The Fence Mural was a partnership between local artist Nicholas Blaske, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribal member artist, Bryan Akipa, and resident artist, Markus Tracy. The materials used for the Fence Mural consisted of wooden slats cut from plywood, zip ties and plastic fence cups.
The triangles represented tribal symbols of representing the cycles of the sunrise and sunset. The eagle feathers and arrowheads represents native warriors and good deeds.
The geometric symbols symbolizes cross-cultural connections between native Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribal and the non-native communities of Scandinavian descent.
Based on Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribal culture, the center symbol represents the morning star which stands for hope, guidance, and the four cardinal directions. Those community members of Scandinavian descent, the center symbol symbolizes traditional Norwegian rosemaling; a decorative folk art representing the rose flower symbolizing love, longing, and the admiration of Norway.
The bottom left design represents a sunrise over the plains and prairies of South Dakota. Viewers can interact by looking through the outline of the sun. The top right design represents a sunset. At a certain distance, the outline of the sun measures the same size as the actual sun as it settles over the plains and prairies of South Dakota.
Thank you to the South Dakota Arts Council Artists in Schools & Communities Grant; the Sisseton Arts Council; and the families living around Anderson Park.
