Class Description
In this class, students will explore the cultural traditions of Native Indigenous horse painting and symbolism, with a special focus on Aaniiih (Gros Ventre) and Nakoda (Assiniboine) traditions. Students will learn about the historical and spiritual significance of horses in several Native Indigenous cultures, traditional paint and natural material preparation, and symbolic meanings behind various designs and colors. Through hands-on exploration and cultural teachings, students will develop their own creative process that honors and incorporates these traditional practices while expressing their personal artistic vision.
Students will learn to thoughtfully integrate traditional symbols, patterns, and color meanings into their contemporary artistic practice. They will discover how traditional storytelling through horse painting can inform their own visual narratives and develop an understanding of how historical techniques can be respectfully adapted using modern materials.
The creative journey will include:
- understanding the spiritual and cultural significance of each design element
- learning traditional methods of preparation and application
- exploring how these elements can be meaningfully incorporated into contemporary artistic expression
By the end of this class, each student will have created three spirit horses: one for the MAPS-Fort Belknap studio collection, one as gifts for cultural advisors and program supporters, and one personal piece to take home. Students will also maintain sketchbooks documenting their learning process, design development, and personal reflections on combining traditional knowledge with their individual creativity.
Learning Objectives
Technical Skills
- Learn traditional horse painting techniques using natural and modern materials
- Learn proper preparation and finishing methods
- Develop understanding of symbolic patterns and their placement
- Practice traditional design elements and color theory
- Build skills in visual storytelling through symbolic art
Professional Practice
- Document creative process through sketching and planning
- Understand cultural protocols around horse symbolism and painting
- Learn proper ways to present work to cultural advisors
- Develop artist statements incorporating cultural knowledge
Equipment & Supplies
- Sketchbooks
- Pencils and erasers
- Colored pencils or markers (optional for planning)
- Rulers (optional)
- Reference images of spirit horses and Native American symbols (from the instructor or provided resources)
- Examples of horses painted with war paint (visuals from resources provided)
- Horse templates (provided)
- Acrylic paints
- Brushes of various sizes
- Natural horse hair for embellishment
- Beads and leather for decoration
- Traditional tools and modern art supplies
- Documentation materials (sketchbooks, cameras)
Deliverables
- Three completed Spirit Horses (studio piece, gift piece, personal piece)
- Sketchbook with design development
- Written description of symbols and colors used
- Final presentation to cultural advisors
