Public art and why our stories matter for Everyone

Today in the city of Duluth, rang in by Mayor Emily Larson, the Imagine Duluth team revealed three new innovative public art projects.  The utility cabinets in Canal Park, the area's tourist district are now covered in art from House of Howes artist Sarah Agaton Howes, Adam Swanson, and Angel Sarkela-Saur.  

On the corner of Canal Park Drive and Lake Drive is Howes' piece described as "this piece reflects our story of how we rebuilt our life on the gift of a turtle's back.  How would we operate differently if we knew we lived upon a living gift?  This great water with the incredible ability to give life also has the great capacity to sweep it all away.  Our role is to protect and respect that life.  We belong to it, it does not belong to us."

The design is a wrap technology which epitomized the confluence of tradition and modern Howes has come to be known for. "Beadwork is the great example of how adaptation can be beautiful.  We can preserve who we are even in the face of change.  These stories hold value for everyone and as artist David Boxley says 'What's good for Indigenous people is good for all people'.  

"This is an incredible opportunity for hundreds of thousands of walkers, bikers, runners, and drivers to see an Anishinaabe story right here near this great water."