Empowering Indigenous Art and Community with Keith Braveheart

Keith Braveheart (Oglala Lakota, '19 CC, '21 CSA), a visual artist, educator, and advocate for Indigenous artists, is using his platform as a 2023-2024 Oglala Sioux Tribe Artist Laureate to empower the Pine Ridge Reservation’s community through his class series The Art of Painting. Along with Marty Two Bulls Jr. (Oglala Lakota, '19 ABL), Keith was one of the tribe’s inaugural artist laureates. His work highlights the intersection of creative expression, cultural preservation and education. 

The immersive series of classes, hosted in partnership with First Peoples Fund’s (FPF) Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA), is changing lives and strengthening the Lakota community's artistic voice by offering Lakota artists the opportunity to express themselves freely in a way that honors their culture.

His dedication to his art and community extends beyond painting. As a member of the Pejuta Haka community, Keith’s personal journey has deeply shaped his role as an educator and mentor. He holds a BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts and an MFA from the University of South Dakota.

“I used to be a student helper at a very young age when I was still in college. Eventually, I got myself into lead instructor, coordinator, and assistant director roles. I kept that experience as a little motivation, so when I finished graduate school, I immediately became an instructor at our tribal college here at the Oglala Lakota College. I was teaching art courses for six years,” Braveheart said. He has also served as an associate professor of art at the college.

The Art of Painting class series, is a college-level crash course designed for newcomers and established artists looking to refine their skills. It offers a detailed approach to the basics of painting while integrating art history, specifically Lakota art history. 

“Keith’s workshop offers a unique blend of technical instruction with a deep cultural layer. He doesn’t just teach how to paint; he teaches the importance of painting as a part of Lakota culture and identity. The way he ties the history of Lakota art into the curriculum is invaluable,” Nathaniel Ruleaux (Oglala Lakota, Rez Roots co-founder).

“Keith’s workshop offers a unique blend of technical instruction with a deep cultural layer. He doesn’t just teach how to paint; he teaches the importance of painting as a part of Lakota culture and identity. The way he ties the history of Lakota art into the curriculum is invaluable”

The class has received a positive response from the community. Given the class size, students are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the process, attending each class and progressing through all the stages of painting. 

"I'm always advocating for ways to overcome the systemic limitations of traditional education. Colleges require enrollment, which excludes many, and the costs of classes and supplies can be a barrier. There’s also the pressure of strict attendance policies. Working with OLA is great because we don't have those requirements, and I make sure to communicate to participants from the start that this is a long-term commitment," Braveheart said. 

"I'm always advocating for ways to overcome the systemic limitations of traditional education...Working with OLA is great because we don't have those requirements, and I make sure to communicate to participants from the start that this is a long-term commitment"

Braveheart’s partnership with the OLA has led to the creation of a new on-site art show that features the work of his students and other artists who are participating in OLA’s current programs. 

“Keith’s class has sparked a wave of creativity and collaboration. The art show is just one example of how his work has inspired others to get involved in painting and other art forms. We’re seeing artists from various disciplines coming together, and that’s a huge accomplishment,” Ruleaux said.

One of the various collaborations has been with the Rez Roots Collective, which has gained momentum over the past year. The Collective’s goal is to nurture young and emerging artists while providing a safe space for connection, learning, and development.  The Collective partnered with OLA on a successful  print show and created 300 trick-or-treat bags for local youth. 

Beyond the painting and into other media, the Rez Roots Collective has developed a basic drawing class that could lead to advanced painting instruction, serving as a precursor to Keith’s Art of Painting classes. 

“We’re excited to continue building on the foundation Keith has set with The Art of Painting,” Ruleaux said, “The next phase of workshops will expand the scope of Keith’s vision, bringing more classes and opportunities for local artists to showcase their talents. With Keith’s guidance, we hope to develop a lasting impact on the Lakota arts community, not just in the present but also in the future.”

“We’re excited to continue building on the foundation Keith has set with The Art of Painting...With Keith’s guidance, we hope to develop a lasting impact on the Lakota arts community, not just in the present but also in the future.”

Braveheart’s artist laureate partnership with the Oglala Sioux Tribe is a great example of how arts can channel community growth, preserve cultural traditions, and inspire. For him, teaching is about planting seeds that will grow into something much greater and continue to inspire and uplift future generations.