Students from the Marty Indian School, Andes Central and Wagner Community School were given the opportunity to design a community art project for the “Imagine Design Contest” relating to the 605 Unity Jam that will be held in June. The students were asked to use their creativity, imagination and talent to create an original idea that would be drawn on a bison image. The designs submitted would then be judged by a group of community individuals who would select the best ideas to have professional artists then transform the students design on to a fiberglass sculpture of a a bison that would be permanently placed on the hill side on the north side of Wagner Lake. A plaque would also be placed with the sculptures stating the importance of unity and also list the name of the Wagner Chamber of Commerce and the Yankton Sioux Tribe, as they made this community art project possible. Also on the plaques will be the names of the winning student designers and the professional artists who then painted the designs. The students were excited to be involved as the sculpture represents one of the most iconic figures in the world and helps draw attention to our state from all parts of the world.

This contest created an opportunity for the students involved to experience what it feels like to create something of value to our community and provides an opportunity to feel the pride in creating an idea that will last for years to come. It is believed that this community art project will help encourage people of all ages to come to the Wagner community to enjoy the art and also come to view the community in a positive light given the cooperation that was involved in making this take place. The sculptures will be 5 feet tall and 8 feet long when

completed. A total of 39 designs were submitted for judging by 25 different community residents. Each judged was asked to select their eight favorite designs, then narrow the choices to the top four and then rank them in the order of preference. This process made it possible to help determine which four designs would float to the top. When the fiberglass sculptures arrive from Chicago they will come primed and ready for painting. The professional artists involved in this faze of the project are Cherie Ramsdel and Isabelle Barraza, who will then transform these designs into the community art and ready for a public dedication.

The winners of the “Imagine Design Contest” pictured here left to right are: Deandra Garneaux, Kendra Van Duysen and Kylin Rose Insko of Wagner Community School and Mila Hopkins of Lake Andes School. Each bison sculpture has two sides and a different design will appear on each of the sides. We thank the community judges for taking the time to help make the selections: Tiffany Hrlicka, Yelle Turner, Vince Two Eagles, Mackenzie Stone, Tara St. Pierre, Lori Bouza, Brenda Jaton, Michael Burgeson, Mary Koupal, Shad Storley, Jeff Juffer, Scott Alderink, Tammy Stone, Mike Frie, Lucy Leines, Dayla Picotte, Amanda Bechen, Tom Beeson, Jeff Doom, Missy Slaba, Michael Horned Eagle, James Sanchez, Kennith Ashes and Garret Juffer. We also thank the great cooperation of the Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Wagner Chamber of Commerce who worked together to bring this idea to life for the betterment of the community. We are always better when we are together.