What #1) When you step into Prairie Edge, you are entering a store that has high-quality merchandise and a wide variety of products. The building is beautiful and well appointed even without the products that are for sale, and the area is always very clean, neat and almost sparkling due to the care of the salespeople and owners. There are unique items throughout, including Native American crafts, art, beadwork as well as many other things from a variety of artisans including books, an art gallery, bead department, home decor, clothing, unique jewelry, etc. You'll enjoy this setting, the decor and the helpful staff. (1)
What
#2) Patty and Allen Eckman have been creating wonderful
high detail works in their hand made acid free cast paper
sculpture since 1988 and they have become internationally
recognized as not only masters in the medium but also the only
masters of their medium. (2)
What #3)
JoAnne Bird’s paintings depict her Native American heritage,
portraying the rich traditional way of life in a contemporary
style. Much of her work is spiritual in nature and timeless.
Her work often employs rich, bold colors in a fluid motion
presenting images of warriors and horses that seem to be
approaching the viewer straight off the canvas. Her preferred
medium is acrylic, but she has worked in several media. Her
technique and mastery of handling a paint brush with precision
are unique - a combination of controlled paint throwing and
palette knife. Some see her style as evolving from realism to
mystical impressionism. Her favorite artists are Vincent Van
Gogh and Henri Matisse. Additionally, JoAnne Bird is an
accomplished bronze sculptor. Her sculptures, many larger than
life, can be found throughout the United States and Europe.
She has accepted commissions from several municipalities,
including a 9’ bronze sculpture of Chief Wabasha for the city
of Wabasha, in Minnesota. (3)
Where) 606 Main Street Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm Sun 10 am - 5 pm 1-605-342-3086
Why) When I
was at the Ripleys museum in Orlando I saw a large paper sculpture called
"Tracking Geronimo" by Allen and Patty Eckman. I was impressed
enough with it to do some research and discover that the
Prairie Edge shows some of the Eckman's work and is the
closest gallery to their home studio in Rapid City. After
looking around the Prairie Edge I didn't see any Eckman art
that I wanted to purchase or even photograph but Pam did
discover the artwork of JoAnne Bird and she was inspired
enough to purchase three of her art cards. 
This is a JoAnne Bird image that Google showed me. (6) Now that my needs are taken care of let's see what Pam liked.
