Oscar Howe Native American Summer Art Institute
The Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute (OHSAI) is open to high school students with a demonstrated interest in the visual arts and American Indian culture. Each summer the Institute provides workshops for a small group of talented and committed art students to learn about contemporary Native American Fine Arts with a focus on Native American culture, history and traditions. All courses are taught by impressive professional artists and all students attend free of charge, including food, housing, instruction and art supplies.
The OHSAI honors long time University of South Dakota Professor and American Indian Northern Plains Artist, Oscar Howe by helping educate the next generation of potential Native American artists. Howe established a summer art institute in the 1960’s which provided instruction to avid students desiring to learn more about Native American art. Although this institute only lasted a few years, the spirit inspired the current form of the OHSAI. To date, the institute has supported many students who have gone on to become professional artists.
June 20 - July 2, 2010
Download Application Form
Parental Permission Form
Eligibility
The OHSAI is open to Native American high school and college students with a demonstrated talent in the visual arts and strong interest in Indian culture. Participants are selected based upon an application, at least one letter of reference, and a portfolio of their artwork.
Community
Community is a big part of the OHSAI, offering students both professional contacts and long time friendships. Enrollment in the Institute is limited to 6 college students and 15 high school students, who participate together in classes in drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, cultural studies and art history. Participants also work together on group projects such as murals, limited edition books or posters.
Welcome to USD
While at The University of South Dakota, OHSAI students work in the modern, professional art studios of the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts. Students have access to Art Department equipment and a wide variety of art materials as well as the other resources of a major university. In addition, Institute participants enjoy field trips to area museums and cultural facilities.
How to apply
All application materials are due by April 9, 2010. Applications must include:
Letter of Application, containing the students name and contact information and a statement of why you would like to attend the OHSAI.
Letter of Reference from an instructor, artist or other interested party, addressing why the nominee should be accepted into the Institute.
Portfolio of Artwork, consisting of 15 images of the student’s artwork. Preferred method is to send a CD of the students work in jpg format at the highest resolution possible.
Apply Now
If you are interested in being part of this year’s Institute you may contact us for more information or send application materials to:
Cory Knedler
Department of Art
The University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Visit us online, contact us by email at art@usd.edu, or by phone 605-677-5637.
