(CHADRON)-Pine Ridge Sketches, the new book by local artist Kit Watson, should be rolling off the press in late June. The book brings together a large selection of her pen and ink calendar drawings and narratives that have illustrated the history, humor, reality, and magic of Pine Ridge County for two over decades.

            Watson, who moved to the area in 1972, says she began her Pine Ridge sketching journey 22 years ago when First National Bank of Chadron commissioned her to provide sketches for the bank’s annual calendar. She said with time, her drawings became a tradition for some, and the idea for a book was born.

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Watson says the Pine Ridge area, which she defines as the corners of northwest Nebraska and southwest South Dakota, has grown to mean many things to her over the years, physically and emotionally.

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Watson says she is happy to see this labor of love come to fruition.

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Watson says her book celebrates the people, the scenery, and the stories of the area. She says it is one small way in which she can give back to an area that has meant so much to her.

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As a part of First National Bank of Chadron’s 125^th celebration, the limited edition book will be offered at a discounted price of $15 to bank customers and patrons. The book can currently be reserved at First National Bank in downtown Chadron and is expected to be available for a book signing by Watson at the bank on June 28^th. Pine Ridge Sketches will be offered for sale for $20 to the general public starting July 2^nd with book sales and signings at the Old West Trail Rodeo parade in Crawford and the Fur Trade Days parade in Chadron. More information about the release of the book can be found at fnb4me.com.

(Questions? Comments? E-mail roxie@chadrad.com.)

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