Quick Start Grants

My artwork reflects my personal life and the troubles and triumph therein. The primary goal is to spread awareness that our Asemaa is to be used for ceremonial purpose; and that misuse of tobacco is not what it was intended for. As a traveling show that is also documented in Twin Cities Public television, my artwork will be viewed by a larger number of people that I am limited to in local showings. Participation in the Asemaa show will also showcase my support for the proper use of tobacco and to help educate through visual arts stories as to why it is important. As an emerging artist, participating in this show represents a significant step forward in terms of audience-building. I want to create a body of work that stimulates interest in traditional Ojibwe teachings and storytelling and demonstrates its continued relevance. It is my full intention to create messages of hope and cultural revitalization. Artwork provided by the ten artists in this project will be critiqued by our group and its supporting peers. It will also be critiqued by the audience viewing it in the show venues. Measurable outcomes will be continued support by reservation communities and their leadership councils from the showings. Requests for feedback in surveys after showings will help me become more effective as a visual arts storyteller.