Halcyon Levi

Halcyon Levi, a 19-year-old artist, blends childhood tales with vibrant visuals rooted in her Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal heritage and Oklahoma surroundings. Using mediums like colored pencils, acrylic pens, and vintage ledgers, ledger art being a Plains tribes tradition since the 1830s she crafts captivating narratives. As a descendant of the Sand Creek Massacre, attending the University of Denver for anthropology, her art reflects deep ties to her family’s history and land. Levi’s fusion of traditional methods with modern artistry ensures her work, celebrating tribal culture and Oklahoma’s beauty, continues leaving an enduring impact.

My art, a striking ledger drawing, embodies the enduring legacy of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes through our resilient buffalo herd. This depiction speaks to our shared history—both tribes and buffalo facing similar struggles and showcasing communal strength. In our mourning and celebrations alike, we mirror the buffalo, commemorating losses and triumphs in parallel ways. The herd serves as a poignant reminder of our people, evoking memories of unity, resilience, and shared perseverance. It’s a visual tribute to the intertwined narratives of our tribes and the resilient spirit we both hold, deeply rooted in communal bonds and shared experiences.