Prairie Edge-May 30, 2012

The wind got worse today. Don't know how, but it did. So we made today a house cleaning and laundry day. That's fine. I did want to tell you about a store in downtown Rapid City. Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries contains art of the Lakota and more. Part of the first floor is a Lakota store which has leather, feathers, silver, beads and everything that Native Americans use to make their costumes. It was wonderful to go through that. We don't remember that being there during our last visit. They have some fabulous jewelry, most of it Lakota related. The second floor has a book and music store in one section and and Italian glass bead library in another section. I cannot describe what that is like except to say it is the world's largest selection of glass beads composed of 2600 different styles and colors. Just following the change in colors around the room leaves you with your jaw on the floor. It is just spectacular. When this library was established it started with 70 tons of beads. I can't wrap my mind around that. The third floor is the artwork, from jewelry to oils, acrylics and water color originals plus blown glass. A great deal of it is done by Native Americans but not all. One artist is from Longmont, Colorado. It's all very, very unique and, it goes without saying, a touch on the expensive side. This is not a store you walk through. It is a gallery you experience. I hope we can go there every time we are in this area. It is absolutely wonderful. This is a must see if you are in the area.