**First Time At Auction**

Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). "Bison in Winter - Bison Count" oil on canvas, 2007. Signed at bottom - left of center. A striking painting of a furry white bison surrounded by more than 100 miniature figures - indigenous peoples in traditional clothing, men in western dress, tipis, blankets, horses, birds, canoe paddlers, and more - each one numbered and perhaps inspired by ledger art image and cave drawings. White bison are extremely rare and are considered to be sacred by several Native American cultures. Here are Halsey-Dutton's words about one of her bison paintings, "I have been painting a great deal: especially liking this one, as it is depicting the importance of the bison to the Native American culture. Purposefully making the imagery reminiscent of cave painting, I am telling the story that has no beginning… mankind’s hunt of the bison goes back well before recorded time." A special painting by Dr. Halsey-Dutton set in an attractive custom frame. Size: 19.6" L x 12.75" W (49.8 cm x 32.4 cm) Size of frame: 21.375" L x 14.5" W (54.3 cm x 36.8 cm)

According to the National Bison Association, only 1 out of every 10 million bison births results in a white bison. Chief Arvol Looking Horse, a Lakota spiritual leader and keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, has shared the following legend of White Buffalo Calf Woman who would return in the form of a white bison, "Nineteen generations ago the beautiful spirit we now refer to as White Buffalo Calf Woman brought the Sacred C'anupa (Sacred Pipe) to our People. She taught the People the Seven Sacred Rites and how to walk on Mother Earth in a sacred manner. Pte-san win-yan. As she left, she turned into a young beautiful white buffalo and then she walked over the hill and out of sight. This is where she received her name, White Buffalo Calf Woman. She gifted us with the Seven Sacred Rites that still sustain our People today. The person who smokes the sacred pipe achieves union with all Beings. By smoking this C'anupa, you will make direct personal contact with the Great Mystery. . . Following the Way of this Sacred C'anupa, you will walk in a sacred way upon the earth, for the Earth is your grandmother and your mother and she is sacred. . ."

Dr. Halsey-Dutton is both a professional visual artist and a fine arts educator, holding a PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona. She exhibits her artwork both nationally and internationally, and also teaches art education workshops at home and abroad.

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173085

Signed by the artist at the bottom of the canvas, just left of center. Painting and frame are both in excellent condition. Wired for suspension and ready to display.