Camas Johnston, a Garretson High School sophomore, has been accepted into the USD Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, an exclusive one-week camp offered to South Dakota youth entering grades 10-12. Only twenty students per year are accepted.
During this time, participants work with professional Northern Plains artists and also learn more about Native American culture, history, and traditions. The USD website states the professionals "provide cultural insight to the importance of the visual arts, such as Don Montileaux, Roger Broer, Bunky Echo-Hawk, and Marwin Begaye." The institute culminates in an honoring ceremony and gallery of the work that participants create during their time at the institute.
In order to be accepted, Johnston had to submit an application, a letter of reference from an instructor or an artist, and at least 10 pieces of completed artwork to showcase her abilities.
"For many students, the OHSAI is a life‐changing event. It is their first glimpse into an artistic future, embedded in the essential art and culture of their communities," states the USD website.
"[Camas] has been all over the world," said Bud Johnston, her father. She's nearly to the end of her third passport. However, this is the first time she'll be experiencing something like this.
Johnston loves to sing, dance, and act, and plans to spend her time at the institute working on her animation capabilities. Johnston was on the staff of the Garretson Blue Ink this past school year and participated in the one act play that made it to the State contest, as well as the all-school play.
