Sioux Indian Museum to open exhibit “Art as a Reconciling Force: Paintings by Renowned Omaha/Sicangu Lakota Artist Bobby Penn”

February 27, 2026       

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA:

The Sioux Indian Museum, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, announces the opening of a new exhibit Art as a Reconciling Force: Paintings by renowned Omaha/Sicangu Lakota Artist Bobby Penn.  The exhibit will run from February 27 through June 28, 2026. 

Robert “Bobby” Penn (Wičhápi Cik'ala) (1946-1999) was Omaha/Sicangu Lakota. Penn’s work depicted Tribal culture and themes, telling stories through his artwork on canvas.  His versatile and creative artwork remains relevant to this day.

In 1974, Penn earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from University of South Dakota (USD) where he studied under noted Yanktonai Dakota painter Oscar Howe.  Penn became an assistant to Howe, and this mentorship profoundly influenced his artistic and professional development.  Like his mentor, Penn became an inspirational teacher and art instructor. 

Howe created the USD Summer Art Institute, a program that operated from 1961 to 1972 and helped to guide young Native American artists.  In 1991, Penn was instrumental in bringing back the Summer Art Institute and served as an instructor at the Institute.  Penn received numerous accolades for his work and his contributions to the field of art. Most notable were the 1992 South Dakota Governor's Award for Creative Achievement and his induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1998. 

The majority of Penn’s work in this exhibition was included in his first solo exhibition, held at the Sioux Indian Museum in 1969 when Penn was only 23. All works in this exhibition are from the collection of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Sioux Indian Museum.   

The Sioux Indian Museum is located in The Journey Museum, 222 New York Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701.  For admission fees and hours of operation please visit https://www.doi.gov/iacb/our-museums/sioux or call (605) 394-6923.  

Image

Robert Penn, Painting, Urban Indian, from the Sioux Indian Museum Collection