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The Long Night of the Floating Shell

5/28/2019

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Last Friday AICHO introduced its new exhibit, presented in the Robert Powless Cultural Center. The Long Night of the Floating Shell was named for the shell that manifested to guide the Anishinaabe in their journey to Minnesota as well as the significance of shells in Maya culture. This exhibit, open through July 19th, evokes a sense of journey, exploring the turbulent and triumphant experiences of contemporary Indigenous artists Zamara Cuyún and Jonathan Thunder. Thunder is from the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota and Cuyún is from the Twin Cities with roots in the Maya Highlands of Guatemala, but both were able to find common ground in their Indigenous perspectives.
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Photos by Ivy Vainio.


​Cuyún's work was an empowering display, an interweaving of cultural stories from the Maya Highlands with detailed and motivating artistry that tackles modern social issues with aplomb. Cuyún has made it a priority in her art to work against some of the failings she has seen in modern education.

"It's time for us to tell our story," she said during the casual walkabout through the exhibition. Cuyún elaborated that the stories of Indigenous people worldwide have been repeatedly suppressed and rewritten throughout history and with her artwork, she aims to confront that suppression. Her art takes this mission seriously, a solemn and mature body of work that truly comes to life through the dynamic and stunning use of color throughout. This color and sense of movement is drawn from Cuyún's own personal journey, the reality of which she conveys through her work. 

The work of Jonathan Thunder is also deeply personal. "I like to call them vignettes," said Thunder, stepping back and examining the canvas behind him. As he explained, his paintings are snippets of a larger story, one that has occurred around him throughout his life so far. These brief windows into a broader tapestry are painted and presented in Thunder's own vibrant style, colorful and unique in its simultaneous complexity and humor. Like Cuyún, Thunder's art is very personal, but Thunder feels that the unity of their perspectives has widened both, allowing them their own vignettes of one another's experiences. These new insights have inspired Thunder to experiment with new artistic styles and mediums, expanding his repertoire and displaying his concept sketches alongside finished work. 

Both Zamara Cuyún and Jonathan Thunder are intriguing and talented artists. We have immense gratitude to them for sharing with us their unique perspectives, experiences, and art.
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Listen to an interview with Jonathan Thunder about the exhibit HERE.

Keep an eye out for the closing artist talk on June 22nd, 2019!
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Exchange Exhibit Closing

5/24/2019

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AICHO hosted the closing of the Exchange Exhibit on May 18th at the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center with an artist talk and reception. The exhibit ran from the 5th until its closing, with a focus on unifying 5 different communities from across Minnesota. The photos and videos of the exhibit span a two decade stretch and tell the stories of local communities in digital form. Forty pieces were presented, with featured artists from Red Lake, Leech Lake, Bois Forte, Saint Paul and Crookston, Minnesota. This multifaceted gallery was also a celebration of art itself, meant to encourage an appreciation for community-based arts, and the artists' stunning work represents this. 

This exhibit was a part of the larger Exchange Tour, a series of exhibits and screenings dedicated to the sharing of stories and appreciation of the arts. Special thanks to In Progress, the nonprofit organization at the heart of the exhibition. More information can be found on In Progress and the Exchange Tour at http://in-progress.org. 

The curators from each community are as follows: 

Reyna Lussier- Red Lake Nation

Karen Norris-Barret- Red Lake Nation 

Nicole Staples- Leech Lake Reservation 

Christina Rodriguez- Crookston 

Maria Arguelles- Crookston 

Melissa Vang- Saint Paul

Katherina Vang- Saint Paul

Cecilia Martinez- Bois Forte Nation

We are grateful to all the participating artists and were glad to welcome their work to the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center. 

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Homegrown At AICHO

5/15/2019

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At the start of May, AICHO was lucky enough to host several talented local musicians for the annual Duluth Homegrown celebration. The performances featured accomplished local bands Big Into and Big Science and talented solo artists Seyi Oyinloye and Teague Alexy, AICHO locals and guests flocked to the Robert Powless Center. A big thank you to the performers and audience members who came to the show! 

​Top left: Big Into. Top Right: Big Science. Middle: Seyi Oyinloye (We apologize for less than ideal photo quality). Bottom: Teague Alexy 

See more about the bands at: 
Big Science:
https://www.facebook.com/bigscienceduluth/photos/rpp.488700777945534/1288917157923888/?type=3&theater
Big Into:
https://www.facebook.com/biginto/videos/300032864245212/
Seyi Oyinloye:
https://www.facebook.com/seyistories/
Teague Alexy
​https://www.facebook.com/teague.alexy
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • History
    • Programming & Services >
      • All Services & Our Model
      • Arts Program >
        • Art Exhibits
        • Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop
        • Water Protector Mural
      • Niiwin Indigenous Foods Market
      • Domestic Violence Shelter >
        • Dabinoo'Igan
        • Trafficking Awareness
  • Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Indigenous Foods Expo
  • News
    • Blog
    • Outreach Materials
    • Videos
    • Opportunities
    • COVID-19 >
      • COVID-19 Information and Response
      • AICHO Artists Respond to COVID-19
  • Contact
  • Tenant Resources
    • Family Activities
    • Work Orders & Maintenance
  • Order a Calendar
  • Gift Shop