LAND OF MEMORIES
Collaborative art piece created in Mankato, MN
For this project, I was given the opportunity to design a public art piece that would honor the Dakota people of Mankato Minnesota.
Funded in part by Artists on Main Street, a partnership between City Center, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and Springboard for the Arts with support from the Bush Foundation.
Justin and Gerald cutting and assembling the steel frame
Tracing my design onto the steel for sizing purposes
Laser cutting
Sizing and assembling the stained glass
Greg hanging the steel frame
Opening reception and pictures taken with partners and Dakota Elders (11/3/18)
This public art piece serves as a reminder to the Dakota people's strength and bravery. In the middle, there is a traditional medicine wheel divided into four sections of color to symbolize the different races of people. The colors are also mingled together to symbolize unity in our society. The feathers symbolize honor, wisdom, and spiritual evolution.
Written in both English and the Dakota language, the piece reads "Silence, bravery • We are Dakota people • United as one".
The work can be seen at Frost Plaza, in the alley behind Friesen’s Family Bakery and Bistro in Old Town Mankato. Located at 515 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
