Above: Biidaash Aubid with his colorful painting, in remembrance of his uncle. Left: The talented sixth-grade artists are (L-R, front) Jacob Paro, Biidaash Aubid, Jack Wilson, and Art Instructor Belle Janicek. (L-R, back) Raina Christianson, Jered Paro, Angel Burnett. (Not pictured Ariana Poyirier)
On May 14, community members gathered at Oshki Ogimaag School for a reception to view the artwork of sixth grade students created for an exhibit titled Indians in Public Art: Changing the Image.
Local Art Therapist Belle Janicek explained that she has long been troubled by the often-inaccurate portrayals of Native Americans in the artwork in public spaces, in places like the Minnesota Capitol building. After learning about a Healing Minnesota Stories project of the St. Paul Interfaith Network (SPIN) to raise awareness and create dialog about art in the State Capitol during the renovation process, Janicek thought this would be a perfect time to speak to her Oshki Ogimaag students about what sort of art they want to see representing their history and culture.
“I wanted to give the kids a voice,” said Janicek. She asked questions about how students feel about the artwork on display at the State Capitol and what they would like to see depicted there. She asked them to share what they would like people to know about being a Native American or about being a Minnesotan.
The students’ artwork does just that in drawings; in pastels and acrylics on canvas; in paintings on wood, all rich with meaning. The works included images from nature and images representing the music, dance, language and arts of Grand Portage.
All of the students spoke of their connection to nature and their connection to family.
Angel Burnett spoke to the question of what public art should look like with his drawing The Grand Portage Fort. Angel noted that he has mixed feelings about the fort. He wrote, “The Grand Portage Fort reminds me of home but I also feel like the fort was built to keep Native Americans out.”
Angel summed up the feeling of many participants in the Indians in Public Art: Changing the Image project when he wrote, “It is important for people to know that all people should be treated fair.”
For more information about the artwork at Oshki Ogimaag, contact Belle Janicek at the school at (218) 475-2112. For more information about the Indians in Public Art: Changing the Image, visit Healing Minnesota Stories at www.spinterfaith.org.
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