Art Night Out: Fur Trade Nation and Ojibwe Adornment reception & artist talk, March 26, 5:30–8:00pm
Truths of Culture and History
Our “We Hold These Truths” themed year starts with an exploration of Truths of Culture and History. Two exhibitions are in conversation: Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History by artist and historian Carl Gawboy provides education of the history and impact of the Fur Trade Nation, and Ojibwe Adornment in Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, and Fur by designer and curator Wendy Savage demonstrates how past creative tradition informs and enriches our present. A collection of songs created by musician Tufawon, inspired by the same topics, enriches the visual gallery experience with this newly created EP. Together, they present watercolor paintings, multimedia textiles, music, and designed works by Savage and eight additional Anishinaabe artists.
At its heart, the dual-exhibition experience reflects the history of international trade and exchange in the northern region. For generations, the Anishinaabe have been central to these interactions, acting as cultural connectors across languages, traditions, and geographies. As Gawboy reminds us, “There isn’t ONE northern culture.” These exhibitions offer a view of how this confluence of culture has continued to impact and shape our modern society and artforms.
Ojibwe Adornment
Savage extends the history-centered dialogue of Fur Trade Nation into the present through her practice in textiles and fashion, which merges Anishinaabe traditional attire, textile styles, and production methods with contemporary ideas. Savage brings in the work of eight additional Anishinaabe artists, each contributing their own truths and designs. Their pieces invite viewers to consider how the past continues to shape the present. This exhibition honors traditional Ojibwe designs and ideology, while presented as contemporary art—through belongings, images, and narrative.
Additional Featured Artists:
Chi Ma’iingan / Herb Fineday (Fond du Lac), Rene Ann Goodrich (Bad River), Marcy McIntire (Grand Portage), Warren Miller (Fond du Lac), Joe Savage (Fond du Lac), Dr. Lisa Savage (Fond du Lac), Christina Woods (Bois Forte)
Curation Statement by Wendy Savage
I begin designing an exhibition by gathering inspiration from many sources. I draw from past experiences, conversations, and the constant question of how to create an exciting and engaging event for my audience. I am influenced by the wisdom I received many years ago from George Morrison and Carl Gawboy.
We must include the work of new and upcoming Native artists—pieces that carry powerful narratives rarely seen by the public. My goal is to bring those perspectives forward and to give voice to both contemporary and traditional Native artists of our Northern region, presenting work that represents a lifetime of knowledge.
Coming from a family of accomplished artists and with more than 40 years of curating experience, I have a deep well of knowledge to draw from. The traditional art forms of our local Tribes must be passed on and preserved by younger artists. Many Native artists are embracing and embarking on an exciting blend of new materials and concepts within traditional practices.
This exhibition began with a visit to Carl’s studio, where we shared our pieces and let ideas build. When he wondered about including Joe Savage’s quilled coat, I immediately said I’d ask—he’s my cousin. Then came the idea of a fully beaded bandolier bag, and we knew Marcie McIntire would be perfect. Our creative exchange flows naturally after years of collaboration.
Working with Native artists takes intentional effort and relationship-building over time. I have dedicated my life to building these relationships and am grateful for the family, extended family, and community connections that allow me to bring these artworks together. This has been my life’s work as an artist and curator.
A Note About Language
The term Anishinaabe is the name that people traditionally use to refer to themselves. It translates roughly to “original people” or “first people.” Anishinaabe is a term used to emphasize self-identification, culture, and language identity. It encompasses a broader cultural and linguistic group that includes Ojibwe, Odawa, and Algonquin peoples, among others.
Ojibwe is the more commonly used English-language term for one branch of the Anishinaabe people.
Usage tip: When writing or speaking, it is respectful to use “Anishinaabe” when referring to the people in a cultural or self-identified context, and “Ojibwe” when referring specifically to the language, certain communities, or historical contexts that use that term.