Riding along interstate 90 in South Dakota, you expect to see roadside art. But a glorious new statue went up last year that dominates the landscape as she welcomes you. You'll find Dignity between exits 263 and 265 near Chamberlain.
She was created by artist Dale Lamphere, who has been South Dakota’s Artist Laureate since 2015. He received the commission from a local couple. Eunabel and Norm McKie of Rapid City wanted to create something to commemorate the 125th anniversary of South Dakota’s statehood but they also wanted something which would celebrate the determination, wisdom and bravery of the state’s indigenous peoples, the cultural inheritance of the Lakota and Dakota. The couple gave over a million dollars to support the project.
Dignity is 50 feet tall and constructed so that the wind flows through her blanket instead of pushing against it. Read all about this magnificent statue at Kuriositas. And look for her the next time you drive through South Dakota.
(Image credit: Amphibol)