"Public access lands are here for all of us to enjoy," the WDNR says, and…
![Ho-Chunk Dancer at Devil's Lake State Park](https://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/dancer-1200.jpg)
Starting this Friday, July 12th, Devil’s Lake State Park is celebrating the Indigenous culture that has long been integral to this stunning natural setting. In collaboration with the Little Eagle Arts Foundation and the Devil’s Lake Nature Center, the park is hosting a series of events showcasing the rich heritage of the Ho-Chunk people and other Native artists.
Update: Dance programs will be held at 7 pm.
Native Arts and Culture of Teewakącąk
– A collaboration of the Devil’s Lake Nature Center & Little Eagle Arts Foundation – LEAF
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Ho-Chunk people this summer! Devil’s Lake State Park is hosting a series of free art workshops and cultural events from July to September. Learn traditional crafts, shop at Native art markets, and experience authentic Ho-Chunk performances. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture in the beautiful setting of Teewakącąk (often translated in English as “Sacred Lake”).
Event Schedule:
Native Art Marketplace & Cultural Performance
Date: Friday, July 12
10 AM – 6 PM: Art market at Rock Elm Shelter, North Shore
7 PM – 8 PM: Ho-Chunk music and dance by Ho-Chunk Cultural Ambassador and artist, Elliott Funmaker, Sr. & Troupe.
Porcupine Quill Art Workshop
Date: Thursday, July 18, 2-4 PM
Instructor: Melanie Tallmadge Sainz (Ho-Chunk)
Details: Melanie Tallmadge Sainz will guide participants in creating bracelets or chokers using natural porcupine quills and beads in this hands-on workshop.
Black Ash Basketry Workshop
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2-4 PM
Instructor: Kimberly Crowley (Ho-Chunk)
Details: Kimberly Crowley will teach participants about the traditional art of black ash basket making, a skill she learned from her parents.
Native Art Marketplace & Cultural Performance (2)
Date: Friday, August 16
10 AM – 6 PM: Art market at Rock Elm Shelter, North Shore
7 PM – 8 PM: Ho-Chunk music and dance by Ho-Chunk Cultural Ambassador and artist, Elliott Funmaker, Sr. & Troupe.
The History of Beads Workshop
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2-4 PM
Instructor: Sayokla Kindness (Oneida)
Details: Award-winning bead artist and water protector Sayokla Kindness will share her knowledge of bead use among Native peoples and guide participants in creating water protector pins with beads.
![](https://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/beads--1024x683.jpg)
All workshops are free, but registration is required. Call (608) 356-8301 ext. 140 to reserve your spot.
We have enjoyed watching these programs grow over the years. This year’s programs were made possible thanks to grants from Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park, Little Eagle Arts Foundation, and Sauk County Arts, Humanities and Historic Preservation.
![Derrick](https://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/derrick2018.jpg)
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.