Parfleche Painting Workshop with Danielle SeeWalker

Join us for an in-person workshop exploring the Plains Indian design practice of parfleche led by our current solo exhibiting artist, Danielle SeeWalker. The name parfleche was initially used by French fur traders and derives from the French language parer meaning “to parry” or “to defend”, and fleche meaning “arrow." Parfleche was used to describe tough rawhide shields carried by Plains Indian warriors but was later used primarily for decorated rawhide containers. Plains Indian tribes often had an abundant source of hides in the buffalo they hunted, but, as they were nomadic, they had little opportunity to tan the skins. Parfleche, or rawhide, was prepared by cleaning and dehairing the skin and then by stretching it and allowing it to dry in the sun. This process created a stiff but durable leather that was used for many items, including bags, boxes, envelopes, and war shields. Designs historically consisted of geometric shapes and symbols in primary color. Today, many contemporary Plains Indian artists evolved the idea of parfleche by making earrings, bracelets, wallets, etc. Attendees of this workshop will create their own piece of painted parfleche in the form of a pair of earrings or a keychain.

Pricing: FREE

Materials: All Materials are included

What to expect:  Students can expect to learn more about parfleche, work with pieces of animal raw hide and acrylic leather paint to create their own piece of artwork to take with them.

This event is part of programming for the exhibition Uči Said So, which runs through June 6th at the All My Relations Gallery. More info on the artist and exhibit can be found on our website at allmyrelationsarts.org.

About the artist:  Danielle is Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota.  She is a fine artist, muralist, writer, activist and boymom of two, based in Denver, Colorado.  Her visual artwork often incorporates the use of mixed media and experimentation while incorporating traditional Native American scenes, messaging, and materials.   Alongside her passion for creating visual art, Danielle is a freelance writer and published her first book in 2020 titled, “Still Here: A past to present insight to Native American people & Cultures.”  She is the former Chair of the Denver American Indian Commission appointed by the city Mayor of Denver. She served two consecutive terms from 2019-2023.  Danielle has bee featured in many publications and museums around the world. She was recently awarded the “Radical Imagination” grant through NDN Collective as well as the 2026 Greene Fellowship award.  Danielle will have upcoming exhibits at Nuwu Gallery in Las Vegas, NV in August 2026 as well as RedLine Gallery in Denver, CO in March 2027.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher All My Relations Arts