Ricky Bearghost

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Ricky Bearghost is an active member of the Three Affiliated Tribes — the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. In 1970, Ricky moved to Salem, Oregon, and in 1988 he relocated to Portland, where he developed his creative practice at different progressive studio programs including Project Grow, Art From the Heart, and Portland Art and Learning Studios. His beautiful, sometimes ragged tapestries, constructed from bits of Ricky’s environment as well as contributions from the people in his life, can be seen as a profound celebration of community and a testament to place.

Ricky’s work is currently supported by the progressive studio Elbow Room. His visionary and resourceful textiles have been exhibited at the Portland Art Museum, Lowell (Portland, Oregon), Webb Gallery (Waxahachie, Texas), Galerie COA (Montreal, Quebec), and Community Warehouse (Portland, Oregon).