{"id":3754,"date":"2023-06-05T19:14:27","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T19:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/?page_id=3754"},"modified":"2025-12-08T18:34:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T18:34:37","slug":"impact","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"wp-block-impact-explorer bg-dark-sky text-white pt-24 pb-20 relative\">\n\n  <div class=\"container-fluid\">\n          <h1 class=\"pb-6 mb-8 text-2xl font-light leading-none border-b border-white md:mb-18 sm:text-4xl sm:leading-snug\">\n        Explore Arts Midwest&#8217;s Impact\n      <\/h1>\n    \n          <div\n        class=\"relative z-10\"\n        x-data='impactExplorer({\n          years: [{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":11415,\"title\":\"Six Midwest Cities Among the \\u2018Most Arts-Vibrant\\u2019 in the US\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe\\u2019ve always known the Midwest is brimming with creativity, and now there\\u2019s fresh data to back it up.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA new national study by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/culturaldata.org\\\/arts-vibrancy-2024\\\/the-top-40-list\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESMU DataArts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E named \\u003Cstrong\\u003Esix Midwestern communities\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E among the Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2024, recognizing places where the arts are thriving thanks to strong local investment, engaged audiences, and a high concentration of creative activity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese rankings aren\\u2019t just about size or star power. SMU DataArts evaluates communities using 13 indicators of arts vibrancy, including supply, demand, and public funding, adjusted for population and cost of living. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere\\u2019s how the Midwest stacked up:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:table --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-table\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Ctable class=\\u0022has-fixed-layout\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cthead\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ERanking\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ECommunity Size\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ECommunity, As Listed\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003C\\\/thead\\u003E\\u003Ctbody\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E5\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMinneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E5\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMedium Communities\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EKalamazoo-Portage, MI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E10\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMedium Communities\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EAnn Arbor, MI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E11\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EChicago-Naperville-Evanston, IL\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E14\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMilwaukee-Waukesha, WI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E19\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ECincinnati, OH-KY-IN\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tbody\\u003E\\u003C\\\/table\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:table --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe\\u2019re proud to see so many Midwestern communities recognized, and we\\u2019ve been lucky to tell stories from many of these vibrant places. Dive into a few of our favorites!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002236px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:36px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Ranked 5th in Large Communities) \\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022choose_stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00223518\\u0022,\\u002210671\\u0022,\\u00223061\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022,\\u0022_flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_flourish_alignment\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69a8547b9a962\\u0022} 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\\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022Milwaukee, WI (Ranked 14 in Large 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\\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022Ann Arbor, MI (Ranked 10 in Medium Cities)\\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022choose_stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00223683\\u0022,\\u00229021\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022,\\u0022_flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_flourish_alignment\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69a8547b9abb7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002255px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:55px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou can check out the full Art Vibrancy 2024 report on the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/culturaldata.org\\\/arts-vibrancy-2024\\\/the-top-40-list\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESMU DataArts website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic 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She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people stand next to a white wall and look at the different artworks mounted on the wall.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/six-midwest-cities-among-the-most-arts-vibrant-in-the-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Six Midwest Cities Among the \\u2018Most Arts-Vibrant\\u2019 in the US\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11026,\"title\":\"\\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the water, these fish run. Outside it, they dance.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s May in Duluth, Minnesota: Rolls of tinfoil unfurl onto DIY hats and fish puppets, paraded by dozens of costumed, shiny partygoers. Giant papier-m\\u00e2ch\\u00e9 heads float like boats along Lake Superior\\u2019s horizon.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe reason for the silvery springtime celebration? Smelt, aka miniature freshwater fish.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11062,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11083,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11037,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11034,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11043,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96448\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you\\u2019ve lived up here for any amount of time, you see these little remnants of this huge boom that the smelt population had in the 1970s,\\u201d says \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/magicsmelt.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMagic Smelt Puppet Troupe\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E co-founder Anton Jimenez-Kloeckl.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the time, Lake Superior\\u2019s parasitic lamprey population boomed, sending trout numbers downward. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dnr.state.mn.us\\\/areas\\\/fisheries\\\/lakesuperior\\\/smelt.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELocal smelt thrived\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, starting out as an invasive species that\\u2019s become a beneficial part of the ecosystem. The population dwindled in the \\u201880s, but fisherfolk today still wade into the lake with seines in hand. In the spring, the smelt \\u201crun\\u201d from tributaries to the lakeshore at night\\u2014making them more easily catchable.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere are still spots where you drive around town where you\\u2019ll see signs\\u2014you\\u0027ll see cardboard signs that say \\u2018smelt for sale!\\u2019\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd what better way than a cardboard theatre troupe to honor the smelt and to make a cardboard parade?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11050,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11061,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11046,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11039,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11038,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11036,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96629\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe troupe behind\\u003Cem\\u003E Run, Smelt, Run!\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E was founded by Jim Ouray in 2012. The non-motorized parade starts with a cheeky skit by Duluth\\u2019s famous \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitduluth.com\\\/experience\\\/aerial-lift-bridge\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAerial Lift Bridge\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, follows the also-historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/duluthmn.gov\\\/parks\\\/parks-listing\\\/lakewalk\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELakewalk\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and lands downtown with a fried smelt dinner and more dancing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the best party in Duluth, hands down. We\\u2019ve been called Duluth\\u2019s Duluthiest event,\\u201d says Jimenez-Kloeckl, who calls it a \\u201csilly fish parade.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout are massive puppets and\\u0026nbsp;folk dancing. The sky is filled with bubbles and gleaming banners. Smiles are on countless faces, and no excuse to be weird is necessary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can join workshops to help plan skits or create costumes beforehand. It\\u2019s open to all, in the spirit of a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.neworleans.com\\\/things-to-do\\\/music\\\/history-and-traditions\\\/second-lines\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Esecond-line parade\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E where onlookers become participants.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s so fun and it lets people express themselves,\\u201d says John Finkle, who has been involved with nearly every parade. \\u201c[It\\u2019s] super creative and really amps up everybody\\u2019s energy for celebrating our little window that is spring on the North Shore.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11060,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11066,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11089,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11041,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11029,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11035,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96650\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11064,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 61%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-05-29 16:18:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. 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Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 61%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                \\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4626032,\"participants\":672475,\"grants\":278,\"communities\":225},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":9651,\"title\":\"Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne piece of paper may be all that\\u2019s standing between you and having your art seen. No editor, no publisher, no product number needed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis independence is a pillar of the world of zines\\u2014small scale stories, observations, or images often printed on plain copy paper. Any genre goes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9654,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf you make your own work and you\\u2019re putting it out yourself, you\\u2019re just eliminating that gatekeeping. You\\u2019re getting it out,\\u201d says \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lizmasonisawesome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLiz Mason\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, owner of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.quimbys.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eQuimby\\u2019s Bookstore in Chicago\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the birthplace city of zines.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe store sees non-Midwest waves of customers exclusively for its consigned zine collection.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe zine timeline likely started with science fiction fan writings, authored mostly by women, in the 1950s, Mason says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe first recorded was \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/research.dom.edu\\\/zines\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s sci-fi fanzine Comet\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, published by the Science Correspondence Club in 1930. Following that, artistic movements held zines up, namely punk and \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nytimes.com\\\/interactive\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/03\\\/arts\\\/music\\\/riot-grrrl-playlist.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eriot grrrl\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e waves.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMini zines and comics made (and still make) their appearances: The art form isn\\u2019t \\u201cback\\u201d\\u2014it never left.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee00fa3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-just-ink-and-paper\\u0022\\u003EJust Ink and Paper\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERural southern Illinois zinester \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nathanpearcephoto.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENathan Pearce\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has been making zines for the last 15 years. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe defines them as \\u201cany sort of self-published or DIY publication that can take a lot of forms,\\u201d including stapling pages together, self distributing, or photocopying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe photographer uses zines to distribute his art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s black-and-white works draw you into Midwest detail. Steady horizons hold you; everyday scenes soothe. And these images wouldn\\u2019t have the prevalence they have today if not for zines.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9656,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01134\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat made a big difference in my career,\\u201d Pearce says about self publishing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople started to pay attention more because I was able to distribute more printed things. Just waiting for someone to give me a show, give me an exhibition of my own didn\\u2019t necessarily make sense for me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe could come up with a project or book, then do a small print run (5-10, sometimes 20). People would buy them. And all it cost Pearce was ink and paper.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-prominence-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Prominence\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe Midwest is that kind of scrappy DIY can-do,\\u201d says Mason, who has been making zines for over two decades. The region holds a prominent spot in zine culture, with active communities even in smaller cities and towns.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s work wouldn\\u2019t exist without rural Illinois.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s sort of hard to put into words ... the quiet landscape ... there\\u2019s something both beautiful and maybe sometimes a little ominous,\\u201d Pearce says of the photos he takes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9655,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01184\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMason says there are all the reasons in the world to venture into this folk art world\\u2014either making or buying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey\\u2019re less expensive than books, too. And zines = unparalleled community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you are a fan of a zine or a comic that you\\u2019ve bought, usually those people are very easy to contact, and you might end up developing a relationship with them,\\u201d Mason says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter this niche, and you\\u2019re likely to come out of it with a bestie\\u2014\\u003Cem\\u003Eand\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E an eight-page manifesto.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9658,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Consigning countless shelves of zines, from serious to silly, are a pillar of Quimby\\u0027s Bookstore in Chicago.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-05 16:01:05\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10104,\"title\":\"Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s no secret women are underrepresented in the music industry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough numbers are \\u003Cem\\u003Eslowly\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E trending upward. In 2023, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.billboard.com\\\/business\\\/business-news\\\/usc-annenberg-study-gender-equality-music-industry-1235591929\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E35% of artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end charts were women\\u2014a 12-year high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest is rich with historic music from artists like Aretha Franklin to Tracy Chapman. Here are the stories that have inspired a love for\\u0026nbsp;music, in small towns and big cities across the Midwest (if not the world).\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Peggy Lee (Singer-Songwriter, 1920-2002)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Hailing from Jamestown, North Dakota, Lee (who inspired Jim Henson\\u2019s Miss Piggy) was a singer-songwriter with a \\u201ccool, sultry voice,\\u201d says the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. This signature singing style all started when a wild crowd wouldn\\u2019t quiet down during her performance\\u2014so she did.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Mary Osborne (Jazz Guitarist, 1921-1992)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Minot, North Dakota, the long-strumming jazz guitarist would come to work with Mel Torme, Art Tatum, and Dizzy Gillespie. As a teenager, she performed for chocolate bars before trailblazing as a female guitarist in a patriarchal music industry.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de06\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10115,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10121,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10118,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10111,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10124,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de6b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Garden (Active in the 1970s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022The trio was the first all-women band to be inducted into the South Dakota Rock \\\\u0026amp; Rollers Hall of Fame. Based in Vermillion, South Dakota, Garden (Susan Osborn, Colleen Crangle, and Marilyn Wetzler Castilaw) was a concert-only, folk-rock group, playing guitar, piano, violin, and vibes in the mid-70s. They each maintained separate music careers after Garden wrapped up performances.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Musician, 1876-1938)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022A member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux, Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Red Bird) learned violin while attending an Indian boarding school. The keen critic of assimilation would go on to study violin at the New England Conservatory of Music, co-write the first American Indian opera \\u201cSun Dance,\\u201d and teach violin.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Gwen Matthews (Singer, 1950-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Chicago, Matthews\\u2019 career took off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she recorded jingles (for General Mills, Whirlpool, and a few insurance companies). Beyond singing on all sorts of national commercials for television and radio, she\\u2019s also a recording artist, songwriter, producer and teacher. Matthews has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Susanne DePasse, and members of Earth, Wind, \\\\u0026amp; Fire.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Jeanne Arland Peterson (Jazz Musician,1922-2013)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Arland Peterson is perhaps the most \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eMinnesota\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e on this list. The jazz pianist and singer was WCCO radio\\u2019s staff vocalist for two decades and played the organ for Minnesota Twins baseball games.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Continental Co-Ets\\u00a0(Active in the 1960s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The 1960s high schoolers might\\u2019ve been the first girls-only garage rock group in the country, The Current says. Though from small-town (Fulda) Minnesota, the girls signed with an Iowa record label after learning their own instruments and touring Canada and the Upper Midwest. They were inducted to Iowa\\u0027s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tracie Spencer\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Singer-Songwriter, 1976-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Spencer was the youngest girl\\u00a0to sign a contract with Capitol Records for her R\\\\u0026amp;B music; by the time she graduated high school in the 90s, she\\u2019d already released four Billboard top-10 songs.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022The Chordettes (1946-1963)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022Sheboygan, Wisconsin college friends Dorothy Schwartz, Janet Ertel, Jinny Osborn, and Alice Mae Buschmann were behind the instantly recognizable tunes \\u201cMr. Sandman\\u201d and \\u201cLollipop.\\u201d In the 1950s and \\u201860s, the women\\u2019s songs broke into the Top 100 charts 13 times. They also appeared on the first ever episode of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eAmerican Bandstand\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a long-running entertainment show.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:7,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e170\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10153,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10150,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10160,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10159,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e1b2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Susan Halloway (Marching Band Director, 1953-2015)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Halloway made waves as an inductee to the Wisconsin School Music Association\\u2019s Marching Band Hall of Fame. She taught at the same high school in Sauk Prairie for her whole career, where she started its competitive marching band program. The group excelled and even played for a 1992 presidential campaign rally for Bill Clinton and Al Gore.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnie Riperton (Soul Singer, 1947-1979)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Chicago, Illinois, actor Maya Rudolph\\u2019s mother had a soul sound that lasted far beyond her short life. Professionally singing since age 15, she would later drop out of college to pursue music (which included being a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder). The Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Patti Smith\\u00a0(Singer-Songwriter, 1946-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022The punk-rock-poetry pioneer from Chicago started busking in Paris in the late 1960s. It would grow into a prolific career that\\u2019s still ongoing\\u2014one that includes photography, acting, activism, and writing.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Martha and the Vandellas\\u00a0(1957-1972)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Adding to the Michigan-strong list of impressive musicians (Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Madonna, Anita Baker...) is Martha and the Vandellas. After winning a talent contest that a Motown staff member saw, a lucky series of events led to Martha Reeves working as a receptionist at the label and singing with Marvin Gaye. She started a trio with the other women singing on his tracks, and top singles ensued.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Aaliyah\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Artist, 1971-2001)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The young R\\\\u0026amp;B star grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and created three albums before her tragic death at just 22. Aaliyah\\u2019s stuttering style spread to the hip-hop scene in the late 1990s. Her debut album quickly sold over a million copies.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:5,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e269\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10165,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10162,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e28f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Opal Brandt LaFollette (Country Singer, 1924-2022)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Lawrenceberg, Indiana, LaFollette was a vocalist and musician for over four decades. In her younger years, she had quit music because of its low pay but later became an inductee into the Southeastern Indiana Musician\\u2019s Hall of Fame in 2006, joining her two brothers.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tiara Thomas (Singer, 1989-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022One of the youngest on the list, this 35-year-old R\\\\u0026amp;B singer is already making history. From Indianapolis, Indiana, she\\u2019s won a Grammy for co-writing 2021 Song of the Year \\u201cI Can\\u2019t Breathe,\\u201d and was nominated for a Golden Globe and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song \\u201cFight for You\\\\u0022 from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJudas and the Black Messiah\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Thomas\\u2019 career began when she met music gurus at a Wale concert, who she would later perform with.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Chrissie Hynde (Rock Musician, 1951-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Joining Ohio legend Tracy Chapman is Akron native Chrissie Hynde. The rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter joined a band with a member of Devo and later formed the band the Pretenders in the 1970s. She is still releasing music today in her 70s.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Doris Day (Singer and Actress, 1922-2019)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 1950s and \\u201860s Hollywood film star double dipped in big band singing, which led to her earning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. After getting in a car accident meant she couldn\\u2019t dance for a while, she began to sing. She would release music until almost age 90.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:4,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e32f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/playlist\\\/3TrN404i7lBENc4Vl0c3R9?utm_source=generator\\\\u0026theme=0\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e357\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10108,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022461\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 20%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Born Norma Deloris Egstrom, Peggy Lee will be remembered for much, including writing songs at a time when original lyricism wasn\\u0027t common.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-27 20:53:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 27, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13550,\"title\":\"Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHow do we surprise and delight people?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat\\u2019s been the question swirling around the minds of Wisconsin-based duo Nicole Reis and Sarah Van Dyke. They own \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/joyvendingco\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EJoy Vending Co.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Madison.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir answer?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have a large, snack-size vending machine,\\u201d Van Dyke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s essentially the type of machine you\\u2019d normally see drinks and chips in. But instead, ours is packed with local art.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13545,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePartnering with 10 local makers, it\\u2019s stuffed with Wisconsin-themed watercolor art prints and polymer clay earrings shaped like Cheez-Its, or craft kits for kids.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStarting less than a year ago, the pair has also stuffed two, old-school temporary tattoo machines with mini art prints. Reis designs them and they\\u2019re printed locally. The \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.goodthingsvending.com\\\/locations\\\\u0022\\\\u003emachines spend a month or so at different locales\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e like breweries or boutiques (and, soon, weddings or other gatherings), tailored to the setting\\u2019s theme.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVan Dyke says it\\u2019s all about sharing moments of joy\\u2014hence the company name\\u2014and defining the area.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAnytime people are doing fun and creative things, you have the chance of catching the eye of others and being like, \\u2018OK, Madison isn\\u2019t so sleepy,\\u2019\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere are pockets of things happening.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. . . happening both in Madison, yes, but also in our lives\\u2014including surprise.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701cca\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think life can tend to be a bit of a slog sometimes,\\u201d she says. \\u201cAnd so I just love the idea of something that kind of jolts you out of that routine . . . It kind of just ignites your curiosity or your sense of playfulness, or it gives you something that you want to kind of nudge the person next to you and be like, \\u2018Wait a minute, look at that.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13549,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13546,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13555,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13543,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d0d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-is-fundamental-to-being-a-person-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Art is Fundamental to Being a Person\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver in Chicago, Illinois, Steph Krim says she\\u2019s part of this growing creative vending network. The Good Things Vending founder saved up $2,800 to buy her first machine; now she\\u2019s got nine (and counting) and an also-expanding crew alongside her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELocal muralists will paint the machines, stocked with \\u201ca rotating cast of local artist goods\\u201d and nostalgic items, Krim says. Everything is $20 or under.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI believe that art is fundamental to being a person. And I think that art spaces that are accessible is something that we always need more of,\\u201d she says, adding vending machine art is often a portrait of collective creativity. \\u201cThat\\u2019s just my favorite part of being a person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13541,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKrim says these machines are truly machines of community\\u2014they promote business traffic, artist visibility, and connection. And anyone can do it, she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI have a full-time job operating an art vending machine business. That\\u2019s a real job that I just feel like I made up for myself. And I think when people hear that, they\\u2019re like, \\u2018Can I do that too?\\u2019 And if there\\u2019s anything else I could say, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Yeah, you could.\\u2019\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d34\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13548,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 45%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022It\\u0027s always been a deeply collaborative project,\\u0022 Good Things Vending owner Steph Krim says, nodding to the set-up crew, mechanics, artists, and community.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-16 15:54:07\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 16, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2073267,\"participants\":345107,\"grants\":184,\"communities\":139},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":12079,\"title\":\"Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJim Bolin\\u2019s house is adorned with wind chimes, a nod to his late grandmother. He was listening to their nostalgic rings one evening over a decade ago and thought: \\u201cI wonder what the world\\u2019s largest wind chime (is).\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBack then, the largest was 27 feet long, Bolin says. Now, the record-holder swings at an impressive 42 feet\\u2014and its maker? None other than the Casey, Illinois, businessman himself.\\u0026nbsp; \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12096,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12082,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12081,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d0041b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBeing a pipeline company, we have all kinds of used pipes,\\u201d says the creator, who also runs Bolin Enterprises. \\u201cWhen we had time, I started building this giant wind chime and we finished it . . . and got it in the Guinness Book as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.guinnessworldrecords.com\\\/world-records\\\/largest-wind-chime\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eworld\\u2019s largest wind chime\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen years later, Bolin is still building big. In Casey (pop. 2,400), he and his crew at the enterprise have constructed nearly 30 large-scale works out of repurposed material, scattered around town. There\\u2019s an enormous crochet hook\\u0026nbsp;and mailbox; a softball bat and a rocking chair.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe calls the project \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBig Things Small Town\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhenever the mood strikes or a new business comes to town, Bolin gets to work. He\\u2019ll find, say, a broken spring from an overhead door at his company. Bingo\\u2014it\\u2019s a massive mousetrap. Or the library will need a fundraising boost; Bolin\\u2019s there with a big ol\\u2019 bookworm.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJim was a visionary with this,\\u201d says Tom Daughhetee, economic development director with the city. \\u201cHe and his team are extremely skilled builders and they\\u2019re very clever. That creativity and the know-how to actually build them has just been fantastic. They should be considered art in many ways.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd many people do: Bolin says between 1,000 and 2,000 people probably stop in Casey each week, though it\\u2019s tough to know for sure. He quickly noticed out-of-state license plates driving by after he advertised on the nearby interstate (most of the sculptures are a four-minute detour off I-70). Daughhetee says he\\u2019s seen an increase in visitors both for Big Things and to check out what else the small city has to offer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12090,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12087,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12092,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12085,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12083,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00441\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBefore the big things, our downtown was completely empty,\\u201d Daughhetee says. \\u201c(Big Things Small Town) is a pretty good thing to be known for . . . and you just see all these people gawking and smiles on their faces and kids running around and getting their picture taken.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat collective joy is what keeps Bolin creating (he\\u2019s currently working on an oversized fishing pole.) Born and raised in Casey, it\\u2019s easy for him to recount what he loves about the town. He talks about the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/popcornfestival.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPopcorn Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.candycanesonmain.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECandy Canes on Main\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014\\u201cit\\u2019s like a Hallmark movie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not really the dirt under our feet. It\\u2019s the people,\\u201d Bolin says. \\u201cWhen you go uptown, everybody knows each other . . . I like the sports experience at our schools. I like the county experience with the festivals that we have.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat\\u2019s what brings people back multiple times,\\u201d he adds. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not the Big Things; it\\u2019s the human part of just enjoying life.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Colossal Casey\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eWorld\\u0027s Largest!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWind Chime, Golf Tee, Rocking Chair, Wooden Shoes, Pitchfork, Mailbox, Key, Gavel, Swizzle Spoon, Golf Driver, Barbershop Pole, Teeter Totter\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eOther Big Things in Town\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAntlers, Birdcage, and Bat\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnvil and Horseshoe\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBookworm and Nail Puzzle\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCactus, Ear of Corn, and WW\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKnitting Needles and Crochet Hook\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMouse Trap and Rocking Horse\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPokeball and Minion\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSpinning Top and Toy Glider\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTaco and Piggy Bank\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWooden Token and Pizza Slicer\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nYardstick and Pencil\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:12104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00472\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12086,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022509\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 24%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The World\\u0027s Largest Rocking Chair (which actually rocks!) took two years and ten people to create.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-22 20:28:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11567,\"title\":\"Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt seemed like a nice enough day for a boat trip along the Chicago River. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA bright pink, rented kayak in tow, local \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/aomusicrecords.com\\\/about-ao\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECindy Juhasz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;took to the water with her husband and friend last year. It\\u2019s something they did often, but this time was different.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe were on the river and we heard music, and we all got goosebumps and we\\u2019re like, \\u2018What\\u003Cem\\u003E is \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethis?\\u2019\\u201d Juhasz says. \\u201cWe literally followed the sound, and we couldn\\u0027t believe what we were seeing.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11578,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5af\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn front of them was a large \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wsdot.wa.gov\\\/publications\\\/manuals\\\/fulltext\\\/M3082\\\/650.pdf\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edolphin\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a floating, cement structure typically used for anchoring boats. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn top of the dolphin: a full band.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s about, I dunno, eight feet up? And then you get one guy in the boat, one guy on the ladder, one guy on top receiving, and then pass the gear up,\\u201d says dolphin-stage brainchild Ben Kinsinger. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11572,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u0027Just a Random Bridge\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger\\u0027s \\u201csad cowboy song\\u201d group, \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLawrence Tome\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, has been hosting what he calls \\u201csecret river shows\\u201d for several years. Discoverable by \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003elatitude and longitude coordinates\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the shows have grown from a few friend-fans to a venue of sorts where music acts across genres appear.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s pretty epic. It\\u2019s a whole crowd of folks that are 20, 30 feet out in front of you and there\\u2019s a body of water in between. At one of these shows, there\\u2019s probably 30-plus kayaker\\\/canoe people out on the water, and other bigger boats,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cAnd it\\u2019s surreal. It\\u2019s just a random bridge that nothing ever happens at, and suddenly it\\u2019s filled with hundreds of people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger happened upon the river-crossing bridge and underpass maybe four years ago and, like a true artist, thought: \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWhy not?\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe shows are collecting community with every gig, Chicagoan \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESara Geist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E says: All sorts of folks show up; an artist has painted a mural on the dolphin; even a barber makes the occasional appearance and offers haircuts (just don\\u2019t bob your head too much, OK?) \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think of it as sort of an important third space. You can kind of always count on there being a secret river show over any weekend in the summer now. And if you go, there are going to be friends there and cool bands ... it just feels like this really special part of the community that you can rely on now,\\u201d says Geist, who is gearing up to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eperform\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at a July 5 show.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-creative-care-for-a-river-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ECreative Care for a River\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.wttw.com\\\/2019\\\/08\\\/09\\\/how-clean-chicago-river-new-project-wants-show-you-real-time\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOver a century ago\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Chicago used the river as a means of runoff. Around 1900, the river\\u2019s flow was actually \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nationalgeographic.com\\\/travel\\\/article\\\/what-to-do-along-the-chicago-river\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ereversed\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to mitigate environmental impacts. But Chicagoans \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cbsnews.com\\\/chicago\\\/news\\\/chicago-river-cleanup-sewer-overflow-climate-change-clean-water-act\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Estill battle runoff and pollution\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially during periods of rain.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIn the city, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Don\\u2019t get in the river. It\\u2019s gross.\\u2019 But it\\u2019s not,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cI love the river ... It still has that desire, I feel, to be just a natural river and it has the possibility of doing it, if we can get people organized around caring.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11577,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11576,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11571,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca62b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENext month, Lawrence Tome will do that the way it knows best, but better: through a river band\\u0026nbsp;parade with a slew of performers, pontoons, and buoyant stages.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBecause if the river moves and changes, so can its future\\u2014with electric guitars and drum kits floating with it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11569,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Lawrence Tome performs on \\u0022a big cement thing that was there,\\u0022 band member Ben Kinsinger says, with a full sound system, amplifiers, instruments, and recording equipment.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-26 18:19:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 26, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9114,\"title\":\"Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBefore the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival (est. 2015), there was Redmoon Theater (est. 1990, also co-founded by festival artistic director Blair Thomas).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA\\u00a0 puppet-based company centered on spectacle and cross-arts collaboration, Redmoon drew a wide range of artists and performed in theaters and festivals, but most notably, on the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe festival grew out of that tradition, establishing the city as a puppet hub, and luring international puppet companies to Chicago every January.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9117,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe festival\\u2019s puppet design studio in the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fineartsbuilding.com\\\/history\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFine Arts Building\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is located in the very spot that the word \\u201cpuppeteer\\u201d \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.huffpost.com\\\/entry\\\/chicago-puppeteer-city_b_634493\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003emay have been coined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in 1912 by \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Ellen_Van_Volkenburg\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEllen Van Volkenburg\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, connecting it to a much longer theatrical history.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKnown as \\u201ca woman of strange and unique talents,\\u201d Van Volkenburg co-founded one of Chicago\\u2019s earliest and most influential peoples\\u2019 theater companies: The Chicago Little Theatre.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThough it ran for just five years, its impact endured as the impetus for the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Little_Theatre_Movement\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLittle Theatre Movement\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of the 1910\\u2019s and 20\\u2019s. Their DIY, non-commercial approach challenged preconceptions about theater being a high art form and set the stage for later theatrical concepts (improv, for example) that would be developed in Chicago.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe theatre\\u2019s motto was \\u201cCreate your own theater with the talent at hand.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThey produced works that were poetic, classical, experimental, often full of puppets. And above all, for the people. This is where Van Volkenburg founded the Chicago Little Theatre Marionettes. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f4723a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-pulling-on-traditions\\u0022\\u003EPulling on Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe last century has been full of fruitful theater years for Chicago\\u2014brimming with Broadway contenders, storefront experimental works, and institutions\\u0026nbsp;like Chicago Shakes, Steppenwolf, and Goodman.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to pioneers of Chicago theater who maintained the DIY aesthetic, including Van Volkenburg, a climate of exchange has persisted among artists who do voice work, actors who puppeteer, dancers who perform circus, and puppeteers who build sets.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis environment has given Chicago its reputation as a proving ground for great performances and versatile artists. It has also birthed innovative cross-discipline theater companies such as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENeo-Futurists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and Manual Cinema.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s difficult to measure how many artists and art forms have been influenced over the decades by Chicago\\u2019s theater influence.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESarah Fornace, co-founder of Manual Cinema, says her company couldn\\u2019t have become what it was today anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9118,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472c4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EManual Cinema has performed around the world and across artistic disciplines\\u2014from adapting poetry and performing with contemporary classical musicians at the Poetry Foundation to renting a funeral home for a puppet show premiere with friends in experimental music.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFornace sees a direct line from the traditions of Van Volkenburg\\u2019s era to the current theater climate in Chicago, and recognizes their impact on Manual Cinema. \\u201cBlair Thomas [at Redmoon] gave me my first paying job as a puppeteer, and I still often think of basic principles of puppetry that I learned on that show.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat marionettes operated by women in a show in a tiny theater over a 100 years ago could somehow be part of a movement whose influence persists in theater today is not simply surprising, it\\u2019s potentially inspiring to a whole new generation of puppeteers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEllen Van Volkenburg would be proud to see her legacy carry on.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Chicago\\u0027s Puppet Community\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s working-class ambition carried over to the arts. The creative landscape attracted performers, shows sprung up to entertain the masses, and artistic innovations (like Little Theatre and non-illusory theater) emerged.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eThe current puppet community in Chicago includes offshoots of these innovations, from regular puppet slams and workshops at Stop Motion Plant, Puppets in Progress, Agitator Gallery, Nasty, Brutish and Short, and PuppetQueers, to grassroots puppet-based companies like Rough House Theater, Shoestring Puppets, and Rabbit Foot Puppetry.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eFor the puppet-curious, there are puppet performances on any given week in Chicago. January\\u2019s highlight is the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival, January 15-26, with multiple venues.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:9121,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9119,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"LaKecia Harris in Manual Cinema\\u0027s Christmas Carol.\",\"date\":\"2025-01-15 20:46:21\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 15, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":746,\"name\":\"Kimzyn Campbell\",\"slug\":\"kimzyn-campbell\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":746,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kimzyn Campbell\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":265175,\"participants\":50779,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":15},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":13270,\"title\":\"Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWarsaw, Indiana might be best known as the \\u201corthopedic capital of the world.\\u0022 But over the last decade, this small city of 16,000 has been steadily adding another layer to its identity: a growing commitment to public art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe city\\u2019s journey began 10 years ago, when Warsaw applied for a state-funded community placemaking grant and lost. Though they were a finalist, they ultimately weren\\u2019t chosen due to \\u201ca lack of public art in the community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13302,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In response, then-mayor Joe Thallemer gathered a small group of volunteers and launched the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ArtFULLYWarsaw\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWarsaw Public Arts Commission\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. Their early experiments ranged from renting temporary statues to hosting a student sculpture competition downtown.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nEach project confirmed what many already suspected: art could activate public spaces and open up new conversations about what Warsaw could be. Still, the Commission wanted something more permanent that said \\u201cart belongs here.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat opportunity came through \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.in.gov\\\/arts\\\/programs-and-services\\\/training\\\/creative-convergence\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCreative Convergence\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a team-based workshop and funding program run by the Indiana Arts Commission. The initiative brings together community teams for hands-on learning in strategic planning, cultural development, and public art design, paired with coaching and seed funding to help ideas take root.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by what they\\u2019d learned through the program, the city put out a call for artists and selected Ohio mosaic artist Gail Christofferson of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.animalhouseglass.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAnimal House Glass\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b30\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-for-and-by-the-public\\u0022\\u003EArt For - and By - the Public\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EChristofferson\\u2019s sculpture concept invited neighbors into the making. She staged community workshops at the YMCA, Third Fridays, and Redbird Art Studio where residents placed pieces of colored glass onto panels that would later be assembled into the finished work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13277,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b84\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe result is \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a 10 foot tall, open-sided pavilion now installed in Warsaw\\u2019s Central Park. Its angled glass panels scatter shifting patterns of light across the concrete. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut the piece is as much about community as aesthetics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople helped create it. They own part of this piece of public art,\\u201d says Christofferson.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Commission hasn\\u2019t stopped with one sculpture. Alongside \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, they\\u2019ve launched \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitkosciuskocounty.org\\\/artworkswarsaw\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Works\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (a campaign spotlighting Warsaw\\u2019s creative makers), and nearly doubled their group in size to include artists, educators, city staff, and cultural supporters.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002244px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:44px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13276,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13280,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13278,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13279,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13282,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55bac\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECommission member Andrea Miller, an educator and metalsmith, says Warsaw\\u2019s commitment to public art has shifted her perspective on her home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I first moved here, I felt very isolated,\\u201d Miller says. \\u201cSeeing that there is interest in art, and there are people excited about it and trying to do things to either participate or make more opportunities happen, that makes me feel like this is a place that I could stay longer.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd hopefully, it opens new doors for others to get involved. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think public art gives people the opportunity to be exposed to art without it intimidating them,\\u201d says Christofferson. \\u201cHopefully it makes them realize that, oh, art is really beautiful, and I can connect to this, and I\\u0027m going to pay attention a little bit more in the future.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13272,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Warsaw, a city of 16,000 in northern Indiana, has infused energy and creativity into their community through public artworks by Midwest artists like Gail Christofferson (center).\",\"date\":\"2025-10-08 14:49:13\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13221,\"title\":\"Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of Jim Byerly\\u2019s coming-of-age in Indiana was traveling across the state.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m one of nine kids, and in order to keep their sanity, Mom and Dad would take us to the state parks on the weekends to a different historical location,\\u201d says Byerly. \\u201cAnd then once we ran out of things in Indiana, then we started traveling around, going further out as all of us got a little bit older.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13232,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022These days, it\\u2019s harder for Byerly, 65, to get out like he used to. He\\u2019s one of 30-some daily guests at \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stillwatersadc.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStill Waters Adult Day Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in Indianapolis, which welcomes folks with dementia and other disabilities.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut thanks to a grant from Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks, Byerly and others can still see, learn, and visit\\u2014in a way\\u2014art and historic destinations across Indiana. It\\u2019s in partnership with the Indiana State Museum.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cIt was just unbelievable,\\u201d Byerly says of a virtual visit to T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville, Indiana. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/tcsteele.org\\\/portfolio\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eT.C. Steele\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was an impressionist painter in the late 1800s and early 1900s.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cBrown County is beautiful. And he was able to bring it to life so that even here in Indianapolis where you don\\u2019t get to see all of that beauty and surroundings, you could see it in his artwork.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d24e8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-seeing-sites-in-new-ways-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ESeeing Sites in New Ways\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDiana Keely is Still Waters\\u2019 executive director. She says the weekday center is there so elders can stay in their own homes or with family.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur seniors [should] have the programming they would have if they didn\\u2019t have dementia,\\u201d says Keely, who wrote this program grant. \\u201c[It] is very difficult [for] an individual with dementia to do some of these programmings . . . The drive is just too far for someone who has any type cognitive or physical limitations. Or when they get there, it is difficult for them to actually explore and walk the grounds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the grounds come to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13233,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d255c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndiana State Museum staff present and explain historical artifacts\\u2014Keely recalls a horse brush being one.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd she would hold it up and she would talk, would get \\u2018em three scenarios that the horse brush would be used for, and they have to state what they think the horse brush was actually used for. So, it\\u2019s a really cool and engaging way to get the guests to think about old items around their house,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther sites are land-based and discoverable via video tours. Museum staff would stop in certain areas and give context: the who, what, and when.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly has been to all the sessions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWell, I\\u2019ll tell you: It was wonderful because they were able to take us without having to travel over there,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp; \\u201cIt was quite wonderful. It made you feel like you were actually there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly says these tours have rekindled memories of when he\\u2019d traveled to these sites before.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt just reminded me of seeing it in person,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt was a wonderful thing to relive that and to see it again . . . It helps to renew and helps you to remember.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13234,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022529\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 41%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Remote site tours have included the T. 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Steele State Historic Site, the Limberlost State Historic Site, and Angel Mounds State Historic Site.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-02 16:00:16\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022705\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 41%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11004,\"title\":\"Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI reached out, wrapped my hands tightly around the bar, swung out on the trapeze 25 feet in the air, threw a flip, and looked up for my catcher\\u2019s hands. I trusted they were there. Then relief and excitement. The audience erupted in applause!\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11005,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBorn and raised in Peru, Indiana, I did what kids only dream of. I was six when my mother took me to see my cousin perform at the circus. I knew then that I wanted to do it too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe \\u2018\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.perucircus.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGreatest Amateur Show on Earth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2019 showcases circus acts with 200+ kids every year and has been for 65 years. There are \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonly\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e 50 \\u201ccircus towns\\u201d\\u2014places with connections to circus performance and history\\u2014in the United States. Seeing the impact of circus in Peru (pop. 11,073), I wonder why.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAt age 11, I experienced drastic changes at home. I was moving, changing schools, leaving friends. Then spring came, and it was time for circus practice to start.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt took me away from the chaos at home. Having fun with people who cared about me got me through that time. When my family fell apart, without the circus, I could have fallen apart too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMy former coach Bill Anderson performed and coached for five decades. Unaware of specific obstacles kids faced at home, he focused on building their confidence. \\u201cThe young performers learn that they are capable of doing much more than they think they can do,\\u201d he says.\\u00a0 \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAccording to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/articles\\\/PMC10003779\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eresearch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, circus activities boost emotional well-being, self-esteem, social interactions, and academic achievement. With nearly 20% of children under 18 in Miami County (home to Peru) living in poverty, the local amateur circus has been an affordable and welcoming place for children from all walks of life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002234px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:34px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022[Spending] 10 years in the circus taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Debra Jo Myers\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2de\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-finding-growth-shaping-lives\\u0022\\u003EFinding Growth, Shaping Lives\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt 18, Jaxon Cole is a fourth-generation flyer in the circus. His great grandfather was the first catcher for flying trapeze in the early 1960s. His parents and grandparents performed professionally, too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWithout it, I wouldn\\u2019t have learned to trust people, like my catcher on the flying trapeze. Or to push myself harder every day\\u2026\\u201d says Jaxon. \\u201c My life wouldn\\u2019t be fun without circus!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaving spent 10 years in the circus, this resonates with me\\u2014it taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community. Without hundreds of volunteers, there would be no circus in Peru, Indiana.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11013,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11012,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11009,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKnowing how to push through my fear to try new experiences has led me to encourage others to do the same. It led me to a career in management. It\\u2019s also filled my head and my heart with stories that gave me the drive to write. I would have taken a different path had I not been a circus kid.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I meet people, and they ask where I am from, I get to share stories of flying high on the trapeze. Even now, 50 years later, the voices of my circus family are always with me:\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBelieve in yourself! You can do it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd importantly, \\u201cMay all your days be circus days!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11010,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Record-breaking seven-person pyramid on High Wire, 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-03 15:49:58\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":757,\"name\":\"Debra Jo Myers\",\"slug\":\"debra-jo-myers\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":757,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Debra Jo Myers\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":209362,\"participants\":32819,\"grants\":18,\"communities\":16},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10505,\"title\":\"A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EInside a two-story, century-old brick fortress, sun shines through stained glass artworks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMusic serenades down the hall; a koi pond will soon reflect a kaleidoscope of oranges and whites. Magic happens here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut it isn\\u2019t a fairytale\\u2014this is Cedar Rapids, Iowa.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEastern Iowa Arts Academy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a nonprofit offering accessible arts education\\u2014recently purchased this historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/about\\\/arthur\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArthur Elementary school\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which was meant to be demolished. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s like a whole new place ... You can unwind. You can be creative. You can be exactly who you want to be here. It\\u2019s a safe place,\\u201d says Heather Wagner, the organization\\u2019s executive director. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10509,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181012\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building\\u2019s plans include a hallway gallery, open studio spaces, and a community room with a food pantry, clothing closet, and mental health support. Folks can rent out instruments; there\\u2019s a sensory room, and a kitchen and gym rental.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents can sign up for band practice, create in the community maker\\u2019s space, or record tracks at the studio.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10511,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-music-as-healing-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMusic as Healing\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nOne of those students, Zoe Wolrab, is a high school senior involved in three rock bands through the academy. She sings and plays bass guitar, covering artists from Carol King to Toto.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I was 14, I was kind of struggling a lot, just focusing in school and wanting to go to school in the first place. And I was also struggling a lot mentally,\\u201d Wolrab says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSo their mom suggested getting involved with music. Joining after-school sessions at Eastern Iowa Arts Academy perhaps saved their life, says Wolrab.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMusic is what I want in my life now. This kind of helped me find my career path in the first place. I just want to keep doing this forever.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f91810cf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe academy is open to students of all ages and abilities, who pay full or partial memberships up to $190 or so a year. By the next three years, organizers plan to have full ADA-accessible programming. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s for everybody\\u2014by everybody.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe whole community coming together is working ... on making this \\u003Cem\\u003Ethe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E arts hub for this area,\\u201d Wagner says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meeting-a-creative-need-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeeting a Creative Need\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen bringing folks back to the academy\\u2019s previous building after pandemic restrictions, the problem was clear: The demand was just too high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey came back in droves,\\u201d Wagner says of the students. \\u201cThe need for expression in the arts was huge.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EClasses started racking up waiting lists and students wanted more private instrument lessons. The academy was running out of room. With the help of a cohort grant through the Iowa Arts Council, the team secured the school for $260K.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10515,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181149\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building, though largely untouched save some painting, has transformed into an arts refuge. Wagner says people can come just as they are: There\\u2019s no need to put on a mask, empty your wallets, or be uncomfortable. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe just wants people to feel restored, much like the building\\u2019s newfound purpose.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArt can do what it\\u0027s supposed to do. People can kind of bury themselves in the art,\\u201d Wagner says. \\u201cYou can just heal. And that\\u2019s what it\\u2019s all about.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10514,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hundreds of people showed up for the open house of Eastern Iowa Art Academy\\u0027s new (old) building.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-21 17:20:20\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 21, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9475,\"title\":\"This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA mammoth kite is strapped down to a truck; Interstate 35 is backed up with traffic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s one of the biggest weekends for small-town Clear Lake, Iowa: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/color-the-wind\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EColor the Wind Kite Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe event itself draws almost 20,000 people from all across the Midwest to see these kites in the sky,\\u201d says Stacy Doughan, president and CEO of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut they\\u2019re not \\u003Cem\\u003Ejust\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E kites\\u2014once a year, acres of frozen lake set the stage for flying cats, astronauts, Iron Man, and dinosaurs. Yes, even pigs fly (at least in Clear Lake).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9477,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78568\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe event inspired Iowa artist Andy Chenchar, who grew up visiting the city as a child. His \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/members.clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/details\\\/exhibition-constructs-from-the-printed-page-by-artist-andy-chenchar-739348\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enew exhibition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in town features collages depicting Color the Wind\\u2019s fantastic colors and shapes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the color contrast against the sky that\\u2019s kind of grayish-blue,\\u201d Chenchar says. \\u201cThese things are huge sculptures in the air and the way they float and the tension between the ground and the sky ... They\\u2019re really colorful and sculptural and kinetic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe\\u2019ll connect scraps from magazines and paper, creating horizons and shapes to form what he calls an artistic puzzle. Chenchar\\u2019s piece \\u003Cem\\u003EKite Fest\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is informed by his frequent visits to the area and the festival.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9483,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e7859a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s incredible to watch \\u0027em go up and hang up there in the air,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoughan says some kites, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. Several dozen fliers will hoist multiple kites at once, filling the chilly air with flowing reds and yellows.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\\\u0026feature=youtu.be \\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be \\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EColor the Wind started in 2005 with local kite pilots Larry and Kay Day, who traveled to similar festivals across the U.S. before deciding Clear Lake needed its own.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSummer is just a packed time here in Clear Lake, and so doing it in the middle of winter on the frozen lake was just appealing,\\u201d Doughan says. \\u201cBecause after a long, dark, dingy winter, it\\u0027s so nice to have the bright kites in the sky on top of the snow-covered lake.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022It\\u0027s Cold But We Still Art!\\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022Read more stories about how Midwesterners creatively celebrate and embrace winter!\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00228942\\u0022,\\u00226492\\u0022,\\u00223518\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022multicolor\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78880\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9478,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 72%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Some kites in the fest, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. \",\"date\":\"2025-02-11 19:08:14\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 11, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 72%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                          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                (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":14090,\"title\":\"Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tamsie.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETamsie Ringler\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E moved to Dubuque, Iowa, five years ago.\\u0026nbsp;After years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she was looking to retire somewhere she could afford a house, continue her art practice, and see her son finish school.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut before she relocated, Ringler spent decades teaching sculpture and foundry in colleges and leading iron pours across the country and internationally. At these live, high-heat casting events, artists melt scrap iron in a furnace and pour the glowing metal into molds to create sculptures.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14094,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667a9ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler has always loved the collective spirit that comes with iron casting and foundry,\\u0026nbsp; a passion she put into practice during a decade of organizing the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/franconiablog.wordpress.com\\\/2018\\\/02\\\/13\\\/2018-valentines-day-hot-metal-pour-part-2-life-as-a-professional-artist-working-in-cast-iron\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECommunity Collaboration Hot Metal Pour\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Minnesota\\u2019s Franconia Sculpture Park.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It\\u2019s] working together with a large group of people to make something happen and\\u0026nbsp;supporting\\u0026nbsp;the work of other people as well as your own,\\u201d the artist explains.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler is used to setting up foundries in non-traditional spaces including parking lots and sculpture gardens. \\u201cIt\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;a jump for me to be like, well, I can do that here in Dubuque,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cThere\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;anything like that going on here.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, in spring of 2025, Ringler debuted the Dubuque Iron Pour Project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14093,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eHeavy Metal Artistry\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor three weeks, eight local and regional artists (including sculptors, painters, metalsmiths, and landscapers) joined Ringler through the whole metal casting process\\u2014\\u201cfrom pattern to pour.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor participant \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/timolsonstudio.com\\\/paintings\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTim Olson\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, the technical parts of the workshop were a learning experience.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt took a while for it to all make sense,\\u201d says the artist who primarily works in painting and stained glass. He cast a miniature guard shack, incorporating stained glass as windows. \\u201cI picked a pretty difficult mold without really knowing what I was getting into.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLike Olson, most participants were new to metal casting. \\u201cIt was great\\u2014I got to meet artists\\u00a0[from Davenport, Iowa] I\\u0027d\\u00a0never met before\\u2026 We were all working together\\u00a0pretty closely\\u00a0because\\u00a0we had to help each other mix the material for the molds,\\u201d he adds.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlong the way, the group also helped Ringler make relief molds for the project\\u2019s outdoor community pours.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSupported by grants from the Iowa Arts Council, the Starseed Foundation, and local businesses, the Dubuque Iron Pour Project offered free workshops\\u2014including one at the Boys and Girls Club\\u2014and a public iron pour at the Dubuque Art Museum.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI didn\\u0027t really think of this type of work as being a kind of community project, you know, the way it turned out to be,\\u201d says Olson.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI definitely want to do it again.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; 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bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac13\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002239px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:39px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14105,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14097,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14101,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14102,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac7a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-casting-community\\u0022\\u003ECasting Community\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler kept the iron pour small this year, but hopes it can happen yearly.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2026, she hopes to host a conference centering art and climate, along with more public iron pours and workshops.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt takes a community of people to make [iron pours] happen.\\u0026nbsp;But I think\\u0026nbsp;we\\u0027re\\u0026nbsp;also all craving that, right? Because it\\u2019s difficult to get together in\\u0026nbsp;community,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to Ringler, that community is taking shape in Northern Iowa\\u2014one pour at a time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac9d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14098,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Dubuque Iron Pour Project by Tamsie Ringler hosted a number of free workshops for small groups and community where participants learned the iron casting process\\u2014\\u0022from pattern to pour.\\u0022\",\"date\":\"2025-11-19 23:01:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":246968,\"participants\":25033,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":12},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14000,\"title\":\"It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVickie Elmer will pick up litter on the side of the road. It\\u2019s not solely for humanitarian reasons, but for something a bit more creative.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe turns that trash into summer jobs\\u2014summer \\u003Cem\\u003Eart\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E jobs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EElmer is the co-founder and executive director of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMint Artist Guild\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E based in Detroit, Michigan. She leads the guild\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/programs\\\/summer-creative-jobs\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESummer Creative Jobs program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for teens and young adults.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur budget is small, but our aspirations are not,\\u201d Elmer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ec6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUsing donated secondhand material and hand-picked (literally) trash for several summers now, her employees will work for six weeks. The high school and college students are paid to create art, attend artist talks, or run crafting workshops; there\\u2019s a growing number of participants (up to 30 this year). Throughout the program, youth are compensated for their art and work\\u2014sometimes their pieces end up in galleries and exhibits, or are sold for fundraising.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d \\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RYN BENNING, 2024 INTERN\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ff5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERyn Benning was a 2024 intern, leading painting projects and artmaking all summer. A highlight was Trash to Treasure Day, a collaborative, speed-arting competition. The prize? Bragging rights.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe used a broken porcelain doll head, an arrow, an old painting and other knick-knacks to create an interactive piece,\\u201d Benning says, noting they added haiku and copious amounts of hot glue.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[I] got to test my craftsmanship in a set amount of time and learn more about my teammates,\\u201d Benning says. \\u201cParticipating in the event helped me build my collaboration skills. I also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14006,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14005,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14007,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14003,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d681a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14008,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Some of the art ends up in nearby exhibits, Elmer says, but it\\u2019s not about the end product.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u2019s so many nuanced lessons that they learn about being inventive and adaptive,\\u201d Elmer says. \\u201c[Repurposed art] frees [artists] from the constraints of having to have enough money to buy a big canvas or the best paint or whatever.\\u201d\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe sees that scrappiness across Detroit and has for years.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cRecycled and repurposed art . . . existed in Detroit for a long time, alongside fairly high rates of poverty in the city, and people who maybe don\\u2019t have an expectation that they\\u2019re ever going to spend time in a museum or an art gallery. So it\\u2019s sort of egalitarian,\\u201d Elmer says.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s available for everyone.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d6826c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14004,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022326\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students apply for the creative summer jobs, which is often their first official job application.\",\"date\":\"2025-11-06 20:02:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 6, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12747,\"title\":\"Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESeptember means the end of summer, the start of fall, and\\u2014in true Michigan tradition\\u2014the return of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArtPrize\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s one of the largest art competitions in the world, founded in 2009.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe two-plus-week festival spans across Grand Rapids (pop. 200,117) this year from September 18 to October 4. Galleries, breweries, and parks set the scene for open art crawls, renowned artist competitions, and creative events for the public. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis year, ArtPrize is awarding $600,000 in fundraising money to the winning artists, based on juried and community voting. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/faq\\u0022\\u003EThe nonprofit says\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E most of their budget comes from \\u201ccorporate giving, followed by foundations, individuals, and government grants.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 900 works will be on view, from artists across 39 states and 18 countries.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12774,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12749,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12757,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12754,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12752,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:12751,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:12798,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:12799,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e27\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtPrize 2025 is run by the City of Grand Rapids, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s installation art, live performances, sculptural work, architectural design, fashion, digital art, and more. Any artist over 18 can submit one piece to ArtPrize, where applicants must collaborate with host sites to be in the running.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere are a couple of those artists involved, both from years past and upcoming.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-teresa-dunn-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ETeresa Dunn\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETeresa Dunn showed work at one of the very first ArtPrize competitions as well as last year. She says she\\u2019s first and foremost a Mexican American woman, before she\\u2019s a \\u201cvisual storyteller.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd that shapes a lot of who I am as an artist,\\u201d says Dunn, from East Lansing, Michigan. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDunn\\u2019s piece \\u201cBrown Girl Club,\\u201d depicting her daughter\\u2019s math and science teachers, will be up at the city hall during this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12750,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e58\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a rare occasion where a city dedicates this timeframe to the arts in this way and it\\u2019s become an international phenomenon that that\\u2019s really exciting to be a part of,\\u201d she says. \\u201cOftentimes, artists are making their work in isolation or in small groups . . . and you don\\u2019t know if it has impact or not until you get it out into the world.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Dunn, ArtPrize \\u201cis a community building; it\\u2019s a celebration of artistic and creative practice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCameron Stalheim\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nSioux Falls, South Dakota, sculptor Cameron Stalheim works to capture bodily emotion, spirituality, and positivity with his pieces.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHe was chosen to show one of his favorite sculptures \\u201cPersist\\u201d at Sixth Street Park for this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a large, bronze piece depicting a figure holding down a fabric that\\u2019s binding it, arm outreached. Stalheim is currently working on transporting this 700-pound figure across the Midwest for his first ArtPrize showing.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTo Stalheim\\u2014win or lose\\u2014ArtPrize shows the world how one artist can affect communities across the region and world.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s just being able to step into one of the biggest conversations about art on an international level,\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd we can do that, collectively, from the Midwest.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e81\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12770,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Since 2009, ArtPrize says it has given nearly $7 million to artists and garnered more than 4 million public votes. Pictured is the Closing Ceremony of 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-09-04 21:46:27\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 4, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11377,\"title\":\"The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen he was 27 years old, the hardware used to treat Nicholas Harrier\\u2019s childhood osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) became infected, necessitating an above-knee amputation. Upon receiving his prosthetic leg from Bay City, Michigan\\u2019s Oakland Orthopedic, however, Harrier put the unit through its paces\\u2014by, among other things, leaping down flights of stairs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOakland Orthopedic soon offered Harrier a job. Harrier has gone on to make an even bigger impact than the ones at the bottom of those staircases.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11381,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to his day-to-day work as a prosthetic technician, Harrier designs custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d: bespoke pieces of art, slipped over a patient\\u2019s artificial limb, in whatever form they so desire\\u2014be it dragon skin, body horror, or the iconic aesthetics of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/H._R._Giger\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eH.R. Giger\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. On Instagram, Harrier documents his work as \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/prostheticguy\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e@prostheticguy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cEvery prosthetic place should have a prosthetic guy. It shouldn\\u0027t just be me and a few companies doing it,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cThey need to up their game, because it\\u0027s not just about looks, and I\\u0027m so tired of hearing it reduced to that. We have empirical data that can disprove that.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHarrier cites a study out of University of Nevada that found that positive patient outcomes increase by as much as 70 percent, just by being offered a choice, and by being engaged in the design process of their new appendage.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u0027re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u0027re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u0027re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u0027t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cAnd I\\u0027ll die on that mountain.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOver the past decade, Harrier estimates that he\\u2019s crafted as many as 80 custom jackets. But he endeavors to test out new materials or techniques each time; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u0027s yours,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cIt\\u0027s not something that came off of a factory line. It doesn\\u0027t have some giant corporate logo on it. The mold is broken. And for some amputees, it\\u0027s not their first leg. But for a lot of them, it feels like it, because it\\u2019s the first one truly designed for them.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOne of Harrier\\u2019s clients, Cam Ayala, outlined the vision for his first cover via classic cinema: the 1991 Disney movie, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eThe Rocketeer\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; Matthew McConaughey\\u2019s spacesuit from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eInterstellar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; and blending both together via weathered, rusted steampunk.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5749e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u2019re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u2019re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u2019re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u2019t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NICHOLAS HARRIER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d57531\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11385,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNick has such a servant\\u0027s heart,\\u201d Ayala says. \\u201cThere\\u0027s not a lot of people who would lose their leg to cancer and then decide to get into the field of prosthetics\\u2014and then, adding this whole layer of custom aesthetic that really does get to the psyche of the patient. To empower them, to be proud. To not just feel like this is just a durable piece of medical equipment.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHarrier doesn\\u2019t simply hope that his work makes the world a more accessible, beautiful place. Rather, his art aims to challenge the paradigm of what disability can, or should, be: not as a marker of illness or tragedy, but as an emblem of pride and power.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u0027s a great quote,\\u201d Harrier says, \\u201cand you can pretend like I knew the guy who said it: \\u2018We rise by lifting others.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5755d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11384,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 15%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"With every custom jacket, Harrier endeavors to test out new materials or techniques; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-17 17:41:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":758,\"name\":\"Jonathan Feakins\",\"slug\":\"jonathan-feakins\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":758,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jonathan Feakins\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":273165,\"participants\":44991,\"grants\":29,\"communities\":28},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":11750,\"title\":\"Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou go to cemeteries to grieve, to remember, or maybe just to take a lunch-break walk. At this Minneapolis, Minnesota, cemetery, you can add a more fertile reason to that list: for \\u003Cem\\u003Eart.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELakewood Cemetery\\u2019s very first \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eartist-in-residence program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E kicked off this spring. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFour local artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (selected through a public open call) host events and create work throughout the year at the 250-acre site. It\\u2019s believed to be the first of its kind in the Midwest; there are two on the east coast.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDeath is one of our few constants between everyone. We all will experience it at some point,\\u201d says Amanda Luke, the cemetery\\u2019s community engagement manager. \\u201cAnd I think it\\u2019s a no-brainer to utilize these spaces as community sites for conversations (and) artist workshops.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11755,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044546\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuke says over 70 artists applied for the residencies, which focus on remembrance, grief, and the cycle of life and death. While the residency is new this year, she says it\\u2019s hard not to imagine it becoming a staple. Art and cemeteries have long been allies\\u2014especially at Lakewood, which is more than 150 years old. There are sculptures and elegant gravestones throughout the cemetery, which \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.arbnet.org\\\/accreditation\\\/levels-accreditation\\\/level-ii-criteria\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edoubles as an arboretum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have beautiful art all across the grounds. It\\u2019s kind of hard to miss,\\u201d Luke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s like a museum where you can actually gently touch the art . . .\\u0026nbsp; it gives you a new way to just think about these spaces as artistic spaces.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meet-the-artists-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeet the Artists\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of her residency, longtime visual artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dianaeicher.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDiana Eicher\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E collects would-be composted, post-funeral flowers. With them, she hand-makes paper that people can take home. By next spring, she\\u2019ll have a collection of tree and floral artwork, inspired by the cemetery, printed on that petal paper.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11758,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOne of my motivations was . . . to also honor and memorialize the people whose loved ones are being buried and commemorated at Lakewood without actually attaching names to them,\\u201d Eicher says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother artist-in-residence is improvisational musician \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sarahmgreer.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESarah M. Greer.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E She leads song circles at the cemetery chapel by taking grief-adjacent sounds and distilling them into songs. She\\u2019ll then write that translation on a notecard for participants, like: \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u2018Sing a falling, two-note pattern for a relatively long period of time.\\u2019\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI got curious about if we could make music from the sounds that we use to express sorrow and in so doing, if the sounds themselves were part of how we digest and transmute sorrow,\\u201d the composer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11760,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11761,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11756,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-687688304458d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe other artists in residence are \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.andrewgrumcarr.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAndrew Grum Carr\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, reflecting on loss through an essay and seasonal watercolor paintings; and RJ Kern, a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rjkern.com\\\/ethereal-echos\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EChromoskedasic photographer\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E creating abstract images of \\u201cimpermanence and rebirth.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn their own ways, these artists transform grief into a kind of wonder. A space to create\\u2014sometimes collectively\\u2014from a gaping hole. These life cycle-focused expressions let us sit with our big, heavy questions, especially if we do not have the answers. They invite some solace into bereavement\\u2019s blues, and its beauty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11762,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A community lantern release event in 2021. This year\\u0027s inaugural artist residency program is part of Lakewood Cemetery\\u0027s long art history.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-09 21:18:10\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 9, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11152,\"title\":\"Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EScene: It\\u2019s December 2023. Reggie Holmes, 72, faces the audience at a choir concert. She\\u2019s been singing since she was a baby, but things have changed.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI turned around to apologize to the guy behind me. I said, \\u2018I just want to sing, but it will sound really bad,\\u2019\\u201d Holmes says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMy voice was lovely, but Parkinson\\u2019s stole that from me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the past couple of years, she\\u2019s somewhat reclaimed that voice\\u2014in large part thanks to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.spoonsforthepeople.com\\\/parkinsong\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EParkinsong Choir\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in rural Washburn, Wisconsin. Last year, it sprouted from a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-network\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enetwork\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of choral groups across the Midwest (and world) for folks with dementia and their caretakers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEyleen Braaten is the executive director of that parent network: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGiving Voice\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In it, she sings with her dad, who has dementia.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It] is an opportunity to have a human-centered approach to creating programs that really bring wellbeing to people that are often told that they don\\u2019t have too much to give,\\u201d Braaten says of Giving Voice, which offers \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-toolkit\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Efree toolkits\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for communities looking to start their own choirs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c01042\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGetting your song on is proven to boost \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.midwestmedicaledition.com\\\/articles\\\/music-amp-memory-sdfmc-program-explores-the-connection\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ememory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nccih.nih.gov\\\/health\\\/providers\\\/digest\\\/music-and-health-science\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eoverall health\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially in cases of dementia, Alzheimer\\u2019s and Parkinson\\u2019s. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganmedicine.org\\\/health-lab\\\/music-may-bring-health-benefits-older-adults\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPolls show\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E music (even just listening) is especially remedial with older adults. Music is social. Active. Even scientific.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s something Stephanie Johnson knows well. In 2009, the board-certified music therapist founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.musicspeakstherapy.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic Speaks\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and has worked with clients struggling with communication, memory, learning, early development, mental health ... the list goes on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf the brain is not operating in a way that it used to, due to a physical traumatic injury or a stroke or Parkinson\\u2019s or dementia, we can incorporate music and help pull the information from a healthy part of that brain back into processing, whether it be speech or motor or cognition,\\u201d Johnson says. She\\u2019s helped nonverbal clients sing, even when speech remains difficult.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010ba\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThink of the alphabet, she says: Would you have been able to memorize those 26 letters, in order, without that kindergarten-famous alphabet song?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJohnson\\u2019s team of music therapists works across the Midwest and beyond, adjusting song tempo and dynamics to meet client needs. But folks without this care access, a local choir, or even a diagnosis can still reap musical benefits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can queue up a beat (may we suggest our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/playlist\\\/3s7v2uUtWL9QD5oRo6ubjH\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEssential Midwest\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E playlist?) and let the brainwaves work their magic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMost often, the western world thinks of music as a song or a genre or an artist,\\u201d Johnson says. But what about music as healing? As identity, recovery?