West River Monuments received the most votes to win the People’s Choice category for the Dignity of Earth and Sky Project. Mark Luken hand-carved a feather from native South Dakota granite to top the tablet positioned at the base of the Lakota Sioux Woman statue located along Interstate 90. Luken is very proud of how this sculpture is “a projection of South Dakota’s materials and artistry.”

Mark Luken, a third-generation monument builder, was introduced to the profession by his grandfather, father, and uncle. His natural artistic talent, expertise, and craftsmanship can be easily seen through his handcrafted work. He is especially skilled at shape dimensional looks on memorials. Mark strives to use his talents to help individuals honor and remember their loved ones.