There's still time to support Cheyenne River Youth Project®'s acclaimed RedCan graffiti jam, scheduled for July 6-9 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Through Crowdrise, the nonprofit youth organization seeks to raise much-needed funds to cover the costs of paint, art supplies, food and beverages, and artists' travel expenses.


   
Several of the headlining artists have made their own financial contributions and are sharing the Crowdrise campaign through their personal and professional networks. Four of these artists also hail from the Midwest; based in the Twin Cities, they are Biafra Inc., Cyfi, Daesk and Wundr.
   
These four artists will join headliners Scribe, Serval, East and Kazilla (visit "Recent News" at lakotayouth.org to view our May 2 article), local Cheyenne River artists, and youth artists of all ages for four high-energy days overflowing with art, music, culture and fellowship.
   
Not only will the artists be painting in CRYP's Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art Park, they'll be adding their unique murals to various buildings around the city of Eagle Butte. Community members and visitors also will be able to view 20 pieces of the current art interns' work in Cokata Wiconi's classroom space, and on RedCan's final night, acclaimed native rapper Supaman will rock Waniyetu Wowapi.
   
"We're incredibly excited to bring RedCan back to Cheyenne River this summer," said Julie Garreau, CRYP's executive director. "Here at CRYP, we've seen firsthand that art heals kids. It saves lives. It also provides the means for an incredible union of artwork, artists and cultures. It strengthens connections to cultural roots even as it breaks down walls and facilitates meaningful reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding.
   
"It's simply remarkable, the magic that happens here," she continued. "I think that's why so many of last year's artists are eager to return this July. RedCan's energy stays with you, and it draws you back."

CRYP is a Finalist for ArtPlace America's
National Creative Placemaking Fund   

The Cheyenne River Youth Project® has announced that it is a finalist for ArtPlace America's National Creative Placemaking Fund. The nonprofit, grassroots youth organization is one of just 80 projects to be selected from a pool of nearly 1,400 applications.
   
In the last two years, CRYP has taken giant strides forward through its free, public Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count) Art

Youth artist in CRYP's Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park.

Park, its revolutionary annual RedCan graffiti jam, and its teen art internship program. It also offers an art studio and much-needed art supplies and equipment at its Cokata Wiconi (Center of Life) teen center. Now, the youth project is ready for its next leap forward.

"We're expanding our arts programming and ensuring that we make optimal use of our art spaces by creating a Lakota Youth Arts Institute," explained Julie Garreau, CRYP's executive director. "Local and off-reservation artists will teach classes, including fine art, graffiti art and traditional

	Art interns at the Cokata Wiconi teen center.

Lakota art. We'll also provide training in artist entrepreneurship and business development, financial capability, and social and workforce skills.
   
"We're seeking to expand our internship program as well, which will give even more young people the opportunity to participate in a structured arts program and earn a $500 stipend," she continued. "We're supporting a creative economy by giving youth critical skills that will empower them to create art and become entrepreneurial, civic-minded adults with a strong ethic and vision-adults who will help end the cycle of poverty and revitalize the Lakota culture."