Kevin and Valerie Pourier live and work in their studio on the Pine Ridge Reservation, Medicine Root District, on the northern edge of the Badlands area.
Kevin and Valerie have learned by doing and collaborate on their buffalo horn wearable designs which are carved and inlaid with semi-precious minerals. They make the traditional Buffalo Horn Spoons as well as more contemporary earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Their work shares their love of the traditions of the Lakota people.
Many people are attracted to the buffalo horn designs. The buffalo horn cap is said to be where the buffalo spirit lives and it has great power. Some people say that they can feel this power.
Some of their Awards & Fellowships:
2013
Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market – Class VII – Division E, Culturally based work, both traditional and decorative, inspired by tradition, e.g. bandolier bags, pipes, hide paintings, parfleche items, tablets, masks – Second Place for “Dakota Floral Buffalo Horn Cup”
2011
Heard Museum Art Show – Second Place, Cultural Items
2010
Santa Fe Indian Market – Innovation Award
Heard Museum Art Show – Honorable Mention, Cultural Items; Honorable Mention, Jewelry
Cherokee Art Market – Second Place, Jewelry; Third Place, Cultural Items
2009
Heard Museum Art Show – Second Place, Cultural Items
2008
Santa Fe Indian Market – First Place, Diverse Arts
2007
Santa Fe Indian Market – First Place, Diverse Art Forms
Second Place, Diverse Art Forms
2006
Recipient of the Archibald Bush Foundation Artist Fellowship
2005
Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Visiting ARtist Fellowship
2004
Southwest Association for Indian Arts Fellowship Award
And other awards each year since 1996
Tribal Affiliation
Oglala Lakota