The Art of Huuc Co and Wakatatlihuni

Wisconsin artists Christopher Sweet and Scott Hill have been selected as the featured artists at a show titled “The Art of Huuc Co & Wakatatlihuni” in the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center (202 W. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN).  The exhibit, which opened on August 9th, features a variety of paintings and some sculptural work by the artists. Their work is diverse and colorful, playing on different themes from their cultural heritage in contemporary mediums.


Christopher Sweet’s Ho-Chunk name is Huuc Co pronounced (Hoonch-Cho) meaning Blue Bear. He and his family reside in the south central area of Wisconsin. Sweet attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and his specialty is acrylic painting. In recent years, he’s explored methods of adding texture to his work. He states that creating art has helped him focus on the important things in his life which include family, unity & healthy ways. He has a quiet nature and sometimes has trouble expressing himself, but art eases that challenge, letting his different moods, thoughts & feelings take shape on the canvas.

Says Sweet, “My mind is always trying to find the right path in a painting, so when I begin a process there are sometimes a few other paintings underneath the completed piece of work. It can be a long journey but it is always a therapeutic experience.”
Facebook page: C Sweet Native Art
Email: [email protected]


Scott Hill (Wakatatlihuni) is an Oneida artist, born and raised on the Oneida Reservation in Wisconsin. He was given the Wakatatlihuni, which translates to “he teaches himself”. The name fits his persona - as Wakatatlihuni, he is self-taught, not only in art, but across life’s spectrums. Scott has been practicing art for over 25 years in his studio/gallery, located in Oneida, creating work across mediums including pencil, clay, paint, stone sculpture, fabric arts and more.

Facebook page: Wahta Hill Design
Email: [email protected]