July 11 – September 21
Opening Reception: July 11, 5 – 7 p.m.
Closing Reception: September 21 with Monique Verdin (Louisiana’s United Houma Nation) and film presentation
Official Trailer for the documentary film “My Louisiana Love” >>
Watch Lakeland Public Television’s
In Focus: Watermark Art Gallery’s ‘Nibikaang’ Exhibit Celebrates The Importance Of Water
An interview with Program Director Karen Goulet
July 19, 2019 Interview with KAXE Katie Carter and Karen Goulet, Director of the Miikanan Gallery
Nibikaang – From the Water is a group show centered around our connection to water. The exhibit runs July 11 – September 21, with an opening reception July 11 from 5 -7 p.m. Closing Reception: September 21 with Monique Verdin (Louisiana’s United Houma Nation)
Water is important to all of us and we are proud that both Native and non-Native organizations of this region have taken a lead in matters concerning our waters. This show features artists living within the Mississippi Watershed, Great Lakes or Red River of the North and highlights their relationship to water: interactions, observations, history, concerns and more.
Rivers and watersheds are a metaphor as to how we are all connected. Come see the diverse perspectives and shared experiences that have been formed in this region, where water is so fundamental to our way of life.
SPECIAL EVENT
Don’t miss “Water Stories with Hillary Kempenich” on Wednesday, July 31st from 5 – 8 p.m. During this open community creative writing event, the public will have opportunity to share their creative thoughts about water and contribute to the ᐊᑲᐙᑌᐲᑭᔑᓐ Agawaatebiigishin installation in the Nibikaang – From the Water exhibit. This installation will grow with each person’s contribution to our collective love and concern for the water. Learn more about the event here.
Meet our Jurors
Aaron Spangler
Aaron Spangler is an internationally-recognized sculptor and printmaker who was born in Minneapolis, MN and currently lives and works in Park Rapids, MN. He received his BFA from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is represented by Horton Gallery in New York City. Spangler has received grants and fellowships from the McKnight Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Jerome Foundation. His work can be found in various collections, including The Art Gallery of Ontario, The Hammer Museum, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Walker Art Center.
“In New York it made sense to make work on political, moral themes. When I started spending more time back here, I didn’t have that need anymore. The ruralness in my work now is more about the actual wilderness and my place in it.” … “I think that the true forest is constantly dying and rebirthing and has this ferocity to it. It’s a beautiful thing.” | From Art In America Magazine INTERVIEWS Jun 6, 2017 Out of the Woods: In Conversation with Aaron Spangler.
Hillary Kempenich
Anishinaabe Studio Artist Hillary Kempenich utilizes her work, cultural upbringing and knowledge to educate, inspire conversation, and create bridges. Raised on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Reservation, now resides in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Kempenich is an artist, freedom worker and culture bearer who advocates for better arts, educational, healthcare and cultural standards.
Hillary Kempenich is fluent in many mediums with a collaborative style influenced by her independent spirit as a creative woman and her deep connection to her heritage of Anishinaabe, Cree, Assiniboine, Dakota ancestral roots. Kempenich comes from a family of strong artist abilities, of which are significant influences within her work. While holding on to the ties to the Turtle Mountains, Kempenich works on developing her trades with her own personal style.
Special thanks to our sponsors…
