Joyce, Juanita, and Jessa Rae Growing Thunder’s Give Away Horses

Meet the Artists of Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists

A traditional dress in white, blue, red, and black

Joyce Growing Thunder Fogarty (Dakhóta/Nakoda), Juanita Growing Thunder Fogarty (Dakhóta/Nakoda), and Jessa Rae Growing Thunder (Dakhóta/Nakoda), Give Away Horses (dress and accessories), 2006, deer hide, glass beads, canvas, thread, leather, moose hide, German silver, porcupine quills, feathers, elk hide, brass bells, ribbon, silk ribbons, and brass thimbles, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, 26/5818-5821. Photo by NMAI Photo Services. © J Growing Thunder

Artist’s Language

Wakíŋyaŋ Ičháğe Thiyóšpaye. Khúŋši kiŋ Joyce ečíyapi, Čhuŋkšítku kiŋ Juanita ečíyapi, ga thakóžapaku wičhíyaŋna kiŋ Jessa Rae ečíyapi, wíŋyaŋ yámni kiŋ hená yuphíyaȟča wakšúpi ga wípathapi. “Šuŋktháŋka Otúwičhaȟ’aŋ” kiŋ Wíŋyaŋ iwáčhi heyáke kiŋ dé yuštáŋpi, heyáke uŋšpá iyóhi kiŋ taŋyéȟ káğapi, uŋšpá iyóhi kiŋ ed táku waštéšte hená atháŋiŋ.

English

The women of the Growing Thunder family embody the intergenerational continuity of their artistic tradition. Joyce (grandmother), Juanita (daughter), and Jessa Rae (granddaughter) Growing Thunder are three generations of highly accomplished, well-respected, and prolific bead and quill artists. Give Away Horses represents three generations of Dakhóta/Nakoda aesthetic sensibilities perfected in hide, glass beads, and porcupine quills. This outfit is complete, each part intentionally created, revealing the living and vibrant gifts of legacy.

Audio