Artist Statement:
It is both a privilege and a profound honor to have been granted permission to create this 360-degree, double-sided Foundation Paper Pieced Tribute Quilt, by South Dakota’s Artist Laureate, Dale Claude Lamphere of his masterpiece Dignity: Earth & Sky, which is a 50 foot stainless steel and glass statue that depicts a Native Lakota Woman holding a Star Quilt. The statue, located in Chamberlain, South Dakota, is a powerful homage to the resilience and fortitude of indigenous peoples of this land. With her outstretched hands and the bold symbolism of the lone star quilt, Dignity calls us to engage with one another and the world around us through respect, unity, and honor. It stands not only as an artistic beacon but also as a solemn reminder of our shared responsibility—both to each other and to the land we call home.
MORE IMPORTANTLY… Our indigenous brothers and sisters in South Dakota are really hurting now, especially children and women escaping domestic violence.
The Lakota Friends Circle works with organizations on the Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Yankton Sioux Reservations in South Dakota supplying urgent needs. The Friends Circle specifically focuses on educational organizations, two women’s domestic violence shelters, and at risk children. LFC is requesting donations of quilts in various sizes, but there is an ongoing need for monetary donations, school supplies, food, baby supplies, etc.
Please visit Lakotafriendscircle.org
(Permission has been granted by DC Lamphere for this Quilt Project. Photo reference CC BY SA 4.0 Share alike)
