The Cultural Heritage Center Museum in Pierre is hosting a traveling exhibition that features South Dakota artist and author Paul Goble (1933-2017).
Using artwork that relates to the more than 40 children’s books written and illustrated by Goble throughout his lifetime, the exhibition opens in the museum’s Hogen Gallery on Tuesday, April 4, and runs through Sept. 24.
Born in England, throughout his life Goble steeped himself in nature. He moved to the Black Hills where he honed his craft among the pine trees and mountains for more than 40 years.
“Goble’s work is seen as both cutting-edge and controversial,” said Jay Smith, museum director. “He used his art to relate little-known stories of the Lakota Sioux and other tribes to a wider audience.”
Known internationally for his award-winning children’s books, Goble received the Caldecott Medal for “The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses” in 1979. Goble began his career in design, crafting furniture that was produced throughout the United Kingdom. This early work foreshadowed his use of clean, crisp lines in his later illustrations depicting the natural world and American Indian themes.
“We are honored to bring Paul Goble’s work to the museum,” said Smith. “Goble is known throughout South Dakota for his artistic contributions and the spotlight he shone on traditional American Indian stories. This special travelling exhibition comes at a time close to his passing, and it reminds us of his important influence on the state’s rich heritage and artists.”
Thirty illustrations from various points of Goble’s career are contained in the traveling exhibit. These works of art and others, as well as his process and life are the subject of the biography “Paul Goble, Storyteller” that came out in January 2017. Published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press, the book is written by Gregory Bryan, a professor of education at the University of Manitoba who specializes in literacy education and children’s literature. “Paul Goble, Storyteller” is available for purchase at both Heritage Stores, located at the Cultural Heritage Center and the State Capitol.
Editor’s Note: The attached artwork, “Beyond the Ridge” by Paul Goble, is an example of what will be displayed in the exhibit opening April 4 at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre featuring Goble’s work. (Courtesy South Dakota State Historical Society)
About the South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is a division of the Department of Education. The State Historical Society, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is headquartered at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The center houses the society’s world-class museum, the archives, and the historic preservation, publishing and administrative/development offices. Call (605) 773-3458 or visit www.history.sd.gov for more information. The society also has an archaeology office in Rapid City; call (605) 394-1936 for more information.
