Individual Artist Project Grant FY21

The printing of this book, these illustrated stories in English and Oijbwemowin, will benefit not only the residents of the three geographic counties listed but also be used as an educational resource throughout our region. Minnesota and Wisconsin's tribal communities art and language will be archived and preserved for future generations. Over the past 16 months I have shared my paintings in St. Louis, Cook, and Lake counties through physical and virtual exhibitions. By publishing this collection of paintings and stories, I will be celebrating the natural and cultural importance of these communities as well as preserving Ojibwe art and culture in visual and print mediums. The culminating events of book readings in person and/or virtually which will be facilitated by Lizzards Gallery, American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and Joy and Co., Grand Marais will serve to add to the cultural, artistic, and historical richness of the Arrowhead Region.The primary goal of this grant project is to publish a collection of paintings and stories that follow in the Ojibwe cultural traditions of storytelling in English and Ojibwemowin to celebrate the visual and cultural richness of the North Shore region while also preserving Ojibwe language for future generations leading to increased professional opportunities to share the collection and stories. Through the printing and distribution of the book, my secondary goal of expanding and building upon my current gallery partners in the North Shore communities while increasing my regional visibility as a contemporary Ojibwe artist. In following in the tradition indigenous storytelling, after the printing and publication of the book, there will be multiple in person or book reading community events that will further the achievement of both goals of this project by providing communities to learn about the Ojibwe history of the region (September - December 2021). Since moving back home to Minnesota in August 2019, I have completed 120 paintings, 70 of which have been scanned and proofed for the completion of this book. I have communicated with local community organizations and galleries developing relationships allowing me to continue to learn but also to teach others about the Ojibwe culture while also learning myself. This past Fall I applied for a Minnesota State Arts Board grant which has allowed me to begin the work of collaborating with an indigenous owned publishing house Blackbear and Blueberry publishing. We have had multiple meetings which have led to drafting a timeline of publishing, overall design aesthetics of the cover and chapter layout, an initial consultation with a book designer who has communicated a desire to be my partner in designing this book for printing. In communicating with tribal elders including my own father, to review and edit the first of five chapters that have been drafted for the proposed book. The publication and book reads of the collection Following Your Spirit Home along with increased partners with regional organizations and galleries will be the measurement of goal achievement within the proposed timeline and will be the measure of success in achievement of the project proposal. Measures of success, All visual stories will be paired with stories in English and Ojibwemowin Published collection will be available in multiple galleries and community organizations along the North Shores partnered with either virtual and/or in person book readings. Increased regional visibility will be measured by the doubling of gallery partnerships in North Shore communities expanding to six (currently at three gallery and organizational partnerships).. Increase of 20% of followers and subscribers to my two social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram: Crane Superior)