Dr. Denise K. Lajimodiere, North Dakota’s current Poet Laureate, presents her evocative birch bark biting artwork alongside her compelling poetry. Denise is an enrolled Citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, from Belcourt, ND. She has been involved in education for forty-four years as an Elementary teacher, Principal, and professor, earning her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from University of North Dakota. She is a poet, children’s book author, and academic book author, as well as a traditional Jingle Dress dancer and Ojibwe Birch Bark Biting artist. 

Nelda Schrupp will be showcasing her intricate metal jewelry and spirit dresses. Nelda grew up on White Bear Indian Reservation, Carlyle, Saskatchewan. She immigrated to the US and lives in Lakota, ND.  Nelda received a BFA Degree, majoring in Art with a concentration in Ceramics and a minor in Jewelry and small Sculpture at UND.  She entered graduate school at UND where she received an MFA in Metalsmithing: Jewelry and Small Sculpture. Nelda says, “Art is very sacred to me, it keeps me close to my culture and to my Creator. In my culture there is no word for “Art” it simply is a way of life…”