Kaye Burian

Western Arts & Entertainment

Inducted 2025

A ranching background and a deep love of the outdoors have provided North Dakota artist Kaye Burian with inspiration and perception which enables her to paint her favorite subjects.

Kaye was born in Dickinson, North Dakota in 1943. She was raised on the family ranch/farm which was located north of Belfield, North Dakota in Billings. Her parents were Louie and Ida (Luykx) Hecker. She was the second oldest of four sisters: Johanna (Lennick), Pamela (Marsh), and Laure ( Freize).

Kaye attended Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota from 1962-1966. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Department of Art, Bachelor of Science, Department of Elementary Education and a minor in Library Science in 1966. She taught school at Mott Public School, Mott, North Dakota from 1965-1971, Burian School, Manning, North Dakota, 1967-1973 and art at Prairie Elementary School, Fairfield, North Dakota 2002 -2010. She was honored with Dickinson State University, Fine Arts Distinguished Alumni Fellow in 2006.

Kaye married Myran Burian in 1965. They currently reside at Lazy 77 Ranch northwest of Manning, North Dakota. They raise red and black angus cattle and continue to have a few American Quarter Horses. Their two sons are: Paige Myles Burian, wife Brenda Burian and their four daughters: Shadera, Shawna, Shay and Shyenna. Harden Burian, wife Susan Burian and son Hudson.

Kaye is an accomplished artist who works primarily in oils but has done some bronze sculptures.

She has completed many commissioned works. Her subject matter includes landscapes, the prairies and animals on them. Her favorite being buffalo, cattle and horses. She is quite prolific and able to turn out 20 major paintings a year. She paints with oils on canvas.

Kaye’s paintings have received many awards. The American Quarter Horse Association’s American’s Horse in Art awarded her The Steeldust Award in 2013. Her paintings have been represented by Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, Arizona; Montana Trails Gallery, Bozeman, Montana; The Plainsman Gallery, Dunedin, Florida and currently The Capital Gallery, Bismarck.

She has personally competed in rodeo events and is adept at horsemanship and showmanship of cattle and horses. The family carries on this tradition. She is often called upon to judge art shows, rodeo and 4-H events.