Watermark Art Center and First National Bank Bemidji present an exhibit of Native American textile art during the Pine to Prairie Fiber Arts Trail Weekend in April 2016. This exhibit will feature a variety of fiber mediums representing both traditional and contemporary styles. Included will be pieces by Gizhiigin Arts Initiative Director Karen Goulet, who will display her Star Quilts and mixed media pieces, featuring different forms of surface manipulation including painted fabrics, embellishments, and traditional hand embroidery. Artist Ron Turney will present recent works of jewelry and boxes made with ethically harvested birch bark and porcupine quills. And the Williams-Goodwin family of Mahnomen will display their powwow regalia, including original hand-crafted beaded moccasins, purses, shawls, and more. View this exceptional, two-day exhibit on April 9, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and April 10, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
In addition to the exhibit, Watermark and First National Bank Bemidji will also sponsor a Native American Dance Exhibition by the Williams-Goodwin family on April 9. Dennis Williams, Dana Goodwin, and their daughters will demonstrate womens’ Fancy Shawl, Jingle Dress, and Traditional powwow dances, as well as mens’ Grass dance. The event will be held at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation from 6:30 – 8 p.m., with Grand Entry at 7. Event is free and open to the public; free-will donation at the door. Space is limited.
Powwow Presentation
The Pine to Prairie Fiber Arts Trail Weekend is a 16-member studio tour that celebrates the unique heritage of the Bemidji area’s voyageurs, pioneers, and indigenous peoples, showcasing both traditional and contemporary textile art forms. In addition to the exhibit at Watermark, there will be other Fiber Arts exhibits, demonstrations, and events held throughout the weekend, with participating studios run from Bemidji to Fosston.
Artist Reception
The weekend will begin Friday, April 8 with keynote speaker Kate Anderson, a nationally-recognized fiber artist, painter, former gallery owner, and arts speaker. An artist reception and trail member exhibit will precede Anderson’s talk, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation in downtown Bemidji. Anderson will give her presentation at 7 p.m., sharing her experiences in both artistic endeavors and business practices, giving the audience insight into the world of promoting, exhibiting, and answering calls for entry.
Maps of the entire trail are available at Watermark Art Center. For more details about the Pine to Prairie Fiber Arts Trail Weekend, go to midwestfiberartstrails.org/pine-prairie-2016. Learn more about one of Watermark’s visiting artists, Karen Goulet, on this feature profile.