One of the sister figures is wearing a dress covered with small bells. This is known as the jingle dress, or “healing” dress. The dress, along with the Jingle Dance, is said to have originated over a century ago during the time of the flu epidemic that devastated Native communities around the Great Lakes region. The story is just as relevant today as it was then. Here’s a good resource: The History of the Jingle Dress Dance | NCAI
The artwork was on display in Baraboo at the northeast corner of Circus World parking lot, Baraboo. Baraboo Public Art Association wished to thank Circus World, Wisconsin Historical Society and City of Baraboo Parks, Recreation, and Forestry permitting use of the site. A special thanks goes out to Chris Sweet’s crew who literally lifted the heavy load, and the contributors and volunteers who helped make it possible. Please use the donate button to help us reach the fundraising goal for this project.
“Raising Our Sisters” installation on the Sauk County Farm/ArtDtour, Oct 2022
Meet the Artist
Christopher Sweet, Ho-Chunk/White Earth Ojibwe artist, was born and raised in Wisconsin and calls the Driftless area home. He is an award-winning artist of juried shows throughout the Midwest. His works have been featured in solo/multi-artist exhibitions, corporate spaces, and private collections. Blue Bear Studio, 524 Oak Street, Suite 10 (upper level), Baraboo WI 53913. Bluebearartstudio@gmail.com 608-581-8100
Raising Our Sisters
Baraboo Public Art Association was pleased to host a temporary art installation called “Raising Our Sisters” by local Ho-Chunk/Ojibwe artist Christopher Sweet. The artwork is on view at the northeast corner of the Circus World parking lot in Baraboo through November, Native American Heritage month.
The artwork first appeared as part of the 2022 Sauk County Farm/Art DTour.
“Raising Our Sisters” is about the legend of the Three Sisters - maize, beans, and squash. Indigenous communities have long used the successful companion planting method for sustenance. These crops are planted together to lift, nurture, and support one another.
Chris Sweet’s says,
“My art piece humanizes the sisters as a visualization of the story and to remind us to treat all living things like our relatives.”
The legend begins like this: There were three sisters who lived together in a field. Each one different from each other in size and dress, but the one way they were alike was their love for one another. You can read the story at Legend of the Three Sisters.
(Photo by Marcia Wollschlager)