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Dakota Midday: New Book Introduces Art Of Oscar Howe To Kids

This year marks the centennial of renowned South Dakota artist Oscar Howe. He was born May 13, 1915 at Joe Creek on the Crow Creek Reservation. He was an art professor at the University of South Dakota from 1957-1980 and one of the most important Native American artists of the 20th century. He’s credited with helping change the direction of Native American art by advancing the cause of personal expression and not conforming to the strictures of what was considered the “traditional Indian style.”

A new book, Native American Master Artist: Oscar Howe, introduces the life and legacy of the Yanktonai Nakota artist to elementary school students. Authors Lois Sayre and Lisa Vande Vegte Dresch joined Dakota Midday to discuss the book. Sayre is a retired educator and Dresch is an art teacher at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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