SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Center for Western Studies (CWS) at Augustana College hosts its 21st annual June Event dinner and program on Tuesday, June 15. The program is titled, Celebrating the Art of JoAnne Bird.

JoAnne Bird is a multi-talented artist with a passion for her artistic creations. A professional artist since 1968, her work has evolved to a truly unique style. JoAnne’s paintings depict her Native American heritage—many spiritual in nature and dating back to early Native American history or legend. She feels that her paintings bring out the old in a modern way.

Once a realist, she now considers herself an impressionist. Her paintings are created through a combination of controlled paint-throwing and the use of a palette knife.

In addition, a retrospective exhibition of her work will be on display in the Madsen/Nelson/Elmen Galleries of the CWS Fantle Building from June 16-September 25

CWS will present JoAnne the prestigious Western America Award during the event “for achievement in any and all fields of endeavor that relate to the preservation and interpretation of the history and cultures of South Dakota, the Northern Plains, and the American West.”

The June Event is the Center’s annual fundraiser. The Event will be held in the Morrison Commons Ordal Dining Room on the campus of Augustana. Guests will be treated to a gourmet meal, music, a hoop dancer, and several wonderful JoAnne Bird paintings. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., with the dinner at 7:00 p.m. and program at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for $60 per person, $120 per couple, and all proceeds benefit the Center for Western Studies. For more information about tickets to the event, please call CWS at 605.274.4007, email cws@augie.edu or visit the website at www.augie.edu/cws.

Center for Western Studies
Augustana College
Phone: 605.274.4007
cws@augie.edu
www.augie.edu/cws