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11170,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11168,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010df\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinging, especially with Parkinsong Choir, is a source of joy, friendship, and belonging for Holmes: \\u201cMy voice is not what it used to be . . . It\\u2019s still kind of harsh and I have a vibrato you wouldn\\u2019t believe,\\u201d she says, laughing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut I can sing. And it\\u2019s beautiful.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-giving-voice-choirs\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Giving Voice choirs:\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Illinois\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundsgoodchoir.org\\\/goodmemories\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGood Memories Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Chicago\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.springfieldchoralsociety.org\\\/post\\\/scs-launches-sing-by-heart-a-dementia-friendly-chorus\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing By Heart\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Springfield\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Indiana\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/profile.php?id=100057589863575\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing For Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Bloomington\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/_files\\\/ugd\\\/138821_ac3e8acaa46940e28a16f76587443f49.docx?dn=Sandi%27s%20Closet%20Flyer.docx\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSandi\\u0027s Closet Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Columbus\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Iowa\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mercycare.org\\\/services\\\/family-caregivers-center\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTogether in Song\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Cedar Rapids, IA\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnesota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/walkerwest.org\\\/amazing-grace-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmazing Grace Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | St. Paul\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.capiusa.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSuab Zoo Siab (Hmong Folk Choir)\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Brooklyn Center\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lahgranitefalls.org\\\/programs\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBuilding Bridges Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Granite Falls\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/elevateotc.org\\\/elevating-voices\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eElevating Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Perham\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.resoundingvoices.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eResounding Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Rochester\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singinghillschorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSinging Hills Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Mankato\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thevictorychorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVictory Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Duluth\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/VOJmusic\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVoices of Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Benson\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.memorylanesingersmn.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Memory Lane Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Coon Rapids\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/actonalz.org\\\/winona\\\\u0022\\\\u003eForget Me Notes Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Winona\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Minneapolis\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Lino Lakes\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022North Dakota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singfromyourheartchorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing From Your Heart Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e |\\u00a0Fargo\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/calvarygf.org\\\/unforgettables\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Unforgettables\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Grand Forks\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 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Washburn\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:6,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c013ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11167,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022671\\u0022 height=\\u0022417\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022We have that ability to use music and that powerful rhythm to help synchronize the brain and open up the brain\\u0027s ability to use more parts of their brain and more efficiently also,\\u0022 says Stephanie Johnson, founder of Music Speaks.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-10 21:14:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 10, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 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light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12700,\"title\":\"Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EWhat do you want to be when you grow up?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo be leaders, to show the right path,\\u201d Mike Laverdure hopes today\\u2019s teens will say\\u2014and he\\u2019s guiding them to that dream.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELaverdue, an architect and owner of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/team-members\\\/mike-laverdure\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDSJW\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/firstamericandesignstudio.com\\\/about\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFirst American Design Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, co-founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/indigenousdesigncamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s a free, week-long summer intensive for Native high school students. The volunteer-run camp, which is the first of its kind in the U.S., wrapped up its second year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout the week, the teenagers set up (day) camp at Dunwoody College of Technology\\u2019s architecture studios. They created projects and models using scale and measurements; they checked out the University of Minnesota\\u2019s architecture program and learned from Indigenous architecture; and Native designers visited and presented.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI was surprised how few Native architects there are. It made me want to change that.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PARTICIPANT, INDIGENOUS DESIGN CAMP\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194cc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12706,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194ef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think a lot of us on reservations don\\u2019t get to see that. We only see a few different careers. . .we don\\u2019t see architects, we don\\u2019t see landscape architects, we don\\u2019t see interior designers. We don\\u2019t even run into a lot of engineers,\\u201d Laverdure says, noting there are only about two dozen Native architects in the whole country. \\u201cAnd 20 years from now, there\\u2019ll be hundreds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe and the Indigenous Design Camp crew are starting small: Last year, around 10 kids participated. That\\u2019s just about doubled this summer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12715,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCo-founder \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/design.umn.edu\\\/directory\\\/jessica-garcia-fritz\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJessica Garcia Fritz\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e is an assistant professor and an architectural educator. The citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe says the camp lets these students\\u2014and over a dozen architects\\u2014gather in community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI also see the camp as an alternative and a way to build a collective of Indigenous architects and designers who may view the environment, and certainly the built environment, in a different way\\u2014one that needs to be stewarded, taken care of,\\u201d she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStudents at the camp learn about \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/respecting-the-tribe-the-7-principles-of-indigenous-engagement-in-the-design-process\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndigenous design principles\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. Garcia Fritz says they contrast western architecture\\u2019s often destructive and exclusive nature.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u2019s not looking at dominance over the land, dominance of relationships. I think that it\\u2019s\\u2014and this has always been a part of our cultures\\u2014looking at working with relationships, working with the land,\\u201d Garcia Fritz says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b067831967c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother co-founder and architect, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fullcircleplanning.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESam Olbekson\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of the White Earth Nation, says this camp helps students see themselves in not only architecture, but the architecture\\u003Cem\\u003E they \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ecreate. It\\u2019s about sovereignty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s my first time doing anything architectural\\u2014I\\u2019m excited to get that hands-on experience,\\u201d a participant from Elk River, Minnesota, shared on the camp\\u2019s website. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo design for themselves, to speak for themselves, to create the ideas and concepts,\\u201d Olbekson says. \\u201cThey don\\u2019t see boxes. They see the shapes, the colors, the patterns, the symbols when appropriate, or not. That makes them feel at home.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12713,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12714,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12716,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12726,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b0678319841\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp can be a major catalyst for many of these aspiring students, Laverdure says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBecause as Native architects and designers, we\\u2019re the ones who really are the change makers and the nation builders for our tribes,\\u201d he says. \\u201cSo to me, it is just kind of that first initial step into creating an environment where we take control of our own progress, our own generations, our own future.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12704,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 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class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":219484,\"participants\":43098,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":14},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10242,\"title\":\"Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a good-weather-day, skylight windows illuminate Albert: A large, metal albatross frozen in flight.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough not a bald eagle, the seabird is the symbol of patriotism here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe sculpture is on display in a two-story brick building in Grand Forks, North Dakota, nestled along the Red River across from Minnesota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10255,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe artist: Randi Goodoien. He, like many others in the space, is a veteran. He joined the Navy out of high school, spending four years as an aircraft mechanic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong the way, he found art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI went into autobody work ... and it really interested me how I was able to make the metal move and be creative,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;he says. \\u201cThat\\u0027s when I realized I was an artist.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECue Arts for Vets, home to Albert\\u2014and a cache of studio artists, neighbors, and visitors sharing the locale.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was founded nearly a decade ago by artist Kimberly Forness Wilson, who comes from a family of veterans. It grew from four to over 100 people involved in one year and has had a brick-and-mortar spot for six years.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10244,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10250,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10254,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10245,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10246,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10247,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10248,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10253,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArts for Vets is a veteran-initiated community arts entity. We do community arts in the physical\\u2014at our gallery\\u2014and we also bring community arts out,\\u201d Forness Wilson says, such as school visits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen of Grand Forks\\u2019 50,000-some residents rent studios at the small business. Some teach, others sell their work; everyone creates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt should be called Arts by Vets, the way it\\u0027s evolved,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThe veteran teaches the community. It\\u0027s a way of serving.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-gathering-force-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EA Gathering Force\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets studio artist and volunteer Senta Grzadzielewski hasn\\u2019t found anything like it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s kind of cool to be around people who value people who have committed, at least some point of their life, to serving the country. So to me, that\\u0027s super important to be a part of,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;the Air Force officer says. \\u201cIt actually cemented me in the community, made me feel like I had a purpose and that I belonged here.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10249,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2ee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrzadzielewski is an impressionist artist, focusing on landscapes in the Midwest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer creative output\\u2014vast skies, flowing hills, colors galore\\u2014is a stark contrast from the militarism she\\u2019s known for over 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI work in a lot of absolutes, a lot of black and whites ... My art has allowed me to escape from that and expand into more of an unknown,\\u201d Grzadzielewski says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-arts-for-well-everyone-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EArts for, Well, Everyone\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets isn\\u2019t just for vets or even capital \\u201ca\\u201d Art, really.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10252,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Studio artists invite community members who maybe, say, create for fun or for cultural tradition. Anyone can come for classes, gallery openings, you name it.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat\\u2019s intentional,\\u00a0Forness Wilson\\u00a0says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe feel a patriotic act to make sure that all can participate,\\\\u0022 she says. Everyone is invited to share their story, through art or practice.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cOnce they sit down and they\\u0027re part of the group, their creativity starts flowing and it\\u0027s like, \\u2018Wow, I didn\\u0027t think I could do this,\\u2019\\u201d Goodoien says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt builds a little more community, one brick at a time, one person at a time.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb45b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10251,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022601\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 81%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A Memorial Day art piece by Senta Grzadzielewski.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-08 14:52:43\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9990,\"title\":\"Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENorth Dakota is calling: It wants you to break up with the notion that high-quality, professional art is only for the coasts\\u2014and the cities.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMJ McHugh wants you to, too. They\\u2019re the Education and Rural Arts Director at the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I moved to North Dakota, I wasn\\u2019t expecting a crazy amount of arts. But when I got here, I was just absolutely shocked about how passionate the people of North Dakota are about art,\\u201d they say.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe museum\\u2019s Rural Arts Initiative goes beyond the bigger cities of Fargo or Bismarck and into the in-between spaces. Why?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany rural communities don\\u2019t have access to something like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Minneapolis Institute of Art,\\u201d they say. \\u201cThey just don\\u2019t always have that privilege and luxury to go see something.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the \\u003Cem\\u003Esomething\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E comes to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-not-empty-but-open\\u0022\\u003ENot Empty, but Open\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPoet and photographer Rebecca Norris Webb, along with partner Alex Webb (a photographer with 15 published books), is part of the program\\u2019s traveling exhibition across North Dakota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlex\\u2019s work takes in North Dakota\\u2019s urban scenes, while Rebecca\\u2019s focuses on the spaces between them. She grew up in South Dakota and found solace in the landscape of the Dakotas when her brother unexpectedly passed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt seemed the only place I could breathe was the prairies and Badlands,\\u201d Rebecca says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10000,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7d7b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Cem\\u003EGreat Open\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E exhibition, now on view at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/longxarts.com\\\/art-gallery\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELong X Arts Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Watford City, was inspired by the late poet Tomas Transtr\\u00f6mer\\u2019s quote: \\u201cI am not empty, I am open.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERebecca says anyone who considers the Dakotas as \\u2018flyover states\\u2019 is at a loss. Her work for this project was rooted in the grasslands, the prairie, and the Badlands that stretch across both states.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinking into this environment has helped to deepen her attention, she says. It\\u2019s mesmerizing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJust recently in the dead of winter, I was working near the South Dakota Badlands and was delighted to run across a series of Arctic migrants,\\u201d Rebecca says, recalling her experience watching the birds hopping across wintry grasses in search of food.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAll of a sudden, the flock lifted off, as if of one mind\\u2014a brown and white flash flitting as it vanished across the prairie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-the-world-comes-to-north-dakota\\u0022\\u003EThe World Comes to North Dakota\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe educational outreach program works \\u201cto encourage and empower rural school students and their teachers to actively participate in learning through the arts.\\u201d It came about as a direct response to feedback from rural educators and families.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re always trying to bring international, global, regional, and local art to our museum,\\u201d McHugh says, especially from artists with state ties.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7dd9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENot only do you have world-class artists displaying that beauty, but it\\u2019s accessible. The galleries traverse rural areas of the state; admission and programming are free.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo if you\\u2019re searching for that awe-inspiring gallery, perhaps look no further than your Midwest neighbors.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe doors are open\\u2014and not just from that North Dakota wind.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9994,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022527\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 56%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rebecca Norris Webb (right) teaches a student art workshop in Minot, North Dakota.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-19 17:58:49\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9734,\"title\":\"Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo spend time with one of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pieperbloomquist\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPieper Bloomquist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s paintings is to be surprised and delighted. At first glance, you may think you\\u2019ve stumbled on a long-lost Nordic painting, full of muted egg tempera colors and folk-art figures. But looking closer, you\\u2019ll notice the figures are playing baseball, and the medieval script next to them is in modern English. It\\u2019s a moment that prompts a double take: \\u003Cem\\u003EWhat is going on here?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBloomquist has dedicated her life to two traditional Swedish folk art painting practices, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Along the way, she has found a way to blend these historic techniques with contemporary stories to create something all her own.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhat makes Swedish folk painting unique, Bloomquist explains, is its narrative quality. While the tradition of Norwegian \\\\u003cem\\\\u003erosemaling\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e focuses on decorative floral and scrollwork, Swedish styles incorporate storytelling, often showing Bible stories or other meaningful events.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn 18th-century Sweden, traveling artists painted scenes on cloth to decorate wooden farmhouses. These paintings weren\\u2019t just art\\u2014they were personal and functional, often marking important moments in people\\u2019s lives.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s the storytelling aspect of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e that Bloomquist loves most. After working as an oncology nurse for years, she has spent much of her life listening to people\\u2019s stories and helping them through difficult times. Art became a way to manage stress and express her thoughts.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBlooomquist\\u2019s artistic journey was shaped by mentors Karen Jenson and Judith Kjenstad, two master folk artists known for their work in Norwegian and Swedish folk art traditions. They passed on the technical skills of the craft, inspiring Bloomquist to learn to make handmade paint, flour-based gesso, and stretched linen canvases.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e57d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut Bloomquist\\u2019s work didn\\u2019t stop with tradition\\u2014it evolved to include modern narratives. Her paintings show scenes like elders sipping coffee at a local Cenex, children climbing apple trees, or a North Dakota community rallying to move a church. Each piece bridges the past and present.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI want the original paintings to be valued as tools that have allowed us to tell our stories,\\u201d Bloomquist explains. \\u201cBut I\\u0027m very careful not to romanticize those old paintings. I recognize this tradition needs to stay relevant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9767,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9764,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9766,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9765,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e653\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of her most meaningful projects involves working with elders in nursing homes to create community paintings. Bloomquist interviews residents to gather personal stories, sketches their stories onto a large canvas, and holds open painting sessions where participants contribute to the artwork. In the end, the finished piece reflects residents\\u2019 lives and hangs in their home\\u2014a lasting tribute to their stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBloomquist also shares the history of \\u003Cem\\u003Edalm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E and \\u003Cem\\u003Ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E through teaching, both in the United States and in Sweden. \\u201cI want people to know about this tradition. I\\u2019ve been vocal to make sure it\\u2019s not forgotten,\\u201d she explains.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThrough her work, Bloomquist ensures Swedish folk painting remains a living, evolving tradition\\u2014rooted in history but reflecting today\\u2019s world. \\u201cIf something I\\u2019ve done has touched someone,\\u201d she reflects, \\u201cthat\\u2019s my legacy.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPieper Bloomquist is a 2024 recipient of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9760,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pieper in her home studio working a painting for the Hallson Church at Icelandic State Park in Cavalier, North Dakota, as part of the Partners for Sacred Places - Nordic Churches project.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-03 18:57:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 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wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea took root in 2019, when the Ohio Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission was convened to mark 100 years of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/constitution.congress.gov\\\/constitution\\\/amendment-19\\u0022\\u003E19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E Amendment.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the group hosted events and shared history about the amendment that granted women the right to vote, they began to wonder how they could create something lasting.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe talked about how important this anniversary was and what permanent things we could do to commemorate it,\\u201d says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt sparked the question: What if there was a monument commemorating Ohio women at the Statehouse?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut adding a new work of art to Capitol Square is no easy feat. A minimum five-year waiting period and multiple layers of review stood between the idea and installation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUndeterred, the Commission partnered with the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) and the Capitol Square Foundation to begin the long journey.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter a national artist search, the committee selected sculptor \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBrenda Councill\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, known for blending classical forms with contemporary meanings.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002241px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:41px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13809,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13805,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13816,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13818,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13825,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:13822,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:13808,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2998f1e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECouncill\\u0027s design features four granite columns encircled by rings engraved with the words Equality, Justice, and Liberation. Names of notable Ohio women will be etched into each pillar. Bronze figures of everyday women will stand atop three of the columns, while a fourth remains open to honor future generations. At ground level, a woman steps down from a pedestal and a child reaches upward.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe idea that consistently resonated with me was the depiction of women standing on columns,\\u201d says Councill. \\u201cIt\\u2019s a metaphor that both acknowledges and challenges longstanding traditions in American culture.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13820,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In 2025, Councill relocated from her home in North Carolina to Zanesville, Ohio, taking up residency at the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio \\\\u0026amp; Gallery to sculpt each figure from clay before 3D scanning and casting them in bronze. The process to bring the monument to completion will include engineers, architects, and other craftspeople from across Ohio.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCreating a work like this really takes a team. And project management.\\u201d Councill says. \\u201cBronze casting takes a year. Granite fabrication is 10 months. It\\u2019s a lot.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBehind the scenes, philanthropy has powered the project. Nearly $1.7 million has already been raised toward a $2.5 million goal \\u2014 all from private and philanthropic sources, as taxpayer dollars cannot fund new Statehouse monuments.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSome of the funds raised will support the creation of educational exhibits and materials about the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument for the thousands of students who visit the Statehouse each year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFor Charley Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation, that educational impact is one of the most meaningful aspects of the project.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe call the Statehouse \\u2018the people\\u2019s house,\\u2019\\u201d Moses says. \\u201cWe hope this monument will inspire students to be active citizens\\u2014to vote, to lead, to be involved in their communities.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument installation is slated for summer 2026, aligning with America\\u2019s 250th year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI hope that [the monument] is a representation of what women\\u0027s leadership makes possible,\\u201d says Collins. \\u201cAnd I hope little girls can point and say, I want to be her.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eFollow along as the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument comes to life through updates on the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/oac.ohio.gov\\\/home\\\/news-and-events\\\/all-news\\\/ohio-womens-monument\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOhio Arts Council\\u2019s blog\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2999087\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13819,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 43%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Artist Brenda Councill sculpts a figure for the Ohio Women\\u0027s Monument. The plinth to support the monument will be set into place in the spring of 2026. \",\"date\":\"2025-10-29 17:32:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 43%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Ohio\\u2019s Next Landmark Honors the Monumental Women Around Us\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11175,\"title\":\"Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1942, Agnes de Mille\\u2014one of America\\u2019s most influential choreographers\\u2014premiered \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E (pronounced row-DAY-oh). It\\u2019s a ballet that explores love, identity, and the social norms of the 19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century American Southwest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplays a pivotal part in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kennedy-center.org\\\/education\\\/resources-for-educators\\\/classroom-resources\\\/media-and-interactives\\\/media\\\/dance\\\/agnes-de-mille--rodeo\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eballet history\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It helped define \\u201cAmerican ballet,\\u201d setting it apart from predominant Russian influences of the time. And de Mille\\u2019s choreography introduced what she called \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=vJPuk9dPJFI\\u0022\\u003Estorytelling dance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u201d which transformed everyday gestures like cowboys riding horses or ropers throwing lassos into dance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow 80+ years on, \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eis being reimagined by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dancingwheels.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the nation\\u2019s first physically integrated dance company. Founded in 1980 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the international touring group consists of 10 full-time professional dancers, with and without disabilities, from diverse dance backgrounds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11180,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9ae6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMary Verdi-Fletcher, Dancing Wheels\\u2019 president and founding artistic director, says that she\\u2019s loved \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E ever since she first saw it staged by Cleveland Ballet in the \\u201980s. The vibrant movement and storyline, and de Mille\\u2019s approach to dance all resonated with her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI really wanted to do \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E for years, but it wasn\\u0027t possible [for Dancing Wheels] to do the actual movement ... the choreography at the time. So, I thought, \\u201cWhy don\\u0027t we reimagine it, modernize it, put it in today\\u0027s mindset where inclusion is so important in dance,\\u201d she elaborates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVerdi-Fletcher says Dancing Wheel\\u2019s version of \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Erepresents a major milestone: It\\u2019s the first time a major ballet \\u201cmaster work\\u201d has been recreated to be physically integrated. \\u201cWe\\u2019re pretty noted for taking on bigger projects,\\u201d she shares.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11181,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA Collaborative Transformation\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRodeo Reimagined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e incorporates different genres of dance, all to meet the expertise and experience of sit-down dancers in wheelchairs and stand-up dancers. It\\u2019s also being reenvisioned in other ways: a reworked score, a slightly different storyline, new costumes, and fewer cast members than the original.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo pull it off, Dancing Wheels collaborated with Cleveland Jazz Orchestra\\u2019s Paul Ferguson for the score and leading New York-based choreographer and director Amy Hall Garner.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThis has been a different process for me because we are telling a story. So, I have to make sure that stays in the forefront of all the movement,\\u201d says Garner, whose recent works lean non-narrative or abstract. \\u201cIt\\u0027s really opening my creative voice in a different way and making sure that everything is clear and comfortable, and cohesive and precise.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b5b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11184,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11185,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11183,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b82\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd how long did they have to create \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo Reimagined\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E? Just two weeks and three days of intensive in-person choreography with Garner, plus a handful of rehearsals!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe says her time with Dancing Wheels has been a gift \\u201cbecause you get so used to working in the vocabulary that you normally work in \\u2026 It really is cool for me to figure out new ways of moving and consideration.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis interpretation of the historic American ballet will \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.eventbrite.com\\\/e\\\/dancing-wheels-company-school-presents-rodeo-reimagined-tickets-1292733874819?aff=oddtdtcreator\\u0022\\u003Epremiere on June 14\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Dancing Wheels\\u2019 annual benefit gala.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u2019 production of Rodeo Reimagined is supported in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11177,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 70%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Dancing Wheels is the nation\\u0027s first physically integrated professional dance company. There are only 50 other companies like theirs in the world. Pictured: Dancing Wheels dancers performing in \\u003Ci\\u003EThree 4 Ann \\u003C\\\/i\\u003E (2022) choreographed by Mark Tomasic. \",\"date\":\"2025-06-05 15:05:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":100,\"label\":\"GIG Fund\",\"slug\":\"gig-fund\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read updates, news, and stories about GIG Fund, a grant that supports creative events and activities taking place in Midwestern communities.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\",\"grant_page\":null}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9470,\"title\":\"A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EQuilts. Sure, they\\u2019re bedcovers to keep you cozy over these long Midwestern nights\\u2014but they\\u2019re also art. Narratives. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.northwestern.edu\\\/stories\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/tracy-vaughn-manley-quilting-american-culture\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArchives of our past\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFitting all that into bits of fabric is Ohio-based \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/carolynlmazloomi.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECarolyn Mazloomi\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, whose middle name might as well be \\u201cMaster Quilter.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EForty years ago, she noticed a lack of community among artists like herself. So, she founded the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wcqn.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWomen of Color Quilters Network\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI founded the organization because I felt that, at the time, there needed to be a guild or an organization that would support African-American quilt makers,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThey were not members of regular quilt guilds, and it was because their work wasn\\u0027t so much accepted within the larger white quilt community.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMazloomi says she wanted to find a place\\u2014maybe\\u003Cem\\u003E the \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplace\\u2014in American quilt history for Black makers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThis history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CAROLYN MAZLOOMI, FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN OF COLOR QUILTERS NETWORK\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc8254\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cQuilts tell the stories of the struggles and the survival and the triumph of Black people, and they reflect the lived lives of their makers,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey serve as records of personal and collective history, Mazloomi says, from slavery to civil rights, race relations to simply day-to-day stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9488,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-nbsp-a-visual-voice-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2018A Visual Voice\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMazloomi says Black communities tend to utilize unique patterns: vibrant colors and improvisational styles.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSometimes this caused friction and criticism, if it was even looked at in the first place. But more than anything, the style became a community. A home.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThat gives us a sense of identity and solidarity and pride in our quilt-making. So quilt-making has long been a visual voice for marginalized people,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cAnd this, to me, is wonderful. And it\\u2019s very inspiring for future generations of Black quilt makers.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWomen in Mazloomi\\u2019s network skew older; the average member age is somewhere between 75 and 103, she says. Some teach youth around the country in an effort to reach younger folks.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd quilting remains relevant in visible spaces (see a \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.si.edu\\\/exhibitions\\\/we-gather-edge-contemporary-quilts-black-women-artists:event-exhib-6766\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecurrent exhibit\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e featuring works by Mazloomi\\u0027s quilters network at Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Art Museum). But like the quilting process itself, shifting demographics take time.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022It\\u2019s coming along slowly,\\u201d says Mazloomi.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83b5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-stitching-stories-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EStitching Stories\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.washingtonpost.com\\\/business\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/05\\\/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELess than half of Americans\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E identify as book readers. Luckily for us, we can glean stories in art, too, not just through vocabulary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe are not a nation of readers. So I think it\\u2019s an easy fix to tell these visual stories because we\\u2019re basically visual learners,\\u201d Mazloomi says, adding dozens of states have limited African-American history in schools.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter story quilts, visible in Mazloomi\\u2019s work. They portray Black history\\u2014even (especially) the traumatic stuff.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9489,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a way to tell difficult stories visually in places that are safe, where you can have a safe conversation about these difficult topics and talk about them,\\u201d Mazloomi says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut these stories have to be preserved. This history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9472,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 44%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi founded the Women of Color Quilters Network in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u00a0\",\"date\":\"2025-02-25 15:05:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":282406,\"participants\":58657,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":18},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14170,\"title\":\"Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESpanning just 10 minutes is an escalating story of cats, church, betrayal, and murder\\u2014by snake.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s a short play\\u2014made in just five short days\\u2014in the small town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. New playwright Margaret Bolte brainchilded \\u003Cem\\u003ECleopatra the Cat\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E during a creative writing session in town.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI don\\u2019t know where [writing] comes from,\\u201d the retiree says. \\u201cYou just get these ideas and words on paper, and it all comes together.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14183,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b1fa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBolte and five others tried their hands at one-act playwriting for Belle Fourche Area Community Theater\\u2019s inaugural \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bellefourcheact.com\\\/shows\\\/center-of-the-nation-playwrighting-festival\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECenter of the Nation Playwriting Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The community theater has been putting on original plays for 15 years, but director Derek Olson wanted to try something new.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhy not? Who knows if this\\u2019ll work or not?\\u201d Olson says. And it did: \\u201cWe got six writers to do the workshops. They had never finished a play, and they [all] wrote a play. And to us, that\\u2019s a win.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-one-week-plenty-of-passion\\u0022\\u003EOne Week, Plenty of Passion\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarlier this fall, for one week, writers gathered under the guidance of local Isabella Quijano, the festival director. Writers who responded to an open call\\u0026nbsp;completed workshops and exercises to find their play\\u2019s objective. Quijano worked with them on developing character voices and plots. Then the group read one another\\u2019s work and gave feedback.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14186,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b27a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was a lot of comradery and passion in one room at a time,\\u201d says Quijano, who recently graduated college with an English major. \\u201cIt was really special.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat special end product? Six, 10-minute plays performed by community members in front of an audience\\u2014including the writer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cTo actually hear these characters\\u2014characters I created for a story\\u2014come to life on the stage was absolutely surreal. It was just wonderful and performed perfectly.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Margaret Bolte, Center of the Nation Playwriting Festival participant\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b2ce\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe staged readings included props, set pieces, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt wasn\\u2019t just standing in a corner and reading awkwardly. They put their hearts and souls into this for a week and a half straight with almost no notice. So it was just a really big and wonderful thing that we made with so much love,\\u201d Quijano says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-yes-town\\u0022\\u003EA \\u2018Yes\\u2019 Town\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a town of 5,000-some people, that love ripples. There aren\\u2019t many opportunities to see plays around Belle Fourche, let alone learn how to write one. Thanks to a grant, festival tickets were low-cost and the workshops were free to encourage participation and creativity, no matter where folks live.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople don\\u2019t expect it. Belle Fourche is a very rural town,\\u201d Olson says of the area\\u2019s enthusiasm for the plays. \\u201cI think it shocks people, but I think it shows that . . . people need a creative outlet everywhere.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14176,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b335\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDirectors are hoping for a rerun next year (and then some). Belle Fourche, like many small Midwestern towns, is a great place to just say \\u201cyes,\\u201d Olson says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe say, \\u2018yes\\u2019 because . . . who knows, [Belle Fourche residents] could be the next people [who] are having their plays produced across the country.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14173,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Community members support their local playwrights (and the dessert table) during the inaugural playwriting festival. \",\"date\":\"2025-11-20 22:15:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 20, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10550,\"title\":\"Everyone Wins: Inside a Sioux Falls Gallery\\u2019s Art Lottery\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe next lucky number is 12. Twelve. Lucky Number 12.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENo, it\\u2019s not bingo night. That\\u2019s an announcement at an art gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their large windows display a painted sign that reads, in all caps: THE THUNDERDOME OF ARTS FUNDRAISERS.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuckily, there are no steel cages or fight-to-death matches. Just lucky numbers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10564,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6df8d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe announcer at the microphone is Mike Hart, one of the founders of Ipso Gallery, started in 2009 by Hart, Liz Heeren, and Ted Heeren.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIpso Gallery\\u2019s biennial-ish arts fundraiser, Lucky Number, is a lottery style, one-night-only event, where art from local artists is divvied up among participants\\u2014by chance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s an arts fundraiser where everyone wins,\\u201d says Liz Heeren, Ipso\\u2019s director and curator. All artists get paid the same amount, sponsors buy in to win three artworks, and a local project or nonprofit receives funding.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoing it this way was important to Liz, an artist and art educator. Over the years, she noticed that artists often lose at events like these\\u2014\\u201ctheir work doesn\\u2019t sell or get bid on.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10570,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022At the event, Liz advises attendees on artists and artworks hanging on the walls, while \\u201cLadder Boy\\u201d Ted hands the art out. Collectors holding numbered tokens eagerly wait for their lucky number to be called. If it is, they walk up to the gallery wall, pick their art, and then take it home that evening!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s exhilarating, nerve wracking, and sometimes tense, says the curator. There\\u2019s been \\\\u003cem\\\\u003esome \\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003eshouting.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSponsors come with a strategy, says Liz. \\u201cPeople are invested \\u2026 They\\u2019ve got their top 10 listed. They\\u2019re taking notes.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a gamble\\u2014either you get first pick, wait your turn, or get called last.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMaybe in the end if they don\\u0027t get their number one choice, they\\u0027re getting an artist they don\\u0027t know as well, and might fall in love with that work and become a collector of that artist over time.\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLucky Number raises money to support local arts and culture. The 2025 proceeds will fund a site-specific public art installation. Over the last decade, the fundraiser has benefitted small arts organizations and artist-run creative projects.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e05f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10566,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10569,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10567,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10568,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e207\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as importantly, it connects the Sioux Falls community to art and artists.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019ve had some really strange shows over the years and really explored art in different ways. And that\\u2019s what gets us excited,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s getting people to do things that are uncomfortable, the transformation of the space, and the celebration of really weird ideas.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor those who enter Ipso, it\\u2019s a moment of \\u201cdelight in creativity.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Want to run your own Lucky Number event?\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e Here\\u0027s how Ipso Gallery does it!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA sponsor buys in at $1,500 to \\u201cwin\\u201d three artworks (Ipso invites 15-20 local community members and businesses to sign up; a sponsor can be an individual or a group)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nAn artist submits three artworks and receives $900 (Ipso curates 15-20 regional artists; $750 is from the sponsorship and $150 from Ipso)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA local organization or project receives $10,000-$15,000 (Ipso Gallery supports the growth of local arts and culture)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003eAt the event, sponsors are given numbered tokens for three rounds of Lucky Number. When their number gets called, they pick an artwork from the first panel\\u2014and so on.\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:10555,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e3f0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting art.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-fundraiser-ipso-gallery-lucky-number\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10557,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. They are handing off an artwork from the wall to a person standing below them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022Ladder Boy\\u0022 Ted Heeren hands an artwork to a Lucky Number participant.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-23 17:22:31\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 23, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. 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The playwright who defined modern English, oddly enough, knew that words were only half the story.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWisconsin\\u2019s American Players Theatre (APT) has taken this sentiment to heart. Set in the hills of rural Spring Green, roughly an hour from Madison, the classical venue is creating performances, events, and audience experiences with and by deaf artists, reimagining how theatre tells everyone\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2023, APT produced \\u003Cem\\u003ERomeo \\u0026amp; Juliet\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, but with a twist: Actor Josh Castille played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers. \\u201cI only did Romeo \\u0026amp; Juliet that year,\\u201d says Castille, \\u201cand Brenda [DeVita] and I had a conversation\\u2014what would it mean to have me for a whole season?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10959,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfacd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd the gears started turning. In 2025, the repertory theatre will showcase the whole spectrum of deafness: Castille returns for \\u003Cem\\u003ETribes\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a story of a deaf son in a hearing family, and to play Puck in \\u003Cem\\u003EA Midsummer Night\\u2019s Dream\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. It\\u2019s not theatre for deaf audiences, Castille clarifies\\u2014it\\u2019s theatre \\u003Cem\\u003Eincluding\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E deaf artists.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat, coincidentally, makes it more accessible to all: Shakespeare is dense for any theatre-goer, hearing or otherwise, and utilizing ASL (American Sign Language) helps with storytelling, making it both more multidimensional and more digestible.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEvery show, I\\u2019m used to finding the cracks in the story and slipping in justification for why this person is deaf,\\u201d says Castille. \\u201cWhat\\u2019s lovely about \\u003Cem\\u003EMidsummer\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is that we\\u2019re not justifying the deafness. We\\u2019re letting Puck be Puck, letting him just exist as this nuanced person, because everyone is that way.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003ci\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003ci\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e experience. But all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Brenda DeVita, Artistic Director, American Players Theatre\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfb38\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10961,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT is also running an ASL immersion weekend, August 22-24, 2025. In addition to full ASL interpretation of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTribes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidsummer\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, pre-show talks with deaf translators will discuss adapting Shakespeare, and an open \\u201cASL Slam\\u201d stage call invites deaf audience members to perform at a partner venue.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor these shows, captioning services (via GalaPro) will be available, making the text available in real time, on any device, including smartphones. APT started utilizing the service in 2023, making performances accessible for the deaf or hard of hearing\\u2014or simply those who wish Shakespeare had subtitles.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT doesn\\u2019t have a term for what it is they\\u2019re doing. There was no plan to turn Shakespeare on its heels or break ground via accessibility work.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e experience,\\u201d says Brenda DeVita, artistic director. \\u201cBut all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfca2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, staff started seeking out new ways to tell the human story. \\u201cLuckily,\\u201d says DeVita, \\u201cour audience moves with us because they trust us, and the artists that come to work with us move with us because they trust us. We move at the speed of trust.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOf course, a widened perspective is only part of good storytelling. \\u201cThe reason we\\u2019re doing it,\\u201d says Sara Young, managing director, \\u201cis because it makes the stories better. It simply makes them richer for our audiences.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10960,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Actor Josh Castille (right) played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer (left) played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers\\u2014in \\u003Ci\\u003E Romeo \\u0026 Juliet\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E by American Players Theatre in 2023.\",\"date\":\"2025-05-22 14:04:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":666,\"name\":\"Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"slug\":\"jacqueline-kehoe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":666,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                How Sign is Transforming a Wisconsin Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9782,\"title\":\"Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist-educator \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/marthabuche.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMartha Buche\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E calls herself a generalist. From drawing to felting, needlework to woodwork, mosaics to metallurgy, \\u201cI rarely meet a medium I don\\u2019t want to explore,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche finds a niche, however, in traditional copper bowl-making.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9960,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The tradition she draws from is her own Potawatomi ancestry\\u2014for centuries, Indigenous communities of the Great Lakes have cultivated rich artistic and toolmaking practices thanks to the region\\u2019s natural copper deposits. \\u201cWe are so blessed in the upper Midwest to have this beautiful vein of Lake Superior copper that is 99% pure,\\u201d says Buche. \\u201cThe Creator gives you what you need.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith copper so pure, no smelting is required. Beautiful bowls can be hammered out with stones found along the shores of the very same lake.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI love talking to people about the wonderful Indigenous wisdom of knowing millennia ago that copper is antibacterial and antimicrobial and purifies water,\\\\u0022 says Buche. \\\\u0022That\\u2019s why it\\u2019s used in our water ceremony.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBuche\\u2019s relationship to her Potawatomi heritage grew while working with the military, when she connected with Indigenous soldiers. When she returned from Germany, she took her children to powwows and handmade their dance costumes. From there, her artistry blossomed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI have always been an artist, and drawn to natural materials, so I found it a very natural transition,\\u201d she says. \\u201cI love metal\\u2014copper in particular\\u2014so when I discovered this traditional bowl-making practice using stone tools, I just fell in love.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5695ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow, Buche teaches at folk schools like the Driftless Folk School in Viroqua, Wisconsin, where her students range from middle schoolers to retirees. Some are Indigenous; many are not. Some travel from across the United States to make a copper bowl, and she\\u2019s since tripled the number of classes she offers. She starts each lesson with a greeting in the Potawatomi language before delving into the history, the process, and metallurgy.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou have to be in relationship with the copper,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cYou have to make sure you are listening when it speaks to you, that you\\u2019re paying attention to the relationship between you and how it\\u2019s changing with your interaction.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe reminds students to be kind to themselves. \\u201cEverybody goes through what I call the dark night of the bowl,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere can be a frustrating part in there because you\\u2019re using a new set of muscles and a new kind of tool. But I haven\\u2019t lost one yet. I believe everybody can make a bowl, and they do.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9958,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9962,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9963,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9964,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9965,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9967,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5697c6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche was \\u201cflabbergasted\\u201d to receive the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI have been an artist for fifty years. To be acknowledged as somebody worth taking a look at is amazing,\\u201d she says. And although teaching has been a cherished part of her career, she looks forward to dedicating more time to her own artmaking.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOften working with others inspires one\\u2019s own imagination, so it\\u2019s been a wonderful blessing,\\u201d she says. And, \\u201cI\\u2019m getting to the point now that I don\\u2019t have endless amounts of time. I should probably get to it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EMartha Buche is a 2024 recipient of the Midwest Culture Bearers Award, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9966,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Martha Buche teaches copper bowl-making classes at the Driftless Folk School, to students of all ages.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-17 17:37:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":738,\"name\":\"Jennifer Vosters\",\"slug\":\"jennifer-vosters\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":738,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":18,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jennifer Vosters\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":{\"1\":{\"ID\":665,\"label\":\"Midwest Culture Bearers Award\",\"slug\":\"midwest-culture-bearers-award\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories and updates from this award that celebrates Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners and supports their future work.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\"}},\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Midwest Culture Bearers Award\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9288,\"title\":\"Understanding Milwaukee History Through a Miniature House\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen you think about miniatures, what comes to mind? Tiny dollhouses? Model trains? While they\\u2019re often seen as cute toys, what if miniatures contained something bigger\\u2014like the history of immigration in a neighborhood?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of their most recent exhibit, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mitchellstreet.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMitchell Street Arts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E created a miniature version of a real house in Milwaukee\\u2019s South Side neighborhood, as seen through two different eras of the home\\u2019s history. It\\u2019s meant to be a conversation starter about immigration, gentrification, cultural change, and what makes the South Side home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the past 140 years, the area around Mitchell Street has welcomed waves of immigrants, including Germans, Poles, Norwegians, Soviet Jews, and, more recently, Hispanic and Middle Eastern families. What has stayed the same is the neighborhood\\u2019s houses\\u2013which led to the idea of making one in miniature. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think miniatures inspire a sense of wonder and awe in a way that is unique amongst a lot of other art forms,\\u201d says Rew Gordon, Executive Director of Mitchell Street Arts. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a perfect entry point into talking about the melting pot that is our city.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9289,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Neighborhood-Wide Search\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nTo find the right house to recreate, Mitchell Street Arts partnered with Dr. Jill Lackey of Urban Anthropology Center. Dr. Lackey\\u2019s team ventured across the near South Side, canvassing over 30 blocks to find a house whose style, lot size, and window dimensions might capture the essence of the neighborhood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce they had a list of potential addresses, they dove deep into the history of these homes, using databases from the Milwaukee County Historical Society and Ancestry.com. They uncovered fascinating details like who lived there, where they came from, how many children they had, and what work they did.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd then, they started work to build a miniature version of a duplex located at 1512\\\/1514 S. 7th Street.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d84d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002252px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:52px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9294,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9293,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9295,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9296,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9297,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9292,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:9291,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d8554\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-two-families-connected-by-a-home\\u0022\\u003ETwo Families, Connected by a Home\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe lower level of the miniature represents the 1950s, when the Polish-American Golec family lived there. Catherine Golec, a widow, shared the home with three of her six children.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe upper level depicts the 1985 home of the Acevedos, a Mexican-American family who lived in the house until 2010. The floors are filled with miniature furniture, outfitted to match each family\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell Street Arts hopes that the miniature home can be a connector. So far, it\\u2019s having the intended effect. One visitor, a current renter of the house, was moved to tears by the exhibit.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThese are different periods and different groups of people, but we all have more in common than we realize. We\\u0027re living in the same kinds of units and making them our own,\\u201d says Bella Biwer, a local architect who helped to construct the miniature house. \\u201cI hope that it gives people a sense of belonging and pride in their community and their homes.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe miniature house will be on display at Mitchell Street Arts through mid-March 2025, with additional programming around memory, community and documentation, including drop-in family photography sessions for neighbors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Milwaukee South Side Miniature Project was made possible in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/milwaukee-miniature-house\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two smiling people pose next to a miniature house in an art gallery\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 53%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Claire Tilton \\u0026 Bella Biwer pose by the miniature house that they built for the South Side Miniature Project\\n\",\"date\":\"2025-01-29 20:39:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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(min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/milwaukee-miniature-house\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Understanding Milwaukee History Through a Miniature House\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":242649,\"participants\":46787,\"grants\":19,\"communities\":13}},\"label\":\"2025\",\"query_var\":\"2025\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2025\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/2025-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"key\":0},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":6613,\"title\":\"A Gratitude-Inspired Mural Brought This Community Together\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom tiny bees and a corduroy couch to a barefoot woman in a gaudy dress and a baggie of dreadlocks found in a drawer, Ross Gay\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.poetryfoundation.org\\\/poems\\\/58762\\\/catalog-of-unabashed-gratitude\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECatalog of Unabashed Gratitude\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is a celebration of\\u2014and a meditation on\\u2014the transient nature of life on earth, guided by the lessons offered by gardens and orchards.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s this book of gratitude that anchored Hopkinsville, Kentucky\\u2019s ninth \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E last year. Inspired by the contents of Gay\\u2019s pages, a local artist and a cadre of youth arts campers created a mural on the side of the Hopkinsville Brewing Company. Artist Jennifer Bowman guided 15 or so local high school students through the process of creating a garden-inspired mural on a paint-smattered background overarched by a towering sunflower.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022 \\u201cI really love the fact that it has given the folks who live in the senior apartment building something aesthetically beautiful.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Jennifer Brown, co-founder and editor of the Hoptown Chronicle\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac683\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6621,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac6a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFor the last three or four summers, the Pennyroyal Arts Council has sponsored a summer camp to have local students paint a mural somewhere in town. It\\u2019s not always connected to the Big Read, but this year it seemed natural to illustrate [the book selection] because the cover is just beautiful and colorful,\\u201d explains Jennifer Brown, co-founder and editor of the \\u003Cem\\u003EHoptown Chronicle\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E and a Big Read committee member. \\u201cI really love the fact that it has given the folks who live in the senior apartment building [adjacent from the mural] something aesthetically beautiful to be the background of their little spot in downtown Hopkinsville.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6615,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOne of the most special elements of the mural was its September 7th dedication because Gay himself was present. It\\u2019s his presence and how touched he seemed to be by both the mural and the interest in his work that made the day stand out, says Brown. \\u201cOne thing I noticed was how genuinely touched he seemed to be by the use of his words incorporated into the mural,\\u201d she adds. \\u201cHe seemed really taken with it and it was so great to have him there. This was the first time we\\u2019ve ever had the author in person.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDozens of community members came together for both the mural dedication and a meet and greet with the author that followed at the Alhambra Theatre across the street. Free copies of Gay\\u2019s book were available to the first 100 attendees. Ten gratitude boards\\u2014blackboards on which community members were encouraged to inscribe their own words of gratitude\\u2014lingered in the lobby before being subsequently distributed around town after the event concluded. In total, roughly 500 copies of the book have been distributed throughout the community, including at events in local schools.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac6e2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter Gay read passages of his book, Francene Gilmer, executive director of the Christian County Literacy Council and a Big Read committee member, moderated a question-and-answer session between Gay and the audience. Delight is the lingering feeling Gilmer remembers from the evening. \\u201cHe read a couple of pieces from the book, and you could feel his emotion in it. You could see his delight with the people who asked questions. He was just a really down to earth person,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne audience member asked Gay if he had always wanted to be a poet. Perhaps surprisingly, his answer was that he had wanted to be a football player, describing himself as \\u201cnot a school kid\\u201d. Brown felt like that response endeared him to the crowd and helped questions flow from there.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6623,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6614,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6620,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6618,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6622,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac712\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002239px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:39px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac726\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOne thing I was taken with was how I had a deeper understanding of the meaning of his words when he read them as opposed to when I read them myself from the book,\\u201d Brown says. \\u201cIt gave me much more of an appreciation. I went back and read more of his poetry afterwards, which I probably wouldn\\u2019t have done otherwise. I suspect that was true for others who were there that night.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn one way, the evening concluded with Gay signing books, staying until the very last one had been signed and having authentic conversations with every person along the way. But in another way, the experience hasn\\u2019t really ended at all: community members are still requesting copies of the book daily across Hopkinsville, garnering exactly the interest that Big Read is all about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=9HMh9FyU2Lw\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=9HMh9FyU2Lw\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-gratitude-inspired-mural-brought-this-community-together\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6616,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two students paint art on a wall outdoors\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students taking part in the Pennyroyal Arts Council Art Camp add to a mural inspired by  \\u201cA Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude\\u201d. \",\"date\":\"2024-04-16 14:45:15\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 16, 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1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-gratitude-inspired-mural-brought-this-community-together\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Gratitude-Inspired Mural Brought This Community Together\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6769,\"title\":\"Shakespeare Saw These Actors Through Prison and Onto Center Stage\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was 2014, eight years into Pharaoh Brooks\\u2019 incarceration in the California prison system and he was determined to make the most of his time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6772,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022He had taken up composing poetry and writing children\\u2019s books when he came across a poster from Marin Shakespeare Company. It was advertising a production of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJulius Caesar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e taking place inside the prison\\u2019s walls, performed and produced entirely by and for the men incarcerated in Solano State Prison.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThinking that it would help advance his writing, Brooks signed up. After being enlisted to play the titular role in that first production, he went on to perform in six more plays before his release late last year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, he\\u2019ll keep up the practice he picked up in prison when he performs in productions of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJulius Caesar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e for local school groups this spring. \\u201cIt\\u2019s just been so much more than what I intended when I signed up for it,\\u201d Brooks says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nActing became Brooks\\u0027 way of escaping prison life. Even though some of his friends and acquaintances throughout the prison questioned his participation, he stuck with it.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhen we performed, we had incarcerated individuals watching. There were some guards there, too,\\u201d he recalls. \\u201cBut when you\\u2019re watching Shakespeare, everyone is just a human being watching something. It just made us people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nEventually CNN came to do \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cnn.com\\\/videos\\\/tv\\\/2017\\\/07\\\/09\\\/gbs-shakespeare-in-prison.great-big-story\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea story\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e on \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.marinshakespeare.org\\\/shakespeare-in-prison\\\/#:~:text=San%20Quentin%20State%20Prison%2C%20Marin\\\\u0026amp;text=We%20now%20have%20two%20Shakespeare,%E2%80%9CStories%20from%20San%20Quentin.%E2%80%9D\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShakespeare in Prison\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the Marin Shakespeare Company effort supported in part by funding from \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShakespeare in American Communities\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. That\\u2019s when the sentiment really started to change.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cEven guards had seen it and were talking about it,\\u201d Brooks says, referring to the CNN piece. \\u201cIt definitely had an impact on the prison.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; 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bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f325\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f38f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002234px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:34px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDameion Brown, also previously incarcerated at Solano, performed in that first production of Julius Caesar, too. In fact, he recalls being the first to sign up. Brown was determined to spend his time in prison supporting his fellow incarcerees in hopes for a kind of karmic exchange in which his children would be well taken care of in his absence.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown liked to be the first person to sign up for new programs, including Shakespeare in Prison at Solano State Prison in 2014. That way, he thought, others would be more encouraged to follow suit seeing that someone else had already committed.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe found the first session to be disarming, entertaining, and enjoyable. Months of rehearsals came and went. As the debut neared, Brown got nervous. \\u201cAs we got closer, when the costumes came, I was even more nervous. I just wanted to get it over with,\\u201d he says. Brown expected nothing but heckles from the hardened crowd.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut there was no heckling. Instead, it was something like admiration. They, even the guards, saw us in a different way than they had seen us all those years,\\u201d Brown recalls. \\u201cIt went off without a hitch and it was collective jubilation. It made a lot of people feel differently about acting in a really heavy way.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022When you\\u2019re watching Shakespeare, everyone is just a human being watching something. It just made us people.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PHARAOH BROOKS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f3ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6781,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f3c5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown\\u2019s incarceration ended the following year, but his passion for acting did not.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoon after he was out, Lesley Currier, Marin Shakespeare Company\\u2019s managing director who worked with Brown inside Solano, picked him up from the halfway house where he was staying and brought him to a performance of Henry IV, starring Danny Glover\\u2014an actor Brown grew up watching on TV. \\u201cHe was the first Black superhero on television. I have a lot of respect for him,\\u201d Brown recalls of that evening in 2015.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown met Glover after the show. He still recalls the advice Glover gave him for the performances he\\u2019s continued acting in since. \\u201cWhat are your connectors?\\u201d Glover asked Brown about his upcoming portrayal of Othello, his first post-prison performance. \\u201cWas he not a prisoner? A slave? Was he not betrayed? Your task is to share the truth of those things.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite feeling out of his depth with professional actors, Brown stuck with the role that ultimately earned him a Best Lead Actor award from the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle in 2016. Looking back on his award-winning performance, Brown says that Shakespeare in Prison and Glover \\u201cgave me everything I did on that stage.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6780,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f4ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/shakespeare-saw-these-actors-through-prison-and-onto-center-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6777,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022498\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 29%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The cast of Macbeth at Solano State Prison in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2024-05-02 15:45:08\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 2, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":98,\"label\":\"Shakespeare in American Communities\",\"slug\":\"shakespeare-in-american-communities\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories and updates about communities participating in Shakespeare in American Communities across the country.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022664\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 29%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022664\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 29%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/shakespeare-saw-these-actors-through-prison-and-onto-center-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Shakespeare Saw These Actors Through Prison and Onto Center Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Shakespeare in American Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6204,\"title\":\"Two Midwestern Artists Receive Nation\\u0027s Highest Honor in Folk and Traditional Arts\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe National Endowment for the Arts announced the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/honors\\\/heritage\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENEA National Heritage Fellows\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E today, and two artists from the Midwest have been recognized for their contributions to the field. Todd Goings, a skilled carousel carver and restoration expert, and Bril Barrett, a tap dancer, teacher, and historian, are among the 10 deserving recipients this year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince 1982, the NEA has been awarding this lifetime honor to recognize individuals committed to preserving and fostering diverse cultural traditions in our nation. Each fellow gets a $25,000 award, and they\\u0027ll be celebrated in Washington, DC, in the fall of 2024.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e670921b6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meet-the-midwestern-awardees\\u0022\\u003EMeet the Midwestern Awardees\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003eBril Barrett, Tap Dancer from Chicago, Illinois\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nBril Barrett is a Chicago-based tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Born and raised in North Lawndale on the West Side and now based in the South Side\\u2019s Bronzeville, his four-decade career is rooted in place and crosses time.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTap was created by enslaved Black people who, when drums were made illegal due to the instrument\\u2019s role in resistance, communicated by making rhythms with their bodies instead. These rhythms were passed on in clandestine improvisation circles known as \\u201cshouts\\u201d or \\u201cring shout,\\u201d one of the few West African prayer practices to survive the Middle Passage. It is in this tradition that Barrett learns and teaches.\\\\r\\\\nBarrett fell in love with tap at age four thanks to a program offered by his first teacher, Carlton Smith. After the program ended, Barrett\\u2019s mother committed to continuing the lessons, riding with him two hours on the Red Line each way\\u2014where Barrett met his primary mentor, Ayrie \\u201cMr. Taps\\u201d King.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett joined a long line of dancers who came up \\u201cshedding wood\\u201d on street corners. After winning grand prize in 1988\\u2019s Search for Chicago\\u2019s Tap Dance Kid, he toured with companies such as Riverdance and Aaron Tolson\\u2019s Imagine Tap. During that time, he learned from several early 20th-century legends of tap, including Dr. Jimmy Slyde, Dr. Bunny Briggs, and Dr. Leonard Reed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett soon realized that many audiences didn\\u2019t know tap the way he had learned it. They might know Shirley Temple or Bill \\u201cBojangles\\u201d Robinson, but did they know Robinson\\u2019s teacher, Alice Whitman? Did they know about tap as resilience, or resistance? He began to include a history lesson in every class he taught, recounting stories given by his teachers in turn.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith co-founders Jumaane Taylor and Martin \\u2018Tre\\u2019 Dumas III, Barrett created the Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization (M.A.D.D. Rhythms) in 2001 to provide a place for young people to learn and grow. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is now a leading tap collective worldwide, developing a partnership with Bronzeville\\u2019s historic Harold Washington Cultural Center to provide affordable arts education and mentorship to Chicago youth.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn 2020, Barrett was awarded the Chicago Dancemakers Forum\\u2019s Lab Artist Fellowship, and in 2022 he received the Helen Coburn Meier and Tim Meier Foundation for the Arts Achievement Award. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is a part of the International Association of Blacks in Dance\\u2019s 2023-24 FRWD cohort, as well as the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project\\u2019s 2023-24 cohort.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett\\u2019s pedagogy of shared improvisation for social-emotional learning shows his students that their lives and selves matter. His circles weave past, present, and future to pass on our history in the way it was created\\u2014in the rhythm of our breath, and bodies, and feet.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092250\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=yvlEQA1fSEo\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=yvlEQA1fSEo\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6199,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003eTodd Goings, Carousel Carver and Restorationist from Marion, Ohio\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMaster carousel carver and restorationist Todd Goings has worked for 35 years to keep the art of American carved wooden carousels alive. Built in a handful of master artisan workshops from the 1880s to the 1930s, wooden carousels are participatory folk-art environments that set whimsical carved animals to music and movement in custom-built mechanical frames. Of America\\u2019s several-thousand original wooden carousels, just 150 remain. Goings has worked on many of them, and, along the way, has revived the American carousel workshop for a new century.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRaised in the rural village of Caledonia in North Central Ohio, Goings came to carousels through an early passion for woodworking, with jobs in cabinetry, millwork, patternmaking, and eventually, woodcarving. By the 1980s, the sad state of America\\u2019s wooden carousels had sparked a revival of carousel conservation across America which, in turn, demanded a rebirth of traditional carousel arts. Goings\\u2019 wide-ranging woodworking training was destiny. \\u201cIt chose me,\\u201d he said. \\u201cEverything I personally learned, the only place it comes together is on carousels.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nGoings opened Carousels and Carvings\\u2014a full-service artisan carousel workshop\\u2014in Marion, Ohio, in the 1990s. A century separated from master carousel artists like W.H. Dentzel, Charles I.D. Looff, William F. Mangels, \\\\u0026amp; Marcus Illions, Goings trained himself as a carousel carver through years of restoring the masters\\u2019 work. Goings is quick to note that a carousel is more, however, than just a frame for carved menageries: it is an \\u201cinteractive, rideable piece of art\\u201d that keeps a century-old leisure experience alive.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarousels and Carvings is one of only a handful of shops in the country specializing in restoring and building whole carousels: from the carvings to the frame to custom-built mechanicals. Carousels and Carvings has restored dozens of carousels\\u2014including Philadelphia\\u2019s Woodside Park Carousel, Coney Island\\u2019s B\\\\u0026amp;B Carousel, the Memphis Grand Carousel, and the Hydro Oklahoma Carousel\\u2014alongside newly built carousels that expand and update tradition with unusual animals and wheelchair-accessible chariots. Like the past masters, Goings\\u2019 work takes years. The time is worth it, he said: \\u201cIn my career, I\\u2019ve never taken a carousel down that hasn\\u2019t gone back up.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarousels and Carvings provides training and livelihoods to artisans, craftspeople, engineers, and technicians from across North Central Ohio. But Goings\\u2019 work doesn\\u2019t stop in the shop: every spring, he and his team crisscross the country\\u2019s zoos, amusement parks, and fairgrounds for the annual pre-season carousel check-ups that earned him the nickname \\u201cthe carousel doctor.\\u201d For his tireless dedication to keeping carousel traditions alive, Goings\\u2019 peers have called him \\u201cgenius\\u201d and \\u201cthe best in the business.\\u201d But for Goings, the magic of the carousel\\u2014 what makes it all worthwhile\\u2014is in its use: it\\u2019s folk art you can ride\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e670922ab\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThrough their dedication to and generous stewardship of their traditions and cultures, these artists and culture bearers carry forward their knowledge and passion to future generations. They offer us the opportunity to see things from different perspectives, help us make sense of the world, and celebrate our rich collective heritage comprised of our diverse lived experiences.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Maria Rosario Jackson, NEA Chair \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022light\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092306\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6201,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6709231b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Know A Deserving Folk and Traditional Artist?\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2025 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows is Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website for more information and to submit a nomination.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022Submit a Nomination\\u0022,\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/honors\\\/heritage\\\/make-a-national-heritage-fellowship-nomination\\u0022,\\u0022target\\u0022:\\u0022_blank\\u0022},\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092333\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/two-midwestern-artists-receive-nations-highest-honor-in-folk-and-traditional-arts\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6202,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man hand carves an elaborate wooden warthog.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 8%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Todd Goings carves a warthog at Carousels \\u0026 Carvings, his soup-to-nuts carousel restoration \\u0026 production workshop. \",\"date\":\"2024-02-28 15:12:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 28, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man hand carves an elaborate wooden warthog.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 8%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/two-midwestern-artists-receive-nations-highest-honor-in-folk-and-traditional-arts\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Two Midwestern Artists Receive Nation\\u0027s Highest Honor in Folk and Traditional Arts\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4049839,\"participants\":591765,\"grants\":248,\"communities\":170},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7299,\"title\":\"It\\u0027s a Coffee Pot, It\\u0027s a Corn Cob\\u2014It\\u0027s the Midwest\\u0027s Iconic Water Towers!\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe United States is brimming with iconic architecture. From Baltimore\\u2019s row houses and San Francisco\\u2019s famously colorful Victorian homes to Chicago\\u2019s Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and New York\\u2019s Empire State Building, each segment of the country has emblematic architecture to offer. For some Midwestern cities, the quintessential architectural landmark tends toward the industrial: water towers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERising \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/people.howstuffworks.com\\\/water.htm\\u0022\\u003Ehundreds of feet\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E into the air, these feats of engineering can hold \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.waterworld.com\\\/drinking-water\\\/distribution\\\/article\\\/14287229\\\/what-is-the-purpose-of-water-towers\\u0022\\u003Eover 1,000,000 gallons\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of potable water while using gravity to create the pressure necessary for dispersing it to hundreds or \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.houstonchronicle.com\\\/neighborhood\\\/fort-bend\\\/article\\\/sugar-land-water-towers-tour-18445844.php\\u0022\\u003Eeven thousands\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of people in the surrounding area. However, across the Midwest, water towers do more than just supply water: They share \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.health.state.mn.us\\\/communities\\\/environment\\\/water\\\/waterline\\\/featurestories\\\/watertowers.html\\u0022\\u003Ea community\\u2019s identity\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and creativity while also signaling the emergence of upcoming towns to interstate and highway travelers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESome water towers offer bold proclamations, like Buhl, Minnesota\\u2019s that\\u2019s emblazoned with \\u201cFinest Water in America\\u201d in large, black block letters. Others\\u2014like Pequot Lakes, Minnesota\\u2019s water tower that\\u2019s painted to resemble a bright red and white \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/tip\\\/725\\u0022\\u003Efishing bobber\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014use art to speak to a community\\u2019s traditions and beloved activities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7300,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7301,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7303,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7302,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-667c1dcf1796d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-667c1dcf179bb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOthers are decidedly whimsical: One in Ashley, Indiana is painted bright yellow and adorned with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/story\\\/9193\\u0022\\u003Ea simple smiley face\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Another in Circleville, Ohio was painted to be \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.americansiloart.com\\\/circleville-ohio\\u0022\\u003Ea pumpkin\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. A water tower in Rochester, Minnesota has been transformed into an \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.experiencerochestermn.com\\\/blog\\\/post\\\/the-ear-of-corn-water-tower-the-history-of-rochesters-beloved-landmark\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eear of corn\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E while one in Stanton, Iowa has been transfigured into a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/story\\\/6172\\u0022\\u003ESwedish-style coffee pot\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest\\u2019s water tower art can also be functional, says Stephen Dorsey, a freelance graphic and web designer now based in Rogers, Minnesota. Along with artist Jack Lunde, Dorsey has designed three water towers in the Moorhead, Minnesota area. Around 2015, the City of Moorhead annexed a nearby township. \\u201cThey wanted some artwork or some sort of branding on the [township\\u2019s] tower to show people that the area was now part of the City of Moorhead,\\u201d Dorsey recalls.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/1oAlHxoVilo?si=r313ln2IthpFJY0f\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/1oAlHxoVilo?si=r313ln2IthpFJY0f\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe water in the Dum-Dums tower in Bryan, Ohio, is the same water that is used to manufacture about 12 million Dum-Dums every day! Video courtesy of WBGU. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDorsey and Lunde\\u2019s proposal took a branding and logo design approach to reflect elements that spoke to the area and integrate community feedback. Their pitch centered the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.inforum.com\\\/newsmd\\\/elevated-art-moorhead-public-service-to-decide-on-oakport-water-tower-design\\u0022\\u003Ecity\\u2019s name and brought in graphic elements\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of trees, birds, a windmill, and crop rows on a golden yellow background\\u2014and the city selected it from nine other proposals.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDorsey and Lunde took a similar approach to the other two towers they designed, one of which\\u2014a bright blue, yellow, and green design that draws on agriculture themes for a tower on the city\\u2019s south side\\u2014beat out several hundred entries to earn the accolade of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/tnemec.com\\\/about\\\/news-press\\\/community-awarded-for-commitment-to-water-tank-excellence\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETank of the Year in 2021\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cWe\\u2019re pretty proud of that one,\\u201d he says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPride is perhaps the overarching theme and outcome of Midwest water towers and the art they hold. From Collinsville, Illinois\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Brooks_Catsup_Bottle_water_tower\\u0022\\u003Ecatsup bottle water tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to Niles, Illinois\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.vniles.com\\\/883\\\/Leaning-Tower-of-Niles\\u0022\\u003ELeaning Tower of Niles\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (which is technically a water storage facility) and much in between, these unusual yet iconic canvases are a distinctly Midwestern expression of artistry, creativity, and community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwestern-water-towers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7304,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the Northern Plains Botanic Garden in Fargo, North Dakota. Photograph from Carol M. Highsmith\\u0027s America Project in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-25 14:26:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 25, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"},{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwestern-water-towers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                It\\u0027s a Coffee Pot, It\\u0027s a Corn Cob\\u2014It\\u0027s the Midwest\\u0027s Iconic Water Towers!\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7230,\"title\":\"Black Museums in the Midwest You Must Visit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvery history is political. Black Museums give black people agency to write their own history and present it from their own perspectives. They preserve artifacts and serve as institutions of learning when attacks on books and educational curriculum in schools and universities are part of the current political climate.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere are over 200 Black museums in the United States, each with their own individual mission, but united in telling the culture of people throughout the African diaspora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMuseums are critical to our understanding of the experiences and accounts of people of African descent in the new world and ensures that it becomes a part of the public discussion,\\u201d says Dr. Korieh Chima, head of the African American Studies Department at Marquette University, Wisconsin. \\u201cThe Black experience was critical to the making of early American history and culture and continues today.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7241,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAmerica\\u2019s Black Holocaust Museum (Wisconsin)\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmerica\\u2019s Black Holocaust Museum, located in Milwaukee, is unique in several ways, starting with its founder Dr. James Cameron, who is the only person recorded in history to have survived a lynching attempt as a teenager in Marion, Indiana. However, the ABHM attempts to not just tell the tragic story of slavery and lynching, but also get visitors to a place of healing in the present, according to Interim Executive Director Brad Pruitt.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFounded in 1988 after Cameron visited the Yad Vashem Memorial in Israel, ABHM is not only a physical structure, it is taking advantage of the Digital Age to expand its outreach by moving much of its exhibits \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.abhmuseum.org\\\/galleries\\\/self-guided-tours\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonline\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, where viewers have access to over 3,600 pages of content.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhile most museums use their websites to promote the activities at their site, we think we can do more by having a robust digital footprint full of material to go along with the programs we have here in our building,\\u201d Pruitt said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184e6a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cMuseums are critical to our understanding of the experiences and accounts of people of African descent in the new world and ensures that it becomes a part of the public discussion.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DR. KORIEH CHIMA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184eb4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184ec3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-evansville-african-american-museum-indiana\\u0022\\u003EEvansville African American Museum (Indiana)\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you travel to the southern tip of Indiana down US 41, you will come across the city of Evansville. The third largest city in the state has a proud African American history and one unique neighborhood that is pivotal in telling the story of public housing in the United States.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln Gardens was the second federal housing project opened under President Franklin D. Roosevelt\\u2019s New Deal in 1938. The 11-acre complex, with 16 apartment buildings, replaced dilapidated and hazardous housing that had no electricity or indoor plumbing. The apartment buildings at the time featured modern amenities that included a gas-powered refrigerator. Lincoln Gardens provided much needed housing to African Americans on moderate incomes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Evansville African American Museum, located at 579 S. Garvin St., now occupies the space where the last of the 16 buildings stood. The EAAM\\u2019s founder Sondra Matthews grew up in Lincoln Gardens and successfully lobbied the housing authority to save some of the buildings for the creation of the museum in 1997.