred medium is acrylic, but she has worked in several media. Her technique and mastery of handling a paint brush with precision are unique - a combination of controlled paint throwing and palette knife. Some see her style as evolving from realism to mystical impressionism. Her favorite artists are Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse. Additionally, JoAnne Bird is an accomplished bronze sculptor. Her sculptures, many larger than life, can be found throughout the United States and Europe. She has accepted commissions from several municipalities, including a 9’ bronze sculpture of Chief Wabasha for the city of Wabasha, in Minnesota. (3)

    Where) 606 Main Street  Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm  Sun 10 am - 5 pm  1-605-342-3086

    Why) When I was at the Ripleys museum in Orlando I saw a large paper sculpture called "Tracking Geronimo" by Allen and Patty Eckman. I was impressed enough with it to do some research and discover that the Prairie Edge shows some of the Eckman's work and is the closest gallery to their home studio in Rapid City. After looking around the Prairie Edge I didn't see any Eckman art that I wanted to purchase or even photograph but Pam did discover the artwork of JoAnne Bird and she was inspired enough to purchase three of her art cards.

























Before we get to what Pam bought I am going to start you off with three images that I like. This is from the entrance to Prairie Edge. (4)







This is an image of a piece by the Eckmans called "The Way". (5) You can see more of their larger works here.







This is a JoAnne Bird image that Google showed me. (6) Now that my needs are taken care of let's see what Pam liked.






This art card is from an original JoAnne Bird painting titled "First Frost". 






This art card is from an original JoAnne Bird painting titled "Homeland".






This is from a JoAnne Bird painting titled "Apocalypse".  Do you find yourself wishing that I let Pam curate this space more often?