JoAnne Bird

A member of the Dakota Sioux, JoAnne Bird was raised on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Indian Reservation in eastern South Dakota. JoAnne knew she was destined to be an artist since early childhood. After high school, she received art training at Dakota State University, Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Santa Fe Institute of Indian Arts. After working several years for the 3M company, she decided to leave the commercial art field to devote herself to a full-time professional art career.

In addition to painting, JoAnne is an accomplished sculptor working in bronze. Her sculptures, many larger than life, can be found throughout the United States and Europe. Among them are commissions of the Indian leaders "Shakopee", located in the Minnesota State Capital Building, and "Sleepy Eye", located in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

JoAnne's paintings can be found in museums and private collections throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. She has won numerous awards for her work and is especially proud of being inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame as the 1992 "Artist of the Year".

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. Several years ago, she discovered her current style of painting that has earned her success and popularity. Her paintings are created through a combination of controlled paint-throwing and the use of a palette knife.

Everyone who owns one of JoAnne's works of art takes great pride in that ownership. Her paintings, always refreshing, never grow old and are a center of interest in any setting.

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