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7239,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184ed8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThis area was \\u2018redlined\\u2019 and is where 60 percent of the black population lived,\\u201d the museum\\u2019s Executive Director Kori Miller explained. \\u201cSo much so, this area was coined \\u201cBaptist Town\\u201d by whites, a derogatory term that referred to Liberty Baptist Church, which was built by ex-slaves and is still going strong today. The church, which is over 100 years old, has gone through a number of renaissances just like this community.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe EAAM believes strongly in visitor interaction with the exhibits. Visitors can see for themselves just what it was like for residents to live in one of the apartments, which has been refurbished to the original conditions. It also has several opportunities where visitors can interact by drawing, wearing headphones and listening and\\\/or observing the history of the neighborhood and its people through video presentations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7236,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eHaitian American Museum of Chicago (Illinois)\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChicago is home to well-known world-class museums. But one unique museum on the city\\u2019s North Side tells the story of the city\\u2019s founder, Jean Baptise Pointe DuSable, and others of Haitian descent who have immigrated to the \\u201cWindy City.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Haitian American Museum of Chicago is where visitors can experience Haitian culture in an organic way. Quarterly art exhibits dominate the space inside the museum, but it is also used to host community events and serves as a conduit for new arrivals from Haiti looking to make Chicago their home by providing legal immigration programs.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe encourage visitors to immerse themselves into the rich history, cuisine (coffee) and tapestry of colors that embody Haitian culture, and the unique linguistics of Haitian creole,\\u201d said HAMOC\\u2019s Executive Director Carlos Bossard.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003e\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184f01\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/black-museums-in-the-midwest-you-must-visit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7242,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Lynchings were one of the main threats of violence black people had to worry about in the United States. It wasn\\u0027t until March 22, 2022 that the U.S. Congress passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which defined the act as a federal hate crime.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-13 19:27:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":659,\"name\":\"J. Coyden Palmer\",\"slug\":\"j-coyden-palmer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":659,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By J. Coyden Palmer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/black-museums-in-the-midwest-you-must-visit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Black Museums in the Midwest You Must Visit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6665,\"title\":\"Art \\u0022Blooms\\u0022 in Museums Across the Midwest\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s nothing like spring in the Midwest after a long, cold winter. To celebrate, several museums across the region take inspiration from the turn of season with a show of ephemeral art: flowers. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think the simplest way to describe Art in Bloom is that it\\u0027s floral artistry that\\u0027s inspired by art,\\u201d says Ann M. Keeling, co-chair of Art in Bloom at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECincinnati Art Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Cincinnati Art Museum has been doing a bi-annual Art in Bloom event for 20 years. This year, over 60 flower arrangements inspired by art from the museum\\u2019s permanent collection are set to be displayed, paired with community events, lectures, and more.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It\\u0027s a whole different way to see the museum, through flowers.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Ann M. Keeling, co-chair of Art in Bloom at the Cincinnati Art Museum\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c42526e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6668,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c4252c0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA few states over, the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinneapolis Institute of Art\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (Mia) is hosting their 40\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E annual Art in Bloom. More than 100 individual and commercial florists participate in the event, which is expected to be seen by over 62,000 visitors this year.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c4252d4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s a floral feast of the senses,\\u201d says Barb Champ, co-chair of Mia\\u2019s Art in Bloom and a volunteer with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/join-and-invest\\\/friends\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFriends of the Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI think there\\u0027s this huge need or urgency for spring in the Midwest. A lot of people will say Art in Bloom is the first rite of spring in Minneapolis.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6673,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c425312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDifferent museums run their Art in Bloom events differently. Cincinnati has a juried submission process, while Mia has a lottery system for floral artists.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut for both, it\\u2019s an essential way to raise awareness \\u2013 and money \\u2013 for these community institutions. The Cincinnati Art Museum and Mia both offer free admission, which is made possible in part by events like Art in Bloom.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt is a major awareness-building opportunity for the museum and is also a major fundraising event,\\u201d says Ann M. Keeling.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6671,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Behind the scenes, a lot needs to happen for an Art in Bloom to take place, starting with collaborations with museum staff.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe have to work with the curators for them to tell us what artworks are available for interpretation,\\u201d says Champ. \\u201cObviously, the artwork has to be up when we do Art in Bloom. And you can\\u0027t have too much going on in any single gallery\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThen, there are rules that the floral artists need to follow to keep the museum\\u2019s collection safe.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe criteria for the floral artists is very, very specific in a museum environment,\\u201d says Keeling. \\u201cThere are a lot of rules around water and around freshness of flowers and where the flowers come from so that there are no bugs.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAll told, over 200 volunteers may take part in pulling together a complex event like Art in Bloom, says Champ. \\u201cIt takes a lot of people to be involved, from a committee for Art in Bloom, to volunteers that support the events, to people that help guide our guests throughout the museum.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut it\\u2019s all worth it in the end. \\u201cIt is so exciting to just see the level of commitment, and the time, energy, and care the floral artists take,\\u201d Champ says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKeeling agrees. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a whole different way to see the museum through flowers. 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Events are taking place \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eApril 26\\u201328, 2024\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org\\\/events-programs\\\/fundraisers\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis, MN) \\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Art in Bloom with a \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/art-in-bloom-2024\\\/guided-tours-for-art-in-bloom-2024\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003efree daily guided tour\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e specifically curated with a floral eye and extensive knowledge of each work of art.\\u00a0 Events are taking place April 25-28, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/art-in-bloom-2024\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee, WI) \\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Milwaukee Art Museum\\u2019s annual celebration of art, flowers\\u2014and spring - took place April 18\\u201321, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mam.org\\\/events\\\/bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Rockford Art Museum (Rockford, IL)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022Art in Bloom returns for the eighth year with an imaginative display of live florals and other organic materials. Due to ongoing construction, this year\\u2019s exhibition will happen at Union Event Space. Events are taking place June 13-16 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/rockfordartmuseum.org\\\/education\\\/in-bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (Bismarck, ND)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022The Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative hosts a yearly collaborative exhibit with visual artists and floral designers. Events will take place July 9 - 27, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bismarckdac.com\\\/exhibits\\\\u002d\\\\u002devents.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:6,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c42545e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-blooms-in-museums-across-the-midwest\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6667,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful pop art painting and a floral arrangement interpreting it\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A view of Art in Bloom 2022, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Friends of the Institute at Minneapolis Institute of Art. Floral arrangements, installations, and interpretations appear throughout Mia galleries and building. \",\"date\":\"2024-04-23 14:25:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 23, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful pop art painting and a floral arrangement interpreting it\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-blooms-in-museums-across-the-midwest\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art \\u0022Blooms\\u0022 in Museums Across the Midwest\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2284240,\"participants\":297483,\"grants\":160,\"communities\":127},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7049,\"title\":\"The Beating Heart of This Southern Illinois Community Is Its High School Band\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn any given Friday night in the Township of O\\u2019Fallon, the loudest cheers do not come after a touchdown or a field goal. The real roaring begins the moment the final note of the halftime performance reverberates through the stadium.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn this Illinois suburb, music is the main event; specifically, the town\\u2019s beloved high school marching band. Across the town, band fan gear is sold in toddler sizes, lawns proudly proclaim that a \\u201cMarching Panther Lives Here,\\u201d and weekly marching practices often have cheering sections.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI believe the band is the identity of the town,\\u201d explains Beth Mueller, a former O\\u2019Fallon band member (1988-1992) and current band parent. \\u201cIt goes beyond just an activity that kids participate in; our band really plays an active role in the community and our community has a lot of pride and passion for the band program.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7073,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646a54\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe town\\u2019s passion was put to the test during the 2013-2014 school year, when district wide budget cuts threatened to silence the music program. Parents showed up in astounding numbers at town hall meetings saying cutting the music program would be \\u201ctaking away their foundation.\\u201d During a time when band programs were being cut throughout the Midwest, the O\\u2019Fallon community refused to let theirs go.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit called Lifelong Music in O\\u2019Fallon Schools, which helped explore grants and sought \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hub.yamaha.com\\\/music-educators\\\/learn-peers\\\/case-studies\\\/o-fallon-township-high-reinvention\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ecreative ways\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to save the music.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe community rallied around, and so did our school district, and we were able to kind of run it [the band program] through the Parks and Rec \\u2026 until we were able to bounce back the following year with funding,\\u201d recalls Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, performing arts department chair and director of bands for the O\\u2019Fallon Township High School. \\u201cIt was a one-year scare that we got through, and I would be really surprised if anything like that happened again.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7070,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7071,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7068,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7074,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646ce5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to the organization and the band booster club, the band\\u2019s budget has never been stronger, and neither has the community\\u2019s support, cheering the band on as they bring back numerous national awards\\u2014including the coveted \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stlpr.org\\\/education\\\/2023-06-08\\\/ofallon-illinois-high-school-band-program-wins-prestigious-national-award\\u0022\\u003EJohn Philips Sousa Sudler Shield\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E award\\u2014and as they participate in some of the country\\u2019s most prestigious national events, like the Macy\\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re always looking for ways to highlight our students, because they are so great, but we also try to be humble within our community. \\u2026 we do try to find ways to showcase their talents and to reward them so the community and the nation know that we have something special,\\u201d says Gustafson-Hinds.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey provide opportunities for the musicians to volunteer around town, like offering free community performances and creating leadership groups to support annual events for the town\\u2019s veterans and local charities. \\u201cI think it\\u2019s important for our students to learn the importance of giving back,\\u201d she adds.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd in O\\u2019Fallon, Illinois, that strength is derived from altruism, both from the many talented young musicians and from the community that supports them.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646d0d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-beating-heart-of-this-southern-illinois-community-is-its-high-school-band\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7069,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The color guard of the O\\u0027Fallon Township High School band at the Bands of America Competition.\",\"date\":\"2024-05-30 18:26:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 30, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":626,\"name\":\"Kristy Alpert\",\"slug\":\"kristy-alpert\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":626,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kristy Alpert\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-beating-heart-of-this-southern-illinois-community-is-its-high-school-band\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The Beating Heart of This Southern Illinois Community Is Its High School Band\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6543,\"title\":\"Meet Joanne Aono: Her Illinois Farm Intertwines With Nature \\u2014 and Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAbout an hour\\u2019s drive southwest of Chicago, nestled in the Illinois River basin, is a ten-acre oasis called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.braygrovefarm.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBray Grove Farm\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe property stands out amongst the surrounding monocrop fields of \\u201cbig ag\\u201d farms. Half of it is a wild meadow where many species of wildlife congregate; the other half is home to a young fruit tree grove, vineyard, and row crops \\u2014 including squash, arugula, ochre, and traditional Japanese vegetables such as edamame and shiso \\u2014 that are planted amongst wild vegetation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a23e8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter spending most of her life in Chicago, artist Joanne Aono purchased the farm with her husband eleven years ago. The couple had long been involved in environmental and animal rights advocacy, but desired to become more \\u201chands-on\\u201d with their values. So, they decided to rescue a horse.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter researching, they found a horse living on a farm that was going to be euthanized. But instead of only buying the horse, \\u201cwe ended up buying that farm,\\u201d Aono said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince then, Aono has helped build a farm that is \\u201cextremely unique\\u201d \\u2014 even by the standards of most small organic farms. So gentle on the earth, it employs a pair of Belgian draft mules to pull farming equipment instead of using a fossil fuel powered tractor. Produce is sold in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, and a percentage of the harvest is donated to the local food pantry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a vocation, it\\u2019s a belief,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201c[Farming] is part of the lifestyle I want to live: giving to the earth, to people, to animals.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mqf9f9upugM\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mqf9f9upugM\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a vocation, it\\u2019s a belief. [Farming] is part of the lifestyle I want to live: giving to the earth, to people, to animals.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Joanne Aono\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a2459\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono says her interest in growing food isn\\u2019t only about cultivating a relationship with the earth; she links it back to her grandparents, who were agrarian workers and immigrated to the U.S. from Japan.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLike many immigrants coming to the United States, food was a vital part of their life and their culture,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201cThat\\u2019s become part of my art, the idea that growing food is a cultural thing.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono comes from a family of creatives; her identical twin sister is a prominent sculptor. She says much of her earliest work dealt with her personal history \\u2014 both her Japanese American heritage and identity as a twin.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFrom there, I went on to think about people\\u2019s pursuit of growing foods that become their comfort foods,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of Aono\\u2019s most recent series of works, \\u201cHarvesting Ethnic Roots,\\u201d is a large-scale installation of gauzy agricultural cloth on which Aono has drawn comfort foods from different cultural traditions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther recent pieces include installations of seed art, which she describes as a collaboration with the farm\\u2019s creatures and natural elements that inevitably rearrange the original designs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6545,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a247c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI relate farming a lot with art because \\u2026 oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u2019t anything that you planned on; [sometimes it] totally gets ruined, or sometimes it surprises you and something wonderful happens,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201cFarming is a lot of work, but so is being an artist.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cultivatorarts.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECultivator\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is another extension of Aono\\u2019s inclination to help everyone thrive. Nearly a decade ago, she began inviting other artists to exhibit their art on the farm \\u2014 many of whom had never installed work outside before. The property is open to the public twice a year when people come to gather, eat food, spend time with the animals, and immerse in original art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono is passionate that Bray Grove is a connector\\u2014\\u201cI think it\\u2019s really important that the farm welcomes others.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022 \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-joanne-aono-midwest-makers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6544,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a maroon zip-up hoodie with the hood up kneels in a bed of leafy greens and places some in a bright yellow container.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Joanne Aono at work in the gardens of Bray Grove Farm.\",\"date\":\"2024-04-15 20:49:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 15, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":594,\"name\":\"Eric Scott Fisher\",\"slug\":\"eric-scott-fisher\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":594,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":588,\"name\":\"Lydia Moran\",\"slug\":\"lydia-moran\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":588,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":10,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Eric Scott Fisher and Lydia Moran\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a maroon zip-up hoodie with the hood up kneels in a bed of leafy greens and places some in a bright yellow container.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-joanne-aono-midwest-makers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Joanne Aono: Her Illinois Farm Intertwines With Nature \\u2014 and Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022 \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":8093,\"title\":\"New Soul Food in Chicago\\u2019s South Shore: It\\u2019s a Green Thing\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMy maternal great-aunt was among the millions of Black Southerners who journeyed to the Midwest in a series of 20\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E-century Great Migrations. In addition to running a rooming house from her three-bedroom apartment, she worked as a domestic for local White families and operated soul food eateries on Chicago\\u2019s west side. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAunt Ceal and other migrants brought with them their music, forms of worship, speech patterns, and food culture. Smothered chicken, fried fish, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potatoes became mainstays of the new northern diet. With some modifications, soul food is still popular a century later.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8114,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1855\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8095,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eTsadakeeyah (sah-DAH-kee-yah) Ben Emmanuel, fondly referred to as Chef T, is the founder of Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine. He and his wife, Nasya run this 30-seat caf\\u00e9 on Chicago\\u2019s South Shore, with its tasteful touches of wood, chrome, and Africentric art. Majani is Swahili for \\u201cgreen,\\u201d a philosophy he has practiced all his life.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChef T grew up in northern Wisconsin in the Seventh-d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eay Adventist faith, with its emphasis on a plant-based diet rich in whole foods. In the 1980s he joined the Hebrew Israelite community and adopted a vegan diet. He dropped out of college, started working at restaurants, while \\u201clooking, watching, and learning from the sisters in Hebrew kitchens.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe notion of soul food as unhealthy is one Black food historians and culinary experts work hard to debunk. Traditional soul food sources greens and beans of all kinds, corn, peppers, watermelon, and other foodstuff consumed by enslaved Southerners and their descendants. Meat was used sparingly, mostly for flavoring. Crops like peanuts, okra, watermelon, rice, and black-eyed peas migrated from West Africa along with the captives.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eYet stereotypes about Black food culture persist. In the Hulu dramedy \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUnprisoned,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the teenage son of Kerry Washington\\u2019s character discovers soul food on a trip down South and promptly falls in love with it. His mother watches with increasing concern as he scarfs down cornbread, greens, and barbecue. \\u201cWould you like a side of hypertension with that?\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis stigma has discouraged some Black chefs, who prefer to call their fare \\u201cSouthern-style.\\u201d Yet Chef T refuses to distance himself from soul food. It\\u2019s not just a name, but a mission. Although he welcomes patrons from every race and walk of life, his New Soul Food menu is designed to address health issues in the African American community. \\u201cWe\\u2019re treading on sacred ground. I\\u2019m not going to shy away from that.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMajani serves well-seasoned vegan versions of classic soul food dishes. \\u201cOur fan favorites are barbecue, which is barbecued cauliflower. Oyster mushrooms are nature\\u2019s fried chicken, and we serve it as an entr\\u00e9e, a taco, or a wrap.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1a33\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8098,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1a64\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eFrom Majani\\u2019s kitchen to yours, here\\u2019s an easy recipe for black-eyed pea fritters.\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e Ingredients \\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n2 cups of soaked peas\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\u00bd carrot\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\u00bd zucchini\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nChopped onion\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMinced garlic\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nSalt and Old Bay seasoning to taste\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMix in a blender or food processor, shape into patties and fry.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:8106,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022white\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1c1f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022In Praise of the Sweet Potato\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022In \\\\u003ci\\\\u003eHigh on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e (now adapted as a Netflix series), food historian Jessica B. Harris reminds us that most references to yams are misnomers. \\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nPerhaps the South American tuber distantly related to the common potato reminded enslaved people of the African yam. That particular staple of West African cookery is much larger and sturdier, with a taste like a starchy potato. Not so with the sweet potato, whose texture is smoother and its flavor sweeter.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nThough they come in yellow, speckled, and purple, the orange-skinned variety is a favorite in soul food recipes. Oven-roasted, casseroles, pones, and candied dishes are usually served alongside savory foods. People are finding new ways to enjoy them in quick breads, biscuits, muffins, stews, and even ice cream.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMost popular by far is sweet potato pie, a heartier version of a holiday favorite, pumpkin pie. This custard-based pastry is made from cooked sweet potatoes, baked into a mixture of sugar, milk, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Vegan and light-calorie versions may use brown sugar or honey, plant-based milk and butter, and egg substitutes.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nLoaded with fiber and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and manganese, these beauties aren\\u2019t just tasty, they\\u2019re good for you, too. \\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022color\\u0022:\\u0022midnight\\u0022,\\u0022_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_color\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1c57\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-soul-food-in-chicagos-south-shore-its-a-green-thing\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8094,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The notion of soul food as unhealthy is one Black food historians and culinary experts work hard to debunk.\",\"date\":\"2024-09-24 15:16:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 24, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":722,\"name\":\"Cori Nakamura Lin\",\"slug\":\"cori-nakamura-lin\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":722,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":721,\"name\":\"Sandra Jackson-Opoku\",\"slug\":\"sandra-jackson-opoku\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":721,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cori Nakamura Lin and Sandra Jackson-Opoku\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-soul-food-in-chicagos-south-shore-its-a-green-thing\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                New Soul Food in Chicago\\u2019s South Shore: It\\u2019s a Green Thing\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":286537,\"participants\":34773,\"grants\":22,\"communities\":12},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":8291,\"title\":\"Mexican Folk Dance Group Takes Indy by Storm\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani started in August 2018 with just six dancers. Now the Indianapolis, Indiana, based Mexican folk dance group boasts over 40 members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe group\\u2019s mission is to educate our people and their families, but also other people that are not Mexican through our dances, music and storytelling,\\u201d says founder Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn. With the popularity of the group, Verd\\u00edn teaches dance to children and adults three times a week.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2021, she founded Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Infantil Macehuani for children, with her friend Ana Rosa Hernandez.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8296,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f11d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8294,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDance at the Center\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBorn and raised in Durango, Mexico, Verd\\u00edn began her dance journey at six years old. Generations of her family were dancers, so it was natural calling.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVerd\\u00edn\\u2019s family emigrated to the United States when she was 14. \\u201cLeaving my friends, some family members, my passion for dancing, and belongings behind\\u2026the change was very drastic for me to the point that I fell into depression,\\u201d she says.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn November 2014, she and her family attended the El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Indianapolis Art Center. That\\u2019s where she saw Ensemble Folklorico, a now-disbanded Mexican folk group in Indianapolis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I left Mexico I thought that I was never going to dance again in my life, and when I saw them performing I felt like there was hope for me,\\u201d she says. \\u201c\\u2026 It was like God was sending me another chance to continue to do what I love the most.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA few weeks later she joined the group.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f184\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-taking-chances\\u0022\\u003ETaking Chances\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEnsemble [Folklorico] helped me overcome my sadness,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThey saved me when it was most needed.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen the group disbanded many years later, Verd\\u00edn and her then husband founded a group which was very short-lived. Undaunted, her friends encouraged her to start another one: Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani.\\u201cI was unsure and doubtful but decided to give it a chance,\\u201d she says. Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani has since flourished.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir accomplishments include performing at half-time shows for the city\\u2019s professional sport teams including the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and Indianapolis Indians, as well as in cities across the Midwest. They have performed with the famous Mexican folk band Los Tigres del Norte in Chicago.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:8298,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:8292,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:8295,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f39c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn June 2024, Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani won the Adult Group category at Dancing in the Rockies, a prestigious national Mexican folk dance competition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOf the success, she says, \\u201cI do feel that there has been an evolution of acceptance within the community and nationwide.\\u201d When she moved to the country, she says, there were fewer Hispanic people in Indianapolis than now. \\u201cSlowly our culture and traditions are getting more and more accepted.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani has played a role in that.Sharing her passion for dance with students and audiences, \\u201c\\u2026has become a very important component of my life,\\u201d she says. It has also become a popular mainstay in Indianapolis\\u2019s cultural fabric under her direction.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mexican-folk-dance-group-takes-indy-by-storm\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8293,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022470\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers in colorful, traditional dresses performing, as a crowd looks on.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--300x184.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1536x941.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--2048x1254.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani performs at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Indiana. The group works with makers in Mexico for their clothing and adornments.\",\"date\":\"2024-10-10 18:08:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 10, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":131,\"name\":\"Mary Lee Pappas\",\"slug\":\"mary-lee-pappas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":131,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":8,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mary Lee Pappas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022627\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers in colorful, traditional dresses performing, as a crowd looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--300x184.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1536x941.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--2048x1254.png 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mexican-folk-dance-group-takes-indy-by-storm\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Mexican Folk Dance Group Takes Indy by Storm\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5892,\"title\":\"Overcoming Addiction Sometimes Starts With a Meal and Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 in Griffith, Indiana, is a haven for many different types of visitors. From adults overcoming drug and alcohol addiction to survivors of trauma, there\\u2019s one thing they all have in common and why they return to Shine again and again: the need for genuine human connection in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 is the newest addition to the offerings that the nonprofit organization For the Love of the Arts provides, made possible through a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant from Arts Midwest. While For the Love of the Arts has focused mainly on children in the past, the recovery caf\\u00e9 is an opportunity to bring the arts and other necessary resources to the adults who need them most.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5894,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94f54\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Shine Recovery and For the Love of the Arts founder Sade\\u0027 Carasquillo, this mission is personal.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMy parents struggled with addiction, so that was real for me growing up,\\u201d she says. \\u201cSo I saw Shine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 as an opportunity to expand and work with adults. It\\u2019s just seeing the power the arts have, and being able to bring that into the type of community support and resource that Shine Recovery offers is really unique and so needed.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine is part of a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/recoverycafenetwork.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003Enetwork of recovery caf\\u00e9s\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E nationwide that all follow a similar model. Patrons of the caf\\u00e9 can take part in classes\\u2014anything from art classes like bead-making, acrylic painting, and creative writing to professional development workshops on how to write resumes and find work\\u2014or just spend time in community with other people going through hardships.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESome people choose to talk about what they\\u2019re going through, and others come to escape their challenges, play board games, make art, and make friends. All members\\u2014patrons who come to the caf\\u00e9 more than three times\\u2014commit to an hour-long weekly meeting with their specific recovery group based on their recovery type.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94f9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5895,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022And true to its name, Shine Recovery Cafe provides coffee, tea, and a meal, all for free.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI thought I would just be serving meals, but you really connect to people,\\u201d says Milland Goldman, who has worked in Shine\\u2019s kitchen since day one. \\u201cYes, I serve a hot meal, but sometimes you have the opportunity to talk to someone, and they\\u2019ll open up to me who\\u2019s in the kitchen. I\\u2019m 55 years old, so I\\u2019ve had experiences with trauma and things in my life, so I\\u2019m able to share what worked for me, or how it happened for me, or be able to point them in the right direction with getting the resources they need.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cSo not only am I feeding them physically, sometimes you feed them spiritually and mentally,\\u201d she adds.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis model for supporting people who are struggling is called love-based recovery. It means everybody is welcome, no matter where they are in their recovery journey or the methods they use to recover. As long as people respect the space and don\\u2019t come to Shine Recovery while intoxicated, the doors are open.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019re not telling you this is the right way, and you have to subscribe to it. It\\u2019s come as you are and whatever is working for you, and let us be an asset to that,\\u201d Carasquillo says.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShine is especially needed in Indiana, which has a high rate of opioid overdoses. To address this, Indiana\\u2019s government has pushed funding for recovery caf\\u00e9s. There are currently 17 recovery caf\\u00e9s in Indiana and 67 in the U.S.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough Shine has only been open for a few months, membership is taking off. Within the first two months, Shine gained 30 members, and the caf\\u00e9 continues to steadily grow.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cOnce you know you\\u2019re not being judged for having a problem and not being turned away because of what you\\u2019ve done, you\\u2019re quicker to ask for help. It makes all the difference in the world,\\u201d Goldman says.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94fd3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo make Shine even more accessible, Carasquillo added Shine Kids, a program that allows caf\\u00e9 patrons to bring their kids to Love of Arts Creativity Center while they\\u2019re at the caf\\u00e9. That breaks the barrier for those who don\\u2019t have childcare and provides support for the unique challenges children who have parents in recovery face.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNot only am I feeding them physically, sometimes you feed them spiritually and mentally,\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MILLAND GOLDMAN, SHINE RECOVERY CAF\\u00c9\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94ff0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s so needed because my first experience with recovery was being a child of parents in recovery. You go through so much emotionally and developmentally that\\u2019s different than your peers, and we want people to know that while they\\u2019re getting support, their kids are getting support,\\u201d Carasquillo says. \\u201cWe have different learning and arts activities to give them that fun experience, and they get a meal just like at the caf\\u00e9. And it\\u2019s free because, as a mom, you need a break sometimes.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERunning For the Love of the Arts and Shine Recovery Cafe add up, so both are always seeking donations and community partnerships to allow them to continue their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Goldman says, \\u201cCome on in, and we\\u2019ll serve you a whole plate of love, acceptance, and inclusion!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5920,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5919,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5917,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b95007\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EFor the Love the the Arts is part of \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E, a program that supports communities in the creation of their own unique artist residency experiences, encouraging the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community context. We the Many is a project of Arts Midwest with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/overcoming-addiction-sometimes-starts-with-a-meal-and-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5918,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Several dozen people standing in front of a storefront in front of orange, yellow, and black balloons, with a person dressed in a sun costume kneeling in front.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"SHINE Team the day before opening August 14th, 2023.\\n\",\"date\":\"2024-01-22 22:20:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 22, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Several dozen people standing in front of a storefront in front of orange, yellow, and black balloons, with a person dressed in a sun costume kneeling in front.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/overcoming-addiction-sometimes-starts-with-a-meal-and-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Overcoming Addiction Sometimes Starts With a Meal and Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6445,\"title\":\"Columbus, Indiana, Is a Haven for Architecture Enthusiasts\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Columbus, Indiana, was founded in 1820, no one could have predicted the city would become a must-see destination for art and architecture lovers. Just 40 miles south of Indianapolis, along the White River, the mid-sized city is known for its modernist buildings and plethora of public art, all crafted by some of the greatest design-minded thinkers of their time. Most buildings were built between 1942 and 1965, and seven have National Historic Landmark designations, as named by the National Park Service.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EModernist style and architecture came about around the same time as the midcentury modern aesthetic, growing in appreciation after Art Deco\\u2019s popularity declined. The hallmarks of modernist architecture are what, at the time, were new and innovative building materials, including steel beams, large plate glass windows with no leading, concrete, and drywall.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6450,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e776991e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPhilosophically, the movement was known for its practicality: minimalist design in which every aspect of the build had a clear purpose and function, with no unnecessary adornment. Furniture, such as sunken couches and window seats, was often built into the building, and large, open spaces were common. The belief was that these Modernist buildings would feel more welcoming and less intimidating to visitors than architectural movements of the past known for lavish ornamentation, such as Gothic, Baroque, and Beaux-Arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat makes the presence of so many Modernist buildings and public artworks so special is their sheer volume for a city of Columbus\\u2019 size and that the city hired architects from all over the world for the task. This decades-long undertaking was made possible by the Cummins Foundation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6447,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6448,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6449,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6459,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6457,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769924c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECummins, the engine and industrial materials design and manufacturing company, was founded in Columbus over a century ago and is still in business today. J. Irwin Miller, who held multiple positions at Cummins, including CEO, established the Cummins Foundation in 1954 and informed city leaders that the foundation would pay for the architect\\u2019s fees as long as it was for public buildings, and they commissioned up-and-coming engineers and architects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThose commissioned include the Finnish-American architect Eliel Saarinen; his more famous son, Eero Saarinen, perhaps best known for designing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei; Robert Venturi; Argentinian-American architect C\\u00e9sar Pelli; Richard Meier; Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts; and Harry Weese, among others. The diversity of architecture earned Columbus the nickname \\u201cAthens on the Prairie.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6452,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6453,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6455,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6461,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6460,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769926c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile there are more than 60 Modernist buildings in Columbus, seven of the most popular and well-known are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Harry Weese\\u2019s First Baptist Church, Eliel Saarinen\\u2019s First Christian Church, John Carl Warnecke\\u2019s Mabel McDowell Elementary School (now an adult education center), the firm Myron Goldsmith of Skidmore, Owings \\u0026amp; Merrill\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Republic\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E Newspaper Office, and three buildings by Eero Saarinen. The younger Saarinen\\u2019s contributions include the Irwin Union Bank, now the Irwin Conference Center; the hexagonal North Christian Church known for its towering spire; and the Miller House, one of the few private residences Saarinen designed and owned by J. Irwin Miller and his wife Xenia Simons Miller while they were alive, the house was donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art upon Xenia\\u2019s passing since J. Irwin preceded her in death.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e77699279\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-captured-in-film\\u0022\\u003ECaptured in Film\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo get a taste of what Columbus offers, check out the film \\u003Cem\\u003EColumbus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. Starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson in the protagonist roles, the film follows Jin, a Korean man who travels to Columbus after his architect father arrives in the city to give a talk and has a health episode that leaves him in a coma. There, he meets local library worker and architecture enthusiast Casey, who has chosen to put her own architecture dreams on hold to care for her mother, who is in recovery from addiction to meth. Many of the buildings mentioned above are featured in the film.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EColumbus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E was created by filmmaker Kogonada, who was born in South Korea and raised in Indiana. He visited the city on a holiday break and was so moved by the architecture that he decided it had to be part of the first feature-length film he made. The film debuted at Sundance in 2017 and garnered a whopping 32 award nominations and 12 wins throughout its run on the film festival circuit.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6454,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6456,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6458,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769928e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe setting of Columbus and its many architectural wonders was in no small part a factor in the film\\u2019s success. As film critic Richard Brody wrote in his article in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.newyorker.com\\\/magazine\\\/2017\\\/06\\\/19\\\/the-precocious-genius-of-columbus\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe New Yorker\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cThose buildings provide an extraordinary premise for the drama, which is a visionary transformation of a familiar genre: a young adult\\u2019s coming-of-age story. For once, that trope doesn\\u2019t involve a sexual awakening or a family revelation; it\\u2019s the tale of an intellectual blossoming, thanks to a new friendship that arises amid troubled circumstances.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mOPsrKZyskg?si=m2pGF4Ehc-1wKgm5\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mOPsrKZyskg?si=m2pGF4Ehc-1wKgm5\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile Columbus may be known for its Modernist buildings, the city continues to prioritize architecture and innovative design by commissioning more and more public art. In odd-numbered years, the city hosts Exhibit Columbus, a weekend exhibition of the latest artworks that includes many free events for the public. Experts and enthusiastic laypeople alike can attend talks with designers and architects, go on guided tours, and bask in all the inspiration Columbus has to offer.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EAll photos in this story courtesy \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/guides.loc.gov\\\/korab-architectural-photos\\u0022\\u003ELibrary of Congress, Prints \\u0026amp; Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Collection\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture lovers. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/columbus-indiana-is-a-haven-for-architecture-enthusiasts\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6451,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022526\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 55%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"North Christian Church, Columbus, Indiana (1959-64; Aerial view), designed by architect Eero Saarinen. Photo courtesy Library of Congress, Prints \\u0026 Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Collection, LC-DIG-krb-00804.  \",\"date\":\"2024-03-20 19:52:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 20, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022701\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022701\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/columbus-indiana-is-a-haven-for-architecture-enthusiasts\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Columbus, Indiana, Is a Haven for Architecture Enthusiasts\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture lovers. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":267612,\"participants\":32710,\"grants\":18,\"communities\":15},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7443,\"title\":\"Des Moines\\u0027 Puzzlepalooza Is Bringing People Together\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Annelise Tarnowski and Tony Tandeski met a few years ago volunteering for Drake University\\u2019s alumni board, they bonded over how hard it can be to meet people outside of everyday activities like work. They also discovered a shared love of games like Dungeons and Dragons.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoon after that they thought of starting a dedicated board game bar in Des Moines. The only problem: they didn\\u2019t know how to start said bar. What they did know how to do, however, was host events. And that\\u2019s how \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a board game pop-up, got started in early 2020.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith a focus on in-person events, the pandemic brought disruptions early on. But once it was safe to gather again, Tarnowski and Tandeski went right back to hosting their events, including Puzzlepalooza.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce13434d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe\\u2019ve heard from people who have gotten to be closer to their co-workers because they come as a co-worker team. We\\u2019ve heard of people who have gotten closer as a family because cousins get together during the holidays.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ANNELISE TARNOWSKI\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce134523\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7449,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce1345fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea for the light-hearted competitions came from an early event attendee and their love of doing jigsaw puzzles in a room full of people. After brainstorming what such an event could look like, they came up with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/signature-events\\\/puzzlepalooza-classic-jigsaw-puzzle-competition\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPuzzlepalooza\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which revolves around racing to complete jigsaw puzzles.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKnowing that there are already jigsaw puzzle competitions out there, it became about figuring out how to make Puzzlepalooza different. Classic competitions feature teams of four racing to complete puzzles despite \\u201csabotages\\u201d\\u2014cards that teams can draw and dish out to other teams that might, for example, require a competing team member to wear mittens for 15 minutes. \\u201cIt makes the competition a little bit more intense, but still fun,\\u201d Tarnowski says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPuzzlepaloozas also include elite competition events where teams work on puzzles with more pieces and additional sabotage cards. There are also duel competitions that are head-to-head, bracket-style events.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7453,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7451,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7452,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7454,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce134781\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7450,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022What The Rook Room creates, however, is more than just opportunities to compete in game play. \\u201cWhat we\\u2019re really creating is a community,\\u201d says Tandeski.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ve heard from people who have gotten to be closer to their co-workers because they come as a co-worker team. We\\u2019ve heard of people who have gotten closer as a family because cousins get together during the holidays,\\u201d Tarnowski adds. \\u201cFor a year now we\\u2019ve had a team that\\u2019s been coming as a part of their mourning process. One of the people on the team lost their son very young and unexpectedly. [It\\u2019s been] a way to still get out of the house and do something that doesn\\u2019t require a lot of you.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Rook Room still trades in pop-up events, but they\\u2019re actively looking for a permanent home. They\\u2019re also in the final stages of completing a licensing agreement, so Puzzlepalooza may soon be coming to a city near you.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce13480c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/des-moines-puzzlepalooza-is-bringing-people-together\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7448,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pints and puzzles are a great pair with many of The Rook Room\\u2019s Puzzlepalooza events taking place at one of Des Moines\\u2019 many breweries like Twisted Vine Brewing featured here.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-17 15:10:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 17, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/des-moines-puzzlepalooza-is-bringing-people-together\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Des Moines\\u0027 Puzzlepalooza Is Bringing People Together\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6221,\"title\":\"Rural Iowa Monks Combine Craft and Ecology to Make Caskets\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENatural light floods through large windows lining nearly every wall of the Trappist Caskets production facility in northeast Iowa, wrapping it in view of New Melleray Abbey\\u2019s 3,400 acres, 1,200 of which are abundant in timber.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe storage racks at Trappist Caskets, designed and fabricated by master welder Brother Dennis, stretch six caskets tall between the concrete floor and the rafters that span the length of the shipping bay. This area manages the ebb and flow of production and shipping. The goal is to keep them full at all times. Today, there are several vacancies\\u2014demand has been very high.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt first glance, the racks are overwhelming for their enormity, and the realization that each space represents an individual awaiting preparation for burial adds more gravity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022From the production facility\\u2019s modest beginnings in the monks\\u2019 barns to the far reaching ties maintained through prayer and memorial tree plantings for those buried in Trappist Caskets and their families\\u2014the span of their work is remarkable.\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522e6c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6223,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522ee4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA wealth of midwestern natural resources, combined with the Trappist monks of New Melleray\\u2019s need to financially support themselves through their own labor and maintain a life steeped in prayer, inspired its entry into casket manufacturing in 1999.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f00\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEach casket crafted by monks and employees at this facility in Peosta, Iowa, captures unrepeatable characteristics in walnut, oak, cherry or pine grain. But one casket on the shipping bay\\u2019s floor this Tuesday stands out. Its design and far deeper red draw the eye quicker than all other cherry caskets in the shelving.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe lone casket served its owner first as a coffee table, its cherry wood aging in open air for 20 years. Rings left by glasses mark the lid\\u0027s finish. With upholstering completed this morning, and its lid newly reinforced, this old cherry casket is on its way to the funeral home so as to serve the priest in death who purchased it. He will be buried in it within the next few days. Paul Pankowski, Production Manager for Trappist Caskets, notes it isn\\u2019t uncommon for caskets to be purchased and turned into bookshelves, wine racks, and coffee tables, then for owners to eventually be buried in them.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe design for these have evolved since the cherry wood one was built. Recent interest in green burials necessitates biodegradable joinery and alternate handles, meaning designs continue to evolve.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6225,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f24\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPankowski oversees all aspects of production on the circuitous workshop floor, and can identify by eye where boards moving their way through originated. He points out lighter tones that range through black walnut of Wisconsin and Missouri. Iowa\\u2019s distinguishes itself from all others by richness of its depth, and the incomparable hardness of central Iowa\\u2019s oak dulls blades quicker than any other wood. The whiteness and clarity of pine harvested from the monks\\u0027 own land is easily recognizable in contrast to pine sourced from other areas.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Brother Joseph, it\\u2019s hard to believe the growth of this work. From the production facility\\u2019s modest beginnings in the monks\\u2019 barns to the far reaching ties maintained through prayer and memorial tree plantings for those buried in Trappist Caskets and their families\\u2014the span is remarkable.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6224,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6226,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6228,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6229,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6230,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f51\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrother Joseph, who began in those barns in 2006 and continues to work in varied roles from woodworking to upholstering in the new facility completed in 2007, recalls how cramped and dusty the barns were. He stresses how critical the employment of nearby community members is now \\u2014 to meet the high demand for their caskets and to ensure the monks\\u2019 freedom to maintain the rhythm of monastic life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe monks\\u0027 concern for land stewardship led Brother Joseph to pursue the hire of their full-time forester, John Schroeder, six years ago. Schroeder is initiating large scale prairie restoration and reforestation projects which prioritize the needs of New Melleray Abbey\\u2019s land and creeks lying on the cusp of Iowa\\u2019s Driftless region. It is an area spared by the grinding weight of glaciers moving out of the midwest around 12,000 years ago. This land\\u2019s delicate ecological balance and exceptionally rich soil are responsible for traits found in the trees that grow here.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6232,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6227,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6231,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f73\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAmong the most grateful customers Trappist Caskets serves are parents who must bury their children. The monks offer these caskets free of charge. Funeral homes and hospitals are quick to connect families in these tragic circumstances to the monks. The Federal Trade Commission\\u2019s Funeral Rule ensures that consumers are not limited to caskets offered by funeral homes for purchase and use, and anyone is free to contact Trappist Caskets, whose staff is always ready to guide families through meeting needs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETrappist Caskets\\u2019 employees can relate to this devastating experience. Production Manager Paul Pankowski and his wife lost a premature baby, and his first-hand knowledge infuses compassion in every step of the production process. His three-decade long experience within strict quality parameters of the custom kitchen cabinetry business prior to working at Trappist Caskets also informs his approach to all he does.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the end goal of both industries is perfection, his purpose, as well as all who work at Trappist Caskets, is not to turn a profit, but rather offer an encounter with beauty and consolation during a time of grief.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-iowa-monks-combine-craft-and-ecology-to-make-caskets\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6222,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Each casket crafted by monks and employees at this facility in Peosta, Iowa, captures unrepeatable characteristics in walnut, oak, cherry or pine grain. \",\"date\":\"2024-03-05 19:12:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 5, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":584,\"name\":\"Ann Thomas\",\"slug\":\"ann-thomas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":584,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ann Thomas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-iowa-monks-combine-craft-and-ecology-to-make-caskets\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rural Iowa Monks Combine Craft and Ecology to Make Caskets\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6026,\"title\":\"Tiny Town, Big Diversity: How One Rural Iowa Town is Celebrating Cultures\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EEsta historia est\\u00e1 disponible en espa\\u00f1ol. Para leer en espa\\u00f1ol, haga clic\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/#laluzespanol3\\u0022\\u003Eaqu\\u00ed\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAn hour and a half north of Des Moines, a small town with less than 5,000 people is tucked away in rural Iowa. What sets Hampton apart from its neighboring areas\\u2013\\u2013and many small towns throughout the region\\u2013\\u2013is its diversity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWithin our school district, we have a 40% Hispanic population,\\u201d says Kyle Whalen, Executive Director of La Luz Centro Cultural, a nonprofit that serves the Latino community in North Central Iowa. \\u201cThat\\u2019s an amazing thing to see.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHampton\\u2019s diversity is also what made the town ideal for a student cultural exchange event called Beyond Labels: Cultural Exchange. Funded in part by La Luz\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant and held at Hampton-Dumont High School, students who immigrated themselves, have immigrant families, or have more distant immigrant heritage showcased their culture in a community-wide event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6033,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ecf7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen we first had a lot of Hispanic immigrants coming to Hampton 25 to 30 years ago, most of them were from Mexico,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cThat\\u2019s diversified over the years. Now, we have a lot of people coming from Honduras, Guatemala, and other areas of Latin America.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn top of those students, Hampton-Dumont High School has hosted between one and five foreign exchange students from around the world for the past decade.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIn addition to being a teacher at Hampton-Dumont, I also work part-time for Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS), so I help coordinate some of our exchange students who are here,\\u201d says Alexis Vosburg, who helped to coordinate the event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6029,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The students Vosburg helps bring to Hampton are part of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange \\\\u0026 Study (YES) program through the U.S. Department of State.  \\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe [Kennedy-Lugar] program was actually created after 9\\\/11 to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations and create more people-to-people cultural diversity, so our students are predominantly from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The purpose of them coming here is not only to share their culture, but to learn about a different culture and establish some of those people-to-people relationships. That way when world events happen it\\u2019s not just a place on a map. You\\u2019re connected in ways you weren\\u2019t before. I think that\\u2019s super important in breaking down barriers and misunderstandings.\\u201d \\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA neighboring school also took part in the Beyond Labels event, bringing students from Thailand, Kosovo, and South Africa. Between Hampton\\u2019s existing Hispanic population and foreign exchange students, the event was a veritable melting pot. \\\\r\\\\n\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed4d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents were invited to share their culture however they wanted. Some worked in groups and others worked individually. Some brought currency and cultural artifacts important to them and their families. Many brought photos and PowerPoints, and some even brought jerseys from beloved national sports teams.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople were just super excited that they were able to showcase their country. Some brought food and drinks, decorated poster boards, dresses and regalia\\u2026 I\\u2019m Native American, and my daughter is Native American and Mexican, and other heritages as well, and we got to show off just how much diversity there is within our family. So, imagine how much diversity there is within this community as a whole,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cWe wanted to figure out how to unite the community even more and help people understand the different cultures in this community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6037,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed7c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond Labels was such a success that they\\u2019re already planning to make it an annual event. Teachers at the high school are excitedly encouraging students to participate.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cA lot of the kids really came out of their shells,\\u201d Vosburg adds. \\u201cThis wasn\\u2019t a school project they had to do. They chose to do this\\u2026 You could really see their excitement and how proud they were to show off their culture. The kids would also take a break between people coming through so they could also check out the other stations. A couple of them don\\u2019t speak the same language, but they\\u2019d show each other pictures, so they found a way to communicate. It was cool to see them so excited.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat began as an idea and passion project for Whalen is now set to become a mainstay in Hampton. Beyond Labels is an important event showcasing the town\\u0027s best parts: the people who make Hampton home, whether for an academic year or a lifetime.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s always been important to break cultural barriers,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cI like when people are able to embrace who they are.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed89\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We wanted to figure out how to unite the community even more and help people understand the different cultures in this community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Kyle Whalen, Executive Director of La Luz Centro Cultural\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022light\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6027,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250edb2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Ciudad Peque\\u00f1a, Gran Diversidad: C\\u00f3mo una Ciudad Rural de Iowa Celebra las Culturas\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022J\\u00f3venes en Hampton, Iowa, hogar de inmigrantes latinos y estudiantes de intercambio de todo el mundo, organizaron un evento \\u00fanico para celebrar la diversidad, diferencias y cultura.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022laluzespanol3\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250edc8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA hora y media al norte de Des Moines, una peque\\u00f1a ciudad con menos de 5.000 habitantes se esconde en la zona rural de Iowa. Lo que separa a Hampton de sus \\u00e1reas vecinas \\u2013\\u2013 y de muchas otras ciudades peque\\u00f1as de la regi\\u00f3n \\u2013\\u2013 es su diversidad.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDentro de muestro distrito escolar tenemos una poblaci\\u00f3n hispana del 40%\\u201d, dice Kyle Whalen, Director Executivo de La Luz Centro Cultural, una organizaci\\u00f3n sin fines de lucro que sirve a la comunidad latina en el centro norte de Iowa. \\u201cVer eso es incre\\u00edble\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELa diversidad de Hampton fue tambi\\u00e9n lo que permiti\\u00f3 que la ciudad fuese el marco ideal para un evento de intercambio cultural estudiantil llamado \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels: Cultural Exchange\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E [M\\u00e1s all\\u00e1 de las etiquetas: Intercambio Cultural]. Financiado en parte por la subvenci\\u00f3n \\u003Cem\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E obtenida por La Luz, tanto estudiantes inmigrantes, aquellos con familias inmigrantes, y quienes tienen una herencia inmigrante m\\u00e1s distante, mostraron su cultura en un evento comunitario que se llev\\u00f3 a cabo en la Escuela Secundaria Hampton-Dumont.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLa mayor\\u00eda de los primeros inmigrantes hispanos que llegaron a Hampton 25 a 30 a\\u00f1os atr\\u00e1s, proven\\u00edan de M\\u00e9xico\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cEso se ha diversificado con los a\\u00f1os. Ahora, hay mucha gente proveniente de Honduras, Guatemala, y otras zonas de Latinoam\\u00e9rica\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAdem\\u00e1s de aquellos estudiantes, la Escuela Secundaria Hampton-Dumont ha acogido entre uno a cinco estudiantes de intercambio de todo el mundo durante la \\u00faltima d\\u00e9cada.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAdem\\u00e1s de ser maestra en Hampton-Dumont, tambi\\u00e9n trabajo a medio tiempo para \\u003Cem\\u003EIowa Resource for International Service\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E (IRIS), donde ayudo a coordinar algunos de nuestros estudiantes de intercambio que est\\u00e1n aqu\\u00ed\\u201d, dice Alexis Vosburg, quien ayud\\u00f3 a coordinar el evento.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELos estudiantes que Vosburg ayuda a traer a Hampton forman parte del programa \\u003Cem\\u003EYouth Exchange \\u0026amp; Study\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E [Intercambio y Estudio Juvenil] (YES, por sus siglas en ingl\\u00e9s) de Kennedy-Lugar por medio del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de EE.UU.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEl programa [Kennedy-Lugar] fue creado despu\\u00e9s del 9\\\/11 para fortalecer las relaciones entre cristianos y musulmanes y para crear una diversidad cultural m\\u00e1s personal; por lo tanto, nuestros estudiantes provienen predominantemente del Sudeste de Asia, el Medio Oriente y \\u00c1frica. El prop\\u00f3sito de su estad\\u00eda aqu\\u00ed no es s\\u00f3lo para compartir su cultura, pero tambi\\u00e9n aprender de una cultura diferente y establecer algunas de estas relaciones personales. De esa manera, cuando ocurran eventos mundiales, no son s\\u00f3lo un lugar en el mapa. Est\\u00e1s conectado de una manera que antes no lo estabas. Creo que eso es s\\u00faper importante para romper barreras y malentendidos\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUna escuela vecina tambi\\u00e9n form\\u00f3 parte del evento \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, llevando a estudiantes de Tailandia, Kosovo y Sud\\u00e1frica. Entre la poblaci\\u00f3n hispana existente en Hampton y los estudiantes extranjeros de intercambio, el evento fue un aut\\u00e9ntico crisol de culturas.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESe invit\\u00f3 a que los estudiantes compartieran sobre su cultura como quisieran. Algunos trabajaron en grupos, mientras que otros trabajaron individualmente. Algunos trajeron monedas y artefactos culturales importantes para ellos y sus familias. Muchos mostraron fotograf\\u00edas y presentaciones en PowerPoint, y otros, incluso, llevaron camisetas de sus equipos deportivos nacionales favoritos.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLa gente estaba muy entusiasmada de que ellos pudieron exhibir su propio pa\\u00eds. Algunos trajeron comidas y bebidas, decoraron posters, vestidos e insignias \\u2026 Soy americano nativo, y mi hija es americana nativa y mexicana, adem\\u00e1s de otras herencias, y pudimos mostrar cuanta diversidad existe en nuestra familia. Entonces, imagina cuanta diversidad existe dentro de esta comunidad en su totalidad\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cQuer\\u00edamos encontrar la manera de unir a\\u00fan m\\u00e1s a esta comunidad y ayudar a que la gente entendiese las distintas culturas que existen en esta comunidad\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E fue tan exitoso que planean hacer de \\u00e9ste, un evento anual. Los maestros de la escuela secundaria est\\u00e1n motivando con mucho entusiasmo a que los estudiantes participen.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMuchos chicos realmente salieron de su caparaz\\u00f3n\\u201d, agrega Vosburg. \\u201cEsto no era un proyecto escolar que deb\\u00edan realizar. Ellos escogieron hacer esto \\u2026 Realmente pod\\u00edas ver su entusiasmo y lo orgulloso que estaban de mostrar su cultura. Los chicos tambi\\u00e9n se tomaban un descanso entre las visitas a sus estaciones para poder visitar las estaciones de sus compa\\u00f1eros. Un par de ellos no hablaban el mismo idioma, pero se mostraban fotos encontrando maneras de comunicarse. Fue genial verlos tan entusiasmados\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELo que comenz\\u00f3 como una idea y un proyecto apasionante para Whalen, ahora se convertir\\u00e1 en un pilar en Hampton. \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E es un evento importante que exhibe las mejores partes de la ciudad: la gente que hace de Hampton su hogar, ya sea por un a\\u00f1o acad\\u00e9mico o para toda la vida.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSiempre ha sido importante romper barreras culturales\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cMe gusta cuando las personas son capaces de aceptar qui\\u00e9nes son\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETranslated by Pia Hovenga \\\/ Traducido por P\\u00eda Hovenga\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6034,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A display of objects from Guatemala, including a soccer jersey, handbag, and money.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students and La Luz Centro Cultural board treasurer\\\/High School staff prepare for student cultural exchange event in Hampton, Iowa in November 2023.\\u00a0\",\"date\":\"2024-02-14 15:11:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 14, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A display of objects from Guatemala, including a soccer jersey, handbag, and money.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Tiny Town, Big Diversity: How One Rural Iowa Town is Celebrating Cultures\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":179534,\"participants\":12838,\"grants\":10,\"communities\":8},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7949,\"title\":\"Treaty Fish Co. Sustains Anishinaabe Traditions and Community Spirit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7956,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family, weekdays at the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatlakesfisheriestrail.org\\\/place.asp?ait=av\\\\u0026amp;aid=83\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArthur Duhamel Marina\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Peshawbestown (Grand Traverse Reservation, within the borders of Michigan) mean catching, processing, and smoking fish. They run \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/p\\\/Ed-Cindi-John-Treaty-Fish-Co-100063452418054\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTreaty Fish Co.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, so named for the treaty fishing rights they exercise as members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eProprietors Ed and Cindi John started the business in 1989. Ed learned to fish and hand tie nets from the marina\\u2019s namesake. Cindi learned to prepare smoked fish in traditional Anishinaabe ways from her uncle Jeeboo Sands, using local sugar maple wood to achieve their desired flavor.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Grand Traverse Bay, the sought-after catches are lake trout and whitefish. In an industry that is heavily regulated by federal, state, and tribal governments, Ed and Cindi use their business as a vessel for family and community togetherness, an expression of Anishinaabe identity, and a way to connect with the water they love so deeply.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Family Practice\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe main crew of their 1940s fishing tug, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLinda Sue\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, is Captain Ed, Cindi, their daughter Ruby, nephew Cameron Schocko, and family friend Shahbaht Anderson. The team leaves around 10:30 am with country and bluegrass music blasting. Cindi completes the calculations for net placement using GPS equipment, radar, and her knowledge of fish migrations patterns and the various depths and ridges that lie below the surface of Lake Michigan.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859dda\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI do this all so I can be on the water. Can\\u2019t you smell it? Can\\u2019t you feel it? It\\u2019s special.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CINDI JOHN, TREATY FISH CO.\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e4a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7950,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e63\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe headed to what Cindi calls \\u201cWhitefish Acres\\u201d off Old Mission Peninsula. Anderson and Schocko pulled the anchor into the boat, and the net emerged from the depths. As it came aboard, Cindi stood near the edge with a dip net to catch any falling fish.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll told, they pulled 900 feet of net, yielding 200 pounds of fish. Some days they catch as much as 700 pounds. Everyone paused in the glittering sunshine of the bay to carefully and quietly remove the fish from the nets. Ruby\\u0026nbsp; drove the boat toward the marina and said she\\u2019d love to captain a vessel someday, with a solid crew like the people behind her.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOnce ashore, each member of the family has a specific job. Schocko guts trout while Ed filets whitefish. Ruby removes the pin bones and prepares fish patties. Cindi handles \\u201cchunking\\u201d (portioning trout for the smoker), brining, and running the smoker. She also tends their weekly market stall at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dda.downtowntc.com\\\/farmers-market\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESara Hardy Farmers Market\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Traverse City. Nephew Daniel Genereaux untangles the nets and prepares them to be reset while Anderson and Schocko replace worn out netting and sew in new mesh. Other nephews gather during the week to clean the fish processing area and sanitize coolers and equipment.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e70\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7957,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7954,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7959,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7952,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7958,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:7963,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c2185a02e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7955,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-a-special-connection\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA Special Connection\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nTreaty Fish Co. is a community hub\\u2014a result of the quality of their product and the spirit of the family. While I was there, at least three different people came looking for fish even though it wasn\\u2019t a day they were actively selling. Cindi told an elder, who was letting his dog swim at the marina, to grab a cooler to take home some fish.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCindi\\u2019s passion for community and creativity shine through. She designs the packaging, working with FDA officials to both adhere to regulations and to ensure the finest product possible. In fact, the new marina fish processing facilities were designed based on the camping trailer Cindi had retrofitted, using her knowledge of federal health regulations as well as smooth division of labor.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eRecently, the fishery joined the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/gsgp.org\\\/projects\\\/100-great-lakes-fish\\\/100-great-lakes-fish-news\\\/treaty-fish-co-joins-100-great-lakes-fish-pledge\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e100% Fish Great Lakes Pledge\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which commits them to using 100% of their product in zero-waste ways. Cindi showed me some sunflowers she was growing next to the fish processing building (where she poured leftover fish juice); they were four times the size of those a friend was growing.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhen asked what they love most about their work, both Cindi John and Cameron Schocko said it was being in the bay. Cindi said, \\u201cI do this all so I can be on the water. Can\\u2019t you smell it? Can\\u2019t you feel it? It\\u2019s special.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c2185a09d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/treaty-fish-co-sustains-anishinaabe-traditions-and-community-spirit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7953,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(Left to right) Cameron Schocko, Shahbhat Anderson and Captain Ed John removing fish from the nets on the return to the marina.\",\"date\":\"2024-09-05 21:24:43\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 5, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":713,\"name\":\"Micah Ling\",\"slug\":\"micah-ling\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":713,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":714,\"name\":\"Minnie Wabanimkee\",\"slug\":\"minnie-wabanimkee\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":714,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Micah Ling and Minnie Wabanimkee\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/treaty-fish-co-sustains-anishinaabe-traditions-and-community-spirit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Treaty Fish Co. Sustains Anishinaabe Traditions and Community Spirit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7420,\"title\":\"Detroit Neighborhood Plagued by Air Pollution Uses Art to Reclaim Space\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA waft of what smells like fresh cut grass and burnt oil hangs in the air of Detroit\\u2019s East Canfield neighborhood. The eerie smell comes from the nearby Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant, which has received \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganpublic.org\\\/health\\\/2023-05-11\\\/stellantis-mack-assembly-plant-hit-with-sixth-odor-violation-in-less-than-2-years\\u0022\\u003Erepeated air quality violations for paint and solvent odors\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E over the last several years. In March, Stellantis agreed to pay a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wdet.org\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/13\\\/stellantis-agrees-to-pay-84k-for-air-quality-violations-at-jefferson-north-plant\\\/\\u0022\\u003E$84,420 fine\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for air quality violations for one of its plants in the same neighborhood. This neighborhood has one of\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michigan.gov\\\/-\\\/media\\\/Project\\\/Websites\\\/mdhhs\\\/Folder50\\\/Folder3\\\/Detroit-AsthmaBurden-2021_Update.pdf?rev=187419566778478fa169dfb8bb7791b1\\u0022\\u003E the highest rates of asthma hospitalization\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of children under 18.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite its foreboding presence, residents like sisters Kim and Rhonda Theus are finding intentional ways to erect beauty. They run the nonprofit \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.canfieldconsortium.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECanfield Consortium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which repurposes vacant lots for things like community gardens and public art. They\\u2019re even renovating a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bridgedetroit.com\\\/sisters-to-revive-former-neighborhood-hub-on-east-canfield\\\/#:~:text=But%20the%20Theus%20sisters%2C%20who,a%20nod%20to%20its%20history.\\u0026amp;text=They%20plan%20to%20turn%20it,a%20gathering%20spot%20for%20neighbors.\\u0022\\u003Eformer corner store into a coffee shop and art gallery\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and carving out a future bike path.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7425,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01cf7b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-honoring-place-and-people\\u0022\\u003EHonoring Place and People\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir latest project is the Detroit Remediation Forest, a forest bathing installation located in the East Canfield Art Park that they hope will help mitigate air pollution from the Stellantis complex. The forest is anchored by a gold sculpture called \\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones\\u0027\\u0027 by New York-based artist and activist Jordan Weber. The piece has an air quality monitor that tells residents the particulate matter levels in the air.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s shaped like two crowns, as an ode to Queen Idia of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) and Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar who fought colonization. The crowns also honor Kim and Rhonda as modern-day queens.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a strong symbolic representation of the African diasporic experience and the trauma that\\u2019s in the land in both Africa and the U.S.,\\u201d Weber said. \\u201cThere\\u2019s the 2008 housing crisis where you see what happened to the legacy of Black homeownership in Detroit, for example. Queen Ranavalona was exiled from Madagascar and forced to live in Europe for the remainder of her life, and that\\u2019s no different to me than us being displaced in our communities where we have [generations] of families who literally sweat and bled to get that land.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7427,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01cfcc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWeber\\u2019s sculpture was unveiled to the public in May. A second phase of the forest installation will include planting air-purifying conifers like white pine and fir in partnership with the Greening of Detroit, and installing an elevated walkway. It will also host outdoor programming for the Barack Obama Leadership Academy across the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones,\\u201d is the newest addition to the East Canfield Art Park, which the Theus sisters opened in 2021 on a vacant corner. Kim and Rhonda wanted to leverage the power of art to spark conversations on environmental issues, gentrification, and Black representation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first art piece in the park was a bronze sculpture by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.metrotimes.com\\\/detroit-guides\\\/inside-detroit-sculptor-austen-brantleys-studio-34118990\\u0022\\u003EDetroit sculptor Austen Brantley\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E called \\u201cBoy Holds Flower.\\u201d In that piece, a young Black boy sits cross legged as he gazes in admiration at a flower he\\u2019s just picked. It\\u2019s important for the children attending the Barack Obama Leadership Academy to have this image of joyful Black boyhood. The park also includes a \\u201cHood Closed to Gentrifiers\\u201d sign by artist Bryce Detroit.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7430,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d00c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7426,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eGuided by Purpose and Legacy\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKim and Rhonda remember when the neighborhood was a bustling, Black middle class area \\u2014 before the Stellantis plant expanded its footprint and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bridgedetroit.com\\\/detroits-cost-for-automotive-growth-generational-displacement\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003edisplaced their neighbors\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and before \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.metrotimes.com\\\/news\\\/detroit-illegally-overtaxed-homeowners-600m-theyre-still-waiting-to-be-compensated-29800877#:~:text=The%20city%20of%20Detroit%20made,losing%20their%20homes%20to%20foreclosure.\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDetroit\\u2019s foreclosure crisis caused families to lose their homes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThere was a middle school that we went to, a [recreation] center, playgrounds, and all those things are gone,\\u201d said Kim \\u201cPeople who are building families won\\u0027t move to a neighborhood where they don\\u0027t have those types of amenities, so a lot of the work that we\\u0027re doing at Canfield Consortium is addressing things like that.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeber was selected as an artist-in-residence by \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sidewalkdetroit.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSidewalk Detroit\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a place-keeping organization championing public art and urban greenspace. Sidewalk Detroit Director and Founder Ryan Myers-Johnson said that during planning meetings, East Canfield residents stressed that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of beautification.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe started to really understand the problem with Stellantis and the air quality issues and how [the plant] is touted as bringing in jobs and not something that is actually destroying health and the fabric of this neighborhood,\\u201d Myers-Johnson said. \\u201cSo, we needed somebody rooted in understanding spatial trauma and environmental justice issues.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d09e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d0c0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EReclaiming their neighborhood is Kim and Rhonda\\u2019s way of preserving the legacy of families like theirs who moved to Detroit to escape the Jim Crow South.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur parents were born and raised in Tennessee \\u2026 The only jobs they could get there were either domestic work or sharecropping. They wanted to buy a home and build a family, so they left everything they knew in Tennessee to move to Detroit and bought a house in East Canfield Village,\\u201d Rhonda said. \\u201cThe majority of people that live here come from the same situation\\u2026 so these houses have a powerful legacy.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-neighborhood-plagued-by-air-pollution-uses-art-to-reclaim-space\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7428,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jordan Weber\\u2019s sculpture \\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones\\u0022 at the East Canfield Art Park in Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-16 14:20:16\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 16, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":668,\"name\":\"Randiah Camille Green\",\"slug\":\"randiah-camille-green\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":668,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Randiah Camille Green\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-neighborhood-plagued-by-air-pollution-uses-art-to-reclaim-space\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Detroit Neighborhood Plagued by Air Pollution Uses Art to Reclaim Space\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6203,\"title\":\"In Rural Eastern Michigan, the Barn Is an Art Form\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPart rural rejuvenation and part public art project, a series of barns around Port Austin, Michigan, at the topmost tip of the mitten-shaped state\\u2019s \\u201cthumb,\\u201d have been repurposed and revived into massive art installations. Ranging from architectural interventions to large-scale murals, they feature work by artists that provoke joy in the unexpected.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJim Boyle, founder of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.public-pool.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPublic Pool\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a cooperative art space in the Detroit suburb of Hamtramck, also catalyzed an initiative called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.53northart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003E53 North\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which references Michigan state highway 53 that connects Detroit to the Lake Huron town of Port Austin. Boyle was born in Detroit, then lived in Port Austin for 18 years.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6208,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5136\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe then returned to Detroit, where he currently lives, and continued to drive the route regularly to visit family. \\u201cI became struck both by the number of early twentieth-century barns in decline in the Thumb and their eerie similarity to the abandoned industrial remnants of the economic wrecking ball that hit Detroit,\\u201d he said in an article for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.detroitresearch.org\\\/vol-3-farmland-as-sculpture-park-53-north-jim-boyle\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EDetroit Research\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoyle was struck by the parallel economic impacts on both agriculture and manufacturing over several decades, starting in the mid-20th century, which took a toll on local communities and the physical environment. While industrial buildings were shuttered in Detroit, farm buildings gradually fell into disrepair around the countryside. But all of these disused barns gave him an idea: \\u201cIn Detroit, I loved how artists were responding to economic parallels in urban areas, and thought it would be interesting to do the same in the Thumb.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002246px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:46px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e515e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-constructing-new-views-of-rural-michigan\\u0022\\u003EConstructing New Views of Rural Michigan\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EConceived by 53 North in collaboration with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.portaustinart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGreater Port Austin Art \\u0026amp; Placemaking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the Barn Art project reimagines the iconic American farm structure into striking works of art. So far, three projects have been completed, each with a unique, site-specific take on its surroundings.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6209,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn 2013, Boyle invited Steve and Dorota Coy, who work as \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hdlcorp.io\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Hygienic Dress League\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e (HDL), to paint a monumental mural called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArt in the Public Realm\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e on two sides of a barn on Mark Ziel\\u2019s dairy farm. Unlike the other two structures that have been transformed during the course of this project, this barn is still used to store hay and equipment, and its view from the road regularly draws visitors who pass by it on their way into town.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cEvery once in a while I\\u2019ll stop by and talk to the people who take pictures of it,\\u201d Ziel said during a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3T1RWAgYry4?si=nToIs4E-BqYS9zSk\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003econversation with the artists\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201cThey say, boy, that\\u2019s fading a little bit, is there anything you can do to redo that?\\u201d He takes pride in the artwork\\u2019s ability to spark conversation and consider pressing issues for rural communities and farmers.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHDL takes the form of a conceptual corporation, which \\u201cproudly provides no products or services,\\u201d they wrote in a statement about the project. The status of the corporation is used as an art medium to critique contemporary society and its contradictions, and in this case, it considers how big business often presents big challenges for America\\u2019s farmers. One side of the piece, titled \\u201cWalden,\\u201d portrays a giant pigeon with the HDL logo, and the other, \\u201cAmerican Gothic,\\u201d spoofs Grant Wood\\u2019s seminal 1930 painting of the same name, featuring two figures wearing gas masks and holding a pitchfork.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5197\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIn Detroit, I loved how artists were responding to economic parallels in urban areas, and thought it would be interesting to do the same in the Thumb.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JIM BOYLE, PUBLIC POOL \\\\u0026 53 NORTH\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6213,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6211,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6212,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51d9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-architectural-interventions\\u0022\\u003EArchitectural Interventions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next two installations tapped into the materials and architectural features of the barns themselves. The project in 2015 took a reconstructive approach, which began by first completely demolishing a barn donated by local residents Bill and Lorraine Goretski. \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.scotthocking.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EScott Hocking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E described his long-time desire to deconstruct a barn, turn it upside down, and build what he initially conceived of as an ark out of its original materials,\\u201d Boyle says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECelestial Ship of the North (Emergency Ark)\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, also known as the \\u201cBarnboat,\\u201d was built over the course of three months, utilizing the beams and boards of the collapsing 1890s building. The form was inspired by archaic sea vessels and myths of deluge and destruction, standing sentry in a family farm where consistent winds, weather, and time will eventually continue its decay.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThe original barn, a recognizable and nostalgic form in the landscape, was left unattended but cherished as an old building familiar to the area ... As it was, it needed structural maintenance and attention to save it from crumbling in the near future.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CATIE NEWELL, ARTIST, ALIBI STUDIO\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6215,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6216,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6217,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6218,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6214,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5207\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen, in 2019, Catie Newell of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cathlynnewell.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAlibi Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and a team of more than two dozen construction professionals and volunteers collaborated to turn a barn donated by Michael Schoenhals into an artwork titled \\u003Cem\\u003ESecret Sky. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003ESimilar to \\u003Cem\\u003ECelestial Ship, \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethe piece painstakingly incorporates original materials that were patiently reworked and replaced by hand. \\u201cThe original barn, a recognizable and nostalgic form in the landscape, was left unattended but cherished as an old building familiar to the area,\\u201d Newell says. \\u201cAs it was, it needed structural maintenance and attention to save it from crumbling in the near future.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/TqmsSHZKkgw?si=lFtibCDS6F_gZGGg\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/TqmsSHZKkgw?si=lFtibCDS6F_gZGGg\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EVideo courtesy of Catie Newell of Alibi Studio.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs if carved cleanly with a knife, a carefully cut passageway slices through one corner of the barn, allowing light and space through an unexpected aperture. Passersby can view the split from afar or walk through the opening, and at night, the structure is transformed into a giant lantern using solar energy collected throughout the day. After a few years, the roof began to deteriorate, and a recent fundraiser to repair it was successful thanks to generous donations from local residents, matching donors, and a grant from the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganbusiness.org\\\/industries\\\/macc\\\/macc-grants\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMichigan Arts and Culture Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECurrently, planning for a fourth barn is in the works, and all of the existing installations are visible from the road. You can locate them on a map on the 53 North \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.53northart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ewebsite\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rural-eastern-michigan-the-barn-is-an-art-form\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6207,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A silhouette of a barn with the sun setting behind it. There is a triangle shaped passage cut into the barn.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 55%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"In 2019, Catie Newell of Alibi Studio and a team of construction professionals and volunteers collaborated to turn a barn into an artwork titled Secret Sky. Photo courtesy of the artist, 53 North, and Greater Port Austin Art \\u0026 Placemaking.\",\"date\":\"2024-02-29 15:54:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 29, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A silhouette of a barn with the sun setting behind it. 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There is a triangle shaped passage cut into the barn.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rural-eastern-michigan-the-barn-is-an-art-form\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Rural Eastern Michigan, the Barn Is an Art Form\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":366336,\"participants\":39367,\"grants\":28,\"communities\":23},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7577,\"title\":\"Slovenian Iron Rangers Maintain Cultural Roots through Potica\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a cold July morning in Ely, Minnesota, Jim Lah, 59, radiates a boyish energy as he prepares his potica. Pronounced \\u003Cem\\u003Epoh-teet-zah\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, this dense pastry of alternating dough and filling has become an ancestral emblem for Slovenian Americans. Lah is making four loaves today: two classics filled with ground walnuts and honey, and two loaves with sweet tarragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the early 1900s, Ely\\u2019s Pioneer Mine was one of the largest underground mines in the world. Slovenians came in waves to work in the iron mine and help create the surrounding community, forming what Lah calls a \\u201ccritical mass of people to keep a culture alive,\\u201d especially through food. Cabbage rolls and slivovitz are widely available on the Iron Range, but neither match the presence of potica. Lah says, \\u201cWalnut potica is used for every wedding, all funerals \\u2026 graduations.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the president of the Slovenian Union of America\\u2019s (SUA) branch 23, Lah takes his potica baking seriously. From mixing to pulling the final loaves from the oven, the process takes about four hours. Lah beams, \\u201cIf you can make boxed macaroni and cheese, you know, you can do that to say you love someone,\\u201d but for him, that falls short. His love is revealed through his labor on the loaves.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7580,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7581,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7582,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7583,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7584,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e48761d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7579,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLah grins when he says, \\u201cI have everything Slovenian I can,\\u201d and it\\u2019s hard to argue with that. He is mixing Slovenian honey using a wooden spoon he bought in Slovenia. He is wearing a Slovenian kerchief to keep any stray hairs pinned down. While rolling the dough, he plays the same melancholic Slovenian folk song on repeat: \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eN\\u2019mau Cez Izaro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. The rolled loaves need time to breathe under a wool cloth before baking, and Lah uses his Slovenian uncle\\u2019s tattered Pendleton shirt.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHe got the recipe for the dough from his mother, and the recipe for the walnut filling belonged to his aunt. For him, making potica is a solitary act in that he typically wants to be the only person in the kitchen, needing lots of space to pull the dough to translucently thin, but his family and culture are always present for Lah too. He is baking these loaves for a family trip to their cabin, and he pauses several times to feel the presence of his ancestors in the room.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLah says, \\u201cWhen you leave Slovenia, an image of it freezes in time,\\u201d and maybe that explains why the potica of the Iron Range is different from the \\u201cbreadier\\u201d stuff found in Europe. It could be that immigrants have preserved an idea of the food that no longer exists in its home country. Slovenian potica is also baked in a round tin with a hollow center, like a donut, while its American counterpart is typically baked in a straight tin. Lah suggests maybe the immigrants just didn\\u2019t own round tins. The result is a quintessential Midwestern dessert that can be found in grocery stores, bakeries, and bread drawers across the Iron Range.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e48781a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e487847\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/slovenian-iron-rangers-maintain-cultural-roots-through-potica\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7578,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jim Lah chops the tarragon fresh from his garden to add to his potica.\",\"date\":\"2024-08-13 17:45:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 13, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":671,\"name\":\"Alec Osthoff\",\"slug\":\"alec-osthoff\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":671,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alec Osthoff\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/slovenian-iron-rangers-maintain-cultural-roots-through-potica\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Slovenian Iron Rangers Maintain Cultural Roots through Potica\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6492,\"title\":\"Surf\\u2019s Up: Minnesotans Hit the Waves on Lake Superior\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EShe pulls on a wetsuit, thick and hooded, stashing gloves and booties in a bag. The temperature outside is cold; A storm has blown in from the west. Up in the sky, a flat, gray layer of nimbostratus clouds create a blanket. Giant, white flakes swirl in the early spring air, blowing in a wind that sweeps across Lake Superior. Driving north of Duluth on Scenic Highway 61, her car skids on ice and snow. Glancing at the lake, her heart thumps. She is ready. As she pulls onto Stoney Point Drive, tall waves crash on a rocky shore. There are others in wetsuits, carrying boards to the shoreline. It is time to go surfing.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cbr\\u003ESurfing has been around for centuries, dating back to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sportsfoundation.org\\\/surfing-history\\\/\\u0022\\u003Epremodern times\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E when Polynesians practiced it as a religious art form. In the United States, surfing became popular in the mid 1900s, including a handful of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.surfertoday.com\\\/surfing\\\/the-ultimate-guide-to-surfing-the-great-lakes\\u0022\\u003Eearly surfers on the Great Lakes\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Today, lake surfing is increasingly popular for Midwesterners, like the hearty population of surfers who brave the cold waters of Lake Superior. Peak season runs fall through winter. While surfing is still active during summer, it is the coldest seasons that offer the tallest waves.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Duluth, Minnesota, surfing on Superior has become a regular pastime for some locals, a course taught at the University of Minnesota Duluth (yes, college credit is available), and a photo op for North Shore artists.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELearning to surf is not a simple task. Carly Weiss, a Sauna Guide in Duluth, moved to the area from Wisconsin in 2017. She saw pictures of surfers in Superior and thought it seemed unattainable for herself. When she befriended some local surfers, all male, she began getting onto the lake to try surfing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI would describe surfers on Lake Superior to be very strategic ... [We] pay attention to the weather, almost to a fault ...\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RANDY CARLSON, COORDINATOR FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS OUTDOOR PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee774e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6499,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee779f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI was really excited the first time. It was more difficult than I thought. I went in with a lot of confidence but definitely was humbled, the lake wasn\\u2019t making it easy to paddle out [to] catch a wave ... it was cold, and it was stormy,\\u201d said Weiss, who didn\\u2019t get up on her board that first time surfing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy her fourth attempt, Weiss was able to get up on her board. With very few female surfers on the scene when she began surfing, she kept rocking the waves and has been joined by an increasing number of female surfers on Superior.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDeveloping a style is where surfing becomes an artform. Some people have a lot of grace to their method, while others present a more powerful and aggressive form. The body moves in ways that are distinctive to everyone.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWeiss\\u2019 fellow surfing buddy, Ian Lundborg, is a carpenter and freelance artist. His interest in surfing came out of a childhood passion for board sports\\u2014snowboarding and skateboarding. Lundborg loves the surfing culture, adrenaline rush, the look of the early morning lake with sea smoke hanging on its surface, and the spiritual connectedness he feels on a wave.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAny activity on nature while it\\u2019s moving, you\\u2019re just riding it,\\u201d he said. \\u201c[You have to] read a wave when it\\u2019s coming, know how you want to ride it ... visualizing yourself on a wave before it\\u2019s even there.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002249px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:49px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee77b7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6505,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eSurfing has become so popular in the Duluth area there is a block of courses teaching the sport at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Randy Carlson, Coordinator for Recreational Sports Outdoor Program, and Cora Seroogy, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAquatics and Risk Management Coordinator, work at the college teaching the skills it takes to surf successfully and safely. They are both avid surfers who have surfed warmer waters like Costa Rica and the Gulf of Mexico.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe surfing courses at UMD are based in a pool that has a current and strong flowing water. There is no wave to ride, but a board can be used to do a variety of surfing skills including balancing and turning. Surfing on Lake Superior deals with a lot of current and learning to manage that is as important as learning to ride a wave. Some courses include live surfing on Lake Superior, though not during the tumultuous winter months, which can be a dangerous time to surf. Both Carlson and Seroogy surf Superior year-round, including the winter months.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee77de\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI would describe surfers on Lake Superior to be very strategic,\\u201d said Carlson. \\u201c[We] pay attention to the weather, almost to a fault ... I know where the low pressure is in Colorado right now and how it will evolve and impact Lake Superior in two days. I\\u2019m predicting what\\u2019s going to happen by looking at what\\u2019s happening west. Winter surfing is the best because we get cold air pushing on cold water for the largest distances ... a northeast wind will blow on the water of Lake Superior for [hundreds of] miles. That\\u2019s a great fetch.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFetch is the distance wind travels over open water. When there is great fetch, there are great waves. That makes for great surfing. But the waters of a lake as big as Superior aren\\u2019t warm\\u2014ever. That makes surfing, especially during prime winter and spring seasons, a sport for the hearty.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESeroogy laughs and sighs as she describes the urge to surf during a cold-weather storm, \\u201c[You have] a ton of adrenaline. It\\u2019s cold, surreal. It\\u2019s just like this feeling that you have to go ... it doesn\\u2019t matter what\\u2019s going on ... nothing else matters,\\u201d she said, adding, \\u201cThe first wipeout is the worst. It\\u2019s just shock of the cold water and [thinking], \\u003Cem\\u003Edamn\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E ... then you\\u2019re like, \\u003Cem\\u003Elet\\u2019s do it again\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarlson added, \\u201cIf you\\u2019re not as hard on yourself the first time you crash, that cold moment is temporary ... [but] if the lake is really wild, you need to have an exit strategy. It\\u2019s always easier to get into the lake than it is to get out of the lake. You\\u2019ve got to be honest with yourself with where your mental and physical state [are] ... if you\\u2019re cold you need to get out of the lake ... That\\u2019s a crucial thing to understand.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6501,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6500,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6503,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7800\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs unique as it is to teach surfing in northern Minnesota, the North Shore surfers share something in common with surfers across the globe \\u2014 their distinct styles and the beauty of surfers on water. It is this juxtaposition of human-made sport (balancing on a board) mixed with nature-made wonder (water and waves) that provides an opportunity for art to be captured by artists, a.k.a. photographers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA Minnesota native, Ryan Rumpca became interested in surfing through the lens of his camera. He sometimes wears a wetsuit to photograph surfers, placing his camera in water housing (which keeps it dry). While he has tried surfing, he prefers to capture others as an outsider looking in, creating art in picture form.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6502,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7814\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEveryone has their own style. It is [artistic when] everyone is in black, especially in a snowstorm ... you can kind of see who the people are because of how they surf,\\u201d said Rumpca, describing the variation in surfing style from person to person.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt is this intriguing contrast and composition of a photograph that makes for a great work of art. Distinctive. Brave. Flowing. Balancing in a chaotic environment. These are the surfers of Lake Superior.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tpt.org\\\/freshwater\\\/\\u0022\\u003EVide\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tpt.org\\\/freshwater\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E courtesy of Twin Cities PBS.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cdiv class=\\\\u0022pbs-viral-player-wrapper\\\\u0022 style=\\\\u0022position: relative; padding-top: calc(56.25% + 43px);\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ciframe src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/player.pbs.org\\\/viralplayer\\\/3078752915\\\/\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen allow=\\\\u0022encrypted-media\\\\u0022 style=\\\\u0022position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7829\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/surfs-up-minnesotans-hit-the-waves-on-lake-superior\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6504,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022577\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two surfers trudging through thick snow in their wet suits, holding their boards; there are tall evergreen trees around them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 70%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Surfers brave the snow in northern Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2024-03-26 16:35:48\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 26, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":590,\"name\":\"Darla Mae Swanson\",\"slug\":\"darla-mae-swanson\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":590,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Darla Mae Swanson\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022769\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two surfers trudging through thick snow in their wet suits, holding their boards; 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there are tall evergreen trees around them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/surfs-up-minnesotans-hit-the-waves-on-lake-superior\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Surf\\u2019s Up: Minnesotans Hit the Waves on Lake Superior\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":8555,\"title\":\"Game Time: Reviving the Ojibwe Way\\u00a0with Dice and Cards\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk any six-year-old and they\\u2019ll tell you just how to play the classic game of Go Fish: Get a handful of cards. Try to get four that match. Repeat as attention spans allow.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut swap out the fish for owls and say \\u201cgookooko\\u2019oo\\u201d instead of \\u201cgo fish,\\u201d and you have \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nashke.com\\\/shop\\\/p\\\/bineshiiyag-owl-card-game\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBineshiiyag:\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E one of several new amusements in the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nashke.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENashke Native Games\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/carlsonschool.umn.edu\\\/mncupdivisionwinners\\\/2024\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eaward-winning\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E line.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELaunching a year and a half ago, the three-person business is trying to bolster Ojibwe language and culture in the Midwest\\u2014in a fun, accessible (not to mention, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sciencedirect.com\\\/science\\\/article\\\/abs\\\/pii\\\/S074756322030145X\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eeffective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E) way.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8567,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cOur mission is to increase awareness and the power of learning through gameplay. And boy, we just see it come to fruition every day,\\u201d says founder and CEO Tony Drews \\\\u0022Chi-Noodin\\\\u0022 (Big Wind).\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLanguage learners, teachers, families, and curious board-gamers alike can purchase the games, ranging from modern takes on traditionals (like Bagese: The Bowl Game) to fast-paced fur trade-simulation kits with puzzles and tile matching challenges (like Mii Gwech).\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe games are an avenue for discovery; they can be played in Ojibwe or English (Dakota expansion packs coming soon!) Here, words are intentionally \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003enot \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eforgotten.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDrews says there are \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ojibwe.lib.umn.edu\\\/about-ojibwe-language\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eless than 700 first-language Ojibwe speakers in the U.S.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAnd if we don\\u2019t do something, we\\u2019re gonna become known as the people who were the Ojibwe,\\u201d he says. \\u201cNative history is Minnesota history. And without a spark, our youth aren\\u0027t gonna learn it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDrews\\u2019s great-grandmother only spoke Ojibwe. Her daughter was sent to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/religionsmn.carleton.edu\\\/exhibits\\\/show\\\/pipestone\\\/pipestonehistory\\\/the-pipestone-indian-training-\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePipestone Indian Training School\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and now, Drews\\u2019s father doesn\\u2019t know more than four words in Ojibwe. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt took one generation to strip my family of its culture, its language and the millennium of our culture,\\u201d Drews says. \\u201cWe can\\u2019t talk about language and culture separately. They\\u2019re intertwined.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTake the word \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003emindimooyenh. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSomebody who holds the family together. A term of high respect for an elderly woman.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u0022If you call someone an \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eold woman\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in English, that\\u0027s a dig, right? So if we lose that word,\\u00a0we lose the cultural perspective of how we truly look at elderly women,\\u201d Drews says. \\u201cAnd the same with elders. We call our elders\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e gichi-aya\\u0027aa\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e:\\u00a0\\u2018the Great Beings.\\u2019\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba497650be\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8564,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba49765155\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESecond-grade teacher Lisa Schussman\\u2019s students have played Ginebig: The Snake Game, Makizinataagewin: The Moccasin Game, and Bineshiiyag in her Lincoln Elementary classroom.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe\\u0026nbsp;loans out take-home kits at the Bemidji, Minnesota, school where many Native students attend; the area is surrounded by the Leech Lake (Ojibwe), Red Lake (Chippewa), and White Earth reservations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:8556,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:8557,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:8561,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:8563,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:8560,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:8558,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba49765171\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just find it such a valuable way to get ... excited about the language and about their culture and respect too,\\u201d Schussman says, overhearing\\u0026nbsp;students using words learned in the games.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think that a lot of times we get nervous to try or we don\\u2019t want to do something wrong, so then we don\\u2019t. But I\\u2019ve found that through the games, you\\u2019re a lot more willing when it\\u2019s in a fun, laughing atmosphere to just try.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGoji\\u2019ewizi: Just \\u003Cem\\u003Etry\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/nashke-native-games\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8559,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221022\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Hands with pink nails holding a deck of cards over a white table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n.jpg 1052w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A player holds a hand of a Nashke Native Games deck during gameplay.\",\"date\":\"2024-11-19 13:06:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 19, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022769\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Hands with pink nails holding a deck of cards over a white table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n.jpg 1052w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/nashke-native-games\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Game Time: Reviving the Ojibwe Way\\u00a0with Dice and Cards\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":252997,\"participants\":62714,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":14},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":6382,\"title\":\"Across the Upper Midwest, Communities Converge Around Norway\\u2019s Hardanger Fiddle\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Norway, the \\u003Cem\\u003Ehardingfele, \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eor the Hardanger fiddle, is deeply woven into the nation\\u2019s cultural tapestry. From the earliest known iteration made in 1651 by Ole Jonsen Jaastad, the instrument originates from its namesake region, the western district of Hardanger, where it was traditionally used to play wedding music, dances, and other songs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA Hardanger fiddle looks at first glance like an intricately ornamented violin, with a fingerboard and tailpiece often inlaid with mother-of-pearl, ebony, or bone. It is more lightweight, however, with four slimmer strings, ink decorations on the wooden body, and the scroll at the end often carved into the likeness of a dragon or wild animal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6422,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee670\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee6bb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother key element of a Hardanger fiddle is the addition of sympathetic strings, which sit in a layer below those that the bow touches, vibrating when the instrument is played and adding a richness to the sound. \\u201cYou are playing, generally, two notes at once whenever you play a Hardanger fiddle,\\u201d says luthier Robert \\u201cBud\\u201d Larsen, a side effect of the instrument\\u2019s flat bridge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELarsen, who is based in Brainerd, Minnesota, was introduced to the art of fiddle-making and restoration with the help of local violin-maker Gunnar Helland. Helland had emigrated to the U.S. from Norway in 1901. After stints in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, he established a shop in Fargo, North Dakota, to carry on his family\\u2019s craft tradition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur family moved into the same building where Gunnar had his shop,\\u201d Larsen says. \\u201cWe hung out a lot, and I was very interested in what he was building. When I was in the seventh grade, he gave me an old violin and helped me through the process of restoring it.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELarsen\\u2019s lifelong love for the instrument was born. Over the next several decades, he would build at least 40 Hardanger fiddles and restore more than twice that many.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-preserving-and-evolving-tradition\\u0022\\u003EPreserving, and Evolving, Tradition\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETroyd Geist, state folklorist of North Dakota, is a big fan of traditional culture and history. He focuses not only on the heritage of traditional arts but also sees the potential for craft to contribute to health and a sense of wellbeing. He heads an apprenticeship program where a master artist is paired with a younger person in order to pass along knowledge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6424,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Geist is fascinated by how U.S. makers have gradually evolved the Hardanger fiddle over time. Though the instruments have maintained many of their recognizable features, their designs have become distinctly American.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cFor instance, the fiddles in Norway would have different rosemaling designs and different flowers that they really focus on,\\u201d Geist says. \\u201cAnd the head above the fret is often carved, in Norway, like a lion or a dragon. They do that here, too, but they also carve, instead of a lion or a dog head on the end of it, a buffalo head.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLarsen and others in the community who are passionate about the Hardanger fiddle liken the craft to being similar to language.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe know that a language that is not willing to change will soon die,\\u201d says Larsen, who was a linguist in Papua New Guinea for more than 20 years before turning to fiddle making. \\u201cIf people say a language should be prescriptive and you should write it the way the dictionary tells you to, and speak it that way, then the language will die out because it can\\u0027t change. And that\\u0027s the same with Hardanger fiddle music. Because new music is being written, and it\\u0027s being used in different genres as well, it will stay with us for a long time because the music has learned to adapt to people\\u0027s interests and cultures.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee6e7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Geist and Larsen agree that it\\u2019s important to continue to teach others how to make the fiddles, which can sometimes take a novice apprentice up to two years to complete. Some makers seek to protect their secrets, but \\u201cif you\\u0027re not willing to share broadly and freely, the tradition is going to die,\\u201d Geist says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022[The music] is a symbol of Norwegian culture and heritage, and even more than that, it\\u0027s a symbol of Midwest culture.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MARKUS KRUEGER, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CLAY COUNTY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee70a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-generational-history-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EA Generational History\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFirst comes the making of a fiddle and then, of course, comes the playing. Arts Midwest\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E recently supported an event at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hcscconline.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistorical and Cultural Society of Clay County\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (HCS) where more than 220 people attended a concert performed by the Fargo Spelemannslag.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA \\u003Cem\\u003Espelemannslag\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is a group of folk musicians, often dominated by fiddles.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe wintertime concert featured a song written two centuries ago by Eirik Med\\u00e5s. \\u201cEirik\\u0027s direct descendant, a high school student named Elsa Ruth Pryor, played a new song that she wrote herself, on a Hardanger Fiddle that she made herself,\\u201d says Markus Krueger, programming director of HCS.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6423,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee71f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMinnesota and North Dakota are the two most Norwegian states in America. For a lot of people in our community, this is the music of their childhood that they remember their parents and grandparents playing,\\u201d Krueger says, reflecting on the significance of the event. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a symbol of Norwegian culture and heritage, and even more than that, it\\u0027s a symbol of Midwest culture.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe concert featured performances by Bud Larsen and Loretta Kelley, the president of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America. It was a meaningful showcase of a living tradition, passed down through generations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe immigrants brought their fiddles with them, and they kept playing them in America, says Krueger. \\u201cThey kept making them in America. We still make them and play them today.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ELoretta Kelley\\u2019s performance at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County was made possible in part by the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe GIG Fund is a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/across-the-upper-midwest-communities-converge-around-norways-hardanger-fiddle\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6383,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a white and red blouse, playing fiddle in front of a dark background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hardanger Fiddle Association of America President Loretta Kelley who came in from Maryland for the concert.\",\"date\":\"2024-04-04 17:08:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 4, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":{\"1\":{\"ID\":100,\"label\":\"GIG Fund\",\"slug\":\"gig-fund\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read updates, news, and stories about GIG Fund, a grant that supports creative events and activities taking place in Midwestern communities.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\",\"grant_page\":null}},\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg 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                                   calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/across-the-upper-midwest-communities-converge-around-norways-hardanger-fiddle\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Across the Upper Midwest, Communities Converge Around Norway\\u2019s Hardanger Fiddle\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5934,\"title\":\"Rethinking Tourism in North Dakota, with Native Nations at the Helm\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHundreds of students, teachers, and community members listen intently to Charlie Moran as he explains the cultural significance behind each powwow dance and the regalia worn by the dancers who are citizens of the Three Affiliated Tribes, also known as the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA) Nation, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. \\u201cThis is the jingle dance. Each jingle represents a prayer,\\u201d he says. He goes on to share the story of how the jingle dress dance was created.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMoran is one of several storytellers and culture bearers at the first annual Native American Heritage Month celebration created by the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\u0022\\u003ENorth Dakota Native Tourism Alliance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (NDNTA), the MHA Nation and the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND). Sessions were offered throughout the day at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck for local schools and community members to witness this event highlighting one of the five Native Nations within North Dakota borders. Over the next several years, they plan to co-host cultural events with each of the tribal nations during Native American Heritage Month.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022NDNTA is unique in that it is the first of its kind to form partnerships with all five Native Nations\\u2014working together to promote, build and enhance sustainable economies through tourism.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Stacey LaCompte (Standing Rock), Executive Director of NDNTA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb87523f7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5936,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb875241b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-taking-back-the-narrative\\u0022\\u003ETaking Back the Narrative\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe NDNTA, founded in 2016, is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting, preserving, promoting, and educating the world about the culture, history, and environment of the five Native Nations: the Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNDNTA is unique in that it is the first of its kind to form partnerships with all five Native Nations\\u2014working together to promote, build and enhance sustainable economies through tourism,\\u201d says NDNTA Executive Director Stacey LaCompte (Standing Rock).\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2022, the organization was awarded the North Dakota Governor\\u2019s Trailblazer Award for Tourism Innovation. That year it also received a Bush Foundation Community Innovation grant to develop and test a new model of tourism that creates tour packages specific to and created by Native Nations within the state\\u2019s borders. The award-winning model aims to combat a history of colonizing narratives and practices within the tourism industry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn North Dakota, it is non-Native entities driving the narrative and in more cases than not, they own the sites most frequently encountered within tourism experiences. NDNTA\\u2019s work is driven by a desire to reclaim Native narratives of history and culture and allow Indigenous people to tell their own stories, in their own words.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752427\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5937,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe cities of Bismarck and Mandan lie on the ancestral lands of the MHA Nation that spans across the Missouri River basin, from present day North Dakota through western Montana and Wyoming. Double Ditch Indian Village and Chief Looking\\u0027s Village in Bismarck\\u2014sites that are sacred and historical to the MHA Nation\\u2014are currently run by the state historical society and Bismarck Parks and Recreation, respectively. The NDNTA wants to change such narratives by supporting Indigenous nations to tell their own stories through the use of interpretive centers and cultural events that benefit visitors and the tribal communities alike.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTourism events like the one in partnership with NDNTA are helping to sustain a healthy economy. \\u201cEvents like this educate the community about who we are,\\u201d LaCompte says. \\u201cThey (the MHA Nation) reached out to their storytellers to tell their creation stories\\u2026They (the tribes) bring culture, art and food, as well as entrepreneurs who sell their handmade goods. It keeps people in their community employed by showing their culture.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEach tribe is responsible for developing their tourism office, designing their own itineraries, employing storytellers, dancers, artists and other staff. Each tribe works at their own pace, and it is anticipated that all tribes will be online and their tours will be ready to book within the next few years.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752452\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-breaking-down-barriers\\u0022\\u003EBreaking Down Barriers\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe NDNTA is made up of two citizens from each tribal nation serving as voluntary board members. Darian Morsette (MHA) serves as the board\\u2019s president and also as the Tourism Director for the MHA Nation. He says offering Native American cultural learning and tourism opportunities are crucial for educating non-Native communities. \\u201cBringing in schools, having them see the history first hand, they see that they can engage with us. The more we are educating, the more we are telling our stories, and the more visible and impactful that will be on the non-Native community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENDNTA Vice President Les Thomas (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) says that the nonprofit is breaking down several misconceptions of Indigenous peoples. One of those being, that all tribes are the same. \\u201cEvery tribe has its own history to tell, its own language and its own culture to share. With the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance, we have the opportunity to use our own voices to tell our stories, which isn\\u0027t something you will find in textbooks.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5941,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5939,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5938,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5940,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752472\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother common misconception about Native tourism is that many non-Native people believe that they aren\\u0027t allowed in reservations. Thomas says this simply isn\\u0027t true. The organization wants to encourage the public \\u201cto come to the reservation and experience these immersive and educational tours for themselves.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-indigenous-tourism-in-demand\\u0022\\u003EIndigenous Tourism in Demand\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMorsette says there is a demand to learn about Indigenous cultures from the U.S. \\u201cOur partners are seeing that we are moving forward and are seeing the steps we are taking to get noticed. That\\u0027s paying off for attaining international clients. There are training sessions for us to learn how to market and price our tours. Native Country is in demand in European countries, as well as Asia and Australia.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5942,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe NDNTA has been working closely with each tribe over the last several years, even through the pandemic. They have accomplished a lot, and as Executive Director Stacey LaCompte says, their work is finally getting recognized. \\u201cWe are building collaborations within tribal nations by having all five nations on board, understanding the benefits of developing sustainable economies through tourism. NDNTA is a hub, the center to bridge all tribes with the common goal of building economies.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Morsette, it\\u2019s been important to build relationships with entities who have supported the organization and believed in the idea of \\u2018Native tourism.\\u2019 He says that George Washington University has provided them technical assistance, guidance and expertise, \\u201cas well as North Dakota Tourism, tour operators and local convention and visitors bureaus. We are now using what we have learned to start making waves and get noticed around the state.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo learn more about the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNDNTA\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, visit \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehttps:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, reach out to NDNTA Executive Director Stacey LaCompte at 605-280-8588, or call the MHA Tourism office at 701-627-2243. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb875249d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build economies through tourism.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rethinking-tourism-in-north-dakota-with-native-nations-at-the-helm\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5935,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022530\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Tourists at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve Overlook in the Spirt Lake Nation. The tour was organized by members of the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance.\",\"date\":\"2024-01-25 16:38:28\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 25, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022706\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022706\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rethinking-tourism-in-north-dakota-with-native-nations-at-the-helm\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rethinking Tourism in North Dakota, with Native Nations at the Helm\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build economies through tourism.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6307,\"title\":\"Inspired By a Book, These Artists Made a Planetarium Their Screen\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EImagine that one man and one girl have found themselves as the last two people on earth. Time moves forward as it does, unencumbered in the slightest by the human story. The man endeavors to teach the young girl what she needs to know to survive in the world they are inhabiting, which he\\u2019ll most certainly depart before she does. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWithout giving any spoilers, this is the premise of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.andrewkrivak.com\\\/book\\\/the-bear\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAndrew Krivak\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA group of four artists read \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E as a part of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota\\u0027s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E What stood out to them was the enduring, omnipresent role that sky and land held throughout. So they set out to create an homage to the terrestrial and celestial characters in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith support from \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.spiritroom.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Spirit Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Fargo-based community arts nonprofit, the group created two art films, each roughly 15 minutes long. One centered on the sky while another focused on the land, but both were shown on an unexpected screen: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/msumplanetarium?lang=en\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinnesota State University Moorhead\\u2019s Planetarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6320,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ebaf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAstrophotographer Mike Abramyan and Doug Harbin, a composer and assistant professor at Moorhead\\u2019s Concordia College, teamed up to tackle the sky portion of the book\\u2019s interpretation. \\u201cOne of the things Mike and I talked about while we were working was how it would feel if you were the last people on earth, how there wouldn\\u2019t be all these distractions that we think of today. We really wanted to create a sense of isolation and solitude,\\u201d Harbin explains.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAbramyan\\u2019s work naturally lends itself well to the task. He travels the world taking long-exposure images of the night sky. \\u201cWith time lapses like this, one night of shooting takes about 12 hours and ends up only being a minute or two of footage, so I had to shoot quite a bit to fill this project,\\u201d Abramyan says. He sent Harbin footage of the time lapses he was taking as he developed them to inspire the musical component.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom there, Harbin sourced sound inspiration from NASA\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nasa.gov\\\/archives\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epublic archives\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that host, among other content, sounds recorded from a region of the Milky Way called Cygnus. He paired that with recordings that Abramyan shared with him from his desolate locations. In the end, \\u201call of the sounds I used were generated from source material from the NASA website,\\u201d Harbin says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6310,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec00\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec14\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOnce their work was complete, their film\\u2014alongside the land-based one created by Gabrielle Cerberville and Carter Rice that focused on imagery of nature taking over man-made structures\\u2014was shown at the planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays across September and October of last year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe tricky thing was that we knew it would be projected on the [planetarium\\u2019s] dome, but that it would also be shown on regular, rectangular screens as well. So while the time lapses were shot in 360, in the end we did a rectangular, 16 x 9 film,\\u201d Abramyan says. \\u201cStill, it was really wide when people were in there experiencing it, so it was extremely immersive. It was a really special kind of unplugging from the rest of the world.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn the final October 8th showing, the planetarium hosted an artist talk with all four artists sandwiched by two showings of their work. \\u201cIt was cool to sit there with people who had just seen the film and see their initial reactions. They also had great, specific questions about how it was shot and the artistic process,\\u201d Abramyan adds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany of the audience members had read the book, so they had really insightful questions about how the work related to it,\\u201d Harbin recalls. It was a full-circle moment for him, too. \\u201cFor me, having childhood memories of going to the planetarium as a kid, filled with excitement from sitting through one of those shows as a kid\\u2026 I hope that\\u2019s what we encapsulated with this project.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6314,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6315,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6313,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6319,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec31\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We really wanted to create a sense of isolation and solitude. How would it feel if you were the last people on earth?\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Doug Harbin, Composer\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec48\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002253px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:53px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-about-the-bear\\u0022\\u003EAbout The Bear \\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E by author Andrew Krivak is a post-apocalyptic fable by New England author Andrew Krivak about a father and daughter, the last two people on Earth, who live off the land at the foot of a mountain. When the daughter finds herself lost and alone, a bear appears to lead her back home.\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/#\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=dxzwjFJPvAo\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=dxzwjFJPvAo\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-about-the-nea-big-read\\u0022\\u003EAbout the NEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Spirt Room\\u0027s collaboration with the Minnesota State University Moorhead\\u2019s Planetarium. was made possible in part by the the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/initiatives\\\/nea-big-read\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis national program helps communities realize the benefits of reading together. Each year, grants are given to about 75 community reading programs around the country to create events and opportunities for their community to read and discuss one book together. Since 2006, more than 1,600\\u0026nbsp;NEA\\u0026nbsp;Big Read programs have taken place in every U.S. state.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The Bear. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1536x863.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-2048x1151.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A still from Cygnus with Title, an art film by Mike Abramyan and Doug Harbin that was screened at a Fargo planetarium. \",\"date\":\"2024-03-11 14:57:14\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 11, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1536x863.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-2048x1151.png 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/inspired-by-a-book-these-artists-made-a-planetarium-their-screen\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Inspired By a Book, These Artists Made a Planetarium Their Screen\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The Bear. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":200098,\"participants\":13495,\"grants\":7,\"communities\":8},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7091,\"title\":\"Once the \\u2018Jazz Corridor of the Midwest,\\u2019 Akron is Cementing Its Place in Jazz Culture\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAkron, Ohio has been a hotbed for jazz in the Midwest since the 1930s. Its central location between bigger cities like New York and Chicago made it a perfect stop for traveling musicians. Many renowned artists, including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, performed in Akron as they passed through; but there was also a thriving local scene, the roots of which can still be felt today.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor much of the 20\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century, Akron was an industrial powerhouse. People flocked to the \\u201cRubber Capital of the World\\u201d in search of jobs causing the population to jump, growing from 70,000 in 1910 to nearly 210,000 by 1920. Akron\\u2019s Black population increased eightfold in that time, and many of them settled along Howard Street between Downtown and West Akron.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-where-it-all-began\\u0022\\u003EWhere It All Began\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis neighborhood \\u2013 dubbed \\u201cLittle Harlem\\u201d \\u2013 became the center of the business and entertainment district along Howard Street, with Black-owned hotels, restaurants, clubs, barbershops, and beauty salons that served the tight knit community. According to the \\u003Cem\\u003EOhio Informer\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, Akron\\u2019s short lived Black newspaper, there was always music and dancing at the clubs down \\u201cRhythm Row\\u201d from the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/locations\\\/cosmopolitan\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECosmopolitan\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, to the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/locations\\\/hi-hat-cafe\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHi-Hat Club\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, to Benny Rivers, just to name a few.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7092,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e600b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy the late 1960s the rubber industry was dwindling and much of Howard Street, like the rest of Akron, was in decline. A 1968 \\u201curban renewal\\u201d project to build a highway spur linking Akron to the larger interstate network would seal the fate of Howard Street. Construction on the Innerbelt began in 1970, resulting in the destruction of the predominantly Black neighborhood within the decade. Adding salt to the proverbial wound, the project was never fully completed and is now mostly abandoned. In 2023, the City of Akron issued an \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.akronohio.gov\\\/news_detail_T17_R56.php\\u0022\\u003Eapology\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for the lasting harm the project caused for generations of Akronites.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe loss of the Howard Street neighborhood was devastating but it was not the end of the jazz scene. It lived on in small clubs and church basements, and through the people who continued to play anywhere they could.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7097,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7096,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7095,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e6060\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-where-it-lives-on\\u0022\\u003EWhere It Lives On\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Justin Tibbs, a local saxophonist and composer, was a teenager in the 2000s his mom snuck him into a blues bar where he met local legends Jim Noel, Waymon \\u201cPunchy\\u201d Atkinson, and Donald Stembridge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cGrowing up, I always had to ask one of the legendary guys, \\u2018where\\u2019s the jam session at?\\u2019, and it would be in some church somewhere. We would go there and play tunes and watch \\u2018em all play. I didn\\u2019t know how big they were,\\u201d Tibbs said of his early experiences. This exposure led Tibbs to enroll in The University of Akron in 2006, later joining the Jazz Studies program.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7093,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The University of Akron Jazz Ensemble has a direct link to Howard Street. It began in 1978, under the direction of Roland Paolucci, a jazz pianist who played on Howard Street in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He led the program for 22 years before Jack Schantz, a UA graduate and jazz trumpeter, took over for the next 20 years.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe program continues today, co-chaired by Theron Brown, a jazz pianist and two-time UA graduate. Brown moved from Zanesville, Ohio in 2005, unaware of Akron\\u2019s jazz history and Howard Street until about 2009, \\u201cThat\\u2019s when I just \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eheard\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e of the names like Punchy Atkinson and Jimmy Noel.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBrown was part of a Howard Street tribute concert in 2019 at BLU Jazz+, one of Akron\\u2019s premier live jazz venues. He played with 91-year-old Jimmy Noel for the first time, only months before his death. Brown reflected, \\u201cThat\\u2019s when I really woke up... There is literally nobody else that can tell the story. We need to go out and find out ... there\\u2019s a spirit in the air for this music, there\\u2019s a vibe, you can call it whatever you want.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt was similar for Tibbs, who grew up in Akron, \\u201cI would talk with them, and they would tell me stories\\u2026 And I wish I would have had an iPhone at that time to record everything because it\\u2019s gone to history... It\\u2019s sad that history is gone, but I feel like I\\u0027m a part of it in a way because I know their story.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e608b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-jazz-for-the-future\\u0022\\u003EJazz for the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis sentiment has been shared in recent years as more attention than ever is being paid to this era of history. In 2016, Brown started the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival to celebrate Akron\\u2019s musical legacy. Now in its ninth year, it has grown into a cultural festival featuring dance, performance art, digital art, and a celebration of Black musical traditions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e60b4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents at The University of Akron are now further documenting this history with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGreen Book Cleveland Project\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, started by Mark Souther of Cleveland State University with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2021. The restorative history project is rooted in the \\u201cNegro Motorist Greenbook\\u201d published between 1936 and 1966 for Black travelers and documents the entertainment, leisure, and recreation sites available at the time.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to his Jazz Studies courses, Brown recently co-taught a project-based class with Dr. Hillary Nunn, called \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sites.google.com\\\/zips.uakron.edu\\\/round-howard-street\\\/home\\u0022\\u003ERound Howard Street: Telling the Story of Akron Jazz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u201d in which students studied jazz culture in connection with the City of Akron to bring about a fuller understanding of its Black History.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Brown and Tibbs credit The University of Akron for fostering an environment for young musicians to meet and play together. \\u201cI wouldn\\u2019t know any of my buddies that play if it wasn\\u2019t for that. It centralized the community in a space even though Howard [Street] didn\\u2019t exist,\\u201d Brown said. Tibbs similarly reflected, \\u201cIt\\u2019s a whole new generation of musicians... that play original music\\u201d. Brown and Tibbs are just two of many musicians playing in the area, all of whom will tell you that Akron still has a unique sound.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/once-the-jazz-corridor-of-the-midwest-akron-is-cementing-its-place-in-jazz-culture\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7098,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022618\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pete Diggs Band at the Cosmopolitan, c. 1945, The Horace and Evelyn Stewart Photograph Collection, The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-04 13:58:08\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 4, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":627,\"name\":\"Rose Vance-Grom\",\"slug\":\"rose-vance-grom\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":627,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Rose Vance-Grom\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022824\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022824\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/once-the-jazz-corridor-of-the-midwest-akron-is-cementing-its-place-in-jazz-culture\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Once the \\u2018Jazz Corridor of the Midwest,\\u2019 Akron is Cementing Its Place in Jazz Culture\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6152,\"title\":\"This Ohio Studio Makes Iconic Letterpress Prints for Renowned Musicians\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers lies historic Marietta, Ohio. In the southeastern part of the state, it\\u2019s one of the few parts of the Midwest that intersects with Appalachia; making the city a confluence of cultures, too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the heart of Marietta\\u2019s riverfront downtown is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.justajar.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EJustAJar Design Press\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a letterpress studio run by husband and wife team Sara and Bobby Rosenstock. Together, they create event posters, greeting cards, fine art prints, and more by pairing 150+-year-old wood and metal type with intricate hand-carved wood blocks made in-house. Every print run is signed and numbered, and when they\\u2019re gone, they\\u2019re gone\\u2014the couple makes artistic trays, furniture, and other useful items from the wood blocks they no longer print from.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIt\\u2019s not like a Photoshop filter that you click to make things look worn. \\u2026 It\\u2019s worn because this piece of type was in a print shop somewhere in Ohio in the mid-1800s.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BOBBY ROSENSTOCK, JUSTAJAR DESIGN PRESS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf16440\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6179,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf16498\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6180,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBobby is a classically trained artist who first sketches out the designs in pencil, then follows the lines on tracing paper so he can reverse the design (necessary for printing) and apply the design to the birch plywood he uses for carving. If the print requires type, JustAJar has nearly 200 cases of wood and metal type ranging from small 8-point height to letters six inches tall. Each color has to have its own separate woodcut, so given the level of detail, most people would limit the color palette to two or three at most. Bobby is known for using at least four and sometimes going up to seven. Depending on the number of colors used and how much hand-carved detail is needed, a print run could take 40 hours or as many as 100 hours to finish.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to co-running JustAJar, Sara is also a professor of graphic design at Marietta College and uses her technical skills to apply the designs to the digital sphere. With her expertise, JustAJar\\u2019s designs go beyond paper and can be seen on t-shirts, product packaging, websites, and more. Besides being married, the two are perfectly paired in the business\\u2014blending the artistic printing techniques of the past with the demands of an increasingly digital world.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJustAJar\\u2019s artistry has become such an iconic style, particularly in the world of show posters, that musicians from around the country regularly seek out their services. They\\u2019ve made concert posters for Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Soundgarden, Shovels and Rope, and many more, as well as posters for music festivals. That includes the famous Nelsonville Music Festival, which takes place just an hour west of the shop.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164c7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6181,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6182,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6183,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6184,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6185,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164e7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you happen to stop by on a day they\\u2019re printing, you might just get to see their Vandercook SP20 Proof Press from the 1960s or their Chandler \\u0026amp; Price foot pedal-operated press from the 1880s in action. (Even the paper cutter is from the 1890s.) While these machines\\u2014mostly solid cast iron and, in the case of the Vandercook, weighing nearly a ton\\u2014certainly make reproductions easier, they\\u2019re still largely manual. They\\u2019re direct descendants of the Gutenberg printing press invented around 1440 and still require feeding the paper into the machine by hand and hand cranking the gears to make the press function.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile working with such old machines has its challenges, it also lends JustAJar its iconic aesthetic that can\\u2019t simply be replicated by digital means. As Bobby told Woodcraft Supply, one of the oldest businesses in the U.S. selling woodworking tools, on their \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.woodcraft.com\\\/blog_entries\\\/21st-century-printing-with-age-old-art-forms\\u0022\\u003Eblog\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cIt\\u2019s not like a Photoshop filter that you click to make things look worn. \\u2026 It\\u2019s worn because this piece of type was in a print shop somewhere in Ohio in the mid-1800s.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3YbsLgLVydE?si=rJmfPeWA6dAYQzY6\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3YbsLgLVydE?si=rJmfPeWA6dAYQzY6\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe making of the poster for Billy Strings in June 2023. A seven-color woodcut poster, printed on a Vandercook SP20. Video courtesy Bobby Rosenstock\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShops that blend fine art and commercial printing like JustAJar are few and far between. The equipment is rare since much of it hasn\\u2019t been manufactured for the better part of a century. The massive and heavy equipment requires space and the means to move it. Should the equipment break down, it\\u2019s not uncommon to have to hire a machinist if you can\\u2019t figure out the problem yourself and even have the needed parts that are no longer made specially fabricated. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd that\\u2019s to say nothing of the immense amount of patience and technical skills required to be able to make a high-quality print. If a piece of type is even a fraction of a centimeter too short, the ink won\\u2019t reach it and won\\u2019t transfer to the paper. If the design isn\\u2019t locked in tightly, the blocks could shift and throw off the entire print.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENowadays, most printing shops screenprint or work almost entirely with digital tools, so letterpress shops like JustAJar keep this traditional art alive and inspire generations to come to do the same. As Bobby says on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.justajar.com\\\/about-bobby\\u0022\\u003EJustAJar\\u0027s website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cWe don\\u2019t teach formal workshops, but if someone walks in the door and wants to learn to print, I invite them in, and we make a print together. It happens often.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164f9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-ohio-studio-makes-iconic-letterpress-prints-for-renowned-musicians\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6176,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 15%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Sara and Bobby Rosenstock of JustAJar Design Press in Marietta, Ohio, manually print using hand-carved wood blocks and hand-set type on their antique printing presses.\",\"date\":\"2024-02-27 18:59:39\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 27, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-ohio-studio-makes-iconic-letterpress-prints-for-renowned-musicians\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Ohio Studio Makes Iconic Letterpress Prints for Renowned Musicians\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7273,\"title\":\"Visiting Ohio\\u2019s Otherworld is a Road Trip to Another Dimension\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHave you ever wanted to star in a sci-fi adventure, meeting creatures from outside the bounds of imagination? Have you ever wanted to touch the artwork in a museum? Did you imagine it would respond when you did so? Nine miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio\\u2014in a surreally reimagined corner of an abandoned shopping mall\\u2014you can do all of this, and more. Welcome to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.otherworld.com\\\/main\\\/home-ohio\\u0022\\u003EOtherworld\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFive years ago, Otherworld\\u2019s Ohio-raised founder Jordan Renda took the skills he\\u2019d learned from designing haunted houses and escape rooms, and converted a former Office Max store into an experience unlike any other. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a place where people can interact with art,\\u201d Otherworld\\u2019s General Manager Jon Stewart says. \\u201cNot just looking at it; they can touch, feel, and play with it.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s kind of like a \\u003Cem\\u003Echoose your own adventure\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art exhibit,\\u201d Otherworld\\u2019s Lead Props and Scenic Fabricator Ira Tecson explains.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf you follow parts of the storyline, you\\u0027re a beta tester going into a sleep study. And then you\\u2019re traveling from one experience to the next.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JON STEWART, GENERAL MANAGER, OTHERWORLD\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c84a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7278,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8501\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 40 artists worked to turn the 32,000 square-foot space into an immersive\\u2014and evolving\\u2014 experience, designed to delight kids and adults in equal measures, with a story slowly unfurling through nearly 50 unique rooms.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you follow parts of the storyline, you\\u0027re a beta tester going into a sleep study. And then you\\u2019re traveling from one experience to the next,\\u201d Stewart explains. Whether visitors decide to begin by walking through a science lab, or studying clues in a janitor\\u2019s closet, they become part of an expansive tale. Throughout their visit, guests encounter puzzles and places that Stewart says \\u201cmakes the art interact with you.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8510\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7276,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidwest creatives have played a crucial role in the space from its inception. Tecson uses the skills she obtained studying sculpture at The Ohio State University to build the exhibition\\u2019s fantastical scenes, including a giant tree that anchors its center. Stewart\\u2014an Indiana native\\u2014joined the team after a stint working on cruise ships. And other local artists help keep the space dynamic, frequently refreshing and redesigning rooms. Tecson says that sometimes, \\u201can artist will have an idea, and then we help them kind of execute their vision.\\u201d Area muralists have painted interior walls, and Columbus DJs have been invited to play music during special events.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis unique redevelopment could be an innovative model for \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Dead_mall\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eghost malls\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e nationwide. A 2023 study published in the blog of financial company IPX1031 notes that \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ipx1031.com\\\/americas-abandoned-malls-data-2023\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e68% of Americans live within an hour of a dead mall\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and other experts predict \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.businessinsider.com\\\/american-mall-decline-150-left-10-years-how-many-2022-10\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe nation could have just 150 malls left by the early 2030s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn contrast, Otherworld\\u2019s popularity is having a positive impact on local businesses, with a new indoor bounce playground opening up in another corner of the old shopping center, and a nearby seafood restaurant offering discounts to Otherworld\\u2019s customers.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8542\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA second location opened last summer in Philadelphia, and the team hints that there\\u2019s more to come, though they\\u2019re coy about the plans\\u2014not surprising for a group that\\u2019s mastered the art of the unexpected. In the meantime, a visit to the original Columbus location is well worth a drive this summer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7280,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7277,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7279,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7275,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7281,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c856a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/visiting-ohios-otherworld-is-a-road-trip-to-another-dimension\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7274,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022521\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An art installation depicting a room with glow-in-dark decorative accents and light fixtures. There is a walkway through a tree stump-like work.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1536x1041.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-2048x1389.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Forest, an installation experience at Otherworld located near Columbus, Ohio.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-20 15:56:13\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 20, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":662,\"name\":\"Linda Lee Baird\",\"slug\":\"linda-lee-baird\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":662,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Linda Lee Baird\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022694\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An art installation depicting a room with glow-in-dark decorative accents and light fixtures. 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There is a walkway through a tree stump-like work.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1536x1041.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-2048x1389.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/visiting-ohios-otherworld-is-a-road-trip-to-another-dimension\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Visiting Ohio\\u2019s Otherworld is a Road Trip to Another Dimension\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":336058,\"participants\":66718,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":16},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7547,\"title\":\"Rewriting an Art Form for Indigenous Youth in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn the five-acre campus of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lakotayouth.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECheyenne River Youth Project\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (CRYP), a unique, community-wide graffiti art event\\u2014the first and only in Indian Country\\u2014aims for more than just the walls. Located in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Reservation (one of nine Native Nations in the state), the organization has focused on providing youth with opportunities to get creative, develop healthy habits, work together, and learn new skills since its inception in 1988.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExecutive Director Julie Garreau, who has been with CRYP since the beginning, is no stranger to balancing numerous aspects of the program. On the day Garreau spoke to me from her office, she and the CRYP team were preparing to welcome artists from around the nation\\u2014and this year, New Zealand\\u2014to kick off the tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201c[RedCan Graffiti Jam] a risky kind of project to initiate, but I feel like with CRYP we really understand kids, and you\\u0027ve got to take some risks sometimes to keep them interested and motivated and you have to do things very differently.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JULIE GARREAU\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2886\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7549,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7551,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7555,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7557,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7556,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:7553,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2905\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFar more than just an art showcase, RedCan promotes collaboration and community initiatives through pairing artists with teen interns of a CRYP Lakota Art Fellow. \\u201cCRYP created the Lakota Art Fellowship in 2019 so it could provide opportunities for teens on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation who have an interest in pursuing careers in the arts, and who have completed multiple internships through the nonprofit youth project\\u2019s dedicated art institute,\\u201d says communications director Heather Steinberger.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAn Evolving Event\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nGarreau remembers RedCan as \\u201ca risky kind of project to initiate, but I feel like with CRYP we really understand kids, and you\\u0027ve got to take some risks sometimes to keep them interested and motivated and you have to do things very differently.\\\\u0022\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nStarting with the evening they arrive, the artists enjoy a traditional Lakota meal of buffalo soup, wojapi (a berry sauce), and fry bread. The four-day event, which\\u00a0 includes performances, skateboard painting, music, and community meals, serves to not only engage but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ekeep\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e kids\\u2019 attention while celebrating Lakota identity and culture.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, buildings in the mural lineup included the animal shelter, veterans building, radio station, and food pantry. Garreau takes time to discuss with the artists what the buildings are used for and their history within the community. Murals are also installed in the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park, an open-air space where a series of wooden panels, shipping containers, and walls host constantly revolving graffiti compositions.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022 data-testid=\\\\u0022notifications-container\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2a67\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EReturning artists include, among many others: East, an artist of Cherokee descent from Denver; CYFI, a Yaqui and Azteca artist from Minneapolis; and Natasha Martinez, a.k.a. Rezmo, a Din\\u00e9 and Mexic\\u00e1 artist currently living in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona. New to the event this year are M\\u0101ori artists Phat1 and Lady Diva, from Aotearoa (New Zealand); Midwestern artist Brady Scott; and Kansas-born Ponca artist Amp.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7550,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2a98\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-celebrating-connections\\u0022\\u003ECelebrating Connections\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/rezmoski\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERezmo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E had just arrived in Eagle Butte when in an email she wrote, \\u201cWhat I look forward to the most this year is painting in the community and making connections with the community members that come out and talk to us throughout the week.\\u201d At home in Arizona, she works in youth services and teaches art to kids ranging from pre-K age to teens, so partnering up with interns and young artists at RedCan sparks her energy. \\u201cIt makes me happy to teach them and share what I know,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2aa4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGarreau relates a story she heard from artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hokaskenandore.com\\\/home.html\\u0022\\u003EHoka Skenandore\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Lakota artist who painted a mural spelling \\u201cLakota\\u201d in both the Lakota language and in sign language, depicting each letter in hands of varying skin tones. \\u201cHe said, this little boy came up to him and was watching him for a while,\\u201d Garreau shares. \\u201cThen the little boy went up to the mural and put his hand on the wall. And he said, \\u2018Huh, just like me.\\u2019 That\\u0027s the other part of this, right? Seeing yourself in these spaces and knowing that you are part of this, you know that this is for you\\u2014for us.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/944666762\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/944666762\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rewriting-an-art-form-for-indigenous-youth-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7554,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Kids of varying ages hold spray paint cans and add to graffiti art on a wall in front of them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Children participate in mural painting in the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park, where they\\u2019re taught how to use spray cans and given freedom to express themselves on the walls.\",\"date\":\"2024-08-01 15:51:57\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 1, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Kids of varying ages hold spray paint cans and add to graffiti art on a wall in front of them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rewriting-an-art-form-for-indigenous-youth-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rewriting an Art Form for Indigenous Youth in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6978,\"title\":\"Rural Libraries Connect the Heartland, One Book Chat at a Time\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a Saturday morning in late January, a group of rural South Dakotans had a conversation that spanned generations. From memories of an era of farm foreclosures to what it takes to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and abuse, the Zoom conversation between three Britton, South Dakota community members and two librarians \\u2014 one from Britton and one from the larger town of Aberdeen \\u2014 covered a wide stretch of uncommon ground, all sparked by a book.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ea96\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAberdeen\\u2019s K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library used their \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant funding to facilitate conversations about the thorny terrain covered in Sarah Smarsh\\u2019s 2018 memoir \\u003Cem\\u003EHeartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eacross rural communities that resemble those of the author\\u2019s childhood. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom the perch of childhood, Smarsh\\u2019s memoir takes place across a backdrop of farm foreclosures that swept the Midwest during the \\u201880s and \\u201890s. \\u201cShe talked a lot about the challenges of poverty and her mom being in and out of abusive relationships. That\\u2019s pretty typical of rural America. A lot of women stay with their husbands because they don\\u2019t know where else to go. It really resonated with some of our participants,\\u201d says Sonya Lang, director of Britton Public Library.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere are more people in abusive relationships than I think people realize. It\\u2019s come to the forefront more in society, but it\\u2019s discussed more on the eastern and western costs than it is in the Midwest. We\\u2019re a very stoic people. We don\\u2019t share our problems,\\u201d Lang adds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy setting up a sign about the Big Read and offering interested community members access to 10 copies of Heartland, the library facilitated rare but moving conversations. \\u201cThis book brought up a lot of discussion about differences between the generations,\\u201d Lang adds. \\u201cWe talked a lot about educational opportunities. In rural America, we just don\\u2019t have the same opportunities that they do in bigger schools, even those in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. It\\u2019s difficult to find teachers and paraprofessionals.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBritton was just one of the five communities that held discussions about Heartland in collaboration with Aberdeen\\u2019s library.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn February, the Faulk County Library in Faulkton, South Dakota had a similarly illuminating conversation about the book.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a very small, older community. A lot of our residents have lived their entire lives here,\\u201d explains Holly Demery, director of Faulk County Library. Places like Faulkton are exactly the kinds of places Smarsh wrote about in her book, which is perhaps why the discussions cut across generations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It was a very down to earth, honest discussion of what people\\u2019s thoughts and ideas were on the book.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022HOLLY DEMERY, FAULK COUNTY LIBRARY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ec64\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6980,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6981,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6982,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ee58\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002244px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:44px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFaulk County\\u2019s Big Read conversation included Demery, who is in her 30s, a community member in their late 50s, and another in their late 60s. \\u201cWe had three different generations in one room discussing the same material,\\u201d Demery says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAcross both discussions, not everyone loved the book. But that, Demery says, is exactly why the discussions were so important. Conversations that traverse politics, economics, and abuse can be polarizing, but instead the trio had a lovely and deeply civil conversation created by cross-generational perspectives. \\u201cIt was a very down to earth, honest discussion of what people\\u2019s thoughts and ideas were on the book,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd that \\u2014 no matter where you are, from big coastal cities to small rural towns \\u2014 just doesn\\u2019t happen every day.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-libraries-connect-the-heartland-one-book-chat-at-a-time\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6979,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022633\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A woman sitting on top of a vintage desk in a well-lit room.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, 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5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1536x1267.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022845\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A woman sitting on top of a vintage desk in a well-lit room.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 8%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1536x1267.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-libraries-connect-the-heartland-one-book-chat-at-a-time\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rural Libraries Connect the Heartland, One Book Chat at a Time\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5845,\"title\":\"Meet South Dakotan Baxter Badure, A Handmade Saddle-Maker\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBaxter Badure says that making saddles was a craft born of necessity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m not a good bronc rider but I\\u2019ve rode enough of \\u2018em,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThe right saddle can really make a difference.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure was a young hand working on the Triangle ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills when he purchased a saddle built by famed South Dakota saddle-maker Jerry Croft. It cost him $3,000, and, he said, \\u201cI only made about $6,000 a year in those days.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Triangle used only horses for all of their cattle work and would run a wagon for spring brandings and fall roundup. \\u201cWe were way out there in the middle of nowhere,\\u201d Badure said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDrawing pictures and doing leatherwork laid a foundation for the ornately tooled\\u2014with intricate designs made by hand\\u2014saddles Badure is now known for making.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022If you build your own saddle, you can get just what you want. It may not be perfect the first time, but you can always take it apart and rebuild it.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BAXTER BADURE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba14c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5851,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5849,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5848,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5846,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5850,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba19e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E \\u201cWhen I spent the evening in the bunkhouse I laid on my bedroll and drew pictures of bronc riders and stuff, we didn\\u2019t have TV,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cI always could draw a little bit. I like to make my saddles heavily tooled.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EInspired by the saddle he bought from Croft, Badure started building saddles on his own. He took apart saddles to see how they were put together, read books, studied saddles in museums, and looked at other people\\u2019s work.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJerry Croft helped me out a lot when I started,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cHe gave me a list of stuff I needed.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECroft learned his trade from R.C. \\u201cBob\\u201d Fox after purchasing Fox Saddlery in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, in 1975. He went on to build over 1,000 saddles, including saddles for Tom Selleck\\u2019s westerns, starting with \\u003Cem\\u003EQuigley Down Under\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5847,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBadure\\u2019s saddles are built for riding in rough country, designed to make long hours in the saddle comfortable and safe for horse and rider. Aspects of historic Miles City, Hamley and Visalia saddles as well as Croft\\u2019s saddles have all been incorporated into Badure\\u2019s design.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhen I built my first saddle I didn\\u2019t know a nice seat wrap from a bad one but it rode good,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI have used whatever I find eye appealing from other saddlemakers and blended pieces of their styles together into my own. Over time you get your own style.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHe is happy to customize the seat for each customer, but he said that he sticks to ranch saddles.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI build a saddle that will function out on the ranch,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThis is the style I\\u2019ve always used, and the kind of saddle that the people around me ride. In this country, when we take off in the morning, we might trot a horse for 30 miles in the day. We might need to rope a bull. We need a saddle that won\\u2019t gall a horse and one that will withstand the strain of holding that bull.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBadure says that it may take him three years to build a saddle. He has his workshop set up in the basement, and works on projects after putting in a full day of ranch work.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI\\u2019m pretty slow,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI don\\u2019t have a sewing machine either, so I\\u2019m limited to what I can do with my hand tools.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba1d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECurrently ranching near Belvidere, South Dakota, Badure has made 90-some saddles since he started, mostly for friends and neighbors. He has also built a special saddle every year since 2000, commissioned by the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA)\\u2014a non-profit organization that represents U.S. cattle and sheep producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA\\u2019s membership consists primarily of cow-calf producers, cattle backgrounders, and feeders, many of whom spend time in the saddle on a regular basis.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBaxter\\u2019s commitment and dedication is a real blessing; it is unprecedented to have one person who has been that devoted and committed to this organization in such a meaningful, artful way,\\u201d said Bill Bullard, R-CALF CEO. \\u201cHe\\u2019s a true artist, and his contribution to us is priceless.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5852,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba1f6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure is still finding new challenges with each project, and says, \\u201cYou learn things as you go. Every time I tool another flower, I try to make it turn out better than the last one.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure also builds various other cowboy leather gear, including batwing chaps and old style bridles. He looked at historical photographs to build himself a pair of Angora chaps to wear when he rides in the winter. He has also built buckskin gauntlets, which his wife decorated with beadwork.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStill, he says, building saddles is a nice little hobby.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you build your own saddle, you can get just what you want,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cIt may not be perfect the first time, but you can always take it apart and rebuild it.\\u201d He does feel that it\\u2019s important to be able to criticize his own work, and says, \\u201cI show people where I screwed up.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure said that he had an incredible response to pictures of last year\\u2019s R-CALF saddle that his daughter shared online. He knows there\\u2019s a market out there for his saddles if he chose to spend more time building them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor now, he prefers to stay in the saddle.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m not so old and decrepit yet that I need to build saddles full time,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI\\u2019ll keep chasing cows for a while.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba201\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-south-dakotan-baxter-badure-a-handmade-saddle-maker\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5848,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022953\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An ornately designed leather saddle with hand-carved patterns of flowers and a drawing of a rider on a horse.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-242x300.jpg 242w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg 825w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-1238x1536.jpg 1238w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n.jpg 1650w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Badure\\u2019s saddles are built for riding in rough country, designed to make long hours in the saddle comfortable and safe for horse and rider. \",\"date\":\"2024-01-18 16:37:48\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 18, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":529,\"name\":\"Ruth Wiechmann\",\"slug\":\"ruth-wiechmann\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":529,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ruth Wiechmann\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022825\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An ornately designed leather saddle with hand-carved patterns of flowers and a drawing of a rider on a horse.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg 825w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-242x300.jpg 242w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-1238x1536.jpg 1238w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n.jpg 1650w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-south-dakotan-baxter-badure-a-handmade-saddle-maker\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet South Dakotan Baxter Badure, A Handmade Saddle-Maker\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":173684,\"participants\":11170,\"grants\":8,\"communities\":12},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5959,\"title\":\"In Wisconsin, Glimpse Into Artist-Built Environments From Around the World\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI recently drove to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to visit one of two world-class art museums there. Even if you\\u2019ve never heard of Sheboygan, you probably know its neighboring town, Kohler\\u2014if only because you\\u2019ve washed your hands in a sink made there. A short drive north of Milwaukee, Sheboygan is home to around 50,000 residents and also happens to be an incredible location for a couple of phenomenal art destinations: the John Michael Kohler Art Center (JMKAC) and its new \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/art-preserve\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Preserve\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a one-of-a-kind museum.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Art Preserve opened in June 2021 as a permanent home for a very special kind of collection: art environments. An art environment may be defined as many things, from studios to living spaces that artists transform into immersive experiences. This museum houses diverse pieces by self-taught artists, from large-scale, kinetic sculptures built from old farm implements to hundreds of miniature wooden animals in tiny boxes to an entire house coated top-to-bottom in glitter and garland by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/bowlin-loy\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Rhinestone Cowboy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5962,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9b9fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe preservation of arts environments, including local artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/mary-nohl\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMary Nohl\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, was long championed by art collector and supporter Ruth DeYoung Kohler II (1941-2020). The director of the JMKAC from 1972 to 2016, Kohler grew the arts center from a local destination into an internationally-recognized institution for contemporary art, the work of vernacular artists, and art-environment builders.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cRuth saw the arts as a driver of positive social change, upholding the pillars of diversity, inclusiveness, and community involvement,\\u201d reads a tribute in the art center\\u2019s magazine. She knew that stewarding and preserving the work of underrepresented artists was paramount to furthering that broader mission and promoting inquiry and experimentation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9ba3f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-commune-with-immortal-beings-or-be-transported-in-the-healing-machine\\u0022\\u003ECommune with Immortal Beings or Be Transported in \\u2018The Healing Machine\\u2019\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow that the Art Preserve\\u2019s spaces are filled with eclectic, revolving, and sometimes mind-bogglingly expansive displays, visitors can explore work by artists with diverse backgrounds, motivations, and inspirations, primarily from the U.S. and as far as Chandigarh, India\\u2014the concrete \\u201cimmortal beings\\u201d of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/chand-nek\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENek Chand\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E are phenomenal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe magic of this museum is that, in an age of digitally-simulated, immersive experiences and Tik Tok-savvy participatory venues, there\\u2019s something ultimately so refreshing about immersing oneself in the utterly analog. It\\u2019s a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes\\u2014and whose collections would have been dismantled or entirely destroyed if not for this kind of initiative.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5964,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5965,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5966,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5967,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5968,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:5969,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:5970,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9ba63\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of the installations I\\u2019m consistently drawn to, no matter how many times I\\u2019ve seen pieces of it installed at the main JMKAC location, is\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/blagdon-emery\\\/\\u0022\\u003E Emery Blagdon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EHealing Machine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, an installation originally built in a rural outbuilding on Blagdon\\u2019s property in Garfield Table, Nebraska.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Blagdon was young, he went through a painful period during which he witnessed both of his parents suffer from terminal cancer. In response to that experience, for 30 years, Blagdon was occupied with creating a spiritual place that could channel the healing properties of minerals, electrical fields, and magnetic currents. The sculptures, most of which are suspended from the ceiling, are utterly mesmerizing, as everyday materials like wire and tinfoil twist in the air and reflect the light. Walking through the space, one feels totally transported.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5971,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeading outdoors, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCounterculture, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eone of the season\\u2019s temporary installations that consists of seven cast-concrete figures by\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/exhibition\\\/rose-b-simpson-counterculture\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRose B. Simpson\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, is described in museum literature as a series of \\u201cwitnesses\\u2014reminders that the natural world is continuously watching humanity.\\u201d Part of the JMKAC\\u2019s theme \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/exhibition-theme\\\/considering-kin\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConsidering Kin\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe sculptures currently stand in wild, wintry field on the art center\\u2019s grounds, not only inhabiting the land but beckoning visitors to move closer, connect with the surroundings, and commune with one another.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe work was created for and originally installed on the ancestral lands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, in what is now Williamstown, Massachusetts. \\u201cThe sculptures\\u2019 move to Wisconsin traces the path of forced removal experienced by the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, which today is located on their reservation in northeastern Wisconsin, with members also living in other parts of Wisconsin, the United States, and the world.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Museum About Artful Spaces\\u2014Including Museums\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to the artwork itself, as a student of art history and bonafide museum nerd, I admire the Art Preserve\\u2019s ability to bring the viewer into its collections by designing the space as an inside-out museum. Within each exhibition space, flat files and sliding racks chock full of paintings comprise the display units. Not only are we invited into the story of each artist, we\\u2019re invited into the story of how a museum builds and cares for its collection, literally a preserve of art.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9bab2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne significant element that has struck me on both my visits to the space is the architecture of the building. The entryway of large, vertical timber beams is designed to mimic a forest one walks through in order to enter the lobby, hinting at the type of transportative experiences that await within. And the interior is open, spacious, and flexible to accommodate permanent exhibits in addition to rotating presentations that are sometimes very large in scale.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of these temporary installations is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/smith-dr-charles\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Smith\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s vast array of Black figures hand-sculpted from concrete. His figures explore Black experience in the South, where in his home city of New Orleans he experienced childhood incidents of race-based violence, which instilled strong feelings about racism and inequality.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022Within each exhibition space, flat files and sliding racks chock full of paintings comprise the display units. Not only are we invited into the story of each artist, we\\u2019re invited into the story of how a museum builds and cares for its collection, literally a preserve of art.\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9baee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5963,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9bb02\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter serving in the Vietnam War, Smith purchased a small property in Aurora, Illinois, which became a locus for a burgeoning artistic practice. He first created a concrete archway commemorating the 7,226 African-American soldiers who died during the war, and then gradually covered the entire front of the house and yard with hundreds of memorializing sculptures, naming the site \\u003Cem\\u003EThe African-American Heritage Museum + Black Veterans Archive. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003EWhen Smith decided to relocate the project to Hammond, Louisiana, the Kohler Foundation conserved hundreds of the sculptures, placing many of them in other museum collections.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI\\u2019m such a huge fan of ambitious projects and initiatives in places outside of major urban centers. And especially when they are obviously well-loved, funded, and tended, you feel like you\\u2019re entering a secret place. There\\u2019s an inherent magic of discovery in the experience that is nearly impossible for institutions to pull out of thin air, even with the most compelling artwork or the very best architect signed on. When you layer those things into a unique landscape or community context\\u2014one that both complements and responds to its surroundings\\u2014something really special happens.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-wisconsin-glimpse-into-artist-built-environments-from-around-the-world\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5961,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022510\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 65%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u0027Rhinestone Cowboy\\u0027 Loy Bowlin\\u0027s \\u0027Beautiful Holy Jewel Home\\u0027 (installation detail, view from bedroom toward living room), c. 1985\\u20131990, is part of the artist-built environments collection of the Art Preserve in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.\",\"date\":\"2024-01-30 15:48:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 30, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-wisconsin-glimpse-into-artist-built-environments-from-around-the-world\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Wisconsin, Glimpse Into Artist-Built Environments From Around the World\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7489,\"title\":\"Building an Indigenous Language Learning Community in Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELanguage is the center-point of any culture. For Indigenous people, keeping and carrying forward their language becomes a decolonial act \\u2014 a reclamation of space.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis has been Laura C. Red Eagle\\u2019s journey. A writer and language enthusiast, Red Eagle is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, whose traditional territories include land in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cLearning the language in a judgment-free zone opens doors into learning about history, the ways of thinking, and being, and what is important, and so much more.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022LAURA RED EAGLE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba79bd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7491,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRed Eagle grew up in rural Wisconsin with her non-native mother, away from her Ho-chunk communities in the area.\\u00a0During this time, she had trouble navigating her identity, culture, and community. Her father\\u2019s family were fluent Ho-chunk speakers, but they spoke to her in English when they shared space. In high school, Red Eagle decided to start learning her traditional language. She joined a language camp offered by the Ho-chunk community in Black River Falls. This lit the fire to her language-learning journey.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOver the years, she noticed a deep yearning to create community around language learning. Post-secondary education didn\\u2019t offer what she was hoping for. Determined, she decided to gather her own resources.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThese resources were few and far between \\u2014 common for many Indigenous languages. As oral languages, resources weren\\u2019t created until colonial contact. Made by non-speakers, non-native individuals and organizations, complications arose around the control of translations and learning methods, and access to these materials.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Space to Share\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRed Eagle tracked down a tape that offered Ho-chunk for colors, numbers, and animals, but she craved to dive deeper.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThen, a timely interaction set the stage for her next chapter of language-learning. At her father\\u2019s funeral, she heard Jon Greendeer (current president of Ho-Chunk Nation) speak in Ho-Chunk. After a conversation, he offered resources and other community members to connect with around the language. The importance of community learning spaces kept surfacing for Red Eagle.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cLearning the language in a judgment-free zone opens doors into learning about history, the ways of thinking, and being, and what is important, and so much more,\\u201d she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHer perseverance led to the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu\\\/indigenous-language-table\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndigenous Language Table\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) in Madison. It\\u2019s a space for active language practice beyond the classroom. The Indigenous Language Table is a communal gathering that meets once a week. It emphasizes the importance of using the language in everyday conversations.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba7c5a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba7c91\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo young Indigenous people and new language learners, Red Eagle says: find a class, build a community, and create spaces for language use.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERed Eagle remains steadfast in creating a supportive community for language learners, even with the struggles of language revitalization work. \\u201cLanguage is ultimately about connecting as human beings and creating a sense of belonging,\\u201d she says. She envisions more Indigenous Language Tables across Wisconsin and beyond. Her story is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to revive and sustain Indigenous languages. Her efforts with the Indigenous Language Table offer a blueprint for creating vibrant language communities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-an-indigenous-language-learning-community-in-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7492,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people sit around tables and smile as they all face on direction. There are cups with beverages on the tables.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2.jpeg 2016w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"In Madison, Wisconsin, the Indigenous Language Table meets weekly to practice their skills and support each other.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-26 14:20:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 26, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people sit around tables and smile as they all face on direction. 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There are cups with beverages on the tables.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2.jpeg 2016w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-an-indigenous-language-learning-community-in-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building an Indigenous Language Learning Community in Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6277,\"title\":\"Did You Know About Barbie\\u2019s Midwestern Roots?\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca id=\\u0022_msocom_1\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you saw a movie in theaters this summer, it\\u2019s more likely than not that you saw Barbie.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 2023 Greta Gerwig film shattered several box office records, including highest-grossing film by a solo female director. It had a truly unprecedented impact on theater attendance by women across the country during its theatrical run, reflected by its win of the inaugural Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the film itself was undoubtedly a great time, the cultural moment surrounding this summer\\u2019s \\u201cBarbiemania\\u201d had everything to do with Barbie\\u2019s place in the homes and hearts of millions of American families over the past fifty years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut did you know that Barbie herself has Midwestern roots, dating back to her earliest origins in the 1950s?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-barbie-in-the-badger-state\\u0022\\u003EBarbie in the Badger State\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYes, you heard that right\\u2014the one and only Barbie is canonically a native Wisconsinite!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAccording to the original Barbie lore, both Barbie and Ken are from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough this was later retconned in the 2010s to state that Barbie moved from Willows to Malibu at age 8, where she later met Ken, her origins as a Wisconsinite are so important to her all-American image and cultural significance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6286,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a1fb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a256\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBarbie\\u2019s creator, Ruth Handler, wanted to create a doll that let girls see themselves as adults and imagine the possibilities for their future,\\u201d says Abbie Norderhaug, State Archivist and Director of Acquisitions for the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconsinhistory.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWisconsin Historical Society\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI believe, that to allow girls to see themselves and their future in Barbie it was important to give Barbie a relatable origin and backstory.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Wisconsin Historical Society maintains a curated collection of Barbie dolls spanning decades, with a somewhat unique focus: rather than trying to collect dolls in pristine condition like the average collector, the Society\\u2019s collection focuses on well-loved toys that tell the stories of Wisconsin families over the years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you look at our 1961 Barbie, for example, you can see that Beth Fox, the doll\\u2019s original owner gave the doll a French braid, changing the original ponytail style,\\u201d says Norderhaug. \\u201cCollecting items that have been used, rather than boxed toys gives insight into how these items were thought of and used in their owners\\u0027 daily lives.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe town of Willows, and Wisconsin as a whole, are referenced at various points in Barbie\\u2019s history spanning decades\\u2014not only in TV shows and movies, but also in several dolls themselves.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of Norderhaug\\u2019s favorite dolls in the Wisconsin Historical Society collection is the University of Wisconsin cheerleader doll, from the \\u201890s \\u201cUniversity Barbie\\u201d collection.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It\\u2019s] the most interesting to me, mainly because it connects back to Barbie\\u2019s Wisconsin roots,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt also seems to me like it\\u2019s a story that would feel relatable to lots of people who played with Barbies as children who may have grown up in small communities and attend a large state school for college.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Willows, WI Collection line of dolls featured Homecoming Queen, Soda Shop, and Cherry Pie Picnic dolls inspired not only by the fictional Midwestern town, but by things ubiquitous in American culture as a whole.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6287,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6290,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a272\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cComing from a small Midwestern town makes Barbie relatable to so many people. It reinforces Ruth Handler\\u2019s wish to let girls see themselves as anything; if a girl from a small Wisconsin town can go on to become an astronaut, anyone can.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ABBIE NORDERHAUG, WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a28c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-barbiemania-and-midwestern-barbie-pride\\u0022\\u003EBarbiemania and Midwestern Barbie Pride\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the 2023 \\u0022Barbiemania\\u0022 started as hype around the record-setting film, it quickly became so much more than that.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENot only could you reliably see \\u003Cem\\u003EBarbie\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E at even the smallest of theaters across the country and region, but the Midwest had no shortage of incredible ways to engage even more beyond the film.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Wisconsin itself, you could (and can still!) stay in a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fox9.com\\\/news\\\/pretty-in-pink-hudson-wis-short-term-rental-owner-creates-real-life-barbie-dreamhouse\\u0022\\u003Eone-of-a-kind real life Barbie Dreamhouse\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The \\u201cBarbiecore Castle\\u201d is one of Brooke Fleetwood\\u2019s several \\u201cPink Castle\\u201d rentals in downtown Hudson, WI, complete with pink walls, plenty of glitz and glam, and of course, lots of Barbie decorations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Minneapolis and Chicago, you could step right into Barbie\\u2019s world at the Malibu Barbie Caf\\u00e9 pop-ups, where Barbies and Kens alike could roller skate the day away and indulge in treats like a colorful and fresh cauliflower bowl or a perfectly pink beet hummus.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6280,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6281,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6306,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6295,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a2a2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002275px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:75px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESomething really unique about 2023\\u2019s Barbie cultural phenomenon was its universal accessibility. It was something special and communal that audiences of women across the country could participate in. It wasn\\u2019t about just going to see a movie, it was about celebrating community and joy and girlhood with the women in your life.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd perhaps most importantly, it was about a Midwesterner teaching a new generation of girls that you can be anything you want.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBarbie has held over 200 careers, from her first as a teen fashion model to service in the armed forces to rock star to presidential candidate,\\u201d says Abbie Norderhaug. \\u201cI think she has shown children over the years that it\\u2019s important to dream big about their futures and that there are lots of possibilities open to them.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/barbies-midwestern-roots\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6301,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 75% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2024-03-07 17:10:34\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 7, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022641\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022641\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/barbies-midwestern-roots\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Did You Know About Barbie\\u2019s Midwestern Roots?\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":221384,\"participants\":23698,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":19}},\"label\":\"2024\",\"query_var\":\"2024\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2024\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"See Complete 2024 Financials\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/12\\\/2024-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"_blank\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2024 Financials\",\"key\":1},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3252,\"title\":\"These Old Buildings Got a New, Artful Life\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAcross the Midwest, people are giving new purpose to old buildings in their communities and turning them into art spaces. Long-standing structures are becoming museums, galleries, community centers, and artist studios. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Neighborly Restoration Project\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3258,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e01\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHave you ever dreamed of owning an abandoned opera house with 160 of your neighbors? The community of Maddock, North Dakota (population of 381 in 2021), did just that! They rolled up their sleeves and got to work, using no outside contractors, just community members sharing their skills (and learning new ones), to restore the Harriman Building on Main Street, built in 1906. Their member-owned nonprofit of dedicated volunteers put in time, funds, and labor to give the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.maddockoperahouse.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMaddock Opera House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E a new lease on life. After a successful community-led fundraiser, the building is now home to a community library, coffee shop, restaurant and bar, and offers meeting rooms and the ballroom for community gathering and programming.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Restoring Community History\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022They bought the building from the city for a dollar in 2009. \\u201cThere was a lot of skepticism. I think a lot of people thought we were crazy,\\u201d said one of the first member-owners. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mydakotan.com\\\/2022\\\/01\\\/restoring-community-history\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via The Dakotan.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Renovated Maddock Opera House Now Center of Activity\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022In its heyday, the upper floor was used for events including stage productions, vaudeville performances and as a gymnasium. People also roller skated there. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thepiercecountytribune.com\\\/news\\\/local-news\\\/2017\\\/09\\\/08\\\/renovated-maddock-opera-house-now-center-of-activity\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the Pierce County Tribune.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e66\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3259,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e8c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Sanctuary for Live Performance\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA couple in Chicago, Illinois, saw that the historic church they got married in was up for sale in their West Loop neighborhood. Guided by the spirit of congregation, they developed it into a cultural hub to bring people together for performing arts. The former historic Church of the Epiphany (built in 1885) is now the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/epiphanychi.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEpiphany Center for the Arts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a 42,000-square-foot gathering space for dance, theater, literary arts, comedy and magic, and a special live performance venue with charming acoustics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-0\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Epiphany Center for the Arts has a Mission to Bring All of Chicago Together\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022During the civil rights movement, it was \\u201cThe People\\u2019s Church,\\u201d hosting regular meetings of the Black Panthers. In 1969, slain Black Panther Party leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark were memorialized there. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/chicago.suntimes.com\\\/columnists\\\/2021\\\/6\\\/19\\\/22540490\\\/epiphany-center-for-the-arts-music-arts-venue-reopening-laura-washington\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the Chicago Sun Times.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Chicago\\u2019s Newest Music Venue, Epiphany Center for the Arts, is Staging Live, Social-Distanced Indoor Shows\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022At the sprawling campus, patrons enter a lounge area with a long bar and seating made from the pews that once lined the church. From there, guests can enter the largest venue on the property called Epiphany Hall, which can hold just under 1,000 people in non-pandemic times. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/blockclubchicago.org\\\/2021\\\/03\\\/15\\\/chicagos-newest-music-venue-epiphany-center-for-the-arts-is-staging-live-social-distanced-indoor-shows\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Block Club Chicago.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a460ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46123\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Vacant Industrial Building to an Artist-Run Space\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt can\\u2019t get more tubular than this! Indianapolis-based art and design nonprofit, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigcar.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBig Car Collaborative\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, believes that \\u201cartists can and should support life in neighborhoods through culture, creativity, and community.\\u201d In the last few years, they have been working on revitalizing the Garfield Park area, with artists and art at the center of the work. In 2016, they opened \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tubefactory.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETube Factory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Once an empty 12,000-square-foot manufacturing building, it is now an artist-run \\u201chybrid between an art museum and community center.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/174736682\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/174736682\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022How Big Car Collective is Walking the Tightrope in Garfield Park\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022In Garfield Park, Big Car has been trying to answer a question that has vexed community developers for decades: How can a neighborhood make a comeback while keeping its artistic community and lower-income residents? \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indianapolismonthly.com\\\/longform\\\/how-big-car-collective-is-walking-the-tightrope-in-garfield-park\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Indianapolis Monthly.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Big Car Opens Garfield Park Headquarters\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022The project, which blends creativity, engineering, residential development and contemporary art, is an example of \\u201cguerrilla city planning,\\u201d said Big Car co-founder Shauta Marsh. That\\u2019s because Big Car\\u2019s mantra centers around \\u201cplacemaking\\u201d and examining how people interact with public spaces. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indystar.com\\\/story\\\/entertainment\\\/2016\\\/05\\\/09\\\/big-car-opens-garfield-park-headquarters\\\/84029664\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the IndyStar.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46155\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-corn-crib-to-a-three-story-art-house\\u0022\\u003EA Corn Crib to a Three-Story Art House\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECorn crib is basically what you think it means\\u2014a home for corn. More specifically, a space to dry and store corn. In 2012, when artist Joe Luggle Lacina moved back to his hometown of Grinnell, Iowa, he quickly realized the positive impact space and quiet had on his art practice. With a passion for built environments and wood working, he recently started renovating a three-story corn crib (built in 1938) on his family farm north of Grinnell to be an art space.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.grincupola.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGrin Cupola\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;is an \\u201cunhurried art gallery\\u201d where the third floor is the \\u201ccupola outlook\\u201d with a 180-degree view of surrounding farmlands and the town.\\u0026nbsp;The space opens this spring.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3256,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46172\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-1\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Grinnell Artist Finds Meaning in the Making\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022While he was still in school, he brought some friends back home during the summer of 2006 to enjoy the fresh air and make some art. They exhibited \\u2014 and sold \\u2014 a lot of their work at the end of their stay, kick-starting the successful artist-in-residence program known as the Grin City Collective. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/medium.com\\\/iowa-arts-council\\\/grinnell-artist-finds-meaning-in-the-making-ed3f8407f651\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Iowa Arts Council.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Grin Cupola\\u2019s 2023 Exhibitions Call For Entry\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Grin Cupola is seeking applications for its 2023 Web\\\/Virtual exhibitions, consisting of three-five artists, selected works will be on view at\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.grincupola.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003ewww.grincupola.com\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e for the duration of one year. Additionally, Web\\\/virtual exhibitions will be displayed in the physical space via projections and curated screens. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artist.callforentry.org\\\/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=10922\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Grin Cupola.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46198\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3260,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a461b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EAn Arts Live\\\/Work Space Brimming with Creativity\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s better than demolishing a 90,000-square-foot decommissioned junior high school building? Forming a citizen\\u2019s committee to find a smarter, artful use for it. Community members in Brainerd, Minnesota, worked with the Twin Cities-based nonprofit Artspace to open the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/franklinartscenter.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EFranklin Arts Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2008. Since then, it has become the focal point for art and creativity in this city of 14,000 people. This thriving, collaborative ecosystem is home to artists and their families in the building\\u2019s 25-unit live\\\/work apartment section and has over 37,000 square feet of artist studios and space for arts organizations and creative businesses. Its two gymnasiums and auditorium are operated as community spaces by the school district.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-2\\u0022\\u003ERead More:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Art at the Heart of Franklin Art Center\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022These days, a full 44 tenants operate within the commercial wing, ranging from architectural designers to composers to painters. Sixteen years after its birth, the vision of a community space dedicated to the arts is thriving, tenants say, buoyed by boundless reinvention. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.brainerddispatch.com\\\/news\\\/local\\\/progress-edition-2022-art-at-the-heart-of-franklin-arts-center\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eRead more via the Brainerd Dispatch.\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Franklin Arts Center Keeps Historic Building In Bloom\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Art is loosely defined and all inclusive in the Franklin Arts Center showcasing numerous mediums such as painting, pottery, sewing, photography, theatrical art, musical art, and a cast of others. This creates a well-rounded establishment that enhances the art community. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.brainerddispatch.com\\\/news\\\/brainerd-history-week-franklin-arts-center-keeps-historic-building-in-bloom\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eRead more via the Brainerd Dispatch.\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a461d6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThese are only a few of the many incredible adaptive reuse projects taking place in cities and towns across the Midwest. Maybe they will inspire something in your community? After all, some of the most creative, innovative things happen when we look at existing resources with a fresh lens. Did this piece remind you of people and spaces who are doing similar work in your community? We would love to hear about it if so! \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.tfaforms.net\\\/388221\\u0022\\u003ETell us all about it by submitting a pitch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/these-old-buildings-got-a-new-artful-life\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3261,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022The cathedral, which was formerly the Church of the Epiphany, with 50-foot tall ceiling with arched trusses. An ornate altar and organ surround the room with walls painted in blue and peach.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Epiphany Hall is one of the performance venues at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago, Illinois. The space has an ornate altar and organ manufactured in 1892 with 2,517 pipes. \",\"date\":\"2023-04-04 14:17:38\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 4, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. 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An ornate altar and organ surround the room with walls painted in blue and peach.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022The cathedral, which was formerly the Church of the Epiphany, with 50-foot tall ceiling with arched trusses. 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/these-old-buildings-got-a-new-artful-life\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                These Old Buildings Got a New, Artful Life\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5376,\"title\":\"Check-In at These Midwest Hotels Where Art Takes Center Stage\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArt collections are often as eclectic and wide-ranging as the artists they comprise\\u2014and the collectors themselves. Often, though, private collections remain out of the public eye, locked behind closed doors until they are bequeathed to a museum or go up for auction. Unless, that is, they go on exhibit in the kind of place that invites you to not only visit but spend the night!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA slew of boutique hotels across the Midwest celebrates art\\u2019s power to create memorable travel experiences. A new generation of collectors are discovering exciting ways to merge contemporary art and hospitality, and a stay at any of these 10 hotels will inspire creativity as much as a good night\\u2019s sleep.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5382,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5386,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5385,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5416,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c309a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5378,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e21C Hotel, Chicago and Cincinnati\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWith a flagship hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, architectural preservationists and art collectors \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLaura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson wanted to take an active role in downtown revitalization while at the same time celebrating how vital art can be to daily life. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.21cmuseumhotels.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e21C Museum Hotels\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e began as an idea for one hotel and evolved into a family of eight, including Cincinnati, Chicago, and the newest location in St. Louis. Whether a guest or not, visitors can wander the hotel\\u2019s galleries any time of day\\u2014and interact with the growing flock of colorful four-foot \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.21cmuseumhotels.com\\\/blog\\\/2019\\\/the-history-of-our-penguins\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eplastic penguins\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIf you\\u2019re perusing arty places to snooze in Chicago, take a peek at \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theblackstonehotel.com\\\/about\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Blackstone\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, too.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c309e1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5381,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eSaint Kate - The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEvery aspect of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/saintkatearts.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSaint Kate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Milwaukee\\u2019s Theater District is inspired by painting, music, sculpture, and design. Public exhibition areas present work by artists based locally and further afield, and four spaces designated as \\u201cThe Canvas\\u201d invite guests to immerse themselves in a floor-to-ceiling artworks, with proceeds from each stay benefiting local and Wisconsin-wide arts initiatives. Every room includes work by local artists, a record player, and a ukulele!\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIf you\\u2019re looking for a historic place to crash in Milwaukee, you might also want to check out \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thepfisterhotel.com\\\/artist-in-residence\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Pfister\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which has been operating since 1893 and hosting artists-in-residence since 2009.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a39\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5383,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThe Conrad, Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePart hotel and part gallery, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hilton.com\\\/en\\\/hotels\\\/indcici-conrad-indianapolis\\\/art-stays-here\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Conrad\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e has a permanent collection and a commercial gallery\\u2014curated by local \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.longsharpgallery.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLong-Sharp Gallery\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014featuring rotating shows. The public spaces on the entire second floor are dedicated to pieces made by Indiana artists, and you can even book a guided tour of current exhibitions with one of the hotel\\u2019s Art Ambassadors. Feeling more Surrealist or Pop? You can also book a room based on your favorite artistic movements.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeaded to Indianapolis? Another spot you might like is \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thealexander.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Alexander\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a \\u201chaven of art\\u201d in the downtown CityWay area.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a60\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-more-to-check-out\\u0022\\u003EMore to Check Out\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA historic experience awaits at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ihg.com\\\/hotelindigo\\\/hotels\\\/us\\\/en\\\/madison\\\/msnms\\\/hoteldetail\\u0022\\u003EHotel Indigo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Madison, Wisconsin, a contemporary hotel in the former Mautz Paint factory. Quotes and images from 20th-century painting legend Georgia O\\u2019Keeffe\\u2014who grew up in neighboring Sun Prairie\\u2014illuminate installations in the lobby and hallways.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBook a room to match how you feel at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.angadartshotel.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngad Arts Hotel\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in St. Louis, Missouri, where four different color options for passion, rejuvenation, happiness, and tranquility complement a robust program of art exhibition and events.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHeaded to Michigan? Birmingham might be the spot, where the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/daxtonhotel.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDaxton Hotel\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E offers accommodations chock full of art along with collaborative art-fueled events with the local community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5387,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/check-in-to-these-midwest-hotels-where-art-takes-center-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5380,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022520\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculpture of a white bird in front of a richly colored backdrop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-300x203.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"An installation by Ebony G. Patterson at a 21C Museum Hotel.\",\"date\":\"2023-11-13 20:25:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022693\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculpture of a white bird in front of a richly colored backdrop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-300x203.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/check-in-to-these-midwest-hotels-where-art-takes-center-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Check-In at These Midwest Hotels Where Art Takes Center Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5701,\"title\":\"How Ohio Funk Changed the World of Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBasim Blunt grew up in Jersey City, then moved to Dayton, Ohio for a radio job in the 1990s. At first, Blunt admitted, \\u0022I wasn\\u0027t impressed. This is a small town.\\u0022\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen one day, he was in a United Dairy Farmers store when in walked funk legend Roger Troutman \\u0022to buy some orange juice, dressed to the nines,\\u0022 Blunt recounted. \\u0022I almost fainted.\\u0022\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBlunt remains in Ohio to this day, working as a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/basimblunt.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Emedia producer and radio host\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E who is among those carrying the torch for an influential musical movement that took root in the Buckeye State a half-century ago.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022At its heyday, Dayton had almost 20 different venues for weekend entertainment that had live bands, not jukeboxes.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BASIM BLUNT, MUSIC PRODUCER AND RADIO HOST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f5ff\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5711,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022I always call it a Great Migration of music,\\\\u0022 said David Webb, founder of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thefunkcenter.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe Funk Music Hall of Fame \\\\u0026amp; Exhibition Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\\\u0022When people came to the north for jobs, they brought this southern funk, the gospel, the rock and roll, the blues, from the south to the north.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Great Migration, which saw millions of Black Americans move north during the early to mid-20th century, led to a flowering of musical movements across the Midwest. It led to Chicago blues (think Muddy Waters) and the Minneapolis Sound (think Prince).\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn Ohio, there was funk: insistently rhythmic, flamboyantly fun, and forward-looking in its use of audio effects. Artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside, Faze-O, Sun, and Slave came out of the Dayton area and hit airwaves across the country in the 1970s and \\u002780s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022It makes you want to dance even when you don\\u0027t want to dance,\\\\u0022 said Blunt, crediting a member of Ohio Players for that insight. Marshall \\\\u0022Rock\\\\u0022 Jones, bass player for that band, once told Blunt that when the group was paying its dues on the Chitlin\\u0027 Circuit, the musicians would look for nightclub patrons who were leaning against the wall or nodding off.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Marshall said, \\u0027Those were the people that we wanted to play so good and so funky [for], that you would see them nodding their heads and next thing you know, they\\u0027re on the dance floor,\\u0027\\\\u0022 Blunt recounted.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-sounds-worth-sampling\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSounds Worth Sampling\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOhio funk built on the groundwork laid by James Brown, maintaining his band\\u2019s complex interplay of bass and percussion while expanding the genre\\u2019s sonic palette with sleek flourishes and catchy melodies that would appeal to broad audiences. The artists\\u2019 bright costumes and contagious sense of fun brought funk into the MTV era.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAmong the innovations embraced by Ohio funk stars, the most iconic was the talkbox: a device that combines vocals with amplified instruments to make it sound like the instruments themselves are talking. In songs like \\u201cComputer Love,\\u201d Roger Troutman of Zapp helped shape the sound of \\u201880s music, delivering warm human emotions with a splash of space-age artifice.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f678\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5712,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5713,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5715,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5716,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5717,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6aa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6bf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFunk musicians from Ohio also helped introduce hip-hop to the dance floor. With their 1980 hit \\u201cFantastic Voyage,\\u201d Lakeside produced the first R\\u0026amp;B song to feature a rap performance. The blending of hip-hop with R\\u0026amp;B would take hold in a massive way in the 1990s, becoming fundamental to the sound of 21\\u003Csup\\u003Est\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century popular music.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs hip-hop moved west, producers brought their crates of Ohio funk records. G-funk, the sound of Dr. Dre\\u2019s game-changing 1992 album \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Chronic\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, took inspiration and often direct samples from tracks like Ohio Players\\u2019 \\u201cFunky Worm.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDayton, Ohio is the most sampled city,\\u0022 said Webb. Ohio Players alone have been sampled by the Notorious B.I.G., De La Soul, N.W.A., A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, and D\\u0027Angelo among \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.whosampled.com\\\/Ohio-Players\\\/\\u0022\\u003Emany others\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/-1YjmXSyHa8?si=oqXzSmZlYIvdfhXZ\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/-1YjmXSyHa8?si=oqXzSmZlYIvdfhXZ\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5714,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDayton Comes Alive\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nWhy did this transformative, irresistible music come out of Ohio specifically? Blunt credits the combination of economic opportunity and a commitment to music education.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Dayton, Ohio was a working-class town \\u2026 you could get a good factory job and buy a house,\\\\u0022 Blunt said. \\\\u0022For a lot of African Americans, what they did with the extra money was buy their kids instruments so they can take music classes at school. There began a fierce rivalry of the different high schools in Dayton: whose band was the best?\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce those students graduated, they had no shortage of stages to take their talent to the next level. \\\\u0022At its heyday, Dayton had almost 20 different venues for weekend entertainment that had live bands, not jukeboxes,\\\\u0022 Blunt continued.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nToday, the legacy of Ohio funk lives on in bands playing classic sounds, like the members of the Dayton Funk All-Stars. Beyond Ohio, the music\\u0027s influence continues to spread. \\\\u0022All of Bruno Mars\\u0027s stuff goes back to the \\u002770s style,\\\\u0022 said Webb. \\\\u0022You have people who are in gospel doing funk music.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWebb\\u0027s organization is currently fundraising for a brick-and-mortar center to celebrate classic Ohio funk. In the meantime, Webb is celebrating the sound through projects like a radio show and podcast called \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCyQAGdz9epJaNipeCl5v0CQ\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u0022The Dayton Scene.\\\\u0022\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e Ultimately, Webb hopes, the Funk Music Hall of Fame \\\\u0026amp; Exhibition Center will be a site not only to remember past Ohio greats but to provide music education for the next generation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe place of southwestern Ohio in funk history, and the music\\u0027s future, is assured. \\\\u0022There\\u0027s five rivers surrounding the Dayton metro,\\\\u0022 Blunt pointed out. \\\\u0022The famous saying in Dayton is, there\\u0027s something in the water here.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6ef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/playlist\\\/676ggFO4FHjeDjvaqoJ4pa?utm_source=generator\\\\u0026theme=0\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f732\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-ohio-funk-changed-the-world-of-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5727,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 27%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Ohio Players, in a promotional photo from their maturity.\",\"date\":\"2023-12-19 15:22:24\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 19, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 27%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 27%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-ohio-funk-changed-the-world-of-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                How Ohio Funk Changed the World of Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":3876582,\"participants\":656572,\"grants\":485,\"communities\":160},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5048,\"title\":\"This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvocative of bold \\u201cwanted\\u201d posters and theater show-bills, wood type transformed the way people communicated in the 19th century. It initiated a paradigm shift in the printing industry, its popularity in large part due to the manufacturing process itself, which involved using a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Pantograph\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epantograph\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to scale the same style up or down as desired. That\\u2019s where we meet industrialist James Edward Hamilton from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, who founded the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in 1880. Fast-forward nearly 150 years later, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E takes a 21st-century approach to preserving a historic craft.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUnlike many museum collections, Hamilton\\u2019s doesn\\u2019t just sit in an archive. Its 1.5 million\\u2014and growing\\u2014pieces of dazzling wood type spill from cases or \\u201csorts;\\u201d dozens of printing presses fill the 40,000-square-foot exhibition space; and a large, communal studio area invites workshop participants and artists to learn how to print.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5051,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b2a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a working museum,\\u201d says Assistant Director Stephanie Carpenter. \\u201cThat\\u2019s a huge part of it for us, that we can teach letterpress printing with original Hamilton type.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarpenter was introduced to Hamilton while in a graduate program at Indiana University, regularly making the seven-hour drive up to Two Rivers to help Master Printer and then-Director Jim Moran on weekends. She joined the museum formally in 2011, when it was still located in the original Hamilton factory building, which has since been demolished. In 2012, the team were told they had six months to vacate, and an extraordinary effort from community members and volunteers helped move 27 semi-loads of type and equipment to the current space, another former factory building. The museum celebrates its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/history\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E25\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E anniversary\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E next year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b69\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5053,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePressing On\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeekly, type carvers at the museum produce new blocks as part of the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wood-type-legacy-project\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eType Legacy Project\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, creating new sets that can be added to institutional collections. \\u201cIt\\u2019s crazy that people in the 21st century are designing for wood type,\\u201d Carpenter says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s also available digitally, so students will use it through the Adobe program to design with it, and if their school has the wood type, they can then move into the press room and print using their digital mock-ups. That\\u0027s one of our programs that I absolutely adore, because it means that it\\u0027s also hands-on and it\\u0027s bringing that history forward.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRecently, Hamilton welcomed artists \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/beingblount\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMelissa Blount\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/jenngraves\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJenn Graves\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/printmakingasresistance\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDesiree Aspiras\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the first BIWOC\\u2014Black, Indigenous and Women of Color\\u2014Summit. Carpenter helped to organize a week-long residency in the print room, which evolved from a conversation with Blount and Graves about the representation of women of color in the letterpress community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11ba9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey said, \\u2018You need Black women represented here, on your walls, doing things,\\u2019\\u201d Carpenter says. While the gathering was initially intended to include a large number of participants, three were able to make the trip, but that put no damper on the enthusiasm. \\u201cThat energy that three people brought to that space! Blown away. It was so dynamic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHamilton offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, ranging from printing basics to collaborations with local artists who share special techniques. Every week at the local farmer\\u2019s market, the museum sets up shop to invite community members to make prints they can take home with them. Every year, the museum hosts \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wayzgoose\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWayzgoose\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an annual conference for type- and print-lovers, and biannually they celebrate \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/really-big-prints\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EReally Big Prints\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, inviting local artists to think extra big and use steam rollers to make large-scale pieces.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5052,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5055,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5056,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5058,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5059,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11bde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe definitely talk about our multiple communities,\\u201d says Carpenter. \\u201cWe have locals who might know the history of the factory, or they might just be interested in taking art classes. And then there is an amazing letterpress community. They\\u0027re all around the country, all around the world. I think being interconnected with that community, both for me as a person and as part of the Hamilton team, is so rewarding.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5054,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A person chooses from vintage cuts and blocks in a museum workshop.  \",\"date\":\"2023-09-26 17:26:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 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768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4283,\"title\":\"Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECecilia Steele, a 10-year-old member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has always enjoyed listening to music and singing along. \\u201cBut ever since I started playing music at Rock The Rez,\\u201d she said, \\u201cnow I love playing instruments.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn summer 2023, Steele learned to play bass guitar at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rocktherez.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERock The Rez\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: a program aiming \\u201cto empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth to build self-esteem and find their voices through unique programming.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the camp includes a range of activities, it centers on rocking out. \\u201cIt\\u2019s about art in general,\\u201d said executive director April Matson. \\u201cMusic and instruments are like the river that flows through and holds us all together for the week.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It is really important that we are creating a space that is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022APRIL MATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROCK THE REZ\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267a3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4285,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe South Dakota program currently conducts a week-long camp for Rosebud each summer and dedicates another week to the nearby Pine Ridge reservation community. It\\u2019s part of an international movement sparked in 2001 by Oregon\\u2019s Rock \\u2018n\\u2019 Roll Camp for Girls.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe resonance of 2023\\u2019s \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBarbie\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a satirical film in which Ken magnanimously invites Barbie to listen while he plays guitar \\u201cat\\u201d her, demonstrated the ongoing reality that \\u201cthere\\u0027s a big space for men to be very entitled to arts,\\u201d said Matson.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt is really important that we are creating a space,\\u201d Matson continued, \\u201cthat is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMatson, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and the Athabaskan Tribe of Alaska who identifies as two-spirit, hopes that Rock The Rez will lead to broader Indigenous representation on music stages.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhat I want to see is not only these Indigenous youth in Pine Ridge and Rosebud forming bands and playing for their community,\\u201d said Matson, \\u201cbut also going outside of their community to Rapid City and Sioux Falls and Minnesota and Omaha and performing.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt was pretty challenging for me\\u201d at first, said Steele about learning bass. \\u201cBut once they started teaching me, I got used to it and they started teaching me new techniques.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the end of the camp, Steele was performing live \\u2014 and on camera. Her family came to watch her play, she said, and \\u201cI quite enjoyed it! I thought I was going to be on every social media app because there [were] all kinds of people recording me, so I just played my best and then I had fun.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2682e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program was founded in 2016 as Girls Rock Pine Ridge, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/girlsrockpineridge\\\/posts\\\/pfbid0Vz8LCX2KuWnVuwpJKVs4wbLHMbAyH212fLQSyEL6gfq82AsRXB1hBsSnnZ2wDYKgl\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etaking the name\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E Rock The Rez in 2020 \\u201cin an effort to be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA2+ community.\\u201d Matson has been involved since 2019, initially participating as a volunteer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just had the best, most genuine experience with the other volunteers,\\u201d said Matson. \\u201cBeing able to interact with the campers on a level that is very beginner, which is where I was at with the instruments that we were teaching, and then seeing them create a whole song just from those rudimentary skills was incredible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program also ensures that campers connect with musical role models within their own communities. \\u201cWe try to invite one local Indigenous band per day of camp for a lunchtime performer,\\u201d explained Matson. \\u201cThe campers are always really excited to meet them, and then you say, \\u2018This person lives here, lives in this place where you live.\\u2019\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26857\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4284,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4286,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4291,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2686f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want everyone to feel like they have a safe space to create, [to feel] like their voice is heard. We want them to feel really proud of who they are,\\u201d Rock The Rez resource coordinator Maureen O\\u0027Brien told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/watch\\\/live\\\/?ref=watch_permalink\\u0026amp;v=215084450177646\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethe Cave Collective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2021. \\u201cWe want to make sure that they are like, \\u2018We see representation, so that\\u2019s permission.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESteele said it was \\u201creal fun to watch\\u201d the experienced musicians at camp. \\u201cThey were really nice and supportive of my music,\\u201d she said about the adults she encountered. \\u201cThey\\u2019re really kind.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe ended up deciding to spend as much time at camp as possible. \\u201cI was planning to go for a couple of days, but the first day I went there I loved it,\\u201d said Steele. \\u201cSo I went there all week!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStaff are constantly working to build awareness of their free program, a nonprofit enterprise funded largely by grants and donations. Despite repeated pitches to local media, in past years the program has received little news coverage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI heard, one year, \\u2018We don\\u0027t know what the story is here,\\u2019\\u201d recalled Matson. \\u201cI\\u2019m like, are you kidding? This is amazing! Look at these kids. They\\u2019re awesome.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4292,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26884\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022573\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rock The Rez participants practice the song their band wrote for their showcase at the end of the week-long music camp.\",\"date\":\"2023-08-29 16:18:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 29, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler and Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022764\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4337,\"title\":\"Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk Lee Zieke how long it takes to complete one of her handwoven willow baskets, and she\\u2019s likely to reply with a riddle:\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen do I get to say I started?\\u201d she says with a grin. \\u201cWas it when I planted those willows? When I harvested? Was it when I graded them to size? Let them dry? Re-soaked them?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor visitors to Willowglen, the answer is clear. This verdant acreage outside of Decorah, Iowa, offers ample evidence that the pieces grown and crafted here come from a lifetime of skill-building and tending the land. Willow patches and prairie flowers sway in the breeze just steps from a barn-like workshop that is filled with handicrafts, tools, and produce recently harvested from the garden. Zieke and her husband, Lindsay Lee, have lived and worked here for more than four decades, in a partnership as interwoven as any basketry they create.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4340,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCultivating Meaningful Materials\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple, who met as high schoolers in Cedar Rapids, named the place Willowglen long before Zieke had what she calls her \\u201cawakening\\u201d to the plant. They bought the property in the early 1980s, turning a former cornfield into a destination flower nursery. As naturalists, landscapers, and artisans, they could make their living in a way that complemented their lifestyle. Driftless-area gardeners turned to Zieke and Lee for growing advice and inspiration along with the allium, verbascum, and other perennials they offered for sale.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple began to cultivate various species of willow to use and sell to other weavers after Zieke attended a basket-making workshop in the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/amanacolonies.com\\\/visitors-guide\\\/history-of-the-seven-villages\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmana Colonies\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e under the acclaimed folk artist Joanna Schanz.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I first started weaving, I would go hunt wild willow for material,\\u201d Zieke says. She was instantly enamored with the art form. \\u201cIf you\\u0027re a serious basket maker, you\\u0027re gonna go find a way to grow willow. It\\u0027s the only way to get it in any quantity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by European willow farms, they use traditional coppicing methods. Cutting branches near the base encourages shoots as tall as six feet to regenerate each year. This makes willow one of the original dimensional building materials and an attractive renewable choice for today\\u2019s sustainability-minded crafters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCoppice is fascinating to me because it predates the saw,\\u201d Lee says. \\u201cPrior to the Iron Age, you could take a sharp stone and hack off the plant and six stems would come up the following year.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough they\\u2019re winding down their commercial operation, Zieke and Lee\\u2019s commitment to craftsmanship and bond with the willow-working community keeps them growing.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422674\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022The closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JESSA FROST, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee84226e9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4338,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422702\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-carrying-cultural-traditions\\u0022\\u003ECarrying Cultural Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter closing the nursery in 2010, Zieke and Lee were able to dedicate more time to taking and teaching classes at folk schools across the Midwest. They team up to teach at places like the nearby \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vesterheim.org\\\/folk-art-school\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVesterheim Folk Art School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/northhouse.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENorth House Folk School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Grand Marais, Minnesota. North House Folk School program director Jessa Frost says the full spectrum understanding Lee and Lindsay have of their materials creates a unique opportunity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience,\\u201d Frost says. \\u201c[Lee and Lindsay] are able to infuse that knowledge into their basketry classes in a way that is really special for students. Not to mention the fact that Lee has such extensive knowledge of European willow basketry styles, and she has worked with the best willow basket makers in the world.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee842270d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4339,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4341,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4342,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4343,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422724\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond sharing the step-by-step handiwork methods, the couple says they are motivated to pass along knowledge that was essential in the daily lives of our ancestors. Lee likes to weave ancient fishing vessels called coracles and is experimenting with a canoe design featuring lashed willow branches, whereas Zieke is most often working on handled and wearable pieces that could be used to haul in a harvest or hold special household items.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe tell people\\u202fthat, even if they never make another basket, they will never look at a basket the same way,\\u201d Zieke says. \\u201cI want them to make something that\\u0027s significant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4344,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The willow-woven canoe that Lindsay Lee is creating draws inspiration from both basketry methods and ancient boat-building techniques that still yield beauty through simplicity. \\u201cYou start with this pile of sticks and it becomes a vessel that\\u0027s out there on the water,\\u201d Lee says.\",\"date\":\"2023-09-06 19:32:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":140,\"name\":\"Brianne Sanchez\",\"slug\":\"brianne-sanchez\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":140,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":141,\"name\":\"Robert Modersohn\",\"slug\":\"robert-modersohn\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":141,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brianne Sanchez and Robert Modersohn\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2876389,\"participants\":354262,\"grants\":259,\"communities\":140},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5363,\"title\":\"ACRE Bridges Urban and Rural Creativity in Illinois and Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong a stretch of the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area stands the magnificently rustic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/motherearthgreencenter.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESteuben Lodge\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a multi-use accommodation space constructed from reclaimed timber. Each summer since 2010, it has served as a locus of creativity for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.acreresidency.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EACRE\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Chicago-based non-profit organization with a mission \\u201cto support emerging artists develop, discuss, and present their artistic practices.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cArtists I have met at ACRE continue to be some of the more genuine connections I have made in my art life.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RICKI DWYER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d05f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5364,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022ACRE, which stands for Artists\\u2019 Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions, is unique in its ties across state lines to both an urban center\\u2014its office and year-round programming center in Chicago\\u2014and a series of summertime residencies a little over 200 miles to the northwest in the rural Wisconsin village of Steuben. The residencies aim to connect people and ideas, focused on providing artists with time, intellectual exchange, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the area, which is known for its organic farms.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cACRE has an almost mythological reputation,\\u201d says artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ricki.website\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRicki Dwyer\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, who splits their time between San Francisco and Brooklyn and has participated in multiple residencies and projects with the organization. \\u201cI am generally not someone who is attracted by residencies which are social in nature, but ACRE changed my perspective on that. Being run by artists, there wasn\\u0027t the \\u2018fancy guest\\u2019 feeling of engaging with an institution. Everyone there was a visitor, an artist, and a potential collaborator.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d091\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EAn Ever-Expanding Creative Community\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEach year, three 14-day sessions invite dozens of artists to Steuben who work in a range of disciplines, like visual art, sound and music, performance, writing, curating, science, and culinary arts. Engagement and cross-pollination between practices is central to an environment of flourishing ideas, and participants have access to communal work spaces, a screenprinting studio, an outdoor wood shop, an art and tech facility, and studios for fiber, sound, and ceramics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5365,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0ad\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to the summer program, ACRE presents events and exhibitions of residents\\u2019 work in collaboration with venues in Chicago. Ranging from music gigs to fundraising events to gallery shows, the team strives to create diverse opportunities to celebrate showcase artwork.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cParticipating in an ACRE-affiliated gallery exhibition years after I attended as a resident artist meant getting to deepen the relationships I\\u0027d made,\\u201d Dwyer explains. In 2021, they curated a show at Southern Exposure in San Francisco, which included three ACRE artists, and another two-person show in 2021 with an artist who Dwyer also first met in Steuben. \\u201cArtists I have met at ACRE continue to be some of the more genuine connections I have made in my art life.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0c1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-collectively-shaping-the-future\\u0022\\u003ECollectively Shaping the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith \\u201ccooperative\\u201d right in their name, ACRE actively involves artists to help determine a future roadmap. The 2023 residency took a forward-thinking approach, inviting its 100 participants to \\u201ctake part in learning, reflection, and discussion about how we want to shape our future as an organization,\\u201d says Development Director Erin Nixon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5367,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5368,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5371,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5370,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5369,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0d8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis fall, ACRE embarks on a new initiative in collaboration with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/supera.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EJohn Supera\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, whose real estate company gives back to the Chicago community by supporting initiatives that impact homelessness, hunger, social services, and social justice initiatives. ACRE and Supera will launch a satellite studio residency and pop-up space in the Lincoln Park neighborhood later this fall, granting a Chicago-based artist an opportunity to work and exhibit in the city.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat dynamic of \\u2018take it back to real life\\u2019 is something particularly special about ACRE,\\u201d says Dwyer. \\u201cIt\\u0027s not just a space you visit, it\\u0027s definitely a community you join.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EApplications are currently open for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.acreresidency.org\\\/application\\u0022\\u003ESummer 2024 residencies\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Steuben. The deadline to apply is November 20, with an early-bird fee discount for applications received on or before November 10.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/acre-bridges-urban-and-rural-creativity-in-illinois-and-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5366,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"ACRE participants have access to communal work spaces, a screenprinting studio, an outdoor wood shop, an art and tech facility, and studios for fiber, sound, and ceramics. \",\"date\":\"2023-11-06 17:00:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/acre-bridges-urban-and-rural-creativity-in-illinois-and-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                ACRE Bridges Urban and Rural Creativity in Illinois and Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5218,\"title\":\"Chicago\\u2019s Neo-Futurists Celebrate 35 Years of Experimental Theatre\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince 1988, the Chicago experimental theater troupe, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/neofuturists.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Neo-Futurists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, has been pushing the boundaries of the theatrical arts and connecting with audiences in new ways that never cease to surprise and delight. Thoughtfully scripted but with the directness and spontaneity of improv, Neo-Futurist shows are postmodern experiential whirlwinds of emotion that defy expectations.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETrue to their name, The Neo-Futurists abide by the principles of neo-futurism, which is a type of multi-faceted theatre that, according to their website, is \\u201cbuilt on a belief in truthful, direct communication between the performer and the audience.\\u201d\\u202f Actors \\u201cperform honest, immediate theatre grounded in their personal experiences and perspectives\\u2026 [a] fusion of sport, poetry and living-newspaper.\\u201d The work the troupe performs is not aimed \\u201cto \\u2018suspend the audience\\u2019s disbelief,\\u2019 but to create a world where the stage is a continuation of daily life.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s part surrealism, part absurdism, and all topical and timely.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5219,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0ca4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheatre reviewer Emma Durbin provided an ideal example of the cast\\u2019s neo-futurist work in an article in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/rescripted.org\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/18\\\/the-neo-futurists-sell-out\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERescripted\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: \\u201cMy favorite skit of all time was by Ensemble Member Leah Urzendowski, who kicked, punched, and stomped on a diagram of a vulva; a disturbingly accurate depiction of what it felt like to bike the gravel section of Clark Street between Foster and Montrose when it was under construction pre-pandemic. I have never laughed so hard in my life.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe best example of The Neo-Futurists\\u2019 combined work is their ensemble performance, \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/neofuturists.org\\\/events\\\/theinfinitewrench\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Infinite Wrench\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, where audiences see 30 original two-minute plays written by the cast within 60 minutes\\u2014and the plays change every week to address current events and personal developments in (almost) real-time. And because each performance engages audience feedback by calling out random numbers, which determines which of the mini-plays will be performed at that moment, no two performances are alike. When the timer goes off, the cast moves quickly to the next play, which may be a very different genre than the last.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0cf3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5220,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s easy to imagine \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eThe Infinite Wrench\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e is so named because of all the \\u201cwrenches\\u201d being thrown in the performance. The mini-plays are funny, heartrending, political, and sometimes downright bizarre, yet the emotional connection with the audience is so sincere in each that even when genres and subjects are switched abruptly from one play to the next, they flow more seamlessly than one might expect.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe show is performed in a small theatre where the audience seating encompasses the stage on three sides and there\\u2019s practically no separation between the audience and the cast. Viewers are warned that choosing to sit in the first two rows is consenting to potentially participating in the skits. Only those seated in the back get the spectator-only experience and even then you\\u2019re still close enough to make direct eye contact with the cast, which adds to the intimacy of the storytelling experience.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0d1d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5221,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0d3b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven after seeing a show, it\\u2019s a struggle for me to articulate the experience to someone who wasn\\u2019t there. The easiest way for me to describe it is to say the feeling is similar to watching the 2022 sci-fi adventure indie hit \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/a24films.com\\\/films\\\/everything-everywhere-all-at-once\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EEverything Everywhere All at Once\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, where a Chinese-American woman simply wants to do the business taxes for the laundromat she and her husband own but keeps getting pulled into alternate realities. Like the film, there are moments in Neo-Futurist shows where you\\u2019re shocked and moments where you\\u2019re deeply confused, but the overall effect is one of emotional vulnerability and necessity; something that gets to the core of the human experience in a way that goes largely untouched in the world at large.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile there are offshoots of The Neo-Futurists in San Francisco, New York City, and London, the Chicago branch is the originator, making this Italian Futurist-inspired type of theatre as distinctly Midwestern as Italian beef.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5222,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Neo-Futurist Theatre is part surrealism, part absurdism, and all topical and timely.\\u202f \",\"date\":\"2023-10-17 14:42:40\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 17, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Chicago\\u2019s Neo-Futurists Celebrate 35 Years of Experimental Theatre\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":2971,\"title\":\"MdW Assembly: Shared Vision and Collective Action\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072aa6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExuberant and teeming with good ideas, artists and cultural producers Brandon Alvendia and Nicholas Wylie are kindred spirits. The two are co-conspirators in producing MdW (pronounced \\u201cMidway\\u201d), along with a dedicated team at Public Media Institute in Chicago, and bolstered by a collective of artist organizers in seven Midwestern states. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Alvendia and Wylie have brilliant minds; their wealth of experiences ranges from managing artist residency programs and artist-run spaces in Chicago to publishing initiatives, exhibitions, and everything in between. Armed with these myriad experiences, the pair was well-equipped to handle nearly any situation such as inaccurate wall dimensions, an unexpected power outage, or mobilizing hundreds of people for a shared meal. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAside from these logistical details, both of them work in an artist-centered way, where the needs of artists are of utmost importance and this generosity is evident in their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2979,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072ad8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHow would one organize an artist assembly covering seven Midwestern states? The first iteration of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2012 consisted primarily of Chicago\\u2019s artist-run spaces with a handful of other spaces represented. In the initial planning for the 2022 MdW iteration, Alvendia and Wylie conceived of a broader geographic footprint: all the central Midwestern states touching Illinois. This consortium would include Illinois (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/publicmediainstitute.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Media Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Indiana (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigcar.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBig Car Collaborative\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Iowa (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Space One\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Michigan (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/bulk-space.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBULK Space)\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Minnesota (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.confluence-studio.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EConfluence Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Missouri (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/charlottestreet.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECharlotte Street\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), and Wisconsin (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wormfarminstitute.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWormfarm Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe larger research inquiry of connectivity across the Midwest, in regard to artist-run spaces, developed from Alvendia\\u2019s curatorial research from 2015 to the present. Through the support of an Independent Curators International (ICI) Research Fellowship, he was embarking on short road trips in the region to explore and learn from artist-run spaces and other DIY initiatives \\u201calong the Mississippi River and its tributaries, mapping an archipelago of art worlds in the middle of the United States.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlvendia\\u2019s extensive mapping of these spaces, and more importantly, the individuals who run the art spaces, illuminates the value of person-to-person relationships.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cMdW puts the vision of the artist first.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CESAR LOPEZ, ARTIST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072af7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2974,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe interpersonal relationships with artists formed during the countless \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidwest road\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e trips. On an early trek to Kansas \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein February 2022, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlvendia\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e reached out to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.curiouserkc.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCuriouser \\\\u0026amp; Curiouser\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, an active DIY space in Kansas City, where he met with artists Samantha \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Cesar Lopez. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Lopez curate exhibitions for Curiouser, and each has a robust artistic practice on their own. Additionally, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethey\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e serve on the curatorial board of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.plug.gallery\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePLUG\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, another artist-run space that participated in \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the 2012 edition. They were already aware of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e from archiving the history of PLUG. When speaking to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLopez in a recent interview, they expressed that they had an interest in participating in an art fair and the opportunity of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was accessible. Most established art fairs require a booth fee, along with the steep costs of travel, art shipping, and accommodations; in contrast, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e Assembly was free to participate, and Charlotte Street Foundation provided a travel stipend for the participating Kansas City spaces.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072c94\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDescribed as an alternative (to an) art fair, MdW\\u2019s overarching goal was \\u201cbringing together multiple hyperlocal scenes from across the Midwest\\u201d and to \\u201cfacilitate opportunities to work together to build pathways for lasting coalitions of purposeful, artist-led action.\\u201d Haan and Lopez spoke about what makes MdW different from the traditional model of an art fair. Lopez noted succinctly that it \\u201cputs the vision of the artist first.\\u201d For instance, he mentioned a standout booth as the Chicago-based Mayfield space. Artist Maria Burundarena wrapped the entirety of the installation area and furniture, using reflective emergency blankets. Organizers Alberto Aguilar and Madeleine Aguilar supported and facilitated the vision of the artist for their space. In contrast, for a mainstream art fair, the gallery\\u2019s point of view is often prominent, given the financial investment in the booth fee and intention to sell artworks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother key facet of MdW\\u2019s alternative model is its sustained engagement over time. In a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/badatsports.com\\\/2022\\\/episode-822-mdw-assembly-and-public-space-one\\\/\\u0022\\u003Epodcast interview with \\u003Cem\\u003EBad at Sports\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Alvendia articulates the way that MdW subverts the conventional art fair model, which usually takes place over one weekend as a spectacle; visitors fly in internationally and descend upon the art fair as a surge of social interactions, commerce, and parties. For MdW, he describes the \\u201cattempt to draw it out over a few months with the Atlas and the Drifts\\u201d using a multi-layered approach.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2975,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2976,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2978,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2980,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:2981,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072cde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002270px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:70px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/atlas\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW Atlas\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E functioned as an online publishing platform, where each state partner chose an editor and contributing writers to post daily over two months. The \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/drifts\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW Drifts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E served as road trip itineraries with an interactive, crowd-sourced map to explore the cultural landscapes of the central Midwest. Instead of the frantic pace of an art fair crammed into a weekend, the multiple access points for MdW initiatives necessitate a longer span of time and attention from the participants. This sustained notion of time also mirrors the way in which Alvendia was building relationships over time, meeting people one by one and reinforcing meaningful, long-term connections.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist and curator Anna Wehrwein noticed this personal tone in the \\u003Cem\\u003EMdW Participant Guidebook\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. This sourcebook for the artists and organizers presented in-depth information on installation notes and other logistics. She mentioned that the written communications from MdW had a casual, affable tone. This detail, though seemingly insignificant, accentuates the person-to-person interactions and signifies the horizontal structure of MdW at large. Despite the varying scales, missions, and models for the artist-run spaces, the presentation of the booths implied a sense of equity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBased in Columbia, Missouri, Wehrwein is the co-founder and director for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stop-gap-projects.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Estop-gap projects\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an artist-run gallery and project space. stop-gap acts as the only artist-run space in the city of Columbia. Because of the relative isolation of running a contemporary art space in central Missouri, Wehrwein felt energized and excited after returning home from Chicago. As an arts organizer, she recalled that the most successful moments were \\u201cconversations\\u2026 there were a lot of friend-to-friend moments that happened. The making of Kansas City friends was probably the most important thing that happened for us.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn terms of Kansas City acquaintances, Wehrwein had discussed a potential collaboration with Cesar Lopez, prior to MdW. During the time in Chicago, they re-connected in person and then mounted a traveling exhibition called \\u003Cem\\u003ELa Onda\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E at stop-gap projects (December 2, 2022-January 6, 2023), featuring artists based in Kansas City and Columbia. The tapping into each other\\u2019s networks and creating a group exhibition together encapsulates the mission of MdW: facilitating ways to work together.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2973,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The shared organizing efforts between Columbia and Kansas City proved to be fertile ground for collaboration. While Kansas City has a density of artist-run spaces that have some mutual concerns, stop-gap projects operates in solitude. Wehrwein observed that \\u201cour role here being the beacon of experimental contemporary art\\u2026it\\u2019s important, but it\\u2019s lonely.\\u201d The gathering of urban and rural artist-run efforts at MdW aimed to coalesce these spaces. Wormfarm Institute, for example, operates in the rural context of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, whereas BULK Space exists in Detroit, the largest city in the state of Michigan. In a recent conversation with Alvendia, he articulated that the binary of the \\u201curban-rural divide\\u201d is not entirely accurate, as there are so many nuances and the concept of urban to rural is a spectrum. The relationships between urban and rural communities are often complicated and fraught, especially considering the public ways that contemporary art projects manifest in these decentralized spaces. By bringing these spaces together, Alvendia expressed that the \\u201chope is that these gulfs continue to be made smaller.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072d02\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite some variance in cultural contexts and geographic locations for the artist-run spaces, the MdW Assembly touched on a common value that drives the work of these artist organizers. Artist Samantha Haan spoke about the \\u201cwillingness to work hard.\\u201d\\u003Csup\\u003E8\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E The organizers of these DIY spaces have a constant hustle of part-time jobs, side projects, as well as balancing an artistic practice, and sometimes parenthood. All of these pressures are met with a sincere effort to make things happen. At first, when Brandon Alvendia and Nick Wylie envisioned an assembly of artist-run spaces across seven Midwestern states, it seemed like a Herculean task. Nevertheless, with frequent Zoom meetings, local partners, and a shared vision, the larger connectivity of all these organizers became a reality. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter several years of exhibition-making and ambitious projects, the key often comes down to something simple: trusting your instincts and experiences, and letting the vision of the artist guide the way.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2018 page and contact our Managing Editor,\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mdw-assembly-shared-vision-and-collective-action\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2977,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 75% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"stop-gap projects\\u0027 booth with an installation by artist Dorian Dean during MdW at Mana Contemporary Chicago from September 9-11, 2022. Image by Amanda Middaugh.\",\"date\":\"2023-01-24 15:20:45\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":106,\"name\":\"Kimi Kitada\",\"slug\":\"kimi-kitada\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":106,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kimi Kitada\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mdw-assembly-shared-vision-and-collective-action\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                MdW Assembly: Shared Vision and Collective Action\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":276670,\"participants\":44616,\"grants\":35,\"communities\":19},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5572,\"title\":\"An Arab Indy Cultural Tour with Historian Edward Curtis IV\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/edward-curtis.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEdward Curtis IV\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E wants you to know there are Arab communities in the Midwest outside of Detroit\\\/Dearborn. While the area has the largest and most diverse population of Arabs in the U.S. and Dearborn is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/time.com\\\/6272959\\\/us-dearborn-michigan-eid\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ea majority Arab city\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, there are many enclaves of Arab life throughout the Midwest that deserve to be celebrated too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[Detroit and Dearborn] are wonderful, so they seem to suck all the oxygen out of the room in terms of Arab spaces in the Midwest,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so vital that we rediscover and take time to get to know other Arab-American communities.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5592,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat\\u2019s why Curtis has dedicated his career to helping people do just that. Based in Indianapolis, where his Syrian ancestors settled when they immigrated to the U.S., Curtis is a public historian and scholar of Arab-American life in the region who has written 14 books about Muslim, Arab, and Black life.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHis two most recent books focus exclusively on the Midwest. The first, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nyupress.org\\\/9781479812561\\\/muslims-of-the-heartland\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuslims of the Heartland: How Syrian Immigrants Made a Home in the American Midwest\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was awarded the 2023 Evelyn Shakir Non-Fiction Arab American Book Award by the Arab American National Museum, and the second, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/beltpublishing.com\\\/products\\\/arab-indianapolis\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArab Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, spawned a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/arabindianapolis.com\\\/the-documentary\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003edocumentary\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of the same name which Curtis wrote and produced, which earned him two Emmys. Additionally, Curtis created an Arab Indianapolis \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/arabindianapolis.com\\\/heritage-trail\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeritage Trail app\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e that allows users to take themselves on a self-guided tour of locales\\u2014some still in existence and some not\\u2014that were important to the early Arab immigrants to the area.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCurtis\\u2019s work is a testament to the impact Arab peoples have had on Indianapolis, shaping the city into what it is today. From luminaries like Helen Corey, who was the first Arab-American elected to office in Indiana in 1964 and the author of the popular cookbook The Art of Syrian Cookery, to dozens of grocery stores and countless other shops, and so much more, Curtis highlights the many Arabs who have shaped Indianapolis. That began with an initial wave of Syrian immigrants in the 1890s who built an entire Arab-speaking neighborhood on what is now the area around Lucas Oil Stadium. Now, there\\u2019s a new generation of Arab-Americans who are leaving their mark on the city\\u2014and Curtis has plenty of recommendations on where visitors can experience their food and culture around town.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c11144a0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5578,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5590,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5591,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5593,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c11144d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut first, a note to non-Arabs: \\u201cIt is helpful if one speaks Arabic or if one has connections in the area because some of the richest Arab cultural activities in Indianapolis happen in Arab-majority or Arab-only spaces. They provide safety and a sense of being able to let one\\u2019s hair down, so to speak,\\u201d Curtis says. \\u201cThere\\u2019s stuff that\\u2019s public and some great public-facing Arab events, but there are certain things you\\u2019re not going to have access to if you\\u2019re not a part of the community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis is true of many marginalized peoples, though there are still a number of spaces and experiences where the Arab community is inviting the larger public in. The most common are restaurants and markets.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-good-arab-eats-in-the-city\\u0022\\u003EGood Arab Eats in the City\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022International Marketplace\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVariety is the spice of life, so begin on the west side of Indianapolis where you\\u2019ll find the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/imcoalition.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Marketplace\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and inside is Rayan, a Yemeni restaurant and one of Curtis\\u2019s favorite dining spots.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u2019s our most well-known Yemeni restaurant. On the one hand, they serve typically Levantine food\\u2014Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian\\u2014so you can get your tabbouleh and hummus, but you can also get classic Yemeni dishes like Yemenite soup and mendi lamb.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAnother of Curtis\\u2019s favorites in the International Marketplace is Taste of Dubai, which has kebabs galore, as well as other dishes like fahsa [Yemeni lamb stew], shawarma, falafel, golden pompano fish, and more.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022AIM Mart\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOn the north side of the city is the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indystar.com\\\/story\\\/news\\\/local\\\/indianapolis\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/06\\\/american-international-market-open-at-86th-and-ditch-indianapolis\\\/69689984007\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmerican International Market\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014or AIM Mart to those in the know\\u2014where there\\u2019s even more to delight in.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen you enter, there\\u2019s a whole row of all the knickknacks you\\u2019d find at any Middle Eastern bazaar, from perfumes to hijabs to honey to a whole row of oriental carpets. There\\u2019s every kind of olive oil from every part of the Arabic-speaking world, plus bulk spices,\\u201d Curtis says.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo those who haven\\u2019t yet experienced the wonders of an Arab market, the bulk spices are an olfactory treasure, especially aromatic spice blends like za\\u2019atar and baharat. In Arabic, baharat is simply the word for \\u201cspices\\u201d and denotes a spice blend that can vary by country and region, but typically contains cardamom, pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, and cloves.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThere\\u2019s a restaurant inside [AIM Mart] and the people who run it are from Zarqa, Jordan, and they\\u2019re Palestinian. So they offer all the typical Palestinian-Jordanian food from mansaf [lamb cooked in fermented yogurt and served over rice] to falafel,\\u201d Curtis says. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Broad Ripple Neighborhood\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNext, head to the Broad Ripple neighborhood\\u2014a hip area for Butler University students, which makes it a happening place on Friday and Saturday nights\\u2014for the hookah bars. There are several to choose from, including a traditional Egyptian hookah establishment, as well as the sleek, modern, electronic music-playing Lava, which Curtis described as \\u201clike something out of a shopping mall in the Arabian Gulf.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile the hookah bars typically serve food, there are Arab restaurants to enjoy in Broad Ripple as well.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cOne is a Jordanian restaurant called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.saharaindy.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSahara\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and one is called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.canal-bistro.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCanal Bistro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and it\\u2019s right on the old canal. Indianapolis has a canal system that was built in the 1800s, so this is a particularly nice place to go if you want to sit outside. It\\u2019s owned by a Christian Egyptian-Lebanese couple and while they serve some non-Arab food, the heart of the place is Arab food,\\u201d says Curtis.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:3,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c1114534\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.google.com\\\/maps\\\/d\\\/u\\\/1\\\/embed?mid=1TPVRHRukncTIbUW_k1rLC2x2dmdxdKU\\\\u0026ehbc=2E312F\\\\u0026noprof=1\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022640\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022480\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c111455c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-arab-cultural-festivals-in-indianapolis\\u0022\\u003EArab Cultural Festivals in Indianapolis\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile so much of culture revolves around food, there are many more aspects of Arab culture to experience. If you visit Indianapolis at the right time, you can attend Arab cultural and religious festivals.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5595,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe historically Arab \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stgindy.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSt. George Orthodox Christian Church\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Fishers, Indiana, puts on an annual Middle East festival, where they honor the Arab-speaking Syrian and Lebanese founders of the church,\\u201d Curtis says. \\u201cDuring this festival, they\\u2019re dancing dabke [the traditional folk dance of Palestine], they\\u2019re serving kebab and hummus, falafel, playing the oud [a Middle Eastern stringed instrument similar to a lute], and celebrating the cultures of their founders.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile there are non-Arab Muslims, Arabs contribute their cultural traditions to events that happen around the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAlso in Fishers is \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/alhudafoundation.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlhuda Mosque\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which has festivals that are open to the public, you\\u2019ll meet Arab people from Morocco to Iraq, see Arab clothing, and hear Arab music,\\u201d says Curtis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c111457a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest is and has always been diverse, and people from throughout the Arab world have helped make it so for more than a century. Indianapolis is no exception, and these Arab businesses and cultural events are a part of this long tradition of Arab excellence in the city.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/an-arab-indy-cultural-tour-with-historian-edward-curtis-iv\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5594,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 20%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Congregants and visitors alike marvel at the colorful icons inside St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, established by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in the early 1900s.\",\"date\":\"2023-11-28 21:38:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 28, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/an-arab-indy-cultural-tour-with-historian-edward-curtis-iv\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                An Arab Indy Cultural Tour with Historian Edward Curtis IV\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5205,\"title\":\"With Patience and Sincerity, Indiana Artist Pursues a 6,000-Year-Old Art Form\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENhat Tran guesses there are fewer than 10 artists in the United States making works in Urushi, a 6,000-year-old traditional Japanese art form of using lacquer. Born in Vietnam and living in Indianapolis, Indiana, she is among that celebrated few. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not well-known especially in the US. It\\u2019s really rare, so it\\u2019s an important mission for me to introduce it to people,\\u201d she says.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUrushi is named after the Asian tree species, where the sap for the lacquer is derived. For millennia in Japan, it\\u0027s been used on an array of utilitarian and decorative objects like furniture, food bowls, Buddhist sculptures, and more because it\\u0027s water-tight, lightweight, insulates, and is durable lasting hundreds of years. Tran explains of the dark, translucent material, \\u201cthe Japanese (historically) will put it on wood to make it shiny, protect it, make it more beautiful.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAn artist her whole life, Tran\\u2019s curiosity with Urushi became her calling about 25 years ago when she received grants from the Indianapolis Arts Council to study in Japan with master artists. \\u201cI have tried many things. Urushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d she explains of her immersion into the art form.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb2ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5206,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAdhering to refined, time-honored methods, she creates abstract sculptural and 2D pieces reflecting 21st century aesthetics. Of her approach she says, \\u201cI can never follow instruction, so I create my own to be suitable for my personality.\\u201d She continues, \\u201cThis gives me joy. I like the spontaneity and discovery of the process.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePatience Drives the Process\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat process is laborious. Fifteen to 40 layers of lacquer compose a single artwork resulting in tight formations of electric, pulsating surfaces rich with depth and vibrant colors. Even still, they are calm, peaceful, enrapturing visual meditations. One layer can take weeks to set, with a piece taking months to over a year to complete. Within those layers, she incorporates traditional materials utilized for hundreds of years: eggshells, metallic powders, and plant fibers.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cMy technique is to mix those with color pigment\\u2026layers, layers, and layers,\\u201d she says of creating luxuriously dense surfaces. \\u201cThen I sand it out, see where I will go, how a pattern emerges. I never know what the result will be.\\u201d Layers are applied with special brushes specific for Urushi, of which she has a vast amount.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAfter each is applied, the piece goes into a humidity and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003etemperature-controlled\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e chamber called a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003emuro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. The unique challenge to a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUrushi\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e artist in Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eis the dramatically fluctuating seasonal weather making \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe hardening process \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eunpredictable. It \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003enecessitates\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e adaptation, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eit\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e part of the natural evolution distinguishing Tran\\u2019s practice as her own\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003emodern, yet ancient all at once. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e part of her genius.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor the Love of Lacquer\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLacquer is a tedious, expensive art form. A Urushi tree must be at least 10 years old before sap can be extracted. \\u201cIt\\u2019s why it\\u2019s expensive,\\u201d Tran explains. \\u201cBuying sap is not simple. You have to get the good stuff to do this work,\\u201d she stresses. \\u201cEveryone purifies lacquer differently, so quality varies greatly. It\\u2019s expensive and not created equal.\\u201d For example, she says, \\u201cVietnamese lacquer is flammable.\\u201d Also, sap can irritate skin as Urushi\\u2019s American cousin is poison ivy.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb38c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI can never follow instruction, so I create my own to be suitable for my personality. This gives me joy. I like the spontaneity and discovery of the process.\\u201d \\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NHAT TRAN, ARTIST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb3d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMasterful at her uncommon art, Tran laments, \\u201cMy work poses some difficulty. People don\\u2019t know what Urushi is, so they aren\\u2019t willing to buy. Exposure is limited. Then, the sap is so ridiculously expensive.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENiche Urushi collectors aren\\u2019t out there and Tran isn\\u2019t commercially successful, but that\\u2019s not her desire.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI really have simple, modest goals,\\u201d she says. \\u201cTo see people smile and enjoy my artwork is my deepest reward. To have a chance to promote Urushi,\\u201d and, she muses, \\u201cTo be able to pay my art expense bill.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5209,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5211,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb3eb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESuccess has been rewarded through great recognition. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.urushi-artist.com\\\/home\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHer work\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is collected by museums including the Smithsonian. In the 2002 international touring exhibition, \\u003Cem\\u003ETrue Colors: Meditations on the American Spirit\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, her work hung alongside American greats, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, and Wyeth.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2004, the Indianapolis International Airport commissioned a large Urushi mural from her which prominently hangs in the departures terminal. Notably, Tran says it\\u2019s the only Urushi public art piece in the US. \\u201cThey took a risk. It\\u2019s a huge honor. I give them credit for promoting something you don\\u2019t see anywhere,\\u201d she says.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUrushi is Tran\\u2019s destiny. \\u201cMy artwork never seeks to convey a specific moral, social or political message,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s sincere\\u2014sharing my emotions, feelings, experience, and progress as a being.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"\\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"\\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/with-patience-and-sincerity-indiana-artist-pursues-a-6000-year-old-art-form\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5212,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022525\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"According to artist Nhat Tran, her commissioned mural at the Indianapolis International Airport is the only Urushi public art piece in the US. \",\"date\":\"2023-10-12 17:23:44\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 12, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":131,\"name\":\"Mary Lee Pappas\",\"slug\":\"mary-lee-pappas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":131,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":8,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mary Lee Pappas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022700\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022700\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/with-patience-and-sincerity-indiana-artist-pursues-a-6000-year-old-art-form\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                With Patience and Sincerity, Indiana Artist Pursues a 6,000-Year-Old Art Form\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              \\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4226,\"title\":\"\\u0022Butter\\u0022 Get Ready: An Indianapolis Art Fair by, of and for Black Artists\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304db59\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor the past few years, downtown Indianapolis has welcomed Black visual artists across Indiana and beyond for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/butterartfair.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBUTTER: The Fine Art Fair\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. With the goal of elevating Black excellence and creativity through equitable events and opportunities, the fair charges no booth fees, so 100% of the money made goes to the artists. And with over 8,000 people in attendance last year spending more than $250,000 on art, that\\u2019s a nice chunk of change flowing into the Black arts community.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe size and scale of BUTTER make it a driver of economic justice for contemporary Black artists. As generations of Black people have voiced and as studies have shown, many Black communities don\\u2019t have the generational wealth afforded white communities, so reparations are necessary. Because BUTTER ensures all the money made over the course of the fair, it\\u2019s an inspiring way to work toward reparations in the arts.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut BUTTER\\u0027s impact doesn\\u2019t end there. Last year, the artists who exhibited got so much attention as a result of the fair that \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ganggangculture.com\\\/projects\\\/butter-2\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethey made an additional $210,000\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E after the event as well.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022BUTTER is quickly becoming the blueprint for elevating and caring for artists of color.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MALINA SIMONE BACON, GANGGANG \\\\u0026 BUTTER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304dbdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4229,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304dbfc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe fair is organized by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ganggangculture.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGANGGANG\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Black-owned and operated firm specializing in cultural development and creative advocacy. Their tagline \\u201cCulture. Equity. Beauty.\\u201d speaks to all the elements present in BUTTER. The firm is a startup focusing on the economic viability of the arts in communities of color, so each project they collaborate on\\u2014whether art fairs or concert series\\u2014is brought to life through that lens.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBUTTER is quickly becoming the blueprint for elevating and caring for artists of color,\\u201d said Malina Simone Bacon, Executive Director of GANGGANG and one of BUTTER\\u2019s founders. \\u201cBUTTER seeks an equitable and reparational process designed to benefit the economic viability of the artists. As such, we do not require a fee for participation, nor do we take a commission on the sale of the work.\\u201d\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first BUTTER took place in 2021 and has grown exponentially since then. Last year, 1,000 adult attendees were expected, then were gratified to see more than 3,400 adult tickets sold.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow, BUTTER is back for 2023 and has a full schedule of fun for Labor Day weekend:\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003EFriday, September 1: Opening Day and Night, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.\\u202f\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003ESaturday, September 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the (aptly titled) MELT dance party 9 p.m. to midnight\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003ESunday, September 3: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus Testimony Service at 2 p.m.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe fair is taking place at The Stutz, located downtown at 1060 N Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, where the work of more than 50 Black artists will be on view and on sale. Additionally, there will be artist talks, live music by Deckademics and DJ Grapevine, dance, BUTTER-themed food, and walking tours in the Indiana Avenue Cultural District.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBUTTER is a living art fair, curated with intention and with a thoughtful approach,\\u201d said Deonna Craig, the first full-time BUTTER Fine Art Fair Director. \\u201cAs a past exhibiting BUTTER artist, I have witnessed the benefits of bringing together collectors, creatives, and community. This is the gap BUTTER was designed to fill. It\\u2019s an honor to help GANGGANG push boundaries and elevate Black artists in the national conversation.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGeneral admission \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/eventbrite.com\\\/e\\\/butter-fine-art-fair-tickets-665651841577(opens in a new tab)\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etickets to BUTTER\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which includes all events and activities over the three-day festival, are $40. Those 18 and younger are welcome for free. However, if you really want first dibs while art shopping, consider opting for Preview Night on Thursday, August 31, for $175.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/butter-get-ready-an-indianapolis-art-fair-by-of-and-for-black-artists\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4227,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The first BUTTER took place in 2021 and has grown exponentially since then. Last year, 1,000 adult attendees were expected, then were gratified to see more than 3,400 adult tickets sold.\\u202f \",\"date\":\"2023-08-15 19:05:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 15, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/butter-get-ready-an-indianapolis-art-fair-by-of-and-for-black-artists\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                \\u0022Butter\\u0022 Get Ready: An Indianapolis Art Fair by, of and for Black Artists\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":401772,\"participants\":66346,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":14},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4337,\"title\":\"Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk Lee Zieke how long it takes to complete one of her handwoven willow baskets, and she\\u2019s likely to reply with a riddle:\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen do I get to say I started?\\u201d she says with a grin. \\u201cWas it when I planted those willows? When I harvested? Was it when I graded them to size? Let them dry? Re-soaked them?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor visitors to Willowglen, the answer is clear. This verdant acreage outside of Decorah, Iowa, offers ample evidence that the pieces grown and crafted here come from a lifetime of skill-building and tending the land. Willow patches and prairie flowers sway in the breeze just steps from a barn-like workshop that is filled with handicrafts, tools, and produce recently harvested from the garden. Zieke and her husband, Lindsay Lee, have lived and worked here for more than four decades, in a partnership as interwoven as any basketry they create.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4340,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCultivating Meaningful Materials\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple, who met as high schoolers in Cedar Rapids, named the place Willowglen long before Zieke had what she calls her \\u201cawakening\\u201d to the plant. They bought the property in the early 1980s, turning a former cornfield into a destination flower nursery. As naturalists, landscapers, and artisans, they could make their living in a way that complemented their lifestyle. Driftless-area gardeners turned to Zieke and Lee for growing advice and inspiration along with the allium, verbascum, and other perennials they offered for sale.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple began to cultivate various species of willow to use and sell to other weavers after Zieke attended a basket-making workshop in the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/amanacolonies.com\\\/visitors-guide\\\/history-of-the-seven-villages\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmana Colonies\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e under the acclaimed folk artist Joanna Schanz.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I first started weaving, I would go hunt wild willow for material,\\u201d Zieke says. She was instantly enamored with the art form. \\u201cIf you\\u0027re a serious basket maker, you\\u0027re gonna go find a way to grow willow. It\\u0027s the only way to get it in any quantity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by European willow farms, they use traditional coppicing methods. Cutting branches near the base encourages shoots as tall as six feet to regenerate each year. This makes willow one of the original dimensional building materials and an attractive renewable choice for today\\u2019s sustainability-minded crafters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCoppice is fascinating to me because it predates the saw,\\u201d Lee says. \\u201cPrior to the Iron Age, you could take a sharp stone and hack off the plant and six stems would come up the following year.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough they\\u2019re winding down their commercial operation, Zieke and Lee\\u2019s commitment to craftsmanship and bond with the willow-working community keeps them growing.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422674\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022The closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JESSA FROST, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee84226e9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4338,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422702\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-carrying-cultural-traditions\\u0022\\u003ECarrying Cultural Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter closing the nursery in 2010, Zieke and Lee were able to dedicate more time to taking and teaching classes at folk schools across the Midwest. They team up to teach at places like the nearby \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vesterheim.org\\\/folk-art-school\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVesterheim Folk Art School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/northhouse.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENorth House Folk School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Grand Marais, Minnesota. North House Folk School program director Jessa Frost says the full spectrum understanding Lee and Lindsay have of their materials creates a unique opportunity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience,\\u201d Frost says. \\u201c[Lee and Lindsay] are able to infuse that knowledge into their basketry classes in a way that is really special for students. Not to mention the fact that Lee has such extensive knowledge of European willow basketry styles, and she has worked with the best willow basket makers in the world.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee842270d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4339,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4341,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4342,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4343,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422724\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond sharing the step-by-step handiwork methods, the couple says they are motivated to pass along knowledge that was essential in the daily lives of our ancestors. Lee likes to weave ancient fishing vessels called coracles and is experimenting with a canoe design featuring lashed willow branches, whereas Zieke is most often working on handled and wearable pieces that could be used to haul in a harvest or hold special household items.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe tell people\\u202fthat, even if they never make another basket, they will never look at a basket the same way,\\u201d Zieke says. \\u201cI want them to make something that\\u0027s significant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4344,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The willow-woven canoe that Lindsay Lee is creating draws inspiration from both basketry methods and ancient boat-building techniques that still yield beauty through simplicity. \\u201cYou start with this pile of sticks and it becomes a vessel that\\u0027s out there on the water,\\u201d Lee says.\",\"date\":\"2023-09-06 19:32:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":140,\"name\":\"Brianne Sanchez\",\"slug\":\"brianne-sanchez\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":140,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":141,\"name\":\"Robert Modersohn\",\"slug\":\"robert-modersohn\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":141,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brianne Sanchez and Robert Modersohn\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3814,\"title\":\"Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop: \\u201cA Magnet\\u201d for America\\u2019s Most Brilliant Wordsmiths\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat do John Irving, Rita Dove, Jane Smiley, Jenny Zhang, Raymond Carver, Sandra Cisneros, Flannery O\\u2019Connor, Leslie Jamison, W.P. Kinsella, and Yaa Gyasi have in common?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey\\u2019re just a few among generations of acclaimed writers who have honed their craft at the Iowa Writers\\u0027 Workshop. It\\u0027s not only the most prestigious program of its kind, it virtually defined the graduate study of creative writing as practiced today.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe two-year workshop is a program of the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, and bestows a Master of Fine Arts degree on students who complete the training. Founded in 1936, the program marked a new model of education in the arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThere is something delightful in watching a Pulitzer winner giggle at a play-on-words, or muse about Faulkner, or eat ice cream and just be human.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DINA NAYERI, NOVELIST AND IOWA WRITERS\\u0027 WORKSHOP ALUM\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72993\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea that a university can and should accept creative writing \\u2014 like a novel, or a collection of poetry \\u2014 as the basis of an academic degree is now commonplace, but it wasn\\u2019t always so. The fact that America\\u2019s first M.F.A. program in creative writing took root in Iowa is testament to the Midwest\\u2019s longstanding commitment to the arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3815,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/writersworkshop.uiowa.edu\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, which has inspired hundreds of similar programs, is based in Dey House, just a few hundred feet from the Iowa River. There, students meet for weekly roundtable discussions of one another\\u2019s work, led by faculty members prominent in their field.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere is something delightful in watching a Pulitzer winner giggle at a play-on-words, or muse about Faulkner, or eat ice cream and just be human,\\u201d wrote workshop alum Dina Nayeri in \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.writersdigest.com\\\/whats-new\\\/5-unexpected-lessons-from-inside-the-iowa-writers-workshop\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWriter\\u2019s Digest\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\u201cIt makes everything seem possible, that is worth two years of being here in person.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile participants disagree as to whether there\\u2019s such a thing as an \\u201cIowa style\\u201d of writing, historically the workshop has helped to shape the American literary voice: specific, personal, realistic. The program has spawned well over a dozen Pulitzer winners and several U.S. Poets Laureate.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe program acts as a magnet,\\u201d former workshop director Frank Conroy told the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.neh.gov\\\/about\\\/awards\\\/national-humanities-medals\\\/iowa-writers-workshop\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNational Endowment for the Humanities\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. Students are eager to join one of the most esteemed, enthusiastic writing groups in the world.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72a4c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72a81\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere\\u2019s no distraction; it\\u2019s a close community,\\u201d Conroy continued. \\u201cThey call each other at two o\\u2019clock in the morning to say, \\u2018You\\u2019ve got to hear this stanza I just wrote.\\u2019\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe literary life in Iowa City extends far beyond the walls of Dey House. The city is home to numerous literary presses, bookstores such as Prairie Lights, and multiple writing festivals each year. It was the first city in the Americas to be named a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.unesco.org\\\/creative-cities\\\/iowa-city\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EUNESCO City of Literature\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite the supportive surroundings, the workshop\\u2019s official philosophy is that its graduates\\u2019 success has more to do with their own talents than with anything they can learn from two years in Iowa.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe continue to look for the most promising talent in the country,\\u201d the program\\u2019s administrators \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/writersworkshop.uiowa.edu\\\/about\\\/about-workshop\\\/philosophy\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edeclare\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cin our conviction that writing cannot be taught but that writers can be encouraged.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/iowa-writers-workshop-a-magnet-for-americas-most-brilliant-wordsmiths\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3816,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 70% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop is based in Dey House at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, just a few hundred feet from the Iowa River.\",\"date\":\"2023-06-13 14:34:50\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 70% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 70% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/iowa-writers-workshop-a-magnet-for-americas-most-brilliant-wordsmiths\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop: \\u201cA Magnet\\u201d for America\\u2019s Most Brilliant Wordsmiths\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3594,\"title\":\"Murals\\u2019 Towering Representations of Black Life Enrich Des Moines\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI have often felt either exposed or invisible in my own hometown.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn classrooms, workplaces and even driving along city streets, I\\u2019ve felt the duality of being surveilled as a Black woman and also disregarded because of it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBlack people make up 11.3% of Des Moines\\u2019 population and 4% of Iowa\\u2019s. We have built lives in cities that are ranked among the worst places in the nation for Black people to live. Part of our lived experience as Black Iowans is loving ourselves in spite of our fellow Iowans\\u2019 efforts to marginalize us.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3595,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in 2020, my husband and I would drive around the city, and I would take photos of the Black Lives Matter signs displayed prominently in residents\\u2019 lawns. From economically challenged neighborhoods to wealthier ones across town, it felt affirming to know people of all hues could coalesce around us. A temporary salve however, as many of the signs no longer remain.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDuring one of the drives we took to flee the stress of the Coronavirus pandemic, which harmed Black Iowans disproportionately, we drove along University Avenue. As we crossed the busy intersection at Sixth Avenue, north of downtown, I heard my husband gasp.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eThat\\u2019s when I first caught a glimpse of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFuture\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e by artist Jill Wells. I turned our SUV around and sped over to the mural, thinking: Who painted Black people on the side of a building? In Des Moines.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe mural by Wells and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hernandesignco.com\\\/links\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMarissa Hernandez\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, both Drake University alumnae, is a permanent installation commissioned by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The mural is located along the north side of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, an organization that has programs to fight poverty and help small business owners.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe took in the mural\\u2019s scenes. A Black woman and man conversed on the steps of a home. Sticky notes became graduation confetti as a graduate held a child. A group of people \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eembraced\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. A Black couple glanced lovingly at their children, tie-clad and briefcase in tow. The mural is inspirational. One of its central themes depicts the American dream of home ownership, which remains elusive for many Black Iowans.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cul\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n \\\\t\\\\u003cli\\\\u003e70% of Black Iowans are renters, compared with 28% of all Iowans, according to state data.\\\\u003c\\\/li\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n \\\\t\\\\u003cli\\\\u003eAbout 22% of Black Iowans over the age of 25 are college graduates, compared with 30.5% of all Iowans, according to a 2023 fact sheet by the State Data Center of Iowa and the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans.\\\\u003c\\\/li\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/ul\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7f04\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3597,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fb2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fcd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI\\u2019ve wondered for years whether the city reflects our history and culture. What Black landmarks or large scale works of art exist? I could think of my favorite piece by artist Kerry Marshall, \\u003Cem\\u003EA Monumental Journey\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, located downtown, which marks the founding of the National Bar Association in Des Moines in 1925 by 12 Black lawyers.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen came murals by Wells, and others, who centered representation at the core of her work. Her murals felt like a revolutionary act. The pandemic isolated us. Politics divided us. Suddenly, she and other artists transformed unremarkable buildings into glowing, towering and positive representations of Black life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA little over a mile away from the \\u003Cem\\u003EFuture\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E mural sits \\u003Cem\\u003EBlack Renaissance\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, which debuted last October. The mural is located just south of 24th Street and University Avenue at xBk Live. In the mural, a young Black singer is flanked by moody flowers, clutching a microphone, long braids trailing behind her. Hair braiding is such an integral part of Black culture. Many Black girls and women have worn their hair just like the singer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Seeing such a nuanced depiction of Black woman joy on the side of a building in the center of Des Moines subtly changed my perception of the city.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DANA JAMES, WRITER \\\\u0026 FOUNDER, BLACK IOWA NEWS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3602,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3601,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3603,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b8010\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3604,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWells said: \\\\u0022The Lotus flowers and foliage symbolize resilience, the black butterflies symbolize transition and renewal and the mural\\u2019s moody ombre color palette of blue, black, purple and pink speak of royalty and dignity. The mural\\u0027s design captures the spirit of music, Black entrepreneurship and community success.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBlack Renaissance\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e captured the joy I\\u2019ve felt getting my hair braided and even braiding other Black women\\u2019s hair. Seeing such a nuanced depiction of Black woman joy on the side of a building in the center of Des Moines subtly changed my perception of the city.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBraids and baby hair. Representation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nYoung Black children in Des Moines will grow up seeing themselves reflected in the murals\\u2019 themes. Might they, in our city divided by imaginary red lines, feel seen in a way that I never quite have? Wells\\u2019 soaring murals across the state have the power to revolutionize how we see ourselves and maybe how others see us as well.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWells is correct. Representation matters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b804a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-towering-representations-of-black-life-enrich-des-moines\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3598,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A mural depicting people with dark skin tones. One has their back to the viewer, an arm raised pasting colorful post-it notes. These notes trail to become confetti for a scene depicting a joyful adult in a graduation gown embracing a young child.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"From plans to accomplishments. A section from artists Jill Wells and Marissa Hernandez\\u0027s mural, Future, in Des Moines, Iowa.\",\"date\":\"2023-05-22 16:54:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 22, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":122,\"name\":\"Dana James\",\"slug\":\"dana-james\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":122,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Dana James\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A mural depicting people with dark skin tones. 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These notes trail to become confetti for a scene depicting a joyful adult in a graduation gown embracing a young child.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-towering-representations-of-black-life-enrich-des-moines\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Murals\\u2019 Towering Representations of Black Life Enrich Des Moines\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":370160,\"participants\":24731,\"grants\":19,\"communities\":12},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5332,\"title\":\"Kayla Powers Embraces the Possibilities of Detroit\\u2019s Local Botanicals\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFor me, natural dyeing has always been about place and local color,\\u201d says artist Kayla Powers, whose multidisciplinary works stitch together her passions for gardening, foraging, textiles, and exploring her local environment. A connection to the land and its natural bounty lays the framework for her quilt-like compositions, inspired by stained glass, textile traditions, and dyes derived from regional plants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBased in Detroit, Michigan, where she has lived for the past seven years and recently graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Powers has honed her interest in plants and botanical materials that she finds near her home and gardens on a small plot in her backyard. \\u0022I have been gardening and foraging in Detroit for the past seven years, so I feel familiar with the plant life in this city, and I continue to learn about it constantly,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cDetroit is so unique for a city, in that there is a lot of open land. And sometimes you hear it called \\u2018vacant land,\\u2019 but I have found it to be the exact opposite. There is such a variety of plant and animal life that thrives in these open spaces.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KAYLA POWERS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542cf9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5333,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542cff8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen she moved to the city in 2017, she was surprised to find on her regular walks through the neighborhood that natural dye plants grow abundantly in many of the uninhabited lots. \\u201cForaging for plants in the city is a great way to get to know a place,\\u201d Powers says. \\u201cDetroit is so unique for a city, in that there is a lot of open land. And sometimes you hear it called \\u2018vacant land,\\u2019 but I have found it to be the exact opposite. There is such a variety of plant and animal life that thrives in these open spaces.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPowers\\u2019 knowledge of plants developed throughout her travels and work experience in places like a permaculture farm in Colombia, a biodynamic farm in Upstate New York, and a ginger farm in Hawaii. During a six-month Textile Internship at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wildcraftstudioschool.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWildCraft Studio School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Portland, Oregon, she was introduced to natural dyes, which were used to color wool processed from locally-raised sheep.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542d00f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5334,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eImmersing in material, place, and time\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn her most recent \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/kaylapowers.studio\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecreative explorations\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, Powers has begun working with sheer or transparent fabrics, sometimes filled with seeds or embellished with the silhouettes of leaves and flowers. \\u201cI was looking at quilts and stained glass windows and thinking about light and how that impacts our experience of a place,\\u201d she says. She has begun incorporating \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kew.org\\\/read-and-watch\\\/cyanotype-photography\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecyanotypes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a camera-less photographic process that relies on the sun and a solution of iron salts to imprint an image onto a surface.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePowers enjoys weaving together notions of medium, place, and passing time. \\u201cI was writing out my materials lists and thinking, okay, I used cotton fabric that I dyed with marigolds\\u2014for example\\u2014and I grew the marigolds with soil, water, and sunlight, and it felt like this poetic moment to me, that the quality and quantity of light in a place determines the color in a certain plant.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA new technique in Powers\\u2019 repertoire includes mixing pigment with milk-based paint to create patterns she calls \\u201cseed stitches.\\u201d She says, \\u201cI love the parallels between gardening and quilting\\u2014sowing seeds and sewing fabric\\u2014so these little marks I\\u2019m making directly on the wall are kind of an homage to both.\\u201d This summer, she also rented a space at a local ceramics studio and began experimenting with clay. \\u201cI love to let the process guide me,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThat way, I can stay open to the possibilities.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542d042\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel 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\\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kayla-powers-embraces-the-possibilities-of-detroits-local-botanicals\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5341,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-scaled.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Kayla Powers extracts pigments from plants she finds close to her home or from ones that grow in her garden in the North End of Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-31 16:36:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 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src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-scaled.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kayla-powers-embraces-the-possibilities-of-detroits-local-botanicals\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Kayla Powers Embraces the Possibilities of Detroit\\u2019s Local Botanicals\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3683,\"title\":\"Micro Moments of Magic is Counting Connections in Ann Arbor\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f04202966\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe set up is simple. On any given summer night, you may stumble upon Jeremy Mulder and Adam Hess in Ann Arbor\\u0027s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.atlasobscura.com\\\/places\\\/graffiti-alley-ann-arbor\\u0022\\u003EGraffiti Alley\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, wielding sharpies. They stand beside two large pieces of paper, one titled \\u0022Smiles\\u0022 and the other \\u0022Eye Contact.\\u0022 The space below each title is adorned with tally marks, each representing a micro moment of connection.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs passersby walk past the alley, Mulder and Hess make tally marks for every smile and instance of eye contact they witness.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022I saw that, thank you for playing,\\u0022 Mulder says to a group of students who make eye contact while passing by. As the students respond with smiles of recognition, Hess chimes in: \\u0022Right? Nice! See! That\\u0027s great. Two? Mark that down. Three? Yes!\\u0022 Laughter fills the alley as the tally marks multiply.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3685,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0420298d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMulder and Hess call their project Micro Moments of Magic. The idea sprouted during the winter of 2023, which was particularly brutal across the Upper Midwest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe had a pandemic\\u2019s worth of not connecting, and a Midwest winter\\u2019s worth of not connecting, and so the thought was, we could feel that people needed a reason to connect,\\u201d said Mulder.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn their busiest day so far, Mulder and Hess collected 1818 smiles and 1784 instances of eye contact. But contrary to what many people ask, it\\u2019s not for a study.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re in a college town, so many people ask, \\u201cIs this a sociology study?\\u201d said Mulder. \\u201cWe\\u2019ve agreed that says more about them. They\\u2019re usually sociology majors.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen people come up and ask us what this is about, we\\u2019ve said many different things for the sake of creativity,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cBut it\\u2019s really just fun engagement.\\u201d \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3688,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMulder and Hess have been visiting the alley 2-3 times a week to do Micro Moments of Magic, mostly because, as Hess says, \\u201cIt feels delightful.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThere is something special in the energy created by the project. As people pass by the duo for their second time in the evening, they cheer seeing how many more tallies have been added. \\u201cThere\\u2019s a lot of frequent fliers. Because it feels good!\\u201d says Hess.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPassersby request to take photos with the paper or even take turns adding tallies themselves. The smiles become contagious.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe poach smiles too. If they\\u2019re already smiling, we\\u2019ll count it too, whether it was us or not,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cWe\\u2019re not taking credit, we\\u2019re just saying that they\\u2019re smiling.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f042029c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt feels remarkable to see how small yet intentional connections can bring about a big change in people\\u0027s days. However, Mulder and Hess are not surprised.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think in the Midwest, there\\u2019s a lot of \\u0027elevator culture,\\u0027\\u201d says Mulder. \\u201cPut your head down, look at your feet, that kind of thing. Even something as simple as writing \\u0027eye contact\\u0027 or \\u0027smile\\u0027 at the top of a piece of paper gives people permission to come out of their shell.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHess, who recently made a transition out of a career as a nurse, enjoys finding a way to continue to help people in some form.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re collecting all these smiles. They happened, when maybe they wouldn\\u2019t have before,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cIf we made a million extra smiles, would that have an effect on the culture? I don\\u2019t know. Maybe! Especially if we had other people on other posts!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the sun sets, the duo runs out of space on their paper. They preserve each sheet, marking them with the date and time, creating a collection of connections.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf one person says, \\u2018That was great,\\u2019 then I feel like we\\u2019re doing it all for the right reason,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cBecause we did it so that one person who needed something, got it. But what did we do, really?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPerhaps they\\u0027re making magic, one micro connection at a time.  \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EConnect with Micro Moments of Magic on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/micromomentsofmagic\\u0022\\u003EInstagram\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3687,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f04202a10\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/counting-connections-the-heartfelt-art-of-micro-moments-of-magic\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3686,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 28%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jeremy Mulder of Micro Moments of Magic stands in Ann Arbor\\u0027s Graffiti Alley next to a sheet tallying up eye contact. \",\"date\":\"2023-06-01 16:46:45\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 1, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 28%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 28%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/counting-connections-the-heartfelt-art-of-micro-moments-of-magic\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Micro Moments of Magic is Counting Connections in Ann Arbor\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4094,\"title\":\"Detroit Public Theatre Brings Plays to the Neighborhood\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter spending their first five years in-residence at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Public Theatre moved to a more permanent home at 3960 Third Ave last September. Just a few miles away from the city\\u2019s other historic art institutions including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and the Detroit Opera House.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe wanted to stay in the cultural center and in the cultural district. We wanted to be with the big kids,\\u201d says Courtney Burkett, founder and producing artistic director at The Detroit Public Theatre.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENestled between other Cass Corridor attractions in a building that had been vacant for many years, its striking facade emblazoned with the theatre\\u2019s logo signals a new era for performing art entertainment in the city.\\u0026nbsp; The Detroit Public Theatre\\u2019s new building ushered in the 2022\\\/2023 season. The black box theatre boasts a box office, bookshop, rehearsal studio, and a bar. It comfortably accommodates 200 people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4096,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f6aa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe wanted to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre in Detroit.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo be in conversation with our city and to create work that people of our city can come and see and see their own lives reflected in, so they don\\u2019t have to travel to Chicago or Stratford of New York to see quality professional theatre, but they can see their theatre here in their own city,\\u201d says Burkett.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first show featured in the new space was Dominique Morriseau\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EMud Row \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ewhich tells an intergenerational story of one family in Detroit grappling with gentrification and growing pains. Morriseau, a Detroit native and world-renowned playwright, is also a member of the theatre\\u2019s artistic leadership team.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f6fb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4097,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4098,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f716\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPassing Strange\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E written by singer-songwriter and playwright Stew is the final show of their current season. The play follows a young musician on his journey away from organized religion and into a bohemian lifestyle fueled by rock n\\u2019 roll. It\\u2019s the biggest show to date with a seven-person cast and a four-person band.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe theatre provides a range of community programs including Shakespeare in Prison, Detroit \\u201867 in Schools and Communities, DPT\\u2019s T.A.G. (Third Avenue Garage) Residencies, Detroit Dialogues Post-Show Forums, and Pick-Your-Price Tickets.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Detroit Public Theatre\\u2019s next season begins in late September with Jennifer Maisel\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EEight Nights\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. Previews will be September 27 and 28, then opening night is September 29.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4099,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4100,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f72f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe built it for you. We built it for the citizens of Detroit to see their own lives reflected. We want people to be able to communicate not only with the work that\\u2019s on the stage, but also with each other,\\u201d says Burkett.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhether they\\u2019re portraying prominent civil rights leaders, revisiting important cultural moments or delving into the rich interior lives of generations of Detroiters, Detroit Public Theatre excels in telling stories that you can\\u2019t find anywhere else in the city and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-public-theatre-brings-plays-to-the-neighborhood\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4095,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Detroit Public Theatre\\u0027s new home at 3960 Third Ave in Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-25 15:13:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 25, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":36,\"name\":\"Imani Mixon\",\"slug\":\"imani-mixon\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":36,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Imani Mixon was born and raised at the magnetic center of the world\\u2019s cultural compass \\u2014 Detroit, Michigan. She is a long-form storyteller who is inspired by everyday griots who bear witness to their surroundings and report it back out. Equal parts urgent and essential, her multimedia work centers the experiences of Black women and independent artists.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Imani Mixon\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-public-theatre-brings-plays-to-the-neighborhood\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Detroit Public Theatre Brings Plays to the Neighborhood\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":319440,\"participants\":50163,\"grants\":45,\"communities\":30},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3518,\"title\":\"Making the Most of a Frozen Lake: Minnesota\\u0027s Art Shanty Projects\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0f921f1a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe word \\u201cshanty\\u201d doesn\\u2019t evoke a lot of positive associations \\u2014 unless, that is, you\\u2019re living in a place where bodies of water regularly freeze over. Across the Upper Midwest, wintertime sees ice shanties pop up on lakes\\u2019 solid surfaces to shelter people as they auger holes and drop fishing lines.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEmbracing that spirit of ephemerality, Minnesota\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artshantyprojects.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Shanty Projects\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E invite people out onto the ice each winter to experience pop-up villages of creative whimsy.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn recent years, Art Shanties have included a Chapsicle of Love, with a Universal Life Minister standing by to perform ceremonies that could be legally binding or just for fun. Inside a Rock Box shanty, DJs and live performers created a cool soundtrack. (\\u201cDoors 10 a.m. \\u2014 all ages show!\\u201d) One shanty used consumer plastic waste as sculptural material to \\u201cinvoke the aquatic life\\u201d below.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe annual Art Shanty experiences aren\\u2019t just about what\\u2019s inside the boxes, though: the shanty towns are month-long community gathering places hosting the likes of theatrical performances, environmental education programs, jazz dance on ice skates, and all-around silliness.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe projects\\u2019 genesis was in 2004, when artists David Pitman and Peter Haakon Thompson created a single shanty just west of Minneapolis on Medicine Lake. By the following year, the project had grown to 11 shanties \\u2014 then, the next year, 25. Ultimately, the projects settled on Lake Harriet in the heart of South Minneapolis. Partnering with various arts organizations and funders, each year\\u2019s organizers curate a mix of physical installations and creative programming.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3524,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3521,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3522,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:3523,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0f921f76\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s nothing else quite like the Art Shanty Projects, which epitomize Midwesterners\\u2019 determination to make the most of a strongly seasonal climate. One artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artshantyprojects.org\\\/2022-asp\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Esaid\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that the 2022 project \\u201cwas like a group polar plunge while wearing glitter tutus; a slightly insane and dazzling experiment in thickening communal connections as collective immunity against the harshness of winter and the real insanity of our shared pandemic\\\/climate crisis reality.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s no escaping that reality, even on a lake that\\u2019s frozen \\u2014 or, that should be. Organizers have a \\u201cPlan Beach\\u201d to execute when ice conditions are unsafe, which is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.pca.state.mn.us\\\/news-and-stories\\\/mpca-dnr-minnesotas-lake-ice-season-decreased-by-up-to-14-days-due-to-climate-change\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eincreasingly a problem\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E as winters gradually warm. The Art Shanties have confronted global warming head-on, with projects like one in which a group of \\u201cfashion disasters\\u201d paraded across the ice in outfits evoking different climate catastrophes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDawn Bentley, who led the projects from 2014 to 2017, wrote a 2019 op-ed in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.minnpost.com\\\/community-voices\\\/2019\\\/02\\\/climate-change-the-arts-can-help-tell-the-story-of-our-time-and-provoke-us-to-act\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinnPost\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, recounting her struggles to sustain the project amidst unreliable ice conditions. \\u201cThe arts are telling us a story about this particular time,\\u201d she wrote, \\u201cone that we must listen to.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity and community. Since then, the Art Shanty Projects have been coming to terms with climate change. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/making-the-most-of-a-frozen-lake-minnesotas-art-shanty-projects\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3519,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The 2022 Art Shanty Village near the shore of Bd\\u00e9 Um\\u00e1\\u014b, Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2023-05-24 17:47:49\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/making-the-most-of-a-frozen-lake-minnesotas-art-shanty-projects\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Making the Most of a Frozen Lake: Minnesota\\u0027s Art Shanty Projects\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity and community. Since then, the Art Shanty Projects have been coming to terms with climate change. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3937,\"title\":\"Friendship and Family at the Heart of\\u00a0This Native Regalia Supply Store\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis have been friends for eight years. Their interest in sewing and regalia-making brought them together. They met through the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee at\\u0026nbsp;their children\\u2019s school and the district\\u2019s regalia-making classes. Last February, they opened \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/firemountainfabrics.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFire Mountain Fabrics and Supply\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Colorful bolts of fabric line the shelves, and items not easily found in one store\\u2014appliqu\\u00e9 pieces, ribbons in every color and width, jingle for jingle dresses, fringe for shawls, and a rainbow of thread\\u2014are readily available. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3940,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c708f8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cShe was the pro. I was coming in not knowing how to even thread my machine, but I was determined to make regalia,\\u201d said Travis when asked about her friend. Fairbanks learned to sew from her mother and grandmother, and finished her first hand-sewn quilt when she was 10.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir inspiration for opening a one-stop shop for regalia-making was to provide\\u0026nbsp;materials needed for this practice in an accessible and convenient way as well as have\\u0026nbsp;a place to sew and create for themselves. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERegalia is clothing and adornments made by or for\\u00a0pow-wow dancers that express their identity and culture. Regalia-making is often a family activity, and sometimes pieces in regalia carry stories or familial themes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70918\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3948,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3946,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3949,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:3950,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70932\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn less than six months, Fairbanks and Travis have seen orders from all over the state as well as the country. The duo work full-time jobs in addition to running the store\\u2014Fairbanks is a registered nurse and Travis is a finance manager\\u2014so the hours for the store are different each week. But the growing online following of Fire Mountain Fabrics and Supply has helped widened their reach. Fairbanks said that they hear customers say, \\u201cWe\\u2019re so thankful you\\u2019re here!\\u201d on a daily basis. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3943,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3944,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3945,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c7094b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNo more putting life on hold.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ARLENE FAIRBANKS, CO-OWNER OF FIRE MOUNTAIN FABRIC AND SUPPLY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70962\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the summer of 2022, she was diagnosed stage 4 ovarian cancer. Travis shared that after the diagnosis \\u201cthere was this urgency almost [to open the store together], like, \\u2018what are we waiting for?\\u2019\\u201d Fairbanks had her second round of treatment on a Thursday and by the weekend they had filed for all the paperwork. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe was able to recognize the pattern of her good days during treatment and that\\u2019s when they put work into opening their store. Fairbanks shared, \\u201cI knew I get one [good] day after chemo and after that I couldn\\u2019t do anything. So that\\u2019s why I did chemo on Thursday, so I could work on Friday then recover over the weekend.\\u201d Now after treatment, she says there are no visible signs of cancer in her body.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3947,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e [the store]\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e gave us something else to focus on\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e instead of the dread of cancer. That was heavy. It gave us something to look forward to, to talk about, to enjoy, and that was healing in itself\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\u201d said Travis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGetting the business going and watching it grow was a positive thing for us to experience together\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFairbanks\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e still has routine check\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e-\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eups\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTravis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ejoins her for almost every \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eappointment\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTheir families play a big role\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein supporting Fire Mountain Fabrics and Supply, and have grown even closer over the last few years\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70998\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cInitially when we got the store, it was like \\u2018how are we going to fill it out\\u2019 and now it\\u2019s like \\u2018oh my gosh, we don\\u2019t have enough room,\\u2019\\u201d said Travis. Their store opening\\u0026nbsp;announcement going\\u0026nbsp;viral on the internet led to an increase in their online following, and now the pair\\u0026nbsp;are trying their hand at TikTok with the help of their teenagers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3952,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3951,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3953,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c709c5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s been a lot \\u003Cem\\u003Ebigger \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethan we anticipated,\\u201d said Fairbanks as she reflected on the past few months. Recently at her day job, she was recognized as the \\u201cFabric Lady\\u201d and the co-owner of Fire Mountain Fabric and Supply.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/friendship-and-family-at-the-heart-of-this-native-regalia-supply-store\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3942,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 60% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis pack an order of ribbons at their regalia-making and sewing supply store, Fire Mountain Fabric and Supply, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-31 16:59:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":132,\"name\":\"Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"slug\":\"jaida-grey-eagle\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":132,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 60% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 60% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/friendship-and-family-at-the-heart-of-this-native-regalia-supply-store\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Friendship and Family at the Heart of\\u00a0This Native Regalia Supply Store\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3061,\"title\":\"A\\u00a0Second Home: Fanana Banana and Soomaal House\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3064,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThey didn\\u2019t take the conventional route of opening a gallery and waiting for visitors to drop in. They made the decision to bring art to their communities.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKaamil Haider and Khadija Muse, along with Mohamud Mumin, founded \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.soomaalhouse.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSoomaal House of Art\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Haider\\u2019s background is in graphic design, but his work now focuses on archival work and Muse is a visual artist with a background in installation-based work. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graphic designer-artists Amal Azzam and Nayfa Naji founded \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/fananamke.wixsite.com\\\/fananamke\\\/about\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFanana Banana\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in 2018 and held their first event in April 2019.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBoth organizations focus on uplifting artists who share their cultural backgrounds. Soomaal House is an artist collective that focuses on platforming Somali visual artists in Minnesota and Fanana Banana has spotlighted the works of Muslim and MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) artists in the Milwaukee area. Their name is derived from the Arabic word for artist, \\u201cfanaan,\\u201d and banana was added on to \\u201cmake it catchy,\\u201d according to Azzam.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe realized that we were dealing with similar struggles of just lack of representation,\\u201d Azzam said recalling a conversation with Naji. \\u201cWe didn\\u0027t know other artists in our own community and then thinking of that on a larger scale, we realized \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewe\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e needed to do something about this because people aren\\u0027t going to do that for you.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3095fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-shows-in-unconventional-spaces\\u0022\\u003EArt shows in unconventional spaces\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMuse recalled the early years of Soomaal House\\u2019s programming where the collective relied on community connections and support. They curated the work of local and global artists in yoga studios, mosques, and community rooms located in apartment buildings.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a30966e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe kind of started with this attitude that \\u003Cem\\u003Ewe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E were going to do it. So, we are not waiting for a ton of money or a big art institution to provide that space,\\u201d Muse said. \\u201cFortunately, even though it seems like we\\u2019re a small organization, which we are, but we have a lot of support.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe initial years for Fanana Banana were very similar\\u2014receiving support from friends and community members to host their shows.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cOur first show was literally in the back room of a Hookah Lounge,\\u201d Azzam said of the show that included over a dozen local Muslim artists. \\u201cThe guy already had artwork all over his walls, but he had this back room that he was renting out to local organizers and artists.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough they had no plans to host another event, Azzam and Naji were approached by attendees of their first show asking about the next one.\\u0026nbsp;With this excitement and momentum, the two made a list of all the known artists in their community in hopes of including them in their next event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cWe just literally sat like two Arab moms figuring out people\\u2019s names and where they\\u2019re from and what their IG [Instagram] handles are,\\u201d Azzam said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoomaal House held its first event at a mosque in St. Paul called Dar Uloom. The mosque owned the school building next door with space for artists to show their works in multiple rooms and speak with visitors. For Haider, this was the collective\\u2019s way of bringing the art to the community where they were.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We realized that we were dealing with similar struggles of just lack of representation.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022AMAL AZZAM, CO-FOUNDER OF FANANA BANANA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a30968e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3065,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096a4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EConversations and Reflections\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Soomaal House and Fanana Banana utilized the lived realities of their communities to inform the curation of art and conversations in their galleries. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaider believes that through art Somalis can document their lived experience in Minnesota and reflect on their lives as a diaspora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cComing here to Minnesota in the early 2000s there wasn\\u0027t a whole lot of visual culture,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThe majority of the art forms that we were really used by the community were oral poetry, which allowed for our community to exist for centuries.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeing in Milwaukee, Azzam and Naji saw Fanana Banana as a platform to organize around events in their city and offer artists opportunities to reflect on recent experiences related to the pandemic and instances of police brutality.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDuring Covid, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, we hosted a public mural in the making. So, we had some artists and there was a lot of research and pre-sketch going on to what the initial design would be,\\u201d Naji said. \\u201cIt was a free and open space in the specific community that we did it in\\u2014to spark conversations, to heal, and to gather and unite as a community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003EE\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003Exhibits curated by Soomaal House are rooted in the Somali identity\\u2014with artists often exploring topics such as adulthood, motherhood, and Somali history.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaider\\u2019s last exhibit \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.soomaalhouse.com\\\/kaana-xusuuso-kanna-xus\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaana Xusuuso, Kanna Xus (Remember That One, and Commemorate This One): Orality, Visuality and the Colonial Archive of Somalia\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019 grappled with the reality of colonialism in Somalia through the poetry and songs of the last two centuries that opposed the colonial rule.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWith Kaamil\\u2019s exhibit, he was trying to find the visuals of that colonial time from a Somali lens and it\\u0027s something that\\u0027s missing,\\u201d Muse said. \\u201cSo then, when we come across images and visuals taken by the colonizers, how do we interact with that and what does that tell us?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3066,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3067,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3068,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096ba\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe exhibit created an opportunity for a younger generation to understand Somalia\\u2019s nuanced history and witness images of British colonial officers and Catholic priests occupying Somalia, a homogeneous country known for its Islamic roots.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think a lot of time when we tell Somali history we kind of go through that process really fast\\u2014like it was short-term then we won independence, and that\\u2019s how we tell it,\\u201d she said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor many Muslims in the United States, the events of 9\\\/11 have reverberated through their lives and have shaped their identity through media depictions of Muslims and the unfortunate marginalization and surveillance of Muslim and Arab youth. Azzam and Naji saw this reality as something worth tackling through art to give Muslim artists a platform to explore their Muslim American identities.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe recently had a three-month-long exhibition at a gallery space called, \\u2018Reflecting My Muslim Americanism,\\u2019\\u201d Azzam said. \\u201cThat was basically Muslim artists showcasing their artworks in the sense of hitting their identity, whether it\\u0027s being American, being Muslim, or whatever their ethnic background is.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe exhibit also gave an opportunity for non-Muslims to understand the experiences of Muslims in the aftermath of 9\\\/11 with some individuals approaching the organizers and expressing their gratitude for having the opportunity to do so.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3071,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eSpace for belonging\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThroughout the years the number of artists and visitors to Soomaal House has grown. Many have come to see the place as more than just a house of art, but a place where they belong.\\u00a0\\u201cI\\u0027m going to borrow words from some of the artists from this weekend\\u2014 \\u2018it\\u0027s [Soomaal] like a second home,\\u2019\\u201d Muse said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe organizers of Soomaal have expanded their programming to include community events that explore the same conversations around identity and life in the diaspora; from film screenings, to live podcast sessions, to a book launch, with several more planned for this year.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAccording to Naji, Fanana has caused a small yet strong ripple effect within the Milwaukee Muslim community. Ever since they started, people have turned to them with programming ideas to help different causes in the community. They recently held an art workshop for refugee children from Afghanistan to participate in art therapy.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u0027s nice to now be part of the conversation and part of that narrative where people know that we exist and now we\\u0027re on, like that list of organizers or groups that they can either collaborate with, work with, pay us for services,\\u201d she said.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTheir recent exhibit exploring Muslim identity in America was held at the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network in the heart of the arts district. For Naji, this was an accomplishment and a sign that Fanana Banana had made its footprint in the city\\u2019s art scene.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile both organizations have established themselves within their cities art scenes after years of hosting pop up galleries, their approach to innovation and inclusivity only seems to be getting more creative. \\u201cOur mantra has been: \\u2018we\\u2019re just like water, give us space, and we\\u0027ll fit in and we\\u0027ll produce the show and bring people together,\\u2019\\u201d said Haider of Soomaal House.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096f1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2018 page and contact our Managing Editor,\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-second-home-fanana-banana-and-soomaal-house\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3063,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN.\",\"date\":\"2023-02-13 21:07:10\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":107,\"name\":\"Abdi Mohamed\",\"slug\":\"abdi-mohamed\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":107,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Abdi Mohamed\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-second-home-fanana-banana-and-soomaal-house\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A\\u00a0Second Home: Fanana Banana and Soomaal House\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":320560,\"participants\":39296,\"grants\":34,\"communities\":20},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5314,\"title\":\"Meet Noelle Benson, a Native American Star Quilt Maker in North Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPrairie colors, light.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cbr\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECircle of Life in star quilts.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cbr\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ESunshine Star Woman.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA native Dakotan and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Noelle Benson has pieced a variety of patterns in over 30 years of quilting, but she keeps coming back to the traditional Native American star quilt. It has given her a connection to her heritage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA tragic horse accident took the life of her father, Ted Strongheart, when she was just two years old. Her mother, Tottie, was widowed with six young children. The family moved away from the Strongheart family when her mother remarried, and those connections became rare.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrowing up in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation also had challenges. The school bus that picked up Benson and her siblings was still segregated.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe hard truth is that we are different,\\u201d she said. \\u201cI grew up not knowing traditional Lakota cultural practices. Prejudices still exist between Native Americans and their non-native neighbors, and I think at the root is a lack of respect. It was accepted when I was a child, and that is sad.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn brokenness, she has found beauty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5316,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5317,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5318,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a333f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022I look at the prairie through the changing seasons and as different colors jump out at me, I\\u2019ll think, \\u2018Oh! There\\u2019s a star quilt!\\u2019\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NOELLE BENSON, QUILT MAKER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a3397\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe don\\u2019t have a lot of family information,\\u201d Benson said. \\u201cMaking star quilts is one thing I have been able to hang on to that makes me feel connected to my father and my family heritage.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer grandmother, Eva Strongheart, made star quilts. Although they didn\\u2019t visit her often, Benson recalls that every time they stopped to see Eva, she was sewing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5320,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePulling the Threads\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAccording to Benson, traditionally, a buffalo hide was given as a gift at landmark life events, such as birth or death, a wedding, or the ceremonial transition to adulthood. \\u201cAfter the buffalo were all but killed off in the 1800\\u2019s, star quilts took that place,\\u201d she said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe star is found in many Native American art forms, including quilts and beadwork. Benson may use more or fewer colors depending on the size of the quilt or if it is a custom piece, but one row of points is always a unique color that is not repeated in the quilt pattern.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThis forms a ring called the \\u2018Circle of Life,\\u2019\\u201d Benson said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThough practices have shifted, the prairie remains a steady source of inspiration for Benson, who lives on a ranch in North Dakota, near Thunder Hawk, South Dakota. The dusty green of sagebrush, the tan of sandstone or gray of gumbo, the brilliant gold of cottonwood and ash leaves in the fall, the red of rosehips, the pastel blush of a blooming prickly pear, and the greens of buffalo grass and wheatgrass all stimulate her creativity.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a33d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI am always looking at the colors,\\u201d she said. \\u201cI look at the prairie through the changing seasons and as different colors jump out at me, I\\u2019ll think, \\u2018Oh! There\\u2019s a star quilt!\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs she works on the quilt, Benson prays for the person who will receive it\\u2014a practice that is integral to her craft. \\u201cIt helps my creative process and, for me, is part of how I express my love and care for the person it is for.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a3400\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5321,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003ePiecing It Together\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nBenson and her older sister, Lisa, are the only ones in their generation who make star quilts in their family. She says that their mother, Tottie Lennerville, has been a lifetime source of inspiration.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI have seen my mom do hard things in life, whether as simple as a bike ride or as complicated as grief. Through it all she has always been so creative,\\u201d said Benson. \\u201cEverything that mom did, from making nutritious meals, praying with us, to expressing herself creatively through painting, crewel or making quilts, has been long lasting in us, her children, and in our kids and grandkids.\\u00a0 I just thought it was natural to always be creating something.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBenson is excited to continue passing on the family\\u2019s star quilt tradition to a new generation. \\u201cMy niece, Nicole Strongheart has taken one of my classes, and my niece, Sarah, just graduated from high school and she has asked me to teach her.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith several generations in one room, she is looking forward to some family time spent sewing together.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ll get together where my mom can join us, so it will be really special,\\u201d she said. \\u201cSewing definitely should be celebrated in families and as a group.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a342b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-noelle-benson-a-native-american-star-quilt-maker\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5323,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022831\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 40% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Star quilts are made in a variety of color combinations and shades. Noelle Benson finds inspiration for quilt ideas from the colors of the prairie. \",\"date\":\"2023-10-26 14:06:05\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":529,\"name\":\"Ruth Wiechmann\",\"slug\":\"ruth-wiechmann\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":529,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ruth Wiechmann\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022947\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 40% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022947\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 40% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-noelle-benson-a-native-american-star-quilt-maker\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Noelle Benson, a Native American Star Quilt Maker in North Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5354,\"title\":\"A New Mural of Indigenous Hope and Healing in Bismarck\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA mural creates vibrant neighborhoods and spaces for community. They can brighten up an otherwise neglected space. They can build and even heal communities. There\\u2019s no doubt that visiting these spaces will create conversations. Whether the message in the art is a simple expression or one of social justice, they are the center of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.americansforthearts.org\\\/sites\\\/default\\\/files\\\/PublicArtNetwork_GreenPaper.pdf\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eattention\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a popular art space in Bismarck called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/BismarckAlleyArt\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Alley 5.5\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that encompasses all of those things, especially now. A new addition to the alley is aimed at shining a light on a dark and devastating chapter of United States history, as well as North Dakota history, while giving the viewer a welcoming sense of peace and healing. While each mural is open to interpretation, this one doesn\\u0027t leave room for speculation.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022...When you see the butterflies and dragonflies flying up along that vine, they represent protectors. They represent us. It is our job to speak the truth and seek justice for our relatives that never made it home. We must rise for our relatives.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MELANIE MONIZ (NUETA OF THE MHA NATION), MURAL ARTIST \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f534038\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5355,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f53408e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn September 30, the mural called \\u2018Every Child Matters\\u2019 was unveiled to the public after taking five full days to complete. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the Indian Boarding School atrocities committed against Indigenous children by federal and religious affiliated institutions who were \\u201ctasked\\u201d to assimilating them. Children were ripped away from their parents and forced to endure horrific conditions. Many children never made it home. The intention of the mural is to educate the public and to start the healing journey for survivors, descendants of survivors and their extended families.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f5340a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5357,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe artists who painted the mural are the grassroots collective of Indigenous women from several tribal nations, who call themselves \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ECM.RememberTheChildren.ND\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOrange Shirt Day: North Dakota\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. They each have a unique perspective or lived experience to add to the collective.\\u202f They have made it their mission to make space for healing, draw awareness, and demand truth. For the past three years, they have organized spaces and events for survivors of the boarding school era. This year\\u2019s events included an honor walk, a movie screening of Bones of Crow, a feature film in Canada highlighting one woman\\u2019s fight for justice in the residential boarding school, and this mural.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe color orange is commonly used to raise awareness about the Indian Boarding School era, which is great because the color on the wall demands attention. We wanted the mural to be something folks feel drawn to. The large butterfly wings and child size dragonfly wings were chosen to encourage people to take photos with it,\\u201d said mural artist Agnes Yellow Bear, Plains Cree from Kawacatoose First Nation residing on the MHA Nation, describing the mural.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe mural unveiling coincided with National Day of Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools in the U.S., and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, whose origins began in Canada with one woman\\u2019s \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/orangeshirtday.org\\\/phyllis-story\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eincredible story\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f5340dc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-truth-in-healing-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ETruth in Healing\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt starts with orange handprints in the soil and a child\\u0027s handwriting that says \\u2018They tried to bury us, not knowing we were seeds\\u2019. Those handprints represent the little ones that never made it home and the saying speaks to those little ones waking up the world. Truth is growing from their prayers and people are waking up. That\\u2019s representative of the vine that\\u2019s rising from the soil,\\u201d said organizer and creative Melanie Moniz, Nueta of the MHA Nation residing in Twin Buttes. \\u201cEach flower handprint represents an [Indian] boarding school in North Dakota. And when you see the butterflies and dragonflies flying up along that vine, they represent protectors. They represent us. It is our job to speak the truth and seek justice for our relatives that never made it home. We must rise for our relatives.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5358,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5359,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5360,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f534119\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn May 2022, the Department of Interior released \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.doi.gov\\\/pressreleases\\\/department-interior-releases-investigative-report-outlines-next-steps-federal-indian\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVolume 1 \\u003C\\\/a\\u003Eof the Department of Interior investigative report, called the \\u003Cem\\u003EFederal Indian Boarding School Initiative\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, that revealed that at least 500 Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children died while attending Indian boarding schools run or supported by the U.S. government. The interior department found at least 53 burial sites at or near the US boarding schools, both marked and unmarked, and said the number of children who died at federal boarding schools could be in the thousands or tens of thousands.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though the truth is uncomfortable, artists and organizers believe that projects like these can still help communities move forward. Indigenous people continue to be affected by the assimilation tactics and traumas of these historic abusive institutions. This mural, in part, tells that story in an inviting and tactful way.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe writer of this story, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/authors\\\/alicia-hegland-thorpe\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAlicia Hegland-Thorpe\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, is an organizer and artist in this mural project and the Orange Shirt Day: North Dakota collective.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-new-mural-of-indigenous-hope-and-healing-in-bismarck\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5356,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022669\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 65%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The new addition to Bismarck\\u0027s Art Alley is shining a light on a dark and devastating chapter of history, while giving the viewer a welcoming sense of peace and healing. \",\"date\":\"2023-11-02 16:53:34\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 2, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022892\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022892\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-new-mural-of-indigenous-hope-and-healing-in-bismarck\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A New Mural of Indigenous Hope and Healing in Bismarck\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3628,\"title\":\"Art as a Catalyst: Indigenous Expressions in North Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENestled along the banks of the Missouri River, the communities of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota, bear witness to a complex tapestry of history, culture, and resilience. The cities are only 45 miles north of the Standing Rock Nation, where water protectors defending the Missouri River against the Dakota Access Pipeline were injured and traumatized by local law enforcement, the National Guard and private security forces in 2016.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3639,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMany citizens of Standing Rock call Bismarck and Mandan home. So do citizens of other tribal nations located within North Dakota like the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation), the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, the Spirit Lake Nation and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn Main Street in Mandan, you\\u2019ll find the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sacredpipe.net\\\/about\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSacred Pipe Resource Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. This non-profit organization serves as a safe space for \\u201curban Indians\\u201d to exchange problem solving ideas and friendship in a welcoming setting. The organization provides critical data, outreach and cultural brokering needs, and partners with organizations already providing similar services.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRecently, Sacred Pipe Resource Center embarked on an exciting new creative endeavor. It is one of three Midwestern organizations currently taking part in \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe the Many\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a community-focused artist-in-residency program. Through this initiative, the center hopes to amplify the voices of Native artists, address community needs, and act as a catalyst for social change.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThroughout the summer, Native artists will be leading creative activities that encourage skill-building and bring visibility to community needs. Workshops spanning t-shirt printing, flower arranging, ceramics, and more, empower participants to explore their artistic potential, nurture their talents, and authentically express themselves.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3577f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Artists can use their work to raise awareness about important issues and spark conversation and action, to document and preserve history, culture, and stories.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Shawna Fricke, We the Many Artist-In-Residence\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c357b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3641,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c358d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-an-artist-in-residence-supporting-local-creativity-nbsp-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EAn Artist-in-Residence Supporting Local Creativity\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2022, Shawna Fricke (Piaute, Taos\\\/Pueblo), owner of Moo Ku Vu, was selected as Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s first artist-in-residence. Shawna is a local artist with an Associates in Fine Arts degree in two and three-dimensional art from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). She specializes in acrylic and mixed media inspired by her culture.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3633,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFricke says that art plays a role in social justice education, community building, and social activism and social movements. \\u201cArtists can use their work to raise awareness about important issues and spark conversation and action, to document and preserve history, culture, and stories,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAs a We the Many artist-in-residence, she is helping creative people in her community, especially indigenous youth and their families, to learn how to become better artists and future entrepreneurs, and how to preserve cultural knowledge and traditions while emphasizing the importance of family.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe artist is currently running a series of workshops through the end of the summer that focus on wearable and room art, floral arranging, ceramics, painting and more. Each session is a safe space where participants learn about their own potential as creatives, build on their existing talents and learn to be confident with self-expression.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBesides developing, implementing and co-facilitating \\u0027We the Many\\u0027 artistic workshops, Fricke still finds time to travel to sell her work at vendor shows and artist collaborations in the region. Her artwork was recently featured at the National Indian Child Welfare Association in Reno, Nevada, in early April 2023.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe is also one of the founding members of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.onlineshopnau.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNative Artists United\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, whose mission is to support Indigenous artists and small businesses. She believes it\\u2019s important to buy directly from local Indigenous artists.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cArtists take pride and want to make their community proud. Their work is deeply personal to them and they want to make sure it matters. Local art also gives you an opportunity to meet the artist and learn to appreciate and respect the artist\\u0027s background and story,\\u201d says Fricke.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe US Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is currently working to strengthen current regulations of the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/resources\\\/podcasts\\\/filling-the-well\\\/digging-into-the-indian-arts-and-crafts-act\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndian Arts and Crafts Act\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e to further protect the authenticity of such local artists.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c35913\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI like being able to help plant a seed. These youth are finding out for themselves how creative they are, and I\\u2019m excited to be a part of that.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Rochelle Wells, We the Many Workshop Facilitator \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3593c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3635,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c35950\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESpotlighting Creative Practitioners\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt workshops, Fricke is joined by talented facilitators like Rochelle Wells (MHA Nation), who designs and prints t-shirts. Wells started making designs in 2008 using various mediums including fabric paint, screen-printing, spray paint, direct-to-garment, transfers and tie-dyes. She says at the time she never would have thought this form of expression would grow into what it has over the years.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3595a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to being a commissioned artist, Wells is also a girls basketball coach. She invited her team to participate in a recent wearable art workshop. While she says sports are important for teaching discipline and unity, her workshop highlights individualization and unity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI like being able to help plant a seed. I like seeing the process of putting an idea that\\u0027s in your head, into something you can wear,\\u201d says Wells. \\u201cThese youth are finding out for themselves how creative they are, and I\\u2019m excited to be a part of that. It\\u2019s great to see them come together in this way.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELisa Kraft (Standing Rock), owner of Cactus Rose Floral in Selfridge, North Dakota will be leading a workshop on floral arranging.\\u0026nbsp; Kraft says she has always had a passion for flowers, but it wasn\\u0027t until 2016 that she fell in love with creating flowers and floral arrangements. She says her inspiration is her daughters. \\u201cWithout them I wouldn\\u2019t be on the journey I\\u2019m on.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3695,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3596a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer goal for her workshop is to help bring awareness about social justice issues and to create beautiful memorial arrangements for Memorial Day. \\u201cFlowers silently assure us that beauty and solace exist despite loss or injustice,\\u201d she quotes from the Flower Power Daily website. \\u201cThey are the weapons of choice to disarm violence. They add a peaceful voice to anguish; their beauty is a symbol of hope.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther workshops in the series include painting a mural in the alley behind the Sacred Pipe Resource Center building, and hosting ceramics classes where the focus will be on making smudge bowls and making ornaments honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese opportunities are important for Native artists, says Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Kary. \\u201cWhen the community sees more cultural expression coming from the Indigenous community, these artists will have opportunities embedded in the community and systems so [the opportunities] don\\u2019t end when the grant ends,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Featuring Native art is a catalyst for talking about Native issues, challenges, inequities, and things that need to change in our community.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Dr. Cheryl Kary, Executive Director of Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3597f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EArt as a Catalyst for Change\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESacred Pipe Resource Center hosts several community councils that have been created to address local inequities and injustices. Volunteers meet on a regular basis to discuss how to solve the community\\u2019s issues on housing and homelessness, juvenile justice and law enforcement, civic engagement programs, and health and wellness concerns.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERecently added to the list of Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s community councils was an art council. Dr. Kary says that more artists are showing up in these spaces eager to learn how to become successful artists in this mostly non-Indigenous community. The art council is hearing the voices of local artists, like artist-in-residence Shawna Fricke and others, to help develop Indigenous visibility platforms by building capacity and networking while addressing community needs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMore and more Native artists are using their art as healing and self-expression, but we want to bring in the social justice element more strongly,\\u201d says Dr. Kary. \\u201cFeaturing Native art is a catalyst for talking about Native issues, challenges, inequities, and things that need to change in our community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3640,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDr. Kary shares an example of empowering voices in a project Sacred Pipe Resource Center helped to sponsor in 2021. \\u201cAfter the first mass graves were found in Kamloops, BC we supported a pop-up art installation of a young woman from the community whose father attended a boarding school,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe artist wanted to support the families by setting up a display of children\\u0027s shoes and signs along a walking path across from the former Bismarck Indian School. The school, which operated from 1908 to 1937, is now the headquarters of North Dakota\\u0027s National Guard.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSacred Pipe Resource Center funded the printing of signs that included quotes from survivors and a brief history of Native Boarding Schools in the U.S. They also reached out to the local Native community, asking for used children\\u0027s shoes to be used with the signs on the walking trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt brought a lot of attention to the community,\\u201d says Dr. Kary. \\u201cMany who walked along the path asked us what happened, and their consciousness was raised.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhen these kinds of artistic expressions find fertile ground, creative endeavors can pave the way for positive change that resonates far beyond Mandan. \\u201cWith [We the Many] and our artist-in-residence, we are working towards empowering our local Native artists to use their art as a catalyst to talk about community issues and raise consciousness,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c359a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sacred Pipe Resource Center is part of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a program that supports communities in the creation of their own unique artist residency experiences, encouraging the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community context. We the Many is a project of Arts Midwest with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the North Dakota Council on the Arts.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-as-a-catalyst-indigenous-expressions-in-north-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3632,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Student Menominelle Oshkosh (MHA Nation), age 10, and instructor Rochelle Wells create a t-shirt at a workshop held at Sacred Pipe Resource Center. \",\"date\":\"2023-05-31 17:23:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-as-a-catalyst-indigenous-expressions-in-north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art as a Catalyst: Indigenous Expressions in North Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":324429,\"participants\":6429,\"grants\":9,\"communities\":6},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4381,\"title\":\"Infusing Creativity into Mentorship for Youth in Cleveland\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2017, two men from Pontiac, Michigan, ran into each other 200 miles away in Cleveland, Ohio. They had grown up in the same neighborhood and played basketball, but attended rival high schools. It was pleasing to run into a familiar face in a new town, but there was still so much to catch up on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4391,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAfter that first run-in, Michael C. Russell II and Antwoine Washington scheduled a proper meeting that bubbled into more frequent conversations where they discovered that they had \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.creativehumanart.com\\\/our-vision\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003esimilar interests.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e Washington (an artist and educator) and Russell (an artist and a former youth advisor and coach with the school district) were both driven by the positive impacts of art and mentorship they had experienced first-hand or were inspired by growing up.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA few years later, Rusell and Washington brought their shared passions together and founded the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA) at the intersection of art education and personal development for underserved youth.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe grew up in Pontiac around Black doctors, lawyers, firemen and police. So it was a Black city, it was a village. We grew up around those types of men and women helping to build up this community. We figure, anywhere we go, we have to do the same thing,\\u201d said Russell. \\u201cThat\\u2019s the reason why we do the work that we do, because it was instilled in us to not just come somewhere and extract, but to give.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aa5e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith a special focus on supporting Black youth, MOCHA creates space for hands-on learning and designs environments that move away from the \\u201cschool after school\\u201d model.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat becomes therapeutic, because (participants) can share things that bother them or make them happy through their artwork,\\u201d Washington said in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.wosu.org\\\/2023-03-30\\\/a-cleveland-arts-nonprofit-provides-arts-centric-lifeline-to-the-citys-underserved-youth\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ean interview\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E with WOSU Public Media. \\u201cSo I start with those things and build from there and find out if art is something they want to do.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs a community-centric organization, MOCHA educates young artists while helping them build \\u201csoft skills\\u201d through coaching. Fine arts and graphic design classes become a conduit to explore deeper questions about character development and responsibility.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aab9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/579390467\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/579390467\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We grew up around those types of men and women helping to build up this community. We figure, anywhere we go, we have to do the same thing.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MICHAEL C. RUSSELL II, CO-FOUNDER, MUSEUM OF CREATIVE HUMAN ART\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aae0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4393,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4394,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aafe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMOCHA also showcases emerging artists in the Cleveland area, presenting solo \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.creativehumanart.com\\\/events\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eexhibitions\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E across town. \\u201cWe\\u2019re all walking museums. Everybody that you see can be a capsule or an exhibit of some sort because they have a story to tell,\\u201d said Washington.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThrough MOCHA and their individual creative practices, Washington and Russell are showing youth in their communities to lead with generosity, explore with imagination, and do with intention\\u2014skills that have a deep impact well beyond an artistic practice.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/infusing-creativity-into-mentorship-for-youth-in-cleveland\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4395,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022590\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 24%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Co founder Michael Russell II assisting student at MOCHA Introduction to graphic design workshop at Stella Walsh Recreation Center, Cleveland OH. \",\"date\":\"2023-09-14 14:55:25\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 14, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":36,\"name\":\"Imani Mixon\",\"slug\":\"imani-mixon\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":36,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Imani Mixon was born and raised at the magnetic center of the world\\u2019s cultural compass \\u2014 Detroit, Michigan. She is a long-form storyteller who is inspired by everyday griots who bear witness to their surroundings and report it back out. Equal parts urgent and essential, her multimedia work centers the experiences of Black women and independent artists.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Imani Mixon\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022786\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022786\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/infusing-creativity-into-mentorship-for-youth-in-cleveland\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Infusing Creativity into Mentorship for Youth in Cleveland\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3931,\"title\":\"Century-old Ohio Church Soon to be a Black Cultural Center\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly a century after its construction in 1905, Mount Zion Baptist Church stood as a pillar in the Black Appalachian community of Athens, Ohio. Now, a dedicated group of activists and historical preservation enthusiasts are helping breathe new life into the church as a Black community center.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOld buildings are more than bricks and mortar\\u2014they\\u2019re repositories of memory for their communities. In the case of Mount Zion, located at 32 W. Carpenter St., the church was the center of Black life in Athens, serving as safe space for its congregation. (The churchmembers pre-date the building. The congregation began meeting in homes in 1872 but didn\\u2019t get a building until 1905.) That\\u2019s why, despite religious services halting in the 1990s, volunteers with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mountzionathens.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E are more dedicated than ever to restoring the building so it can once again fulfill its intended purpose of being a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents as the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3997,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis movement is especially important given the prevailing narrative that people of color live in cities, not rural areas. This couldn\\u2019t be further from the truth. Being in the southeast portion of the state, Athens and surrounding Ohio communities served as stops along the Underground Railroad\\u2014a refuge for Black people escaping nearby West Virginia and Kentucky, which practiced enslavement. As such, Athens and the surrounding area became home to Black people from various places all fleeing north.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA robust, thriving community sprang up around them, including Black businesses like Albany Enterprise Academy, a school established in 1864, and the Berry Hotel, established in 1892. Unfortunately, these other institutions are gone and their buildings no longer stand, which makes preserving Mount Zion all the more imperative. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/storymaps.arcgis.com\\\/stories\\\/eaae09be0198429d9e4aeb7068101efd\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s one of the last vestiges of local historic Black life.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed2109030\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith National Historical Landmark registration already in place, the Preservation Society\\u2019s current focus is on fundraising to remove and repair the church\\u2019s stained-glass windows, which bathe the sanctuary in diluted rainbows on sunny days. Due to age and the constant barrage of weather, \\u201cthe windows are so old that the material holding them together moves like a rubber band, making the window prone to collapsing,\\u201d Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed, the Preservation Society\\u2019s communications and media director told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.athensmessenger.com\\\/news\\\/fundraiser-will-help-preserve-mount-zions-windows\\\/article_1c4d0070-c729-11ed-a33a-8fb2b2ef7e76.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Athens Messenger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The windows are currently covered with a hard clear plastic exterior to preserve them, but in order to preserve and repair the windows, they must first be removed entirely. This also allows other work to be done on the church without the worry that the windows might be further damaged in the process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile efforts are made possible through volunteers, the group has gotten creative with campaigns to raise money. Previously, the preservationists partnered with Passion Works Studio (a nonprofit arts collective in Athens where people with developmental differences create sustainable, up-cycled works of art) to make yard signs proclaiming \\u201cGood Trouble,\\u201d the famous John Lewis quote.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022The vision is that The Black Cultural Center will serve as \\u201can artistic, cultural, and economic hub within the community and a vibrant gathering space that will endure for centuries to come.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3999,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4000,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4001,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4002,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMore recently, the Preservation Society has been selling the church\\u2019s wood-carved pews. Ranging from five to eleven feet in length, the heavy, slightly curved pews are solidly built in the way that furniture today so often is not. For a suggested donation of $300, Mount Zion\\u2019s pews are making their way into homes throughout the region and making room for more varied, moveable seating in the church itself.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Preservation Society has been working with the Citizens\\u2019 Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a program of the National Endowment for the Arts that focuses on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artsjournal.com\\\/measure\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/27\\\/art-at-the-intersection-saving-a-community-legacy\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ecreative placemaking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in communities of fewer than 50,000 people, to bring their vision for the church to life. That \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/444981156\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Evision\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is The Black Cultural Center serving as \\u201can artistic, cultural, and economic hub within the community and [becoming] a vibrant gathering space that will endure for centuries to come.\\u201d There is a need in Athens for Black people to have places to feel safe, welcome, and feel like the space is oriented with them in mind.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the Preservation Society prepares to launch its Capital Campaign in the coming weeks, expect more creative fundraising efforts and fun events for a good cause. In the past, the group has hosted historic walking tours, talks by activists and academics, film screenings, and more. Likewise, there are many ways to get involved as a volunteer from assisting with grant writing and marketing to cutting the grass to cataloguing the vast collection of artifacts relating to Mount Zion.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/century-old-ohio-church-soon-to-be-a-black-cultural-center\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3998,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"For a suggested donation of $300, Mount Zion\\u2019s pews are making their way into homes throughout the region and making room for more varied, moveable seating.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-11 14:01:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 11, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/century-old-ohio-church-soon-to-be-a-black-cultural-center\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Century-old Ohio Church Soon to be a Black Cultural Center\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3374,\"title\":\"Embracing Delight and Difference at Passion Works\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b6ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETina Moore is an artist, author, and a bundle of energy. It is hard to imagine this vivacious, confident woman as shy and reserved, but before she had a place to pursue her art and to socialize with other folks with disabilities, she says she was exactly that.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen, she found Passion Works.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/passionworks.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPassion Works\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is an art studio in Athens, Ohio, that creates opportunities for all people to come together and connect through the process of making art and is the brainchild of Patty Mitchell. She received a small Ohio Arts Council Artist in Residence grant in 1996 and developed a collaborative arts studio for those with developmental differences, where people felt welcome and free.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-focus-on-joy\\u0022\\u003EA Focus on Joy\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want to encourage joy through the process of creation and collaboration,\\u201d says Mitchell. \\u201cWe don\\u2019t want a life that is beige,\\u201d she says, sounding like the artist she is. \\u201cWe talk about unexpected moments of delight. We want to live big and bold, to dig deep into the time we have.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell, and the artists and volunteers at Passion Works color their words and work with joy. Their studio is a riot of bright hues, brilliant pigments, and artwork of every shape and size. Inclusivity is the watch word here and everyone is welcome to find a space at the table.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWhen I first came to Passion Works, I was shy. I wouldn\\u2019t talk to anybody. Now, I have lots of friends and when I feel down or sad, being here picks me back up.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022TINA MOORE, ARTIST AT PASSION WORKS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b745\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3375,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b762\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHistorically, people with disabilities are often excluded from group activity and their own communities, but we\\u2019re not waiting for an invitation to join. Instead, we\\u2019re throwing the party and inviting everyone else to come,\\u201d Mitchell says. \\u201cWe have a better chance of having a full house when we are welcoming and have the expectation of delight and joy.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3376,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe adds, with a coy smile, \\u201cWe want to be irresistible.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe don\\u2019t accept being siloed and kept apart. We welcome everyone, and we are richer for it.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eMoore is\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e an extraordinary example. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShe\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eshowcased\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e her art in a book she wrote and illustrated called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Adventures of Foxy \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLoxy\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Friends\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e about animals helping each other and celebrating their differences. It features a menagerie of animals including her signature raccoon. She was bullied as a child and wanted to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewrite\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e a story about that experience. This book is the result.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b7b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EThe Official Flower of Athens\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut way before Moore wrote her book, and even before there was a fully established studio, Mitchell worked with folks in another facility. A staff member dropped by with a stack of aluminum printing plates from the local newspaper and the artists painted them, cut them, and folded them into flower petals. This grew into the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/passionworks.org\\\/collections\\\/best-sellers\\\/products\\\/official-passion-flower-union\\u0022\\u003EAthens Passion Flower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u2019 the studio\\u2019s first sellable product, and now, the town\\u2019s official flower. They have sold an astonishing \\u003Cem\\u003Ethirty-five thousand\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E of them, and those sales are an important self-sustaining funding source for the 501(c)(3). Other funding comes from the sale of fine art, art products, donations, and grants.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe artists, both with and without developmental differences, make each flower by hand so no two are the same. They come in a variety of sizes, with and without a stem, and are present throughout Athens\\u2019 restaurants, shops, homes, and porches. They are also popular gifts for graduation from next-door Ohio University, and for weddings and birthdays.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPassion Works sold their first flowers in 1998 and the response was instantaneous. They decided to continue making them in order to have, in Mitchell\\u2019s words, a \\u201ccircular economy of making, people doing a job they love, and selling to support the studio.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the artists can draw anything they want on the aluminum plates, the design is up to them and their individual inspiration and abilities. No one has to create an image or art they don\\u2019t like or can\\u2019t do. The job forms to fit them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cToo often we see people with developmental differences struggling to do a task they can\\u2019t comfortably do,\\u201d Mitchell explains. \\u201cAny level of continuous struggle means there is something wrong with the process. We completely remove that strain and that leads to the joy at the heart of who we are.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI can\\u2019t imagine Athens without our beloved Passion Flowers,\\u201d says Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio. \\u201cThese beautiful flowers represent the best of Athens\\u2014our commitment to innovation, our focus on the careful use of resources, and importantly, our dedication to inclusivity. Roses may have their appeal, but nothing is as sweet as seeing Passion Flowers throughout the city.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis creativity is not limited to flowers. Moore once painted a satellite dish for a farmhouse.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe satellite dish no longer looks like what it did before. Now it is pretty,\\u201d she says with a grin.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3379,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b7f1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat satellite dish is vintage Passion Works, where the work is all about moments of unexpected delight, not just for the artist and volunteers, but also for the random stranger traveling down the road who glimpses a raccoon holding flowers on a once ugly, utilitarian satellite dish.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cPeople with disabilities are often excluded from group activity and their own communities, but we\\u2019re not waiting for an invitation to join. Instead, we\\u2019re throwing the party and inviting everyone else to come.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PATTY MITCHELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR\\\/FOUNDER OF PASSION WORKSOBLE, SOMETHING ELSE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b808\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Transferrable Model\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell emphasizes that Passion Works is a shareable model. \\u201cPassion Works is the showroom of possibility, so people can come here to learn what we are doing. If they decide they want to do this in their communities, we will help them get started.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany organizations support people with developmental differences, but they don\\u2019t know what to do beyond physical care. They don\\u2019t know what to do with free time or how to get communities involved, but we do. Tina is a great example. She has an image on the side of a city bus!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe model also emphasizes collaboration so that several artists work together to create images. \\u201cThe intention is to make cool stuff,\\u201d explains Mitchell. \\u201cBut the creative process is always therapeutic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is no greater testament to the power of this approach than Moore\\u2019s bright eyes when she talks about her art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI love being an artist and I love people having my artwork in their homes to cherish forever.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/embracing-delight-and-difference-at-passion-works\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3379,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221038\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people, standing and smiling at the camera, as one holds up a large vintage satellite dish . This satellite dish has been painted by the artist in the photo and it depicts a colorful nature scene with a raccoon hiding behind a bush.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809.jpg 1516w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(Left to Right) Wendy Minor Viny, Senior Artist in Residence and Tina Moore, Passion Works Artist, stand with a satellite dish painted by Moore.\",\"date\":\"2023-04-18 13:57:20\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 18, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":115,\"name\":\"Joelle M. 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This satellite dish has been painted by the artist in the photo and it depicts a colorful nature scene with a raccoon hiding behind a bush.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809.jpg 1516w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/embracing-delight-and-difference-at-passion-works\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Embracing Delight and Difference at Passion Works\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":423985,\"participants\":61766,\"grants\":57,\"communities\":17},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4420,\"title\":\"A Bright Spot: The First Two-Spirit Powwow in Rapid City\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E Powwow dancing and the powwow circle provides a space for communities to come together and for people\\u0027s creativity and self-identification to shine through. The first of its kind in western South Dakota, the Annual Two-Spirit Powwow, was held in Rapid City this summer. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was organized by Uniting Resilience, a local non-profit organization working to advance social and legal equality for LGBTQ and Native Two-Spirit individuals. Organized by founders Felipa Mousseaux and her wife Monique \\u201cMuffie\\u201d Mousseaux, the event welcomes all and provides a safe space for people to dance with and for their communities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe day was filled with community and warmth. Greeters met attendees at the entrance with sage burning in an abalone shell\\u2014an invitation to use the sweet smoke to smudge yourself before entering. Throughout the arena artists set up their work on tables and offered their pieces ranging from intricately beaded earrings, quillwork and leatherwork. Many of the dancers also participated in selling their artwork. Local non-profits were also present, offering their support and information about their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4421,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf6ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe day began with a royalty contest to elect a spokesperson for the powwow throughout the year. The contest provided space for community members to speak and share about what this responsibility would look like for them. The crowd elected eight-year-old Kamiliah Stewart to serve as the Two-Spirit Powwow Royalty for the year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere was a wide range of attendees, from children to elders. The day\\u2019s events provided space for laughter and connection with opportunities like the potato dance, which invited community members to join in.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe potato dance invites people to come into the powwow circle and hold a potato between their heads while dancing throughout a song and if the potato drops they must leave the circle. The last ones remaining with a potato win the contest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf6fd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4433,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4428,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4440,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf719\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI\\u2019ve been trying to heal myself and for me to dance is doing that. I told my mom last year that I want to dance. You have to go through that process of working on yourself and healing yourself to do this dance, because you cannot bring healing if you yourself are not going through that healing process.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022FENTIE LEBEAU\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf734\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4424,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf748\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4430,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eFentie LeBeau\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e24, Cheyenne River Lakota and Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cFor me, it\\u0027s so important to have access to this space because back when the Standing Rock protests were going on, that\\u0027s where I grounded myself and got back to my spirituality. I was the last of my family to show up but the last of my family to leave. Amongst our own (Indigenous) people we have such diversity, and so for this to be a thing in Rapid City, is such an eye opener,\\u201d said LeBeau.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Two-Spirit Powwow was the first time LeBeau participated in Jingle Dress dancing, which is considered a healing dance. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Jingle Dress dance and dress were born out of our last global pandemic\\u2014the flu pandemic of 1918. A young Ojibwe woman, fevered with flu, dreamt about the dance and when she awoke out of her illness she had the idea of using dance as a healing art.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI\\u2019ve been going through a lot, I just moved back from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and that was the first time I saw the Two-Spirit Powwow.\\u201d Sioux Falls held their first Two-Spirit Powwow in 2022, hosted by Uniting Resilience.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf76e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4422,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4423,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4425,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4426,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4427,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7a4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4431,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJesse Guecha\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e43, Muisca People from Colombia, Seattle, Washington\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cLast year at the International Two-Spirit Gathering in Montana, I met Muffie and Felipa and I was really inspired by them and have been following the work they\\u2019re doing. When I heard they were doing this Powwow I wanted to come out and support them. I\\u2019ve been wanting to be a grass dancer for five years, and Covid slowed that down and just life\\u2026but I couldn\\u2019t think of a better Powwow to come out as a Grass Dancer.\\u201d Just like the origins of Powwows themselves, the origins of the Grass Dance hold many stories across many different nations. From visions from young men observing the way in which prairie grass moves and dances with the wind to the flattening of prairie grasses by scouts before ceremony or dance.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGuecha\\u2019s regalia pieces were gifted to him by different family and community members that supported his journey into becoming a Grass Dancer.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI would encourage everyone to come next year, I hope to keep coming back and I look forward to it growing. It\\u2019s for everyone.\\u201d Guecha proudly stated.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7c8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4432,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAnthony Khangi Thanka\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e21, Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI think it\\u2019s everything,\\u201d said Thanka about the powwow being accessible and so close to their home in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which shares geography with the state of South Dakota. \\u201cI waited a long time for something like this to happen here. I really enjoyed being here and I hope it\\u2019s something we continue to do.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI would tell every Two-Spirit person that they should come and enjoy themselves and feel welcomed in the space. It is a safe place.\\u201d \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7ec\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI get to portray and show people that it\\u2019s okay to be who you are. Especially since a lot of times I\\u2019ve been threatened at powwows. And at this Two-Spirit Powwow I feel welcomed. I feel like I\\u2019m making history, especially to have something like this in South Dakota.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MONTE MUGGINS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf806\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4434,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eMonte Muggins\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e20, Cheyenne River\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt means more visibility,\\u201d Muggins said about dancing at the powwow. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuggins dances Fancy Shawl, a form of powwow dance that involves a shawl. Their shawl was covered with rainbow-colored sequins. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuggins has been dancing since they were six years old but just recently picked it back up when they turned 18.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf821\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe powwow ended with a showing of Larissa FastHorse\\u2019s play \\u0027Wicoun,\\u2019 a story about a Two-Spirit teenager navigating life raising their siblings in a world where zombies are on the prowl, and trying to graduate high school all while accidentally summoning Lakota superheroes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4436,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4435,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4437,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf83a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cFor anyone struggling with who they are, please remember that you are not alone. We are all here for support.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER PI\\u00d1A\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf84e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4438,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eChristopher Alexander Pi\\u00f1a\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e32, Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cBeing Two-Spirit in a place where it is not generally accepted is very difficult at times. I wake up with three strikes against me: I am gay, I am a male, and I am Indigenous. So all my life I have had to battle for a place in society. The first Two-Spirit Powwow [in Rapid City] was a safe space for our LGBTQ+ members to freely express the wonderful beauty of who they truly are without fear of judgment or discrimination,\\\\u0022 said Pi\\u00f1a.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Being a superhero in the play \\u0027Wicoun\\u0027 helped me realize that I am a light in a dark space. We are now beacons of hope.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf868\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the  inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-bright-spot-the-first-two-spirit-powwow-in-rapid-city\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4439,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 95%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2023-09-21 16:37:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 21, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":132,\"name\":\"Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"slug\":\"jaida-grey-eagle\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":132,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 95%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 95%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-bright-spot-the-first-two-spirit-powwow-in-rapid-city\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Bright Spot: The First Two-Spirit Powwow in Rapid City\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the  inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3838,\"title\":\"This Rural South Dakota Town is Home to the International Vinegar Museum\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746de3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest loves its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/midwestweekends.com\\\/plan-a-trip\\\/touring\\\/festivals\\\/food-festivals-midwest\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Efood fests\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. While you can enjoy the International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn, South Dakota, anytime during its open season (Thursday to Saturday from early June to Labor Day every year) to sample various kinds of vinegar, see paper and ceramic art made from vinegar, and learn how vinegar is made and the many uses for vinegar, the perfect time to visit is during the annual \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.internationalvinegarmuseum.com\\\/schedule-of-events.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVinegar Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E!\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESaturday, June 17, 2023, is this year\\u2019s Vinegar Day, where you can see Roslyn and its many vinegar enthusiasts in all their glory. With a festival featuring a parade, live music and dance, a tractor pull, a scavenger hunt, the coronation of the Vinegar Queen, a bean bag tournament, a petting zoo, craft vendors, lefse making demonstrations (Norwegian potato flatbread) and more, there\\u2019s an activity for everyone in the family. The South Dakota State University Ice Cream Truck will be present, which is said to be the best ice cream around. Try a spritz of balsamic or tequila-lime vinegar on your scoop to really eat like a local.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022They [residents and leaders in Roslyn] realized they needed to do something with the resources they had, and something that was totally different from anything any other town was doing.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL VINEGAR MUSEUM\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746e48\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3839,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.internationalvinegarmuseum.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e is one of a kind: the world\\u2019s first and the only museum in North America dedicated to vinegar. (Another vinegar museum opened in Zhenjiang, China, in 2010.) It was started by Lawrence Diggs, who founded the group Vinegar Connoisseurs International and has written several books, including \\u201cVinegar: The User-Friendly Standard Text Reference and Guide to Appreciating, Making, and Enjoying Vinegar.\\u201d Lovingly called \\u201cThe Vinegar Man,\\u201d Diggs has dedicated his life\\u2019s work to sharing the sour power wonders of vinegar.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDiggs started the museum with materials from his personal collection and the museum has since grown to house more than 350 vinegars from around the world. Because so many different flavors and substances can be added to vinegar, the museum goes beyond the typical white, apple cider, rice, and red wine vinegars common to kitchens and includes more unexpected flavors like blueberry, pecan, and more. If you enjoy sampling the wares, you\\u2019ll be able to take a bottle home\\u2014the gift shop sells many locally made varieties.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArchitecture enthusiasts will enjoy visiting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003et\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum, as it\\u2019s located in the historic Roslyn Auditorium, a project completed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein the midst of\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the Depression. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe building was originally erected as a community gathering place, which still holds true today since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003et\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ev\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003einegar \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003em\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003euseum was created as a way of revitalizing Roslyn and inviting the larger community to the town.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThey [residents and leaders in Roslyn] realized they needed to do something with the resources they had, and something that was totally different from anything any other town was doing,\\u201d a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca class=\\\\u0022Hyperlink SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.washingtonpost.com\\\/lifestyle\\\/magazine\\\/vinegar-museum-south-dakota-draws-tourists\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/02\\\/40461320-ff7c-11eb-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\\\\u0022Hyperlink\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWashington Post article\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e said\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the museum\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e draws upwards of a thousand visitors a year to the town of fewer than 200 residents.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThose who make the trek to the museum find the travel just that\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e: \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea trek. Roslyn is far from any \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehighway and hours away from any large metro areas. Being in such a rural place has made the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum central to the local economy\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea testament to the creativity of the people who call Roslyn home.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746eb7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe article went on to detail how Fran Rougemont, a local who works at the International Vinegar Museum, \\u201crecounts a time she was riding her bike to pick up her mail from the post office, and a family in a big RV asked if they could get a tour. \\u2018I told them I just needed to run home and grab my key.\\u2019\\u201d While Diggs is the person who\\u2019s most passionate about vinegar in Roslyn, local museum workers received a hands-on vinegar education from him, which made them passionate about the sour concoction too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince its opening in 1999, people from around the world have visited the International Vinegar Museum. You can be one of them this summer!\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-sd-town-is-home-to-the-international-vinegar-museum\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3847,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022534\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2023-06-15 14:20:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 15, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022712\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022712\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-sd-town-is-home-to-the-international-vinegar-museum\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Rural South Dakota Town is Home to the International Vinegar Museum\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4283,\"title\":\"Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECecilia Steele, a 10-year-old member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has always enjoyed listening to music and singing along. \\u201cBut ever since I started playing music at Rock The Rez,\\u201d she said, \\u201cnow I love playing instruments.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn summer 2023, Steele learned to play bass guitar at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rocktherez.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERock The Rez\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: a program aiming \\u201cto empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth to build self-esteem and find their voices through unique programming.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the camp includes a range of activities, it centers on rocking out. \\u201cIt\\u2019s about art in general,\\u201d said executive director April Matson. \\u201cMusic and instruments are like the river that flows through and holds us all together for the week.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It is really important that we are creating a space that is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022APRIL MATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROCK THE REZ\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267a3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4285,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe South Dakota program currently conducts a week-long camp for Rosebud each summer and dedicates another week to the nearby Pine Ridge reservation community. It\\u2019s part of an international movement sparked in 2001 by Oregon\\u2019s Rock \\u2018n\\u2019 Roll Camp for Girls.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe resonance of 2023\\u2019s \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBarbie\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a satirical film in which Ken magnanimously invites Barbie to listen while he plays guitar \\u201cat\\u201d her, demonstrated the ongoing reality that \\u201cthere\\u0027s a big space for men to be very entitled to arts,\\u201d said Matson.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt is really important that we are creating a space,\\u201d Matson continued, \\u201cthat is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMatson, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and the Athabaskan Tribe of Alaska who identifies as two-spirit, hopes that Rock The Rez will lead to broader Indigenous representation on music stages.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhat I want to see is not only these Indigenous youth in Pine Ridge and Rosebud forming bands and playing for their community,\\u201d said Matson, \\u201cbut also going outside of their community to Rapid City and Sioux Falls and Minnesota and Omaha and performing.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt was pretty challenging for me\\u201d at first, said Steele about learning bass. \\u201cBut once they started teaching me, I got used to it and they started teaching me new techniques.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the end of the camp, Steele was performing live \\u2014 and on camera. Her family came to watch her play, she said, and \\u201cI quite enjoyed it! I thought I was going to be on every social media app because there [were] all kinds of people recording me, so I just played my best and then I had fun.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2682e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program was founded in 2016 as Girls Rock Pine Ridge, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/girlsrockpineridge\\\/posts\\\/pfbid0Vz8LCX2KuWnVuwpJKVs4wbLHMbAyH212fLQSyEL6gfq82AsRXB1hBsSnnZ2wDYKgl\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etaking the name\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E Rock The Rez in 2020 \\u201cin an effort to be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA2+ community.\\u201d Matson has been involved since 2019, initially participating as a volunteer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just had the best, most genuine experience with the other volunteers,\\u201d said Matson. \\u201cBeing able to interact with the campers on a level that is very beginner, which is where I was at with the instruments that we were teaching, and then seeing them create a whole song just from those rudimentary skills was incredible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program also ensures that campers connect with musical role models within their own communities. \\u201cWe try to invite one local Indigenous band per day of camp for a lunchtime performer,\\u201d explained Matson. \\u201cThe campers are always really excited to meet them, and then you say, \\u2018This person lives here, lives in this place where you live.\\u2019\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26857\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4284,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4286,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4291,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2686f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want everyone to feel like they have a safe space to create, [to feel] like their voice is heard. We want them to feel really proud of who they are,\\u201d Rock The Rez resource coordinator Maureen O\\u0027Brien told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/watch\\\/live\\\/?ref=watch_permalink\\u0026amp;v=215084450177646\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethe Cave Collective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2021. \\u201cWe want to make sure that they are like, \\u2018We see representation, so that\\u2019s permission.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESteele said it was \\u201creal fun to watch\\u201d the experienced musicians at camp. \\u201cThey were really nice and supportive of my music,\\u201d she said about the adults she encountered. \\u201cThey\\u2019re really kind.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe ended up deciding to spend as much time at camp as possible. \\u201cI was planning to go for a couple of days, but the first day I went there I loved it,\\u201d said Steele. \\u201cSo I went there all week!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStaff are constantly working to build awareness of their free program, a nonprofit enterprise funded largely by grants and donations. Despite repeated pitches to local media, in past years the program has received little news coverage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI heard, one year, \\u2018We don\\u0027t know what the story is here,\\u2019\\u201d recalled Matson. \\u201cI\\u2019m like, are you kidding? This is amazing! Look at these kids. They\\u2019re awesome.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4292,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26884\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022573\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rock The Rez participants practice the song their band wrote for their showcase at the end of the week-long music camp.\",\"date\":\"2023-08-29 16:18:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 29, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler and Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022764\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":155301,\"participants\":10007,\"grants\":8,\"communities\":8},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5263,\"title\":\"Community Mentorship Sets Sail with Wisconsin\\u2019s Hands On Deck\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPerched on the shores of Green Bay, Wisconsin, right before the waterway slices through the city\\u2019s downtown and becomes the Fox River\\u2014sits the workshop of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.handsondeckgb.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHands On Deck\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. A non-profit organization dedicated to hands-on learning for youth and families through wooden boatbuilding, they emphasize traditional craft as a means to forge opportunities and build relationships within the community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHands On Deck began when current vice president Mark Hawkins and a small founding board recognized a need for hands-on education in the area, especially with an emphasis on back-to-basics vocational skills. The bayshore workshop is often the first place where young learners interact with basic tools. \\u201cWe meet kids who\\u2019ve never held a screwdriver, never helped their parents build anything,\\u201d Hawkins says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea177\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We build relationships, and we build leaders. We\\u2019re asking, how do you attach these hands to your head, to your heart?\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MARK HAWKINS, VICE PRESIDENT, HANDS ON DECK\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea1d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea1ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5289,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMoving Mentorship to the Fore\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cPublic education is in a real strain,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cTeachers are quitting, classes are full, there are 40 kids in a middle school shop class not getting enough attention\\u2026 We\\u2019re like the special forces. We tell the teachers, if they notice someone who\\u2019s really interested or is especially skilled, send them to us!\\u201d A dozen committed volunteers also dedicate around 100 hours each month to helping out. Hawkins adds, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe build relationships, and we build leaders. We\\u2019re asking, how do you attach these hands to your head, to your heart?\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFast becoming one of the organization\\u2019s most popular programs, Elementary Mechanical Skills, or EMS, offers 6- to 11-year-olds the opportunity to use and make their own tools for the first time, including learning how to create and work from patterns. Since 2016, the initiative has \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eprovided\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e workshops, classes, and apprenticeships focused on critical thinking and cooperation.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI don\\u2019t give them a ruler,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cI give them a 12-inch piece of maple, and then they make their own ruler. We do a lot of estimating, and while I could pull out a tape measure, that\\u2019s not really teaching critical thinking.\\u201d Community request projects, such as building a bench for a local homeless shelter, provide realistic solutions while teaching budding craftspeople practical skills. \\u201cOne of our core values\\u2014and a personal value\\u2014is that relationships are built when you do difficult things together as a team. That\\u2019s when you empower and build bonds together.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea233\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-sailing-through-great-lakes-history-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ESailing Through Great Lakes History\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGreat Lakes marine heritage also plays a crucial role in the types of projects Hands On Deck takes on, tying participants to regional history. So far, they have cooperatively built or restored more than 200 feet of wooden boats and are currently restoring a 1949 Lyman Islander. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe mid-century watercraft was made by a manufacturer originally based in Ohio that produced clinker-built or lapstrake boats, in which the edges of the hull planks overlap each other\\u2014perfect for cruising the lakes! \\u201cWe love Great Lakes boats,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cWe have been a part of many Great Lakes boats, and we love that history.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA small room on the third floor of Brown County Central Library was the locus for the first boat Hands On Deck constructed in 2016, with the help of more than 20 individuals attending class once per week. Monday night community boatbuilding remains a core facet of the program, plus weekly rowing opportunities in the summer, CPR classes on Tuesdays, family boat rides, and special workshops with well-known artists and craftspeople from around the country. Hawkins says, \\u201cIt\\u2019s not really a makerspace, but it\\u2019s community enrichment.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5290,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5291,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5300,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5293,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5294,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:5295,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:5297,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:5302,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea271\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/community-mentorship-sets-sail-with-wisconsins-hands-on-deck\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5285,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hands On Deck hosts free community rowing every Wednesday through the summer. A typical evening row will last an hour and cover around 3 miles either up the Fox and back or out into the Bay.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-24 17:48:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/community-mentorship-sets-sail-with-wisconsins-hands-on-deck\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Community Mentorship Sets Sail with Wisconsin\\u2019s Hands On Deck\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5048,\"title\":\"This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvocative of bold \\u201cwanted\\u201d posters and theater show-bills, wood type transformed the way people communicated in the 19th century. It initiated a paradigm shift in the printing industry, its popularity in large part due to the manufacturing process itself, which involved using a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Pantograph\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epantograph\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to scale the same style up or down as desired. That\\u2019s where we meet industrialist James Edward Hamilton from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, who founded the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in 1880. Fast-forward nearly 150 years later, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E takes a 21st-century approach to preserving a historic craft.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUnlike many museum collections, Hamilton\\u2019s doesn\\u2019t just sit in an archive. Its 1.5 million\\u2014and growing\\u2014pieces of dazzling wood type spill from cases or \\u201csorts;\\u201d dozens of printing presses fill the 40,000-square-foot exhibition space; and a large, communal studio area invites workshop participants and artists to learn how to print.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5051,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b2a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a working museum,\\u201d says Assistant Director Stephanie Carpenter. \\u201cThat\\u2019s a huge part of it for us, that we can teach letterpress printing with original Hamilton type.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarpenter was introduced to Hamilton while in a graduate program at Indiana University, regularly making the seven-hour drive up to Two Rivers to help Master Printer and then-Director Jim Moran on weekends. She joined the museum formally in 2011, when it was still located in the original Hamilton factory building, which has since been demolished. In 2012, the team were told they had six months to vacate, and an extraordinary effort from community members and volunteers helped move 27 semi-loads of type and equipment to the current space, another former factory building. The museum celebrates its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/history\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E25\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E anniversary\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E next year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b69\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5053,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePressing On\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeekly, type carvers at the museum produce new blocks as part of the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wood-type-legacy-project\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eType Legacy Project\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, creating new sets that can be added to institutional collections. \\u201cIt\\u2019s crazy that people in the 21st century are designing for wood type,\\u201d Carpenter says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s also available digitally, so students will use it through the Adobe program to design with it, and if their school has the wood type, they can then move into the press room and print using their digital mock-ups. That\\u0027s one of our programs that I absolutely adore, because it means that it\\u0027s also hands-on and it\\u0027s bringing that history forward.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRecently, Hamilton welcomed artists \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/beingblount\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMelissa Blount\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/jenngraves\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJenn Graves\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/printmakingasresistance\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDesiree Aspiras\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the first BIWOC\\u2014Black, Indigenous and Women of Color\\u2014Summit. Carpenter helped to organize a week-long residency in the print room, which evolved from a conversation with Blount and Graves about the representation of women of color in the letterpress community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11ba9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey said, \\u2018You need Black women represented here, on your walls, doing things,\\u2019\\u201d Carpenter says. While the gathering was initially intended to include a large number of participants, three were able to make the trip, but that put no damper on the enthusiasm. \\u201cThat energy that three people brought to that space! Blown away. It was so dynamic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHamilton offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, ranging from printing basics to collaborations with local artists who share special techniques. Every week at the local farmer\\u2019s market, the museum sets up shop to invite community members to make prints they can take home with them. Every year, the museum hosts \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wayzgoose\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWayzgoose\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an annual conference for type- and print-lovers, and biannually they celebrate \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/really-big-prints\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EReally Big Prints\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, inviting local artists to think extra big and use steam rollers to make large-scale pieces.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5052,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5055,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5056,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5058,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5059,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11bde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe definitely talk about our multiple communities,\\u201d says Carpenter. \\u201cWe have locals who might know the history of the factory, or they might just be interested in taking art classes. And then there is an amazing letterpress community. They\\u0027re all around the country, all around the world. I think being interconnected with that community, both for me as a person and as part of the Hamilton team, is so rewarding.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5054,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A person chooses from vintage cuts and blocks in a museum workshop.  \",\"date\":\"2023-09-26 17:26:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5171,\"title\":\"Food Cultures: Wisconsin\\u2019s Fermentation Fest Gets in the Spirit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Midwest staples like beer and cheese to sourdough bread, kimchi, and kombucha, the flavors and textures of some of our favorite foods wouldn\\u2019t be the same without fermentation. And perhaps the only thing better than the process itself is an entire festival devoted to the techniques and traditions of this timeless practice.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFermentation is equal parts art form and scientific technique, boiling down to a process in which microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts, or molds produce enzymes that convert sugars in food into other substances. \\u201cFermentation is all about abundance and transformation, a process that can result in strong flavors, dense nutrients, and, sometimes, altered states of consciousness,\\u201d says Donna Neuwirth, Executive Director of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/wormfarminstitute.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWormfarm Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which organizes the festival. This year, it pops up at Witwen Park, about 10 miles west of Sauk City.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab19b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5172,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab20f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn beer, yeast transforms glucose into alcohol and CO2, producing the carbonation in our favorite brews. Pizza-lovers and artisan loaf connoisseurs can rejoice at the distinctive zing of sourdough thanks to bacteria, yeast, and a lot of patience. And cheese relies on bacterial cultures that transform lactose\\u2014dairy\\u2019s natural sugar\\u2014into lactic acid, which helps turn the milk into curd. Different kinds of mold make some varieties \\u201cblue\\u201d or build up to form the rind, like in brie. It\\u2019s chemistry at its tastiest, and with so many different types of fermentation and potential combinations of ingredients, temperature, and time, there\\u2019s plenty of room for creativity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cFermentation is all about abundance and transformation, a process that can result in strong flavors, dense nutrients, and, sometimes, altered states of consciousness.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DONNA NEUWIRTH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WORMFARM INSTITUTE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab22d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-in-the-spirit-of-collaboration\\u0022\\u003EIn the Spirit of Collaboration\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor more than 20 years, Wormfarm Institute, a rural residency program in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area founded by Neuwirth and Jay Salinas, has collaborated with artists, creatives, and local farmers to hone relationships between art, ecology, agriculture, food, and conservation. Originally presented annually in tandem with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wormfarminstitute.org\\\/programs\\\/farm-art-dtour\\u0022\\u003EFarm\\\/Art DTour\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a drivable and bikeable route chock full of public art and music, Fermentation Fest now alternates biennially with its sibling event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5174,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022During the 2020 Farm\\\/Art DTour, artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.torytepp.net\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTory Tepp\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e realized the \\u0027Sauk County ARK,\\u0027 or Agricultural Recon Kraft, an earthwork on a plot belonging to fourth-generation farmers Alma and William Gasser, who also run a farmstead bakery. Tepp is interested in drawing connections between social and environmental ecosystems, often developing public art projects that merge community participation and education.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe ARK resembles a landlocked ship in a 4-acre field, which was seeded with the first perennial grain crop in the world, a type of intermediate wheatgrass marketed as \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/landinstitute.org\\\/our-work\\\/perennial-crops\\\/kernza\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKernza\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\u201cFocusing on sustainable farming practices and regenerative agriculture, the ARK creates a public space for observation and reflection at the intersection of art, agriculture, ecology, and climate crisis,\\u201d Tepp says on his \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.torytepp.net\\\/sauk-county-ark\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewebsite\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. At this year\\u2019s festival, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the grain, which will be baked into crackers and shortbread in a cob oven.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, the festival presents its \\u0027Spirits Edition,\\u0027 celebrating varieties ranging from the distilled to the \\u201ckindred.\\u201d A keynote presentation by ethnobotanist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.garynabhan.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGary Paul Nabhan\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e from his book \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eAgave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals \\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003eexplores distilled spirits and their botanical origins.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlong with music, food stands, and numerous classes, visitors can also check out a Native Art Marketplace presented by \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/littleeaglearts.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLittle Eagle Arts Foundation\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting American Indian\\\/First Nation art.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFermentation Fest: Spirits Edition runs October 7 - 8, 2023 at Witwen Park, Sauk County, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. Many offerings are free, but some require tickets. You can find the full program and book your spot for events that require tickets at fermentationfest.com.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab265\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5176,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5175,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5173,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5178,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab28b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-listen-now-filling-the-well\\u0022\\u003EListen Now: Filling The Well\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/resources\\\/podcasts\\\/filling-the-well\\\/\\u0022\\u003EFilling the Well\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is a podcast created to nourish, provoke, and inspire artists and arts leaders.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn this episode, Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas, the co-founders of Wormfarm Institute located in rural Wisconsin, discuss how curiosity, presence, and time have played a vital role in their journey of understanding their community better. Through their farm and artist residency program, they intersect rural and urban spaces, and explore what it means to belong to and take pride in a place.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/episode\\\/2paz2dYC9jCvFYQod5yzpQ?utm_source=generator\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab2a2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/food-cultures-wisconsins-fermentation-fest-gets-in-the-spirit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5177,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0027Garden of Water and Wind,\\u0027 a site-specific work made by artist Sarah Kavage as part of the 2022 Farm\\\/Art D\\u0027Tour organized by the Wormfarm Institute. This festival alternates annually with the Fermentation Fest.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-05 22:22:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 5, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/food-cultures-wisconsins-fermentation-fest-gets-in-the-spirit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Food Cultures: Wisconsin\\u2019s Fermentation Fest Gets in the Spirit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":284072,\"participants\":50908,\"grants\":25,\"communities\":14}},\"label\":\"2023\",\"query_var\":\"2023\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2023\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"Learn More\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/2023-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2023 Financials\",\"key\":2},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2848,\"title\":\"Over 100 Years in the Making: The Lakota Song Repatriation Project\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn many Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and traditions are paired with music. You cannot have one without the other. The beat of the drum represents the human heartbeat. The song is the prayer. The language is the foundation of those prayers. But what if that language was disappearing? How can you keep vocal traditions alive? A Lakota language revitalization project in Bismarck is doing just that. It is called the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKevin Locke, the late Lakota author, musician, and educator, who contributed to the project explains the importance of music, language, and culture to the Lakota. He says that the vocal tradition is the foundation of everything. You cannot have ceremony and tradition without music and song.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac450b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cYou can\\u0027t do anything without music.\\u202fYou can\\u0027t do any kind of activity without that music. That\\u2019s why the singers have the preeminent station for any indigenous community.\\u202fThat\\u0027s what Densmore documented. That vocal tradition which is the foundation of everything.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KEVIN LOCKE, CITIZEN OF STANDING ROCK, PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac457d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2850,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat foundation nearly vanished with the growing numbers of European settlers on the northern Plains, as treaties were broken, and assimilation tactics were woven into the fabric of the US Constitution. In 1880, The Civilization Act would prevent Native American tribes from speaking their language or practicing their traditions. Lakota children were sent to government-sanctioned boarding schools who partnered with churches, with a mission of assimilating them to the growing white culture and religion. But instead, they would experience trauma beyond comprehension. For those that survived they suffered with insurmountable pain, a loss of language and a loss of spirit.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAct of Preservation\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nIn 1911, a bold Minnesota woman made it her mission to travel to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to record the Lakota\\u2019s music and language before it could potentially be lost forever. Frances Densmore of Red Wing, Minnesota, was a former music teacher who became an ethnomusicologist with the United States Bureau of Ethnology. In an effort to preserve the so-called \\u201cvanishing Indian,\\u201d she used hand-cranked wax cylinders to record their music. She wrote several books about her experiences, analyzing tribal music, culture and people. Eventually, thousands of these recordings were taken to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for preservation. The quality of the recordings was poor. Today the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project is an ongoing effort to reproduce those recordings to preserve, promote and revitalize the language and history of the Standing Rock Tribe.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u0027s the one time white man\\u0027s technology served us in a good way,\\u201d said Courtney Yellow Fat, citizen of Standing Rock , co-producer\\\/cultural advisor to the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDensmore\\u2019s work was groundbreaking for the time. It was extraordinary for such a woman to travel 500 miles from her home to the Standing Rock Reservation to pursue a career in cultural preservation work. It was even more extraordinary that she could convince Elders like Eagle Shield, Red Weasel, Brave Buffalo, Charging \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThunder,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eand Red Fox into recording these songs, especially after the United States government had outlawed the practice of Native ceremonies, dance, and language.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac46fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDensmore took several trips to Standing Rock between 1911 and 1914. There she met and recorded more than three-dozen men and women singers, documenting hundreds of songs, and gathering notes for her book, \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/repository.si.edu\\\/handle\\\/10088\\\/15528\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ETeton Sioux Music\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Densmore reflected in her memoirs, recording the Lakota songs was not easy. Conditions were not ideal for making wax cylinder recordings in the hot summers. Also, she was limited to where she could set up her equipment. The drum was so overpowering that either no drum was used, or it was a packing box with a stick. Another challenge was that some songs were ceremonial in nature. Elders did not easily concede to singing for Densmore when there was still a law in place preventing Native American tribes from speaking their language. But she pressed on. Courtney Yellow Fat describes Densmore\\u2019s persistence as \\u201ca little out there.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI don\\u0027t know what kind of person Frances Densmore was but to me I think for a white woman to come into an Indian reservation she had to be: one, a little crazy. And two, she had to have courage and be very demanding\\u2026the men that sang for her had to have a lot of courage and trust that they weren\\u0027t going to be imprisoned or killed or anything like that for doing this,\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2851,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2852,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac4728\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cTo do the things that she did, to go to the places she went, and to meet some of the people she met, she had to be a little bit crazy. She was a crazy white woman! There is no other way to say it.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022COURTNEY YELLOW FAT, CITIZEN OF STANDING ROCK, PROJECT CO-PRODUCER\\\/CULTURAL ADVISOR\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac4742\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-fixing-the-sound\\u0022\\u003EFixing the Sound\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1996, Kevin Locke met up with David Swenson, owner and executive producer at Makoche Recording Studios in Bismarck, North Dakota. Locke brought original Densmore recordings on cassette tapes. He wanted Swenson to \\u201cfix the sound\\u201d on them. It was obvious to both of them that something did not sound right. The recordings were scratchy, dark, and muddy. There was something else too, but Swenson could not put his finger on it right away. Then he heard a trill, or what the Lakota call \\u201clele\\u201d sounds, a fast high-pitched vocalized tongue trill often used to express emotion. The trill that Swenson heard on the recording was not high-pitched, nor was it fast.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c...it didn\\u0027t sound right. And a lightbulb went off in my head, \\u2018These are at the wrong speed!\\u2019\\u201d said\\u202f Swenson, who is the producer of the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/b8Ok8Eeq0ck\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/b8Ok8Eeq0ck\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003EExamples of speed correction in the Densmore recordings from the Library of Congress. Video courtesy of the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESwenson spent the next 20 years researching what happened to the recordings and communicating this information to the Library of Congress, who were initially hesitant to accept Swenson\\u2019s observations. But Swenson\\u2019s research showed that Densmore used a pitch pipe in the beginning of her music recordings. Speed and accuracy were of paramount importance to Densmore in order to produce accurate musical notations for her books. Somehow in the process of copying the transcription disc copies made of the wax cylinders by the Library of Congress, the speed was not correct, making these recordings sound slower and lower than they were originally recorded.\\u202fHe said the difference in speed was like that in record players\\u2014how 45 rpm sounds different from 33 rpm. The Densmore recordings at the Library of Congress were 10-11% slower than what they should have been. Swenson suspects that they were recorded on one transcription disc system, but later played back on another, and not all transcription discs systems were of an absolute uniform speed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNow all of the sudden you can understand words, it was like taking a blanket off a speaker, it was that much clearer. I ended up writing a short paper about how this was found. I corrected the speed. Eventually, after contacting the Smithsonian, I mentioned that I would really like a correct copy of this. It took them 20 years, but they finally did correct it,\\u201d\\u202fsaid Swenson.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2853,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2854,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2855,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac475d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Living Project\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project is about reclaiming Lakota culture, traditional art, knowledge, and religious freedom. The hope is that by re-introducing these songs, the next generations of youth will have easy access to the recordings, in classrooms and presentation settings.\\u202f \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt fires you up and gets you going. It\\u0027s like the feeling you get if you are playing a state basketball tournament and you make a point. The crowd goes wild. It fires you up. That\\u2019s how it feels to feel the power in these songs. It fires you up and makes you want to learn more. It makes you sing harder,\\u201d said Kendall Little Owl,\\u00a0citizen of Standing Rock\\\/MHA and singer on the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe research, re-cataloging and re-recording of these songs started in 2021.\\u202fThanks to an effort supported by the North Dakota Council on the Arts, Bush Foundation, Dakota Legacy and Humanities North Dakota, these songs are being heard again, and re-recorded with new voices at Makoche Studios in Bismarck. A few of the singers are related to the ones on the original recordings. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDensmore\\u2019s book has been digitized and many of the songs and photos of the project can be found on a website, available for free as an educational resource.\\u0026nbsp; Students from area tribal colleges participated in apprenticeship programs to learn basic audio\\\/video skills needed to further archive the project and to interview tribal elders.\\u202f And now students from all over Lakota\\\/Dakota country can use these recordings as a learning tool.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYellow Fat, who also serves as a culture and language educator at the Standing Rock Reservation says, \\u201cThese are songs that we haven\\u0027t used in a long time.\\u202fMy hope for the future is that these younger singers will pick this up and use them. Just don\\u0027t put them on a shelf. But actually bring life to these songs. Give it a heartbeat again because there\\u0027s spirits to everything, rocks, trees and songs. There is a spirit to that song.\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project is available online at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.lakotasongs.com\\u0022\\u003EDensmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/over-100-years-in-the-making-the-lakota-song-repatriation-project\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2851,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Frances Densmore made trips to Standing Rock between 1911 and 1914. There she met and recorded more than three-dozen men and women singers, documenting hundreds of songs, and gathering notes for her book, Teton Sioux Music. Photo courtesy of the Makoche Recording Studios.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 22:50:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/over-100-years-in-the-making-the-lakota-song-repatriation-project\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Over 100 Years in the Making: The Lakota Song Repatriation Project\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":188,\"title\":\"4Ground Festival Connects People, Land, and Histories\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018029\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout sites across the Midwest, the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/4groundbiennial.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E projects offer a refreshed look at the concept of land art, according to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.franconia.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFranconia Sculpture Park\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a big pile of dirt or rock,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere are a lot of other ways that we can celebrate the land, like through augmented reality, through performances, through prayer flags. A lot of these installations take place along waterways and just getting people to think about the relationship to not only the land, but the water, and also raise awareness of the Dakota people, the land, the history of the land, and land art that may not be here anymore.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShulick Porcella says the project offered a way for Franconia to use its resources and platform to create a template for other organizations to collectively curate and fundraise and market on a larger scale. \\u201cIt\\u2019s a Franconia program, but it\\u2019s really about all of us working together and not being siloed,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt was really co-developed through these different community partners. This is what came out of these discussions\\u2014 this idea for a festival that really celebrates the beauty of the upper Midwest and the history, and the art.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESusan Haugh, program director for the Belwin Conservancy, an organization based in the Saint Croix Valley, says the process of putting 4Ground together has been a time of connection with other organizations that share similar missions across four states. \\u201cIt\\u2019s really enriched us in knowing who\\u2019s out there and connecting us, and feeling like we all can pick up the phone and call one another and support one another on this project,\\u201d Haugh says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Belwin, an organization that has an aim to restore land to healthy ecosystems and bring people into the great outdoors, the notion of using art to engage people with nature was a \\u201cno-brainer,\\u201d Haugh says. \\u201cBelwin is all in. We want to bring more people out to this incredible place, to experience restored prairie and to understand the importance of healthy soil. It\\u2019s exactly our mission to connect people to wild spaces.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere\\u2019s a sampling of just a few of the projects that are a part of 4Ground:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EThroat-singing with Taiquaa\\\/\\\/Ambe Omaa \\u2013 ayaga\\\/\\\/babaami-ayaa (to travel around)\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:194,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa701804b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndigenous artists\\\/musicians Anastasia Adams and nibiiwakamigkwe met by chance a few years ago when they both happened to be working for the same nonprofit organization. It was there they learned they had a shared interest in throat singing. Adams is Central Yup\\u2019ik, and was adopted out of her culture. As an adult, Adams has reconnected with her heritage through music. Nibiiwakamigkwe, meanwhile, is Oneida, a descendent of the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, and registered with the Manitoba M\\u00e9tis Federation. Those tribes don\\u2019t have throat singing as part of their heritage, but nibiiwakamigkwe began learning the skill about 10 years ago, when they attended their cousin\\u2019s wedding and throat singing was a part of the festivities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a tradition that\\u2019s been practiced for so long, oftentimes between two women\\\/children,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s done while people were away hunting and when you\\u2019re hungry and you\\u2019re cold and needed a way to pass the time.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENibiiwakamigkwe says they were taught to always be the follower in the vocal form, in order to be respectful of the culture. When they sing, Adams takes the lead, while nibiiwakamigkwe follows very close behind in a beautiful pattern. Adams, whose background is in vocal performance and music, composes the songs, which they both perform.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBesides throat singing, the duo, called Taiquaa\\\/\\\/Ambe Omaa (which translates to \\u201ccome here\\u201d in different indigenous languages) also creates visual art, created by nibiiwakamigkwe. For their 4Ground Project, the artists will be leaving a trace at three different sites, by setting up camp. They\\u2019ll install large waxed tarps, which nibiiwakamigkwe will then cut up using birch bark patterns.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe three sites are at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/rochesterartcenter.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERochester Art Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/belwin.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBelwin Conservancy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/plainsart.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPlains Art Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cWe will actually be moving in a northwest direction, which is ironic in a lot of ways, and a little bit of an anti-Manifest Destiny acknowledgement on our end,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe says. \\u201cWe\\u2019re really acknowledging the the histories that have shaped this land.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the case of the Rochester Art Center, for example, they point to the area\\u2019s removal of Dakota and other tribes out of Southern Minnesota. \\u201cA lot of what we\\u2019re actually thinking about is what are the things that you carry and are able to bring with you when you are forced into exile like this,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe. \\u201cThe songs that we\\u2019re seeing are actually incorporating different seeds that were carried with those ancestors.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-dakota-spirit-walk-with-marlena-myles-saint-paul-mn\\u0022\\u003EDakota Spirit Walk with Marlena Myles \\u2013 Saint Paul, MN\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:192,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018062\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist\\\/animator and designer Marlena Myles teamed up with artist\\\/inventor Todd Boss through an app called Rovelo, as well as Pixel Farm Studios, for a permanent site-specific installation called the \\u201cDakota Spirit Walk.\\u201d The project uses geolocation, audio, and 3D animation to create a virtual experience that takes place at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and connected Indian Burial Mounds. The site is a sacred space for Dakota people, and has seen damage in past years to the burial mounds because of industry. Since 2005, the city of Saint Paul has worked to restore the grounds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMyles\\u2019s project offers a lens to experience Dakota history and culture through virtual reality. Her multi-layered approach reveals hidden stories, including narratives about Dakota creations, like the mounds. Her keen storytelling and evocative animation gives you a deeper look at Native presence in Saint Paul.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think augmented reality is a really great tool for public art and sculpture,\\u201d Shulick Porcella says. \\u201cYou can sort of place it anywhere, but without the footprint of having to disturb the land. It\\u2019s accessible for anyone with a phone.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-kinship-of-rivers-fountain-city-wi\\u0022\\u003EKinship of Rivers \\u2013 Fountain City, WI\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:196,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018076\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFountain City, Wisconsin is across the Mississippi River from Winona, Minnesota, on the Wisconsin side. It\\u2019s in the Driftless Region, which unlike more Northern parts of Minnesota, wasn\\u2019t flattened by glaciers. There, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kinstonecircle.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EKinstone Megalithic Garden\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a sculpture park made to look like the historic Stonehenge in Scotland.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShulick Porcella says she wanted to include the Kinstone Site because besides being cool, is also quite under the radar. \\u201cI wanted to to get people to go places that they wouldn\\u2019t normally maybe go to, or they haven\\u2019t heard about,\\u201d Shulick Porcella says. \\u201cAnd get outside their comfort zone.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKinstone is built on the property of founder Kristine Beck, who purchased 30-acres of the land where she grew up, which her family owned for 4 generations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the site, you\\u2019ll find a continuation of a project poet and artist Wang Ping has been exploring 2011, using Tibetan prayer flags as inspiration. For the Kinstone project, she\\u2019s collaborating with artist Joe Lerro where they\\u2019ll wrap the stonehenge structures with flags and also plant beans, creating a piece that will continue to evolve as the season progresses.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAll summer, people can go to Kinstone and create these flags that\\u2019ll be incorporated into the installation,\\u201d says Shulick Porcella. The opening event takes place on the Solstice, which will have drumming by Al Baker.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-love-letters-to-the-earth-fargo-nd\\u0022\\u003ELove Letters to the Earth \\u2013 Fargo, ND\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:195,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018087\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETorey Erin\\u2019s living art piece, \\u201cLove Letters to the Earth,\\u201d is presented with the Plains Museum as well as the community garden Growing Together and the placemaking initiative The Fargo Project. It takes place at the World Garden Commons at Rabanus Park. Located between residential and commercial property, the site was developed as a way to transform an 18-acre stormwater retention basin into green space and neighborhood commons. It is filled with native prairie and wetlands, walking paths, an amphitheater, a community garden an other amenities as a way to create a livable, useable space that brings community together.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EErin\\u2019s project kicked off on June 2, when students and community members wrote love letters to the earth on seed paper. Erin then planted each letter into a garden installation that will continue to grow throughout the summer. Both a garden and an art project, \\u201cLove Letters to the Earth\\u201d offers a way to show care to nature and offers seeds of hope for the future of the planet.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-98-air-rochester-mn\\u0022\\u003E98% Air \\u2013 Rochester, MN\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:193,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018095\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003EOutside of the Rochester Art Center you\\u2019ll find an installation by Presley Martin, called \\u201c98% Air.\\u201d The sculptural work is made of 9000 pieces of plastic foam from the Mississippi River. From a distance, the installation looks like it could be reeds or some sort of natural phenomenon. The trash is so degraded it has developed the look of the natural world.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of the project, Martin is leading workshops that engages with the non-biodegradable materials. Visitors create paint brushes in these workshops used to create art. Through this process there is a hopeful message. Even in the face of degradation we have the tools to do something about the impact humans have on the planet, like bringing awareness to the problems through the use of art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you visit the Rochester Art Center, you\\u2019ll also want to take a look at the rest of \\u201cWalk With Us,\\u201d an exhibition curated by John Schuerman and Zoe Cinel. The walking-based exhibition features 15 artists that examine social, physical and physical landscapes accessible by walking. Taking place in the hallways, elevators, alcoves of the art center, the artists offer places of discovery through their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo learn more about the different artists and projects involved with the Biennial, visit\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/4groundbiennial.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E4Ground\\u2019s website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"With the inaugural 4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial, Franconia Sculpture Park is reaching its arms beyond its own grounds for a multi-state, multi-organization festival that focuses on community, land stewardship, sustainability, and preservation.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"With the inaugural 4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial, Franconia Sculpture Park is reaching its arms beyond its own grounds for a multi-state, multi-organization festival that focuses on community, land stewardship,...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/4ground-festival-connects-people-land-and-histories\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":191,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022. Photo: Adam Nantz\",\"date\":\"2022-06-13 16:58:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":28,\"name\":\"Sheila Regan\",\"slug\":\"sheila-regan\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":28,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Sheila Regan is a Minneapolis-based journalist and critic. She has written for Bomb, Artnet News, The Lily, Broadly, American Theatre, and contributes dance reviews for the Star Tribune.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Sheila Regan\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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A guardian of Interstate-43. Mountainous. A keeper of insurmountable dreams. Promises muttered in its cream brick as it cascades rainbow hues, b-boy grooves, and melanin splendor. I still marvel at its glory.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I would ride shotgun in my grandfather\\u2019s Buick as a precocious kid, often I asked myself, \\u201cWho are these people painted on the side of this building? And what was happening there?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELater in life, insatiable curiosity led me to discover that the glorious mural that captivated me as a child was a creation of the\\u00a0\\u003Cstrong\\u003EInner City Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u00a0Anchored in the historic Bronzeville Milwaukee neighborhood, the organization was a cultural hub for artists of various mediums to develop their crafts while serving the predominately Black population in the area and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f2926c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In the late 1960s, Milwaukee was thrust into the national spotlight. The blatant discriminatory practices of atrocious housing conditions and police brutality against Black residents led to an uprising in July 1967 which served as the precursor to the 200 Nights of Freedom marches. Ultimately, this call to action resulted in the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis era unveiled a new consciousness for Black Americans who sought respite from the daily injustices of social life. This temperament echoed throughout the country with the cultural expressions of the Black Arts Movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe need for self-affirmation and self-actualization for Black Milwaukeeans lead to a number of organizations joining forces to create the entity known as the Inner City Arts Council in January 1968. Its charter members included The Mary Church Terrell-Creative Center, Black Arts Theatre, The Echo Writers Workshop, The Paint Box, and the Community Youth Center.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nArtists are keepers of history. Creating new worlds as they uphold memories that whisper to the Earth. So, in learning more about the Inner City Arts Council, I knew I had to talk to a few elders who intimately experienced its magnitude.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHere are the stories of three artists, in their own words.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f292730\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-reynaldo-hernandez-the-muralist\\u0022\\u003EReynaldo Hernandez \\u2013 The Muralist\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1984, Reynaldo Hernandez created the iconic mural entitled \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d on an office building that presently sits at the corner of 7th \\u0026amp; North Avenue in Milwaukee. The site has a rich history, once serving as library and firestation, as well as the home of the Inner City Arts Council for many years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the decades, Milwaukee has become a haven for many muralists to display their craft, but Hernandez\\u2019s work is part of the artistic landscape of my childhood. To this very day, it still is my favorite piece of public art in the city. During our interview, Hernandez details the striking images of the mural. It features the Mask of Benin, legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and a gorgeous Black woman rocking an afro.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHernandez remembers the days when the Inner City Arts Council was the place to be for upcoming and established Black artists in the city. Its two floors consisted of dance and acting classes, alongside visual art studios for all ages. Like Hernandez, many other artists received their initial training \\u0026amp; professional opportunities at the emblematic organization.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker \\u2013 The Dancer\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker was a young bright-eyed dancer who was eager to share and display her talents with the community. She remembers being amongst an eclectic mix of people performing at various events like summer festivals and teaching kids in city parks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith so much danger for Black residents like Caulker, the Inner City Arts Council gave her and others the chance to envision worlds beyond their wildest imaginations. \\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope,\\u201c she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKo-Thi Dance Company, founded by Caulker in 1969, became a staple within the Inner City Arts Council thanks to their riveting performances and educational outreach initiatives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell \\u2013 The Ingenue\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell was a young girl who attended many performances that became staples within the Black community of Milwaukee. She was mesmerized by the Black theatrical productions that came to entertain her family. \\u201cI just sat there with my mouth hanging open,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of those plays was \\u201cTo Be Young, Gifted and Black\\u201d by Lorraine Hansberry. Parnell recalls how uplifting the work of the Inner City Arts Council was during her adolescent years into young womanhood as she went on to attend the prestigious Spelman College. Pannell would later obtain a degree in directing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in the footsteps of Lorraine Hansberry, who also attended the state\\u2019s flagship institution.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022- Mama Ferne Caulker\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29275b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2549,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29276e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Inner City Arts Council went on to host iconic artists like Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen, \\u0026amp; Alvin Ailey. Its impact positioned the organization as a forerunner until it later dissolved in the early 1990s, but those whispers are still within the city. Reynaldo Hernandez, Mama Ferne Caulker, Sherri-Williams Pannell, and so many others hold tales to a time where Black people sipped from its gourd. They are our elders. Our storytellers. Our libraries. It is my hope we continue to acknowledge the Inner City Arts Council and the artistic contributions of the people who were part of it, to inspire future generations in Milwaukee and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EInner City Arts Council archival images courtesy of Milwaukee County Historical Society. Reynaldo Hernandez photo by Sam Easton, Mama Ferne Caulker photo by Sara Stathas, Sheri Williams Pannell photo by Scott Paulus.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council....\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2547,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d mural was on the former Inner City Arts Council building was created by Reynaldo Hernandez in 1984 and was revitalized in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2022-02-25 02:25:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":102,\"name\":\"DeMar Walker\",\"slug\":\"demar-walker\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":102,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By DeMar Walker\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4921342,\"participants\":396021,\"grants\":501,\"communities\":412},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2518,\"title\":\"Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou are up in the air, and you don\\u2019t know if you will stick that landing. But it doesn\\u2019t matter because you can try again. And again.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a constant invitation and openness in skateboarding\\u2014a \\u201cwelcome\\u201d sign. Like any creative outlet and sport, skateboarding has a magnetic energy\\u2014a challenge that is renewed with every new curb or ramp, and a movement that brings calm and groundedness. Skateboarding conjures up moments of connection between you and your body; your body and the board; your board and the ramp; and the people cheering you on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2526,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThat Skate Life\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA couple of years ago, Willow Kneip and her older sister were looking through the garage and found their parents\\u2019 old skateboards. They started pushing around on them in their driveway. \\u201cI didn\\u2019t like it too much at first,\\u201d said Kneip, an 11-year-old who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. \\u201cBut I decided I should probably keep trying it and get better at it, so then you actually get the feel for it. From then on, I just stuck to it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhat does this young skater love about the sport? \\u201cThe joy of it\\u2014whenever you are trying a trick and then you finally do it. Also, going to the skatepark with your friends is really fun!\\u201d said Kneip, who wants to go to the Olympics when she is older. In the last two years of skateboarding, she has noticed, \\u201cI\\u2019m a lot more happy and jolly than I thought. I\\u0027m never really that sad. I\\u0027m very social.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor 16-year-old Keith Heth III of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe\\u202fin Fort Thompson, South Dakota, skateboarding has been a part of his life for the last decade, since his father built a mini ramp in their driveway. His persistence as a young kid asking their neighbor and tribal council member about a skatepark finally brought Evergreen Skateparks and grant funding to build a cement park in 2015.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe friendships I\\u2019ve made along the way \\u2026 they always keep me coming back. There\\u2019s something about hopping on the skateboard and riding around ... It just starts getting me all happy,\\u201d said Heth III, who competed in his first skate contest at Innoskate in Sioux Falls.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e III, who is interested in getting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea skate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e sponsorship while pursuing music as a career, said that skateboarding is a part of him and has always been since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ean early age\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e like if it \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewasn\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e there, I really \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003edon\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e know who \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eI\\u0027d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e be. I guess that sounds kind of dramatic, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethat\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e how I can say it right now.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b32\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI don\\u2019t think there\\u2019s any other sport where your competition cheers as loudly [for you] as your team.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WALTER PORTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LET\\u0027S SKATE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5ba1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-community-in-skateboarding\\u0022\\u003ECommunity in Skateboarding\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince it began in the 1950\\u2019s in California, skateboarding has made its way from an outsider activity to the core of American culture. In South Dakota, you can find this creative pastime everywhere, from the streets of the state\\u2019s largest city, Sioux Falls, to Pine Ridge Reservation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSkateboarding has always been there for me,\\u201d said no less than three South Dakotans reflecting on how important the sport is for them. It is this sense of community that keeps people coming back.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESkateboarding took center stage last summer in South Dakota through \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/invention.si.edu\\\/innoskate\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EInnoskate\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a unique festival that celebrates skateboarding. Launched in 2013 by the Smithsonian\\u2019s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention, Innoskate believes that \\u201cinvention and innovation happen every day\\u2014often in unexpected places.\\u201d Through public programming across the world in partnership with leaders in the skate community, it celebrates the creativity and innovation that happens in skate culture. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2530,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bc4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKyle Mesteth built his first mini ramp with his father as a young skateboarder and went on to be an announcer at skate competitions\\u2014with the sport showing up to build community for him in different ways throughout his life. \\u201cSkateboarding really set forth my path, forged it and I\\u2019m happy for that,\\u201d he said. Mesteth is now building an \\u201cultimate creative space\\u201d called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/groundcontrol605\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGround Control\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a community multimedia studio with an indoor skatepark in the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota and one of nine Indian Reservations that share the geography of the state. \\u201cWe needed something like this on the rez\\u2026a community center that focuses on the artists and creativity and making people excited.