Waniyetu Wowapi Institute and Art Park

Lakota Arts Fellowship

The CRYP Lakota Arts Fellowship is a 9-month Fellowship Program within our Waniyeto Wowapi Lakota Youth Arts & Culture Institute. 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.

The 9-month program provides a mentor, trips and opportunities to expand their art skills in a variety of disciplines, including graffiti art, digital arts, traditional arts, sculpture, stenciling, graphic arts, screen printing and more.

Fellows learn the business side of art with classes that include public speaking, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and merchandising.

The impact of public art, discovering how art can foster healing in communities and how youth leadership can make a difference in those communities are explored as well.

To apply

Teens are encouraged to apply using the form below or by visiting CRYP in-person.

Meet the 2019-2020 Fellows

Roberta High Elk

Roberta High Elk’s relationship with art began in 4th grade, drawing frequently and with intent. Although art is her main passion, she has been heavily involved with many activities including band, volleyball, Destination Imagination, and cheerleading. Roberta has participated in several art internships at CRYP, as well as being a participating artist in multiple RedCan Graffiti Jams. Roberta will use the fellowship to explore the possibility of professional art sales and teaching. She hopes to make art that feels “monumental” to the viewer.

Emanual Semon

Emanual Semon, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has participated in multiple art internships. Emanual has had past experience in videography, photography, and other art mediums. He hopes to learn new art forms and techniques and how to best combine his interests with videography and illustrations to make a future career path for himself.

Kailey Carter

Kailey Carter was selected for the fellowship because of the skills she displayed previously in their art internship program. She started her journey with art when she was very young, always drawing whatever she found inspiration in. She was never taught how to draw, but learned by pictures and comparison. She was so interested in art and sketching, she would sometimes draw instead of work. “Now, I don’t have time to draw anymore in school, so that’s why I’m glad I’m in the art fellowship to further improve my art skills. I always wanted to go to art college so the fellowship helps me prepare for that, and to sell my artwork in the future which I’m grateful for.” says Kailey.