Inspiration:

I believe the Black Hills and other lands promised to never be settled or by the Fort Laramie Treaty should

What role does art play in your life?

I'm Willard, 37, and my story is one of rebirth and creativity. Today, I celebrate six years of continuous sobriety, a triumph significantly supported by my engagement in the arts. This journey began in earnest during my 2.5 years of incarceration, where I embraced a clean lifestyle and discovered the therapeutic potential of art. Teaching and creating art in prison wasn't just a pastime, it was the foundation of a new life.

Upon release, my dedication to art continued to flourish. My teenage years marked the beginning of my professional artistice journey, and this passion has been a constant companion. I channel this passion through two key ventures: Unified Theory Collective, a "pay what you can" community art center in South Minneapolis, and Iktomi Tattoo, a super tattoo studio. You can explore more about these creative spaces at www.unifiedtheorycollective.com and www.ikotomitattoo.com, respectively.

My experiences in the recovery community have profoundly shown me how creativity can uplift and heal.While Unified Theory Collective has been a rewarding endeavor, as a for-profit entity, its reach is limited. This realization propelled me to establish Art Shelf, a non-profit organization aiming to expand my impact on the community and support the innate artist in everyone, everywhere. Art Shelf is more than an organization, it's a commitment to harnessing creativity as a tool for social change and personal growth.

For more information about Art Shelf and how to get involved, please visit our website at www.artshelf.org. Together, we can create a more inclusive, creative and healthier world.

Pilamaya,

Thank you

Justice statement:

In my artistic journey, I often find myself at the intersection of personal experiences and broader historical narratives. My Lakota heritage and the complex relationship with the United States government profoundly influence my work. As an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Reservation and a Hunkpapa Lakota, I draw upon a rich tapestry of cultural history, personal identity and a deep-seated sense of justice.

My understanding of justice transcends the legal framework, intertwining with the concept of karma - not in its traditional Tibetan Buddhist context, but as a modern interpretation of the universe's balancing acts. This perspective is not just philosophical but deeply personal. Having been at the heart of injustices myself, I've come to appreciate the dual nature of justice: the part we can control through restorative actions and the greater cosmic balance beyond our reach.

My art is a conduit for expressing the collective pain, resilience, and undying hope of my people. It's a tribute to our enduring quest to see the Black Hills, the He Sapa, returned to their rightful guardians. Though not an activist in the traditional sense, my art is a form of advocacy, a call for justice and recognition of the treaties long ignored.

I believe that art can be a powerful tool in the fight for justice. It can illuminate forgotten histories, stire emotions, and spark conversations. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a future where promises are honored, and justice prevails. I dream of witnessing the return of the Black Hills in my lifetime and remain committed to keeping this hope alive through my art.