When Brendan McPhee decided to try volunteering through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) for the first time, he couldn’t have known that his experience would bring him to the Cheyenne River Youth Project during one of the busiest and most colorful weeks of the year.
An abstract artist and creative nonfiction writer from the Chicago area, Brendan came to Eagle Butte this summer through the WWOOF global network, which connects volunteers with hosts for hands-on learning and cultural exchange. His stay coincided with CRYP’s 12th annual RedCan Invitational Graffiti Jam in July, giving the artist an opportunity to experience a gathering that brings contemporary art together with Lakota culture and community.
“I felt very fortunate that my first time ever volunteering as a WWOOFer turned out to be at the annual RedCan graffiti jam,” Brendan says.
He jumped into preparations right away, helping CRYP’s interns set up tipis and working with another WWOOFer to landscape the Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art Park grounds before RedCan began. Despite scorching summer temperatures, Brendan says the gathering’s morning and evening drum circles helped keep him grounded and motivated as volunteers smudged with sage, came together as a group and prepared for each day’s activities.
“RedCan is truly a mixture of strong Lakota values and contemporary art,” he reflects.
One of Brendan’s favorite memories came while helping children use stencils and spray paint to decorate skateboards.
“I can still hear them screaming, ‘Is it dry yet!?'” Brendan says. “They were super excited to get the wheels and trucks screwed on so they could skate on down the road.”
Brendan also enjoyed the RedCan experiences surrounding the volunteer work — sharing community meals, listening to live hip-hop music and spoken-word poetry, and witnessing the physical artistry of the hoop dance. Those moments, he says, made his first WWOOF experience one he will remember.
“All in all, it was a wonderful experience,” Brendan says. “I hope to return one day as a teacher and a friend.”
CRYP is grateful to Brendan for sharing his time, creativity and energy with our staff, volunteers and young people during an unforgettable RedCan week. Philámayaye, Brendan!