BEMIDJI — The initial goals of the Anishinaabe Art Festival were to celebrate Indigenous artists, help them reach potential customers and to meet neighbors. Those goals have not only been met but are growing strong in the last three years.
Sharon James, the Executive Director of 4-Directions Development and one of the co-partners of the festival said, “We have so many creative people in our communities that we wanted to showcase them.” 4-Directions Development teamed up with Gizhiigan Arts Incubator and Leech Lake Financial Services to create the inclusive community event.
With support from the Nation Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant program, the festival features performing, literary and visual arts. This year will have artists with beadwork, paintings, apparel, jewelry, home decor items and much more.
A juried art competition will be included this year. All the vendors submit one art piece into different categories and the winner wins a cash prize. There will also be an artist's reception to foster relationships between the artists.
Organizers brought back tasting tables, citing popular demand after last year's event. Fry bread tacos, wild rice soup and other traditionally-made Indigenous foods will be available.
This year’s focus at the Anishinaabe Art Festival will include festival artists’ demonstrations. Some artists will make dream catchers, clay beadwork, peyote stitching, and drums.
With all the different events at the festival, James said she does have a favorite aspect. “It's just the camaraderie that I like to see. Everybody talking and socializing and sharing stories and connecting with our neighbors is a big piece of the festival.”
James said a committee of around 20 people put together the festival with additional volunteers on the days of the event. The planning for the next year begins the day after the festival.
Success, according to James, is due to the artists. “This festival would not be as successful if those artists didn't show up and participate.” James continues, “I see those artists as entrepreneurs.”
The Anishinaabe Art Festival will feature over 40 artists and on both levels of the Hobson Union at Bemidji State University beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, July 26, continuing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27. It is free to the public and all are welcome to attend.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
