Native American Art in the Present Tense
All Kenwood students were able to participate in this residency during their art classes with Ms. Swenson.
Kenwood students are engaging in a series of art projects introducing them to Dakota and
Ojibwe contemporary art practices based in tradition and history.
**Kindergarten students created “Tree of Life” artworks as they learned about mid-20th
century painter Norval Morriseau (Ojibwe) founder of the Woodland style of painting.
**First grade students met artist James Autio(Ojibwe) for a presentation of his artwork and a
question and answer session. Then the students painted with Autio using Ojibwe family clan
symbols and designs.
**Second grade students met painter Gordon Coons (Ojibwe/Ottawa) for a presentation of his
Woodlands style artwork and a question and answer session. Then Gordon led them in an
exercise to create their own personal artwork with a meaning and story behind their drawings.
** Third grade students met Kenwood
Erdrich, both Ojibwe. The Erdrichs showed and taught the students about Ojibwe baskets,
heirloom Dakota corn, porcupine quillwork and other beautiful things from their personal
collections. Students drew an ear of Native American corn as a related art project using
observational drawing.
**Fourth grade students met Dyani White Hawk (Lakota) for a presentation of her artwork and
a lesson on abstraction. She then led the students in an abstract collage art project.
**Fifth grade students learned about the mid-20thcentury painter Patrick DesJarlait (Ojibwe)
who painted the seasonal work of Ojibwe people of the Red Lake Nation. Students focused on
the fish that the Ojibwe catch in Red Lake and that DesJarlait depicted in his paintings. Each
student created a watercolor painting of one of these fish (Walleye, Bass, Northern Pike,
Crappie and Perch). Students layered colors and added detail in the style of DesJarlait.
An exhibit of the artwork from these residencies will be displayed in the lower corridor of the
school for the month of November in honor and celebration of Native American History
Month. The exhibit opening will be the evening of November 16 during Family Involvement
Night.
The Kenwood PTA sponsored the residencies. Heid and Angie Erdrich have graciously given
countless hours of their time and expertise in making these experiences possible. They have
shown how to teach about present day Native Americans while avoiding stereotypes,
misinformation and the habit of keeping Native culture frozen in time. This project also
addresses important questions about respecting legacy such as, how to pay homage without
crossing into cultural appropriation.
These residencies have attracted the interest and support of Mia (the Minneapolis Institute of
Arts). Mia staff is observing the artists in Kenwood classrooms. They are working with Heid,
the artists and Margaret Swenson to develop on-line lessons that will be available to all teachers in the future.