Individual Artist Project Grant

Quillwork predates beadwork in Native American cultural practices and was used as a form of decoration pre-contact with European traders. Since the introduction of glass beads, beadwork has become more prominent and widely practiced. More people in both Native and non-Native communities need an opportunity to see this form of creativity on display and view it as not just a part of the past but a cultural practice that has relevance today. AICHO will be hosting a summer show, and my goal is to have this new piece completed in time to be included in that exhibit. It will be on display for the public and the residents of the building to view, and we will schedule a workshop either in person (if COVID protocols permit) or via Zoom so I can share what I've learned and involve more people in learning quilling as an art form. After the exhibit and workshop at AICHO the piece will be displayed at MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids, where another audience can view and interact with the piece. Sharing my work is a big part of my process, and the responses and feedback of people who view my projects in process finds its way into my work in different ways. During the pandemic I have worked to expand my online engagement, and I plan to use a combination of in-person and online methods to connect with my community throughout this process. My goals for this project are to 1) connect more deeply to a significant cultural practice that is a part of my heritage, and 2) share both my art specifically and the practice of quilling more broadly with my community. Measuring outcomes in art is always a challenge. I have found that paying attention to the process, building in time for reflection, and intentionally engaging with with others who have an interest in the work are good ways to evaluate a creative project. I'm ready! I've done a lot of the preparation of washing and sorting the quills to remove any that are broken or aren't the right length. I've also completed a sample piece to help me calculate time and materials needed to complete a large project of this scope. In addition, I have a strong track record of completing large projects and working within deadlines. I've assembled several solo exhibitions requiring over two dozen paintings to be completed, executed two year-long project funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board to study and create new pieces based on the beadwork designs of the 11 Native Nations in Minnesota and to create a beaded table cover. I also designed and painted a 50' x 20' mural for the Blandin Foundation. While completing a quilled piece of this size is new for me, it pulls together many of my current artistic practices and will be supported by my skills in sewing, beading, quilling, and working with a wide variety of materials.I will document my progress on the project from start to finish, and in an effort to reach my community engagement goals, I will post in-progress pictures and updates on my Facebook page and review the comments and feedback. I will also photograph and document the finished piece as it is displayed in Duluth and Grand Rapids and will make notes about the feedback I receive from viewers of the piece and anyone who participates in the workshop. The most significant marker of success for me personally will be the completion of the piece and the design and method come together to bring my vision into reality.