SAR Announces 2020-2021 Native American Artist Fellows
The School for Advanced Research is pleased to announce the 2020–2021 cycle of Native artist fellows. Each year SAR’s Indian Arts Research Center (IARC) offers three residential fellowships to support the work of mature and emerging Native artists. The program gives artists time to explore new avenues of creativity and invites them to grapple with ideas that advance their work and strengthen their existing talents. While in residence, artists can access the IARC’s collection of 12,000 works of Native art for research and study. This year’s artists include a print artist, a weaver and textile artist, and an illustrator and graphic design artist:
Mikayla Patton
2020 Ronald and Susan Dubin Native Artist Fellow
Oglala Lakota papermaker and printmaker Mikayla Patton is an early career artist whose work transforms traditional practices into new art forms. She says, “The idea is to push traditional forms into new materials as we (modern Natives) are forced to adapt to a forever changing environment.” While at SAR, Patton will experiment with different ways of bookmaking and paper installation as she explores topics of mental health, Native healing, and feminine views of strength through Native women’s practices and design.
Patton will be in residence from June 15, 2020, to August 15, 2020.
Anpa Kazanzan Win (Daylight Woman)
Handmade paper, laser etching and cutting, sage and sinew, 12″ 12″ x 24″, 2019.
Venancio Aragon
2020 Rollin and Mary Ella King Native Artist Fellow
Venancio Aragon’s (Navajo) interest in weaving centers on learning and understanding the structures of lesser known and rarely practiced techniques. While at SAR, Aragon will research the IARC’s textile collection to create a series of textiles that will represent several distinct variations of twill structures and uncommon weaving techniques. Aragon says, “I look forward to the opportunity to challenge my art and research skills while at SAR and to return to my community with knowledge important to the survival of our cultural arts. I view the IARC fellowship as a means to create a generative project of public service that engages with community–centered needs through art and education.”
Aragon will be in residence from September 1, 2020, to December 1, 2020.
Texture and Movement (front)
Merino and Navajo Churro wool fiber (Tapestry and tufted technique), 3′ 4′, 2018.
Neebinnaukzhik Southall
2021 Eric and Barbara Dobkin Native Artist Fellow
Years ago, Illustrator and graphic designer Neebinnaukzhik Southhall (Chippewas of Rama First Nation) realized the need for culturally relevant illustrations and the importance of visual sovereignty for her Anishinaabe community. According to her, “Most Anishinaabe organizations and communities do not have ready access to professional, culturally relevant icon sets or stock art. . . . When promoting a cultural event, organizers are often forced to use generic ‘Indian’ imagery to relay their message, if they use anything Indigenous at all. This situation results in a disconnect to who we are as Anishinaabeg, and is a lost opportunity to perpetuate our culture.” During her time at SAR, Southall will create culturally relevant stock art and illustrations to expand Anishinaabe resources and provide her with an avenue to give back to her people.
Southall will be in residence from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021.
Anishinaabe Healing Stories on Racial Justice Illustration
Vector artwork, scaleable dimensions, 2019.
Since 1984, the IARC’s Native artist fellowship programs have supported artists in diverse creative disciplines. Recent fellows have included Brent Michael Davids (composer), Maile Andrade (multimedia artist), Mateo Romero (painter), Will Wilson (photographer), Erica Lord (performance artist), Carol Emarthle Douglas (basketmaker), Kathleen Wall (sculptor), and Loren Aragon (fashion designer).
Learn more about the IARC Native American Artist Fellowships