Nationality
American, Oglala Lakota
Preview
Date of Work
2025
Medium
Prismacolor pencil on antique ledger paper
Signature
On back
Height
11"
Width
17"
Collection/Provenance
Contemporary Indigenous Art Collections: Student Government Collection
Status
Displayed
Location
Memorial Union Gallery
Artist Bio
Dr. Donald F. Montileaux (Oglala Lakota) is a master ledger artist and following in the footsteps of his forefathers, he has rekindled ledger art with striking images that capture the unique Lakota way of life.
Montileaux born in Pine Ridge, SD received his formal art training at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, NM. He continues to refine his skills and participate in numerous area art shows and many prestigious art shows nationally. He interned under noted artist Oscar Howe at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion along with the late Herman Red Elk, who was a close personal friend and mentor.
These influences and his own drive have taken his art on a dramatic journey with work spanning the globe, awards and commissions, works represented in numerous private and public collections. Another door of opportunity opened for him, that of author/illustrator of children's books.
In 2014 Tasunka A Lakota Horse Legend was released, winner of four national awards: Mom's Choice Award, Moonbeam Award, Aesop Award and the coveted Western Writers of America 2015 Silver Spur Award.
October 2017 his second book Muskrat and Skunk Sinkpe na Maka A Lakota Drum Story was released.
September 2014 he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
January 2019 he was commissioned to create the artwork for the new Native American Indian Student Center, on the South Dakota State University Campus, Brookings, SD. November 2021 he was awarded the Western America Award for Lifetime Achievement by The Center for Western Studies, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD. December 2021, he received the Living Treasure Award of the Lakota Nation, presented at the Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) in Rapid City, SD. May 2024, he received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters presented to him by the South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD.
Additional Information
Three colorful horses dash across the scene depicted on ledger paper. There are three robed figures to the right, one on the left, a teepee, and a sky full of stars.
Condition
Excellent