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis exploration of building a distinct space for community has given him permission to pursue things close to his heart. For him, it is also a call to makers and doers in Pine Ridge to whole-heartedly embrace their creativity. \\u201cThe possibilities are endless. There\\u2019s room for all of us to eat. There\\u2019s room for everybody to put their art out, if need be, and let the world enjoy it,\\u201d said Mesteth. \\u201cYou can see things that are 100% Lakota-made being produced out of here. That\\u0027s going to be amazing because it\\u2019s important that we take our narrative back and tell our stories from our voice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Sioux Falls, just over 300 miles from Pine Ridge, plans are underway to design and build the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza, the city\\u2019s first cement skatepark at the edge of downtown. A result of an ambitious $2-million fundraising and community buy-in effort, this visible success in Sioux Falls recently brought Innoskate to South Dakota. Walter Portz, Executive Director of Let\\u2019s Skate (formerly Sioux Falls Skatepark Association), said that there has been \\u201can explosion of opportunities and ideas\\u201d since, with an acknowledgement for what the sport and new space can do for community members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2567,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2571,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2569,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think everybody that was there [at Innoskate], skateboarder or non-skateboarder, feels momentum and energy. Sioux Falls just became a skateboarding town,\\u201d said Portz. \\u201cI estimate between 200 to 300 kids stepped on skateboards for the first time or were exposed to skateboarding for the first time in person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom corporate companies and school districts interested in partnering for after school programs, to invitations for representing the sport in athletic events across the state, to working with other communities in the country to campaign for skateparks, Let\\u2019s Skate is experiencing momentum in different directions. The nonprofit organization is working with\\u0026nbsp;communities in Worthington (Minnesota), Rapid City (South Dakota) and Waxhaw (North Carolina) to scope out skatepark fundraising campaigns and projects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGround Control is seeing similar interest and investment. \\u201cWhat\\u0027s crazy is there are people who just want to be involved in any shape or form,\\u201d said Mesteth. With a fully equipped professional production studio and expansive offerings to meet creative needs of makers and skaters, the facility will be \\u201crocking and rolling\\u201d by the end of 2022. It has been important for him to frame this space up in a way where anyone can see themselves in it. \\u201cIt\\u2019s making it visual for the next person to say, \\u2018I want to be a part of that,\\u2019 or \\u2018I\\u2019ve always wanted to do something like that,\\u2019\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2575,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCreative Connections\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThere is an inherent connection between skate culture and diverse art forms. Innoskate in South Dakota celebrated just that\\u2014the intersection of music, art, videography, photography, and skateboarding.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Fort Thompson, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Youth Council recently organized a summer bash showcasing visual artists and skateboarders. To see them and other people operate within these collaborative spaces highlights how skate culture is fostering creativity and innovation in South Dakota.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Portz and Mesteth, who have been key in leading efforts in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge, the work has come full circle many times\\u2014from introducing their craft as artists working in photo and video, to creating space for young skateboarders.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe skate communities in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge have come together a few times already. From sharing photo and video gear to show what those mediums mean for documenting the sport and shaping professional skills, to working together to lay Masonite sheets for Ground Control\\u2019s indoor skatepark, to co-hosting skate contests in the two places. \\u201cWe bridged the gap between Pine Ridge and Sioux Falls. And that, to me, is amazing,\\u201d said Mesteth.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.espn.com\\\/espn\\\/story\\\/_\\\/id\\\/27356477\\\/kids-playing-enough-sports-culprit-cost\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e2019 ESPN article\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e cited research by the Aspen Institute that ranked skateboarding as the third most financially accessible sport next to track and field and flag football. Families on average spent around $380 per child annually on skateboarding. These South Dakotans among many others have been making a case for the sport and skateparks\\u2014one that has been amplified with skateboarding making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile the sport has existed globally on a large scale with prestigious competitions and events, the inclusion in the Olympics seems to have bolstered it to the main stage. Opening a new awareness of its impact and reach\\u2014a recognition for its low barrier of entry and the potential it holds to shape talent in diverse ways.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5c15\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe attraction and magnetism to the sport is equally palpable in people who have skated for 30 years or just two. The possibilities of creativity through the sport\\u2014through actions of perseverance and small, slow shifts\\u2014seem endless for these South Dakotans. They are highlighting the creative, emerging power of it through movements in Pine Ridge, Fort Thompson, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and communities across South Dakota and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Portz\\u2019s words, a skatepark is more than a playground. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a community center and a playground in one.\\u201d And to inspire people into this world of possibility, fifth-grader Kniep says: \\u201cYou can do it when you\\u0027re ready. There\\u0027s no rush, because there\\u0027s no rush in skateboarding.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2525,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022960\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp at Innoskate 2022 in downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Photo by Joshua Novak.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 09:00:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":199,\"title\":\"80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea201c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/80-35.com\\u0022\\u003E80\\\/35\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, aptly named for Des Moines\\u2019 location at the confluence of Interstates 80 and 35, is redefining the idea of what it means to be a music festival in the Midwest. Equal parts huge concert and neighborhood block party, 80\\\/35 takes the idea of a community-centric model and runs with it. The festival features dozens of artists across one paid and four free stages over two days, and directly reinvests proceeds into the ecosystem of Des Moines\\u2019s music scene through the efforts of its presenting organization, the\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Music Coalition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:205,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough 80\\\/35 features nationally (and, for the first time this year, internationally) touring artists, the festival is first and foremost by and for the Des Moines and greater Iowa community\\u2014and you can tell. There are many things that set 80\\\/35 apart from your average music festival, but the most immediately noticeable is the festival grounds themselves: the sprawl of stages spans multiple city blocks in the center of downtown Des Moines.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy stationing the festivities in the heart of the city, 80\\\/35 embraces the idea of being a community-focused festival first. For every out-of-towner there for the festival (myself included), you\\u2019d see just as many local families taking an evening walk through the grounds after dinner or to get home. It\\u2019s experiences like this that I think we all took for granted, but are coming to appreciate more after living through several years where simply being able to gather with your community was a herculean task.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cEveryone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Victoria Park, festival artist\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20330\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as 80\\\/35 powers Des Moines music, the people of Des Moines power the festival. Aside from a handful of staff positions, the festival is nearly 100% run by volunteers. These hundreds of locals are the unsung heroes of the festival\\u2019s mission, doing everything from concert setup to merch sales, and they\\u2019re the reason the festival has been able to thrive for the past 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAttendees were also able to get a sampling of local organizations and nonprofits at 80\\\/35\\u2019s Community Village, one of its numerous free areas open to the general public. Over a dozen booths represented a variety of causes, and the passion was overwhelmingly clear.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EActivities ranged from botanical body art by the plant sellers at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artterrarium.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Terrarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to an original board game modeled on the neighboring sculpture park from local game shop\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;(though my personal favorite was getting to play with a model wind turbine, thanks to the folks at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.iaenvironment.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIowa Environmental Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E). Of course, not every organization stayed put at a booth, either\\u2014the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesbreakerz.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Breakerz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local breakdancing school, also performed in the Community Village several times throughout the weekend. This opportunity for these organizations to come together with attendees is another great example of how 80\\\/35 prioritized making space for the people and culture of Des Moines at the festival.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:202,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20374\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond meeting the organizations represented in the Community Village, attendees could also visit a booth where they could learn about the work that the Des Moines Music Coalition does beyond organizing 80\\\/35.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have 30,000 people come down to this festival,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u0026nbsp;Executive Director Mickey Davis remarks. \\u201cI would imagine that a small percentage of them, one, know that the festival is a nonprofit and two, know that the Des Moines Music Coalition is the nonprofit behind that festival.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough 80\\\/35 is the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s flagship event, it\\u2019s far from the only thing the organization does; throughout the year, they program\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/gross-domestic-product\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGDP\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local music festival with an all-Iowa lineup;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/music-university\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic University\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a conference for music industry professionals; and several youth music education programs, all of which are centered around providing arts access and platforming to local talent.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mickey Davis, DMMC Executive Director\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea2038d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFestival artist Victoria Park, who makes music under the spoonerism\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pictoriavark.bandcamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPictoria Vark\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, remarks, \\u201cI\\u2019m a big believer in the \\u2018local event.\\u2019 Everyone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of what makes arts in the Midwest so unique is the common philosophy of meeting ourselves where we are; this idea that there is creativity happening in our own communities that we don\\u2019t need to import from anywhere else. 80\\\/35 really takes this value to heart in their mission and programming\\u2014this year, more than half of the festival\\u2019s lineup consisted of Iowan artists, with even more coming from the greater Midwest region as a whole. \\u201cA lot of outsiders who haven\\u2019t been out here tend to brush off \\u2018Iowa music\\u2019 as just white people playing country music,\\u201d says Park. \\u201cBut that\\u2019s simply not the case, and there\\u2019s so much talent here to dispel that.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis immense celebration of local talent was a particular goal of Davis\\u2019s in his first year as festival director. \\u201cIf you can help connect the great musicians in your community with an audience that loves live music and may not know that it\\u2019s available in their backyard, to me, that\\u2019s a great role that you can play to really bring people together around the celebration of a music scene,\\u201d he says. Initiatives like 80\\\/35\\u2019s Bravo and Emerging Artists Stages, which feature all-Iowa lineups and local acts under the age of 21, respectively, really drive home this goal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea203c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E80\\\/35\\u2019s spotlight on local artists doesn\\u2019t just stop at the festival lineup itself\\u2014the festival press team also offers an Emerging Photographers Fellowship for aspiring music photographers, again under the age of 21. This is an extension of the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s year-round commitment to offering professional development opportunities for emerging industry professionals in Des Moines\\u2019s music scene, and something Davis is very passionate about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c\\u200b\\u200bThere\\u2019s some serious gatekeeping going on [in the music industry] in terms of who gets certain opportunities,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so much easier to shoot your second music festival than it is your first, because every festival is looking for, \\u2018What experience do you have? What\\u2019s your portfolio?\\u2019 If we can be the proving grounds and help people get the experience that they need to go on and do it elsewhere, I\\u2019m all for that\\u2014and I think that idea is really central to 80\\\/35.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s easy to see the kind of impact an event and a culture like this has on a place like Des Moines. 80\\\/35 not only brings in valuable tourism dollars for the city, but it provides a totally unique experience for locals to come together and celebrate the art that\\u2019s right next door. \\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community,\\u201d says Davis. \\u201cI just think that will continue to be our calling card; that we are more affordable, more accessible, and embedded into the middle of a downtown.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUltimately, you\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cem\\u003Ecould\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;find bigger music festivals to go to, even in the Midwest\\u2014but there\\u2019s something special about 80\\\/35. The unparalleled sense of community shines through in the festival\\u2019s ability to bring in the draw of big-name artists while still staying true to its Des Moines roots and celebrating the thing that makes its local arts and music so great\\u2014the people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":203,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band at 80\\\/35 Music Festival 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-28 13:53:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 28, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":162,\"title\":\"See the Sights of Southern Illinois\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:170,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d513\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis road trip comes in at just under 200 miles, but packs a punch! This is a part of the U.S. where you\\u2019ll find natural beauty and man-made wonders, homes of music and dance legends, and several of the world\\u2019s largest objects. This is a place to explore history, indulge a love of the arts, and to get your kicks on Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStart your journey at the western edge of the state at the Gateway Geyser in East St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser is the tallest water fountain in the U.S., shooting water as high as 630 feet with the St. Louis skyline and famous Gateway Arch as its backdrop.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-1-visit-the-former-homes-of-a-jazz-legend-and-a-dance-legend-in-alton\\u0022\\u003E1) Visit the former homes of a jazz legend and a dance legend in Alton\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, head to the modest house in nearby Alton, IL, where renowned jazz musician Miles Davis spent his early years. That house at 1701 Kansas Ave, now known as Miles Davis Way, has since been gutted and renovated, and now serves as a community space and is open for tours by appointment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMiles Davis isn\\u2019t the only artistic icon with roots in eastern Illinois; Katherine Dunham, one of the most celebrated Black dancers of the early 20th century, is also from the area.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/kdcah.org\\\/museum\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDunham\\u2019s two-story former home\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0now houses her sprawling collection of African and Caribbean art. The collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture, and musical instruments spans 50 countries and more than 250 items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn the top floor of the house, visitors will find posters from Dunham\\u2019s dance performances, as well as the paintings she would create as respite after an exhilarating show.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe property hosts community programs throughout the year and an annual intensive workshop on the Dunham Technique, a dance genre created by Dunham and inspired by ballet, modern dance, and dances from the African Diaspora. It also sits on a street that has been renamed to Katherine Dunham Place.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d59c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-2-learn-about-a-historic-expedition-and-take-in-epic-views-of-two-mighty-rivers\\u0022\\u003E2) Learn about a historic expedition and take in epic views of two mighty rivers\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, drive north for about an hour and a half to explore a different side of American history at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/campdubois.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECamp Dubois\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, near present-day Hartford. From 1804 to 1805, Camp Dubois hosted explorers headed to the western United States as part of the Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark Expedition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe site tells the story of that historic expedition through a 14,000-square-foot museum, a reconstructed settlers\\u2019 cabin and a reconstructed campsite. The site hosts occasional historic reenactments, so don\\u2019t be surprised if you look around and feel like you\\u2019ve stepped back in time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a bird\\u2019s eye view of this terrain and the spot where the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, stop at the nearby\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.riversandroutes.com\\\/directory\\\/lewis-clark-confluence-tower\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELewis \\u0026amp; Clark Confluence Tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The tower provides sweeping views of the two longest rivers in North America from up to 150 feet above ground.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe tower has three observation decks, each accessible by stairs and elevator. Exhibits about Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark and the importance of this region on their journey are incorporated into each level, and on a clear day, visitors can even see as far as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis from the top observation deck.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-3-explore-the-ancient-civilization-of-cahokia-in-collinsville\\u0022\\u003E3) Explore the ancient civilization of Cahokia in Collinsville\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make your way toward the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/cahokiamounds.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCahokia Mounds State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0in Collinsville to head even further back into the history of this area. This site contains the remnants of an ancient settlement known today as Cahokia; this 2,200 parcel of land housed what is believed to have been one of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLess than half of the site\\u2014about 800 acres\\u2014is currently open to visitors. An interpretive center includes a model of the site and recreates a portion of the village, and several trails criss-cross the park, leading to key points like Monks Mound.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMonks Mound is an estimated 100 feet high, 955 feet long, and 755 feet wide. Made of soil and clay, the platform mound is the largest known pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCamping is available at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, though hotels also are available nearby.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d5d3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-4-get-your-kicks-on-route-66\\u0022\\u003E4) Get your kicks on Route 66\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next part of this road trip is where the landscape transitions to 20th century Americana. This stretch is one of the picture-perfect scenes seemingly out of historic postcards and full of quirky sites you won\\u2019t find anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Cahokia Mounds, head north towards Route 66 and stop in at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.henrysroute66.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHenry\\u2019s Rabbit Ranch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;outside of Staunton. This odd roadside attraction is part actual rabbit ranch and part homage to icons of a bygone era, like VW rabbits and old gas pumps.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis site is a replica gas station that was created for visitors. For a real historic Route 66 gas station, keep driving north to the city of Mount Olive.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Mount Olive, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/nr\\\/travel\\\/route66\\\/soulsby_service_station_mt_olive.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESoulsby Service Station\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which fueled up cars from 1926 through the Great Depression and until 1991. It closed in 1993 and has since been restored to look exactly like it did in its heyday just after World War II.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you can\\u2019t get gas at the Soulsby Service Station anymore, you\\u2019ll definitely want to stop for a photo.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-5-pay-your-respects-to-mother-jones-and-check-out-the-original-route-66-sign\\u0022\\u003E5) Pay your respects to Mother Jones and check out the original Route 66 sign\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:165,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make the five-minute drive to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.motherjonesmuseum.org\\\/motherjonesmonument\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMother Jones Monument and Burial Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, an homage to the labor rights legend.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSeveral years before her death in 1930, labor rights activist Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones, decided she would be buried in Mt. Olive at the Union Miners Cemetery, the only U.S. cemetery owned by a union. And she was.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNowadays, the site serves not just as a shrine to Jones but to the broader movement for greater labor rights. The monument itself is 22-feet high and made from 80 tons of Minnesota pink granite, and is flanked by two bronze statues of miners.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make a quick stop in Litchfield to check out the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.litchfieldmuseum.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLitchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum is home to the original Route 66 road sign, a well-preserved antique automobile, and several historic maps and drawings. There\\u2019s also a 1904 time capsule from the American Radiator Company.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce you\\u2019ve gotten your history fix (maybe a snack!), prepare to be wowed by nature.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d609\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-6-take-a-break-for-boating-hiking-biking-or-horseback-riding\\u0022\\u003E6) Take a break for boating, hiking, biking, or horseback riding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStop at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/shoal-creek-conservation-area\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EShoal Creek Conservation Area\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to explore 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees. This natural preserve is home to an estimated 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and more than 70 types of birds. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Best of all, admission and parking are free.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the edge of Shoal Creek, you\\u2019ll find\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELake Lou Yaeger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir that\\u2019s popular among boaters and fishers in search of crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. During the summer, a sandy beach is open for sunbathing, and trails for biking and horseback riding are nearby.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-7-check-out-the-giant-fire-breathing-dragon-in-vandalia\\u0022\\u003E7) Check out the giant fire-breathing dragon in Vandalia\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter getting your nature fix, head east toward Vandalia and prepare to indulge your inner photographer. The final stretch of this road trip is larger than life\\u2014literally. From mailboxes to teeter totters, and even a dragon, it is teeming with giants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Vandalia, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.kaskaskiadragon.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaskaskia Dragon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a giant dragon which spews actual fire for about 10 seconds at a time for a dollar a pop. The dragon was created for a Halloween parade, but in the past few years it\\u2019s become a truly one-of-a-kind roadside destination.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe towering silver dragon has a 16-foot neck, built-in hydraulic system, and the capacity to spew actual fire. Visitors insert specially designed dragon coins to set off flames from a 20-pound propane tank inside the dragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-8-explore-a-gorgeous-historic-mansion-in-altamont\\u0022\\u003E8) Explore a gorgeous historic mansion in Altamont\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, keep heading east toward the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wrightmansion.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Wright House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;in Altamont, IL. The gorgeous brick house was built in 1889 for the family of one of the area\\u2019s only doctors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 6,000-square-foot home has seven bedrooms and one bathroom and, at the time, cost about $35,000 to build (though this would be equal to over $1 million today!). It was the first grand house in the area to have gas lights, indoor plumbing, and a central steam-heating system.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe house had been occupied by the Wright family for three generations, but nowadays, it\\u2019s operated by a non-profit trust and hosts public tours. Much of the original furniture remains in place, and the interior looks largely like it did in 1889.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-9-walk-through-the-longest-covered-bridge-in-the-state-in-greenup\\u0022\\u003E9) Walk through the longest covered bridge in the state in Greenup\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:164,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter wandering that historic home, hop in the car and head east on I-70 to check out the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. The 200-foot-long bridge is the longest covered bridge in Illinois and crosses the Embarras River in tiny Greenup.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis bridge is a reconstructed version of the original, built on the site in 1832. That bridge was washed out in 1865, and its replacement was yet again wiped out in 1912.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe current bridge was built in 2000, and it looks like it may be built to last. You\\u2019ll want to get out of the car and take a stroll through to check out the gorgeous trusses that support the structure.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d636\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-10-delve-into-presidential-history-at-the-lincoln-log-cabin\\u0022\\u003E10) Delve into presidential history at the Lincoln Log Cabin\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:168,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022After a walk through the bridge, prepare to dive into presidential history with a visit to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lincolnlogcabin.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. The centerpiece of the 86-acre park is a replica of a log cabin that was once home to Thomas Lincoln, the father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the time the senior Lincoln moved in, Abraham Lincoln had already moved out of the house. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin had two main rooms, as well as a loft space accessible by ladder. At times, up to 18 family members lived at the cabin.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLike the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, this log cabin isn\\u2019t an original. The original cabin was exhibited at the World\\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and then lost, with some people believing its pieces became firewood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe site is built around a replica cabin and two other historic homes, one of which hosted Abraham Lincoln\\u2019s last meeting with his stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln. The property also is home to sprawling cornfields, comfortable gardens, small orchards, livestock, and even outbuildings like those that would be found on an Illinois farm in the 1840s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d65e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-11-go-big-in-tiny-casey\\u0022\\u003E11) Go big in tiny Casey\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:163,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022From here, head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCasey, IL\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a small town that marks the midway point between St. Louis, MO, and Indianapolis, IN. Though small itself, this tiny, one-stoplight town is filled with towering versions of all sorts of things.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey is home to 12 objects certified to be the world\\u2019s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records. There\\u2019s a giant mailbox, a giant rocking chair, a giant golf driver, and even an outsized pitchfork.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPrefer to create an optical illusion by posing with a giant car key? You can do that in Casey, too. Or show off your new haircut in front of the world\\u2019s largest barber pole. Traveling with a friend? Jump on the jumbo teeter totter and feel like kids again!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd while they may not officially be the world\\u2019s largest, Casey is also home to more than a dozen other big things, including a pair of giant antlers, a huge softball bat, and an oversized birdcage. In case that isn\\u2019t enough, there\\u2019s also a huge mouse trap, a supersized rocking horse, and even a giant pizza slicer.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIf you\\u2019re among the people who have taken up knitting during the pandemic, you\\u2019ll want to head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theyarnstudiostore.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Yarn Studio\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0to check out the pair of knitting needles that used to be the world\\u2019s largest. These needles are 13.75 feet long and 3.25 inches in diameter, and each weighs about 25 pounds. The store is also home to a giant crochet hook that was another previous world record holder.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey\\u2019s quest to become the home of big things started with a local business owner who began creating the giant objects, but its big ambitions go beyond town limits.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d691\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-keep-going\\u0022\\u003EKeep going\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHead east to Marshall and you\\u2019ll find the World\\u2019s Largest Gavel, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat gavel is more than 16 feet long and five feet tall and sits outside the Clark County Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln could have been found practicing the law around 1850.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln began his political career in Illinois and lived in the state when he became the 16th president of the United States in 1861.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo dive deeper into Lincoln\\u2019s Illinois roots and see a few more giant things, keep your Illinois road trip going. Head to Springfield to see the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/presidentlincoln.illinois.gov\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Presidential Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/liho\\\/index.htm\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Home National Historic Site\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and even the tomb that is Lincoln\\u2019s final resting place. And if that isn\\u2019t enough, head to Lincoln, IL, where you\\u2019ll find the world\\u2019s largest covered wagon carrying a giant Abe Lincoln and an onramp back onto Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":164,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Illustration by Judith Mayer\",\"date\":\"2022-02-18 16:37:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 18, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":96,\"name\":\"Judith Mayer\",\"slug\":\"judith-mayer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":96,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Judith Mayer is an American lettering artist and illustrator working in Chicago\\u2014born and raised in the Midwest and the daughter of an immigrant. After working at several design firms, she decided to start her own practice in 1998\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":23,\"name\":\"Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"slug\":\"meena-thiruvengadam\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":23,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I\\u2019m an editorial Swiss army knife with a track record of helping publishers build high value audiences. My specialties include advising newsrooms on digital strategy and helping journalists upgrade their skills. I work at the intersection of editorial, audience, product, and revenue. I understand SEO, am fluent across several social platforms, and have the editorial perspective that comes from years of experience in top newsrooms.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Judith Mayer and Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                See the Sights of Southern Illinois\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":3029740,\"participants\":166354,\"grants\":408,\"communities\":304},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":162,\"title\":\"See the Sights of Southern Illinois\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:170,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d513\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis road trip comes in at just under 200 miles, but packs a punch! This is a part of the U.S. where you\\u2019ll find natural beauty and man-made wonders, homes of music and dance legends, and several of the world\\u2019s largest objects. This is a place to explore history, indulge a love of the arts, and to get your kicks on Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStart your journey at the western edge of the state at the Gateway Geyser in East St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser is the tallest water fountain in the U.S., shooting water as high as 630 feet with the St. Louis skyline and famous Gateway Arch as its backdrop.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-1-visit-the-former-homes-of-a-jazz-legend-and-a-dance-legend-in-alton\\u0022\\u003E1) Visit the former homes of a jazz legend and a dance legend in Alton\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, head to the modest house in nearby Alton, IL, where renowned jazz musician Miles Davis spent his early years. That house at 1701 Kansas Ave, now known as Miles Davis Way, has since been gutted and renovated, and now serves as a community space and is open for tours by appointment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMiles Davis isn\\u2019t the only artistic icon with roots in eastern Illinois; Katherine Dunham, one of the most celebrated Black dancers of the early 20th century, is also from the area.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/kdcah.org\\\/museum\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDunham\\u2019s two-story former home\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0now houses her sprawling collection of African and Caribbean art. The collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture, and musical instruments spans 50 countries and more than 250 items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn the top floor of the house, visitors will find posters from Dunham\\u2019s dance performances, as well as the paintings she would create as respite after an exhilarating show.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe property hosts community programs throughout the year and an annual intensive workshop on the Dunham Technique, a dance genre created by Dunham and inspired by ballet, modern dance, and dances from the African Diaspora. It also sits on a street that has been renamed to Katherine Dunham Place.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d59c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-2-learn-about-a-historic-expedition-and-take-in-epic-views-of-two-mighty-rivers\\u0022\\u003E2) Learn about a historic expedition and take in epic views of two mighty rivers\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, drive north for about an hour and a half to explore a different side of American history at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/campdubois.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECamp Dubois\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, near present-day Hartford. From 1804 to 1805, Camp Dubois hosted explorers headed to the western United States as part of the Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark Expedition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe site tells the story of that historic expedition through a 14,000-square-foot museum, a reconstructed settlers\\u2019 cabin and a reconstructed campsite. The site hosts occasional historic reenactments, so don\\u2019t be surprised if you look around and feel like you\\u2019ve stepped back in time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a bird\\u2019s eye view of this terrain and the spot where the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, stop at the nearby\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.riversandroutes.com\\\/directory\\\/lewis-clark-confluence-tower\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELewis \\u0026amp; Clark Confluence Tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The tower provides sweeping views of the two longest rivers in North America from up to 150 feet above ground.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe tower has three observation decks, each accessible by stairs and elevator. Exhibits about Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark and the importance of this region on their journey are incorporated into each level, and on a clear day, visitors can even see as far as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis from the top observation deck.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-3-explore-the-ancient-civilization-of-cahokia-in-collinsville\\u0022\\u003E3) Explore the ancient civilization of Cahokia in Collinsville\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make your way toward the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/cahokiamounds.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCahokia Mounds State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0in Collinsville to head even further back into the history of this area. This site contains the remnants of an ancient settlement known today as Cahokia; this 2,200 parcel of land housed what is believed to have been one of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLess than half of the site\\u2014about 800 acres\\u2014is currently open to visitors. An interpretive center includes a model of the site and recreates a portion of the village, and several trails criss-cross the park, leading to key points like Monks Mound.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMonks Mound is an estimated 100 feet high, 955 feet long, and 755 feet wide. Made of soil and clay, the platform mound is the largest known pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCamping is available at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, though hotels also are available nearby.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d5d3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-4-get-your-kicks-on-route-66\\u0022\\u003E4) Get your kicks on Route 66\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next part of this road trip is where the landscape transitions to 20th century Americana. This stretch is one of the picture-perfect scenes seemingly out of historic postcards and full of quirky sites you won\\u2019t find anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Cahokia Mounds, head north towards Route 66 and stop in at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.henrysroute66.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHenry\\u2019s Rabbit Ranch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;outside of Staunton. This odd roadside attraction is part actual rabbit ranch and part homage to icons of a bygone era, like VW rabbits and old gas pumps.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis site is a replica gas station that was created for visitors. For a real historic Route 66 gas station, keep driving north to the city of Mount Olive.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Mount Olive, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/nr\\\/travel\\\/route66\\\/soulsby_service_station_mt_olive.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESoulsby Service Station\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which fueled up cars from 1926 through the Great Depression and until 1991. It closed in 1993 and has since been restored to look exactly like it did in its heyday just after World War II.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you can\\u2019t get gas at the Soulsby Service Station anymore, you\\u2019ll definitely want to stop for a photo.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-5-pay-your-respects-to-mother-jones-and-check-out-the-original-route-66-sign\\u0022\\u003E5) Pay your respects to Mother Jones and check out the original Route 66 sign\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:165,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make the five-minute drive to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.motherjonesmuseum.org\\\/motherjonesmonument\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMother Jones Monument and Burial Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, an homage to the labor rights legend.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSeveral years before her death in 1930, labor rights activist Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones, decided she would be buried in Mt. Olive at the Union Miners Cemetery, the only U.S. cemetery owned by a union. And she was.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNowadays, the site serves not just as a shrine to Jones but to the broader movement for greater labor rights. The monument itself is 22-feet high and made from 80 tons of Minnesota pink granite, and is flanked by two bronze statues of miners.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make a quick stop in Litchfield to check out the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.litchfieldmuseum.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLitchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum is home to the original Route 66 road sign, a well-preserved antique automobile, and several historic maps and drawings. There\\u2019s also a 1904 time capsule from the American Radiator Company.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce you\\u2019ve gotten your history fix (maybe a snack!), prepare to be wowed by nature.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d609\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-6-take-a-break-for-boating-hiking-biking-or-horseback-riding\\u0022\\u003E6) Take a break for boating, hiking, biking, or horseback riding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStop at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/shoal-creek-conservation-area\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EShoal Creek Conservation Area\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to explore 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees. This natural preserve is home to an estimated 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and more than 70 types of birds. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Best of all, admission and parking are free.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the edge of Shoal Creek, you\\u2019ll find\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELake Lou Yaeger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir that\\u2019s popular among boaters and fishers in search of crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. During the summer, a sandy beach is open for sunbathing, and trails for biking and horseback riding are nearby.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-7-check-out-the-giant-fire-breathing-dragon-in-vandalia\\u0022\\u003E7) Check out the giant fire-breathing dragon in Vandalia\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter getting your nature fix, head east toward Vandalia and prepare to indulge your inner photographer. The final stretch of this road trip is larger than life\\u2014literally. From mailboxes to teeter totters, and even a dragon, it is teeming with giants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Vandalia, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.kaskaskiadragon.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaskaskia Dragon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a giant dragon which spews actual fire for about 10 seconds at a time for a dollar a pop. The dragon was created for a Halloween parade, but in the past few years it\\u2019s become a truly one-of-a-kind roadside destination.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe towering silver dragon has a 16-foot neck, built-in hydraulic system, and the capacity to spew actual fire. Visitors insert specially designed dragon coins to set off flames from a 20-pound propane tank inside the dragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-8-explore-a-gorgeous-historic-mansion-in-altamont\\u0022\\u003E8) Explore a gorgeous historic mansion in Altamont\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, keep heading east toward the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wrightmansion.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Wright House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;in Altamont, IL. The gorgeous brick house was built in 1889 for the family of one of the area\\u2019s only doctors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 6,000-square-foot home has seven bedrooms and one bathroom and, at the time, cost about $35,000 to build (though this would be equal to over $1 million today!). It was the first grand house in the area to have gas lights, indoor plumbing, and a central steam-heating system.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe house had been occupied by the Wright family for three generations, but nowadays, it\\u2019s operated by a non-profit trust and hosts public tours. Much of the original furniture remains in place, and the interior looks largely like it did in 1889.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-9-walk-through-the-longest-covered-bridge-in-the-state-in-greenup\\u0022\\u003E9) Walk through the longest covered bridge in the state in Greenup\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:164,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter wandering that historic home, hop in the car and head east on I-70 to check out the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. The 200-foot-long bridge is the longest covered bridge in Illinois and crosses the Embarras River in tiny Greenup.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis bridge is a reconstructed version of the original, built on the site in 1832. That bridge was washed out in 1865, and its replacement was yet again wiped out in 1912.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe current bridge was built in 2000, and it looks like it may be built to last. You\\u2019ll want to get out of the car and take a stroll through to check out the gorgeous trusses that support the structure.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d636\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-10-delve-into-presidential-history-at-the-lincoln-log-cabin\\u0022\\u003E10) Delve into presidential history at the Lincoln Log Cabin\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:168,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022After a walk through the bridge, prepare to dive into presidential history with a visit to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lincolnlogcabin.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. The centerpiece of the 86-acre park is a replica of a log cabin that was once home to Thomas Lincoln, the father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the time the senior Lincoln moved in, Abraham Lincoln had already moved out of the house. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin had two main rooms, as well as a loft space accessible by ladder. At times, up to 18 family members lived at the cabin.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLike the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, this log cabin isn\\u2019t an original. The original cabin was exhibited at the World\\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and then lost, with some people believing its pieces became firewood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe site is built around a replica cabin and two other historic homes, one of which hosted Abraham Lincoln\\u2019s last meeting with his stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln. The property also is home to sprawling cornfields, comfortable gardens, small orchards, livestock, and even outbuildings like those that would be found on an Illinois farm in the 1840s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d65e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-11-go-big-in-tiny-casey\\u0022\\u003E11) Go big in tiny Casey\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:163,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022From here, head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCasey, IL\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a small town that marks the midway point between St. Louis, MO, and Indianapolis, IN. Though small itself, this tiny, one-stoplight town is filled with towering versions of all sorts of things.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey is home to 12 objects certified to be the world\\u2019s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records. There\\u2019s a giant mailbox, a giant rocking chair, a giant golf driver, and even an outsized pitchfork.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPrefer to create an optical illusion by posing with a giant car key? You can do that in Casey, too. Or show off your new haircut in front of the world\\u2019s largest barber pole. Traveling with a friend? Jump on the jumbo teeter totter and feel like kids again!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd while they may not officially be the world\\u2019s largest, Casey is also home to more than a dozen other big things, including a pair of giant antlers, a huge softball bat, and an oversized birdcage. In case that isn\\u2019t enough, there\\u2019s also a huge mouse trap, a supersized rocking horse, and even a giant pizza slicer.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIf you\\u2019re among the people who have taken up knitting during the pandemic, you\\u2019ll want to head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theyarnstudiostore.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Yarn Studio\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0to check out the pair of knitting needles that used to be the world\\u2019s largest. These needles are 13.75 feet long and 3.25 inches in diameter, and each weighs about 25 pounds. The store is also home to a giant crochet hook that was another previous world record holder.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey\\u2019s quest to become the home of big things started with a local business owner who began creating the giant objects, but its big ambitions go beyond town limits.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d691\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-keep-going\\u0022\\u003EKeep going\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHead east to Marshall and you\\u2019ll find the World\\u2019s Largest Gavel, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat gavel is more than 16 feet long and five feet tall and sits outside the Clark County Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln could have been found practicing the law around 1850.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln began his political career in Illinois and lived in the state when he became the 16th president of the United States in 1861.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo dive deeper into Lincoln\\u2019s Illinois roots and see a few more giant things, keep your Illinois road trip going. Head to Springfield to see the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/presidentlincoln.illinois.gov\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Presidential Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/liho\\\/index.htm\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Home National Historic Site\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and even the tomb that is Lincoln\\u2019s final resting place. And if that isn\\u2019t enough, head to Lincoln, IL, where you\\u2019ll find the world\\u2019s largest covered wagon carrying a giant Abe Lincoln and an onramp back onto Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":164,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Illustration by Judith Mayer\",\"date\":\"2022-02-18 16:37:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 18, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":96,\"name\":\"Judith Mayer\",\"slug\":\"judith-mayer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":96,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Judith Mayer is an American lettering artist and illustrator working in Chicago\\u2014born and raised in the Midwest and the daughter of an immigrant. After working at several design firms, she decided to start her own practice in 1998\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":23,\"name\":\"Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"slug\":\"meena-thiruvengadam\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":23,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I\\u2019m an editorial Swiss army knife with a track record of helping publishers build high value audiences. My specialties include advising newsrooms on digital strategy and helping journalists upgrade their skills. I work at the intersection of editorial, audience, product, and revenue. I understand SEO, am fluent across several social platforms, and have the editorial perspective that comes from years of experience in top newsrooms.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Judith Mayer and Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                See the Sights of Southern Illinois\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":80,\"title\":\"Building Connection at the National Museum of Mexican Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the ways that we connect, gather together, and create community. Explore how members of the Arts Midwest community like the National Museum of Mexican Art, a recent United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund grantee, are reshaping their work to fit the moment in a three-part series spotlighting creativity and resilience.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-community-fixture\\u0022\\u003EA Community Fixture\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:81,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero, the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNational Museum of Mexican Art\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is situated on Chicago\\u2019s southwest side, in the Pilsen neighborhood, where public displays of art can be found on almost every open space.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum, easily accessible by public transportation, is surrounded by Harrison Park and the cheerful banter of children and families, along with the friendly bell chimes of strolling Mexican snack carts, paleteros, and eloteros. It is also surrounded by the drastic and unsettling changes brought on by gentrification and overdevelopment. The Pilsen community is predominantly Latinx, Mexican, and Mexican-American and its demographics are changing, in large part due to forced displacement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarlos Tortolero\\u2019s mission when founding the National Museum of Mexican Art, or NMMA, was to create a space focused on accessibility, education, and social justice, where everyone can share in the beauty and richness of Mexican culture. For years, the museum has remained steadfast as an innovative arts institution that serves as a resource for educators and the community at large.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNever has this mission proven more critical than in the wake of the challenges of this year.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78b75\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-guiding-tradition-through-dark-times\\u0022\\u003EGuiding Tradition Through Dark Times\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:84,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading {\\\\u0022level\\\\u0022:3} \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe repercussions of the\\u00a0COVID-19 pandemic have been felt around the world, affecting small businesses, the service industry, performing arts spaces, and museums, which were some of the first businesses to close and likely will be some of the last to reopen.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAs closures began across the Midwest this spring, \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eCesareo Moreno\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e, NMMA\\u2019s Visual Arts Director and Chief Curator, and his team began thinking ahead about how to safely host the 34th year of one of their most popular events, the annual Day of the Dead Exhibit. An important tradition for many families in the community, Moreno began thinking of ways to redirect the flow of the galleries so that visitors could file through.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe love when people meander through the exhibition and go from one piece to another and something catches their eye and they backtrack,\\u201d said Moreno. \\u201cBut as it turns out, during a pandemic that\\u2019s exactly what you don\\u2019t want people to do.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn August, the NMMA Board of Directors voted to keep the museum closed to visitors through the end of 2020, demanding a brand new approach from museum staff. Moreno\\u2019s team quickly pivoted online, setting up free virtual docent tours in Spanish and English that lead people through galleries from the comfort of their homes.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCreating a safe gallery experience wasn\\u2019t the only new hurdle presented to the Museum. Normally, the Day of the Dead Exhibit\\u2019s curator, Dolores Mercado, would travel to Mexico to seek pieces and artists to showcase in Chicago. This year that was impossible.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMercado adjusted her approach by relying exclusively on local talent, drawing from NMMA\\u2019s permanent collection, and creating an exhibition in response to the pandemic. This year\\u2019s exhibition pays tribute to the people across the Chicago community, Mexico, the U.S., and the entire world who have died from COVID-19, a dark reminder about why the galleries remain closed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFor now, the Museum\\u2019s virtual docent tours and pivots are working. However, the team acknowledges the many challenges on the horizon. How can they continue to include international artists while travel is unsafe? And what will it look like to re-open their galleries to visitors? Although these are questions for the future, they must start planning for them now.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78bff\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-overcoming-isolation-through-art\\u0022\\u003EOvercoming Isolation Through Art\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:82,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading {\\\\u0022level\\\\u0022:3} \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAntonio Pazaran,\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eDirector of Education for the museum, says one of the first things he and his team thought about when the museum went dark was\\u00a0Viva La Vida,\\u00a0a creative aging program for people 55 and older. Pazaran knew social isolation during the pandemic could be a challenge for elders, and staying connected to older community members was incredibly important.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThroughout the summer, Pazaran\\u2019s team helped run online workshops for elders using resources that they might already have at home. The team put together kits with all the materials needed for the art projects, which participants could pick up or opt to have delivered right to their door.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ve been trying to make it as lighthearted as possible but also make sure that we\\u2019re putting some critical thinking behind it,\\u201d says Pazaran. \\u201cIt\\u2019s just not noodle art, we\\u2019re creating actual workshops.\\u201d Through Viva La Vida, older adults connected while making prints, paintings, and more inspired by works by Mexican artists in the\\u00a0NMMA\\u00a0collection.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Museum will continue to host\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\\\/events\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonline workshops\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0through the frigid Chicago winter, offering key moments for connection when community members may need it the most.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78c47\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-incubating-young-people-s-creativity-online\\u0022\\u003EIncubating Young People\\u2019s Creativity Online\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:87,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022As another part of the museum\\u2019s arts education team, Vanessa Sanchez has had to figure out how to make remote learning feasible without losing personal connections with youth in the process. Sanchez is the Director of Yollocalli Arts Reach, a program of the museum that offers free classes in journalism and radio production, video and audio editing, photography, textile work, and muralism for teens and young adults across Chicago.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTo adjust to the pandemic, Yollocalli staff provided students with the materials and equipment they needed to continue creating their projects at home. They also let students know they are always there for them by connecting through social media and offering new office hours.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019re used to being in a space with [the students] and giving them that freedom to work creatively, or speak creatively, and openly,\\u201d explains Sanchez. \\u201cWe wanted to ensure that while we moved to an online space that they feel just as comfortable in that environment as they would have in person, especially if they\\u2019re stuck at home and we don\\u2019t fully know what their home conditions are.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDespite the newness of remote learning, Yollocalli students have continued their weekly broadcasting on local radio station WLPN. They also created a piece for the NMMA\\u2019s Day of the Dead Exhibition and collaborated with artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/sentrock\\\/?hl=en\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSentrock\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e on new murals in the South and North Lawndale communities.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMany of Yollocalli\\u2019s students have had to deal with gang violence, systemic and environmental racism, poverty, and school defunding. Sanchez says, \\u201cI\\u2019m proud that the young people see us as a space where they can openly say how they feel about what\\u2019s happening and express themselves. It\\u2019s really all the work of young people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile questions remain about what the future holds, the Yollocalli team remains optimistic. \\u201cAt the core is these relationships and this community that we\\u2019re building,\\u201d says Sanchez. \\u201cI do think that no matter what, if we continue to have programming, that the young people will continue to see us as a positive force in their growth and development in their lives.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78ca5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78cc0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-looking-toward-the-future\\u0022\\u003ELooking Toward the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite many creative pivots, it\\u2019s clear that the repercussions of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic have still led to tough decisions for the Museum. Two full-time staff members were laid off along with several part-time employees.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMaking difficult choices hasn\\u2019t been easy, but\\u0026nbsp;NMMA\\u0026nbsp;staff share the notion of relying on each other and jumping in to do what needs to get done. \\u201cThe hardest thing is just continuing to have the faith that we will pass this,\\u201d says founder Carlos Tortolero.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s a situation that small to midsize cultural institutions across the nation are facing. What will it mean for\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 to \\u201cpass,\\u201d and what will remain of the arts and culture sector when it does?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFortunately, the Museum\\u2019s intention to continue its work is not only backed by faith but also by funds. The National Museum of Mexican Art is a recent recipient of a grant from Arts Midwest\\u2019s United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, a national recovery initiative helping under-resourced arts and culture organizations weather the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 crisis. They also received a grant from the Ford Foundation as part of a broader effort to help culturally diverse institutions survive the pandemic.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven with these funds, the future will likely have its challenges. It\\u2019s clear, though, that the National Museum of Mexican Art will continue to center community in all its efforts. By rethinking how people can connect to art, they\\u2019re helping elders avoid isolation, making space for students to share their perspectives, and engaging families in a cherished tradition. They are actively investing in the future of their neighborhood through creativity. What better time for this work than now?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:86,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78cd2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ENational Museum of Mexican Art is a United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund recipient. Check \\u003Cem\\u003Eout our\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/history\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;for more information about this program.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/em\\u003EThanks to the Mellon Foundation and an anonymous donor for their support of National Museum of Mexican Art and other Midwestern arts organizations.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected despite the distance between us.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-connection-at-the-national-museum-of-mexican-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":83,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022564\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1536x1128.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-2048x1505.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art. Image courtesy of the National Museum of Mexican Art\",\"date\":\"2020-10-28 12:45:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 28, 2020\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":91,\"name\":\"Basak Notz\",\"slug\":\"basak-notz\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":91,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I illustrate the world around me. It helps me to slow down and find the beauty in the moment, the mundane, the quiet. I am a self taught artist who decided to pursue her biggest passion, illustrating, after years of flirting with it. I took the plunge. Current clients include Penguin Random House, HarperOne Publishing, Meredith Group, Arts Midwest, OneWorld, and other company and individuals.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":10,\"name\":\"Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o\",\"slug\":\"sandra-trevino\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":10,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o covers Latin alternative music, art and culture as a music journalist and DJ based in Chicago. She also hosts and produces live radio broadcasts and is the founder of\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/enchufate.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEnchufate.com\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Latin alternative website and is a contributor to World Cafe Latin Roots.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Basak Notz and Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022752\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1536x1128.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-2048x1505.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-connection-at-the-national-museum-of-mexican-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building Connection at the National Museum of Mexican Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected despite the distance between us.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":318716,\"participants\":14913,\"grants\":51,\"communities\":44},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":181,\"title\":\"In Rushville, Indiana, Art is Welcoming New Futures\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s an early spring night in Rushville, IN, and inside a restaurant on Main Street, a unique group is meeting for the very first time. A group of Brazilian musicians from S\\u00e3o Paulo sit across the table from Rushville\\u2019s mayor and other residents. A local music teacher pulls out his saxophone, and suddenly an impromptu concert is taking place at the dinner table. The joyful sounds of samba echo throughout the space and out into the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis moment of cultural exchange is one small part of a larger movement taking place in this rural city of just over 6,000 residents. People are using art to change the future of their community, using creativity, vision, and passion to guide the way.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:183,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341db0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-trying-something-different\\u0022\\u003ETrying Something Different\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrian Sheehan, Director of Special Projects and Community Development for the City of Rushville, is straight to the point when he talks about his hometown. \\u201cThere\\u2019s a lot of rural communities that are okay with slowly dying. We are not.\\u201d Brian started his job back in 2016, tasked with bringing energy, funds, and people back into this small farming community. These efforts were rewarded with a Stellar Community designation from the state of Indiana, which brought in $14 million dollars of public and private investment into Rushville\\u2019s downtown.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith these funds, the city turned to art as a key component of their vision to improve both quality of life and quality of place. \\u201cArt for us was basically a visual announcement of the community. It tells people something different is going on,\\u201d says Brian. \\u201cSuddenly you can see what\\u2019s happening, even if you\\u2019re not paying attention to anything else.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe community started small \\u2013 painting statues of lions, the mascot of the local high school. Then the projects started to grow. Murals, signage, and statues started popping up in the downtown. They started to build a summer concert series that drew thousands. Brian\\u2019s motto was to say yes and see what would stick.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf we want Rushville to be here long term, we have to try different things,\\u201d says Brian. \\u201cRather than try to hide that and say that it\\u2019s perfect here, we\\u2019re understanding that we have to be more open, more welcoming, and show people that we care.\\u201d In the four years since Rushville was named a Stellar Community, they\\u2019ve brought in additional private investments of over $130 million to rehabilitate and revitalize the town.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn early 2019, Arts Midwest asked if Rushville would be interested in partnering on\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWorld Fest,\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;a program that brings international artists to rural communities for residencies and concerts. Brian immediately said yes. That fall, Rushville hosted Hikaru, a Japanese ensemble. But then, the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic put the world\\u2014and World Fest\\u2014on hold.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt wasn\\u2019t until the spring of 2022 that tours would start up again. Once they did, plans were made to bring Paulo Padilha e Bando, a Brazilian ensemble, to town.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341dfb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:182,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341e11\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-bringing-brazilian-culture-into-the-classroom\\u0022\\u003EBringing Brazilian Culture into the Classroom\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFifteen minutes down a country highway from Brian Sheehan\\u2019s office sits Mays Academy, a K-8 charter school with a deep focus on\\u0026nbsp;STEM. The school\\u2019s music program is run by co-teachers Kaylee Marlatt and Dave Helms. When they heard a Brazilian ensemble would be visiting Mays Academy and doing a concert, they immediately got to work to prepare their students for their very first international visitors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHere in central Indiana, we don\\u2019t always see a big variety of different cultures. I\\u2019ve always wanted to bring that into the classroom because I think that education is important,\\u201d says Kaylee. Dave agrees: \\u201cFor kids that are born 10 miles from where they\\u2019re going to school and haven\\u2019t left that county in 10 years, it\\u2019s great stuff.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the course of a month, Kaylee and Dave began to share Paulo\\u2019s music, rhythms, and syncopation styles with students. Dave learned some Portuguese to teach the kids so that the school could welcome the band and thank them. Kaylee created a bulletin board in the classroom about Paulo and his band, and about S\\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe music teachers\\u2019 preparation paid off when the band came to visit the school. Rush County Arts Council member Darilyn Bedel recalls the special moment: \\u201cWhen the music started playing, the kids started jumping around in their seats and by the time the concert was over, they were up and dancing. You should have seen their faces!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was an amazing experience!\\u201d says bandleader Paulo Padilha. \\u201cThe teachers, they did a wonderful job with the kids. It was very emotional for us to see the Brazilian flag on the wall and hear the words in Portuguese that they had practiced.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSo many of these kids in this area may never ever leave Rush County, never ever have the opportunity to see something like that,\\u201d Darilyn says. \\u201cTo bring it into this community and open their eyes up to something brand new, it just warms your heart.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhat\\u2019s really special is that the kids were able to go home and share with their families what they had seen and learned at school,\\u201d adds Kaylee Marlatt. In fact, many of her students asked their families to go see the band again at their concert in town the following night.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:187,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341e24\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-performing-at-the-princess\\u0022\\u003EPerforming at the Princess\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPaulo Padilha e Bando\\u2019s final concert took place in a symbolic venue for Rushville: The Princess Theatre. This iconic 100-year-old former Masonic Temple has been at the heart of the city\\u2019s major downtown beautification efforts. It was marked for demolition in 2018, but now has been converted into a multipurpose space that is home to Rushville\\u2019s new city hall, an Ivy Tech Community College Satellite location, a tech lab, meeting space, and a flexible movie theater.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 150 people showed up for the show, which was the very first public concert to take place in the venue since the renovation. In the audience were neighbors, students from the surrounding schools, and music teacher Dave Helms, ready with his saxophone. Paulo invited Dave up on to the stage, where he performed several songs with the ensemble, a first for the band on their tour.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe all speak the language of music,\\u201d says Dave. \\u201cYou watch each other\\u2019s eyes and hands, and their smiles and expressions.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was unique,\\u201d says Paulo. \\u201cWe were looking forward to this tour since 2020. We are celebrating. It\\u2019s nice to remember the feeling of going back to the road and going to these small cities.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvents like Paulo\\u2019s concert mark small but historic steps forward for Rushville, which is celebrating its 200-year anniversary as a community in 2022. It\\u2019s a shift that\\u2019s been a long time coming, says Darilyn Bedel. \\u201cI\\u2019ve traveled a lot and seen so many beautiful things in those places. I\\u2019ve always said, \\u2018We can do this in Rushville. Why can\\u2019t Rushville do this?\\u2019 It\\u2019s just having that vision and finding the right people to help make that vision come true.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERushville has much more planned on the horizon. Darilyn is working to host more events, plays, concerts and comedy at the Princess Theatre; Dave and Kaylee are continuing to use Paulo\\u2019s music as a launching pad to teach music and culture to their students; and Brian is seeing his work to bring people into Rushville pay off. His daughter, freshly graduated with an arts degree, is moving back to town to teach art in one of the local public schools. It\\u2019s a full-circle moment, where art, creativity, and community are all coming together to lay the path forward for the future.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EA program of Arts Midwest, the 2019\\u20132022 Arts Midwest \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWorld Fest\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E cycle is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, 3Mgives, and Music Port. World Fest is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Arts Midwest is also generously supported by Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rushville-indiana-art-is-welcoming-new-futures\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":185,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students. \",\"date\":\"2022-06-06 16:35:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 6, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":27,\"label\":\"World Fest\",\"slug\":\"world-fest\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories about the communities across the Midwest that brought World Fest artists to their towns.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/world-fest\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rushville-indiana-art-is-welcoming-new-futures\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Rushville, Indiana, Art is Welcoming New Futures\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    World Fest\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":241576,\"participants\":12342,\"grants\":53,\"communities\":44},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2613,\"title\":\"A Hub for Creativity and Community in Iowa City\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2002, a group of theater students at the University of Iowa needed a space off campus to perform their original plays. They approached Jim Bell, owner of the Deadwood bar at the time, about using the downtown tavern\\u2019s vacant second floor. In exchange for cleaning the space, Bell let them use it for one night. One night turned into many, and the group\\u2019s offerings expanded to music shows and pop-up art exhibits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter that unassuming start, the ad hoc theater collective morphed into \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Space One\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (aka PS1), Iowa City\\u2019s artist-led, community-driven, contemporary art center. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, PS1 has grown into a multi-disciplinary organization that houses a broad coalition of artist and activist groups, and provides space and support to experimental artists in various disciplines. The arts center has grown organically over the past two decades, advocating for artists and their community every step of the way.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2626,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b319\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2628,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLocal grassroots community-building nonprofit \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jamesgangic.com\\\/home\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe James Gang\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e was founded around the same time and included some of the same people. Together, they negotiated the use of a space in the basement of the Jefferson Building. During the summer months, they turned the venue over to a handful of artists who could work in the space then install an exhibition afterward. Soon the group started inviting artists from other areas to show their work in salon-style exhibits.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEventually the University of Iowa, which managed the Jefferson Building, didn\\u2019t want the space to be open at night, so PS1 moved to the Wesley Student Center just north of downtown.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe move to the Wesley meant the organization had to pay rent for the first time since its inception. PS1 Program Director Kalmia Strong says that investing in a space was something they were ready to try out. Their first fundraising mission began with the IC Press Co-op, which was called Zenzic Press in its original configuration. A printmaking studio requires infrastructure, Strong says. \\u201cIt does not lend itself to a space you might get kicked out of at any moment.\\u201d A $10,000 Kickstarter campaign was mounted in 2012. The fund drive helped spread the word, and a press was donated. That meant Zenzic and PS1 could use the Kickstarter money for rent, equipment\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and supplies.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe success of the Press Co-op drive led PS1 to seek more funding for projects and operating support, from sources such as the Community Foundation of Johnson County and The Iowa Arts Council.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNone of us knew how to write a grant, but we got advice from other folks and it was just sort of learning as we went,\\u201d Strong says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though larger grants from established arts organizations are integral to PS1\\u2019s ongoing existence, smaller contributions from individual people is core to PS1\\u2019s values and helps it remain sustainable.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople who donate five dollars a month are my favorite, because that\\u0027s what they can do, and it\\u2019s awesome. It shows that they value what we\\u0027re doing and feel part of it,\\u201d says Strong. She adds that people also donate time, labor, energy, and ideas.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe\\u2019re very aware of how growth can make an organization less nimble. We try to be self-critical and make sure to take care of people and make sure they\\u2019re safe ...\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KALMIA STRONG, PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF PS1\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3da\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3ee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2019, PS1 finally got a home of its own. Strong calls PS1\\u2019s acquisition of two Northside properties \\u201crandom and fortuitous.\\u201d The City of Iowa City purchased two historic houses on North Gilbert Street because they didn\\u0027t want them to be torn down and\\\/or turned into apartments. They put out a call for organizations to submit proposals to purchase the houses, then provided the money for the down payments. \\u201cThat was crucial to being able to buy those spaces,\\u201d Strong says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen asked what advice she would give nascent community arts organizations in smaller communities, Strong says, \\u201cSpace is really crucial to what we do. My advice is to find a space. In the end it doesn\\u0027t really matter what kind of space it is. And it doesn\\u2019t even have to be a space you own, it could be a group room at the public library.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPS1 has always taken what Strong calls a \\u201cbottom up\\u201d approach, which means listening to community stakeholders. \\u201cGetting people together and seeing what the community wants is the key thing. And having a space where people can gather helps make that happen,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2021 PS1 purchased the historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Close_House_(Iowa_City,_Iowa)\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EClose Mansion\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which is now home to the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/mac\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMedia Arts Co-op\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (MAC), the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/afrofuturist.center\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECenter for Afrofuturist Studies\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (CAS), a residency and visiting artist program for artists of color, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lgbtqiowa.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (LIAL). The Close also houses exhibitions and artists\\u2019 residencies.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMadde Hoberg, director of LIAL, says, \\u201cIt felt like a very natural fit to work with PS1 and house our library in the Close House once they acquired that space. PS1 does a lot of similar work around making art accessible: skill-building workshops, offering community space, etc.\\u201d Remaining autonomous is important to LIAL. \\u201cBeing an independent entity allows us to avoid some of the regulations and limitations that many public and academic institutions are facing currently (I\\u0027m thinking here of the public libraries who have been attacked for housing LGBTQ books, hosting drag storytimes, etc.),\\u201d says Hoberg. LIAL\\u2019s association with PS1 \\u201cgives us the autonomy needed to provide a fully supportive environment for the queer and trans community.\\u201c\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2635,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2636,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2637,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2638,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:2641,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:2643,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:2642,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:2641,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:2644,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b407\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPS1 has experienced some growing pains along the way, but they have endeavored to manage them by staying aligned with their mission. \\u201cHaving three buildings brings with it worries that you don\\u0027t have when you\\u0027re in a free basement space,\\u201d Strong says. \\u201cWe\\u2019re very aware of how growth can make an organization less nimble. We try to be self-critical and make sure to take care of people and make sure they\\u2019re safe, but be able to plug in and do their stuff.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis nimbleness allows PS1 to be more responsive to new ideas and experimental proposals. As opposed to a university, with its many levels of bureaucracy, PS1 can try out new projects in a short turnaround. For example, the summer before he enrolled in the Iowa Writers Workshop, Ana\\u00efs Duplan contacted PS1 with his idea for The Center for Afrofuturist Studies. PS1 was able to work with him to get it off the ground before he arrived in Iowa City.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though Duplan has moved away, CAS still operates out of the Close house. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAS, like other organizations, was forced to expand their notion of \\u201cspace.\\u201d Andr\\u00e9 M. Zachery, artistic director of Brooklyn, New York-based \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.renegadepg.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERenegade Performance Group\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, presented a virtual performance with fellow choreographer Deborah Goffe in February 2021. While Goffe did a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.renegadepg.com\\\/drexciyaredux-115482.html\\u0022\\u003Elive YouTube performance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for select invited guests, Zachery created a companion virtual reality experience using a platform called Isadora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe pair traveled to Iowa City in summer 2022, which allowed a local audience to get to know them and see how they were using their time in the residency. Zachery and Goffe gave artists\\u0027 talks, sharing work with guests from around Iowa City, but his favorite part was the discussions he and Goffe engaged in from the Close house porch. The duo\\u0027s talks were broadcast on Instagram Live. \\u201cIt became a really interesting way of dialoging with people,\\u201d Zachery says. \\u0022We were able to reach an audience we would not otherwise reach.\\u0022\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though PS1 is not affiliated with the University, it does not stand in opposition to it. \\u201cEven though we\\u0027re not part of the University at all, having a university in our community has supported us in so many ways,\\u201d says Strong, noting that the university is what brings many artists and like-mined people to Iowa City in the first place.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2647,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b41a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMaking the transition from student to working artist is one that\\u2019s difficult to navigate, especially in a smaller city with few resources outside the academy. PS1 serves these graduates who are not only losing access to equipment and space, but to community as well. On the other end of the spectrum, people who are recently retired and now have room in their life for creative pursuits are also in need of similar things. \\u201cWe want to support all artists at whatever stage their creative life is,\\u201d says Strong, \\u201cwhich a good fit with PS1\\u2019s values.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAs a small organization, it feels like we don\\u2019t have very much power compared to something like the University. But we have a different kind of power, which is the ability for someone to approach us and the next day, they can be in the space doing something.\\u201d PS1 is committed to helping people find resources that they need, then just letting it happen. \\u201cNow that I understand that as something powerful it has changed my perspective.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStrong seems content with the organic growth of PS1 over the years. Staying actively engaged with the community as new opportunities come their way is a core value. \\u201cIf other organizations are doing something similar, we want to collaborate with them and support them,\\u201d Strong says, while still providing a testing ground for new ideas. \\u201cNot stepping on the toes of other organizations in the cultural ecosystem here is super important,\\u201d she says, \\u201cbecause we don\\u2019t need to do all the things.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u0027\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-hub-for-creativity-and-community-in-iowa-city\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":1532,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in yellow outfits performing outside in front of children and adults. They leap joyously through the air with smiles on their faces.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Bread and Puppet Theater performs at Public Space One in Iowa as part of a GIG Fund event.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-08 16:55:29\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 8, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":103,\"name\":\"Cheryl Graham\",\"slug\":\"cheryl-graham\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":103,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cheryl Graham\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in yellow outfits performing outside in front of children and adults. 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They leap joyously through the air with smiles on their faces.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-hub-for-creativity-and-community-in-iowa-city\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Hub for Creativity and Community in Iowa City\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":199,\"title\":\"80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea201c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/80-35.com\\u0022\\u003E80\\\/35\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, aptly named for Des Moines\\u2019 location at the confluence of Interstates 80 and 35, is redefining the idea of what it means to be a music festival in the Midwest. Equal parts huge concert and neighborhood block party, 80\\\/35 takes the idea of a community-centric model and runs with it. The festival features dozens of artists across one paid and four free stages over two days, and directly reinvests proceeds into the ecosystem of Des Moines\\u2019s music scene through the efforts of its presenting organization, the\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Music Coalition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:205,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough 80\\\/35 features nationally (and, for the first time this year, internationally) touring artists, the festival is first and foremost by and for the Des Moines and greater Iowa community\\u2014and you can tell. There are many things that set 80\\\/35 apart from your average music festival, but the most immediately noticeable is the festival grounds themselves: the sprawl of stages spans multiple city blocks in the center of downtown Des Moines.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy stationing the festivities in the heart of the city, 80\\\/35 embraces the idea of being a community-focused festival first. For every out-of-towner there for the festival (myself included), you\\u2019d see just as many local families taking an evening walk through the grounds after dinner or to get home. It\\u2019s experiences like this that I think we all took for granted, but are coming to appreciate more after living through several years where simply being able to gather with your community was a herculean task.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cEveryone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Victoria Park, festival artist\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20330\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as 80\\\/35 powers Des Moines music, the people of Des Moines power the festival. Aside from a handful of staff positions, the festival is nearly 100% run by volunteers. These hundreds of locals are the unsung heroes of the festival\\u2019s mission, doing everything from concert setup to merch sales, and they\\u2019re the reason the festival has been able to thrive for the past 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAttendees were also able to get a sampling of local organizations and nonprofits at 80\\\/35\\u2019s Community Village, one of its numerous free areas open to the general public. Over a dozen booths represented a variety of causes, and the passion was overwhelmingly clear.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EActivities ranged from botanical body art by the plant sellers at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artterrarium.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Terrarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to an original board game modeled on the neighboring sculpture park from local game shop\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;(though my personal favorite was getting to play with a model wind turbine, thanks to the folks at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.iaenvironment.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIowa Environmental Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E). Of course, not every organization stayed put at a booth, either\\u2014the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesbreakerz.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Breakerz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local breakdancing school, also performed in the Community Village several times throughout the weekend. This opportunity for these organizations to come together with attendees is another great example of how 80\\\/35 prioritized making space for the people and culture of Des Moines at the festival.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:202,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20374\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond meeting the organizations represented in the Community Village, attendees could also visit a booth where they could learn about the work that the Des Moines Music Coalition does beyond organizing 80\\\/35.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have 30,000 people come down to this festival,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u0026nbsp;Executive Director Mickey Davis remarks. \\u201cI would imagine that a small percentage of them, one, know that the festival is a nonprofit and two, know that the Des Moines Music Coalition is the nonprofit behind that festival.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough 80\\\/35 is the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s flagship event, it\\u2019s far from the only thing the organization does; throughout the year, they program\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/gross-domestic-product\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGDP\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local music festival with an all-Iowa lineup;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/music-university\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic University\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a conference for music industry professionals; and several youth music education programs, all of which are centered around providing arts access and platforming to local talent.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mickey Davis, DMMC Executive Director\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea2038d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFestival artist Victoria Park, who makes music under the spoonerism\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pictoriavark.bandcamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPictoria Vark\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, remarks, \\u201cI\\u2019m a big believer in the \\u2018local event.\\u2019 Everyone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of what makes arts in the Midwest so unique is the common philosophy of meeting ourselves where we are; this idea that there is creativity happening in our own communities that we don\\u2019t need to import from anywhere else. 80\\\/35 really takes this value to heart in their mission and programming\\u2014this year, more than half of the festival\\u2019s lineup consisted of Iowan artists, with even more coming from the greater Midwest region as a whole. \\u201cA lot of outsiders who haven\\u2019t been out here tend to brush off \\u2018Iowa music\\u2019 as just white people playing country music,\\u201d says Park. \\u201cBut that\\u2019s simply not the case, and there\\u2019s so much talent here to dispel that.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis immense celebration of local talent was a particular goal of Davis\\u2019s in his first year as festival director. \\u201cIf you can help connect the great musicians in your community with an audience that loves live music and may not know that it\\u2019s available in their backyard, to me, that\\u2019s a great role that you can play to really bring people together around the celebration of a music scene,\\u201d he says. Initiatives like 80\\\/35\\u2019s Bravo and Emerging Artists Stages, which feature all-Iowa lineups and local acts under the age of 21, respectively, really drive home this goal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea203c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E80\\\/35\\u2019s spotlight on local artists doesn\\u2019t just stop at the festival lineup itself\\u2014the festival press team also offers an Emerging Photographers Fellowship for aspiring music photographers, again under the age of 21. This is an extension of the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s year-round commitment to offering professional development opportunities for emerging industry professionals in Des Moines\\u2019s music scene, and something Davis is very passionate about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c\\u200b\\u200bThere\\u2019s some serious gatekeeping going on [in the music industry] in terms of who gets certain opportunities,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so much easier to shoot your second music festival than it is your first, because every festival is looking for, \\u2018What experience do you have? What\\u2019s your portfolio?\\u2019 If we can be the proving grounds and help people get the experience that they need to go on and do it elsewhere, I\\u2019m all for that\\u2014and I think that idea is really central to 80\\\/35.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s easy to see the kind of impact an event and a culture like this has on a place like Des Moines. 80\\\/35 not only brings in valuable tourism dollars for the city, but it provides a totally unique experience for locals to come together and celebrate the art that\\u2019s right next door. \\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community,\\u201d says Davis. \\u201cI just think that will continue to be our calling card; that we are more affordable, more accessible, and embedded into the middle of a downtown.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUltimately, you\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cem\\u003Ecould\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;find bigger music festivals to go to, even in the Midwest\\u2014but there\\u2019s something special about 80\\\/35. The unparalleled sense of community shines through in the festival\\u2019s ability to bring in the draw of big-name artists while still staying true to its Des Moines roots and celebrating the thing that makes its local arts and music so great\\u2014the people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":203,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band at 80\\\/35 Music Festival 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-28 13:53:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 28, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":187026,\"participants\":7008,\"grants\":42,\"communities\":37},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":141,\"title\":\"Big Read Brings Native American Voices and Culture to University Campus\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb4213\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn\\u00a0\\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nationalbook.org\\\/books\\\/the-round-house\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u00a0Geraldine Coutts, a Chippewa woman, is sexually assaulted in the vicinity of a sacred roundhouse. The roundhouse is on reservation land, where tribal courts are in charge, but the suspect is white, and tribal courts in the summer of 1988 can\\u2019t prosecute non-Native people. Federal law would also seem to apply, but the assault may have taken place on a strip of land that is part of a state park, where North Dakota\\u2019s authority is in force, or on another that was sold by the tribe and is considered \\u201cfree land,\\u201d administered under a separate set of statutes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETraumatized by the assault and reluctant to reveal what happened to the police, her husband, or her son, Geraldine finds refuge in solitude. Her then 13-year-old son, Joe, pursues his own quest for justice after deciding to become a public prosecutor himself. In tracking down his mother\\u2019s attacker, Joe searches for the answer to the question of what makes a person turn violent \\u2014 and what society should do with violent people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDirector of Library and Academic Services\\u0026nbsp;Marc Boucher\\u0026nbsp;said that bringing the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u0026nbsp;allowed them to discuss issues like violence against women, Native land jurisdiction, prejudice, cultural heritage, trauma, and coming of age through multiple lenses. \\u201cHaving different communities come together and learn from each other was enriching and very educational,\\u201d he said. \\u201cWe are dealing with these issues in our own backyards and bringing some of them