Classes and Workshops
The Waniyetu Wowapi Lakota Youth Arts and Culture Institute currently offers programming in fine art, graffiti and street art, and traditional Lakota arts. Our long-term vision includes music and movement, commercial arts, full internships/peer mentor program.

This type of contemporary arts instruction will allow our Lakota youth to do what the Lakota Nation has always done—communicating through art. Not only is LAI about healing, positive self-expression, storytelling and strengthening connection to culture, it also provides vital fuel for imagination, demonstrating to interested youth how they can pursue a viable and sustainable future through artistic careers.

Recent classes and workshops have included:

  • Drawing
  • Graffiti lettering
  • Spray can control
  • Collaborative murals
  • Hide painting
  • Traditional jewelry
  • Video Production

You can view our Youth art in our new Online Youth Art Gallery and Youth produced videos in our new online Youth Video Gallery.

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EXPLORE WANIYETU WOWAPI INSTITUTE & ART PARK

Art Center News

As we embark upon the construction of our new Youth Arts Center for the Waniyetu Wowapi Institute and Art Park, we will keep you updated regularly. Check here for the latest news.

Classes & Workshops

The Waniyetu Wowapi Institute and Art Park currently offers programming in fine art, graffiti and street art, and traditional Lakota arts. Our long-term vision includes music and movement, commercial arts, full internships/peer mentor program. Learn more about our classes and workshops.

Lakota Arts Fellowship

The CRYP Lakota Arts Fellowship is a 9-month Fellowship Program within our Waniyetu Wowapi Institute and Art Park. The Fellowship program is designed to build confidence, skills and personal growth for teens who have indicated they are considering pursuing a career in the arts. Learn more about the Fellowship here.

Instructors & Featured Artists

We are deeply thankful for the connection we have to so many incredible artists here on Cheyenne River and across the country. These talented, dedicated individuals teach our children through our Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Institute & Art Park, they share their unique work in our Keya Gift Shop & E-Store, and at every turn, they join with us to lift up our community. Meet our Instructors and Artists. 

Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park

The Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park, located adjacent to Cokata Wiconi, is a free public space that offers Cheyenne River’s young people, members of our community, and visitors from other places to express their own unique voices and life experiences in a positive, healthy way. Both traditional and contemporary arts are welcome in this safe outdoor space. Learn more about the Art Park.

RedCan Graffiti Jam

RedCan provides meaningful, lasting inspiration to our young people, who seek to explore their identities, find their own unique voices, and express themselves in a positive, healthy way. It also offers offers an unprecedented opportunity for the Cheyenne River community to experience what has become the largest art movement in the history of humankind. Learn more about RedCan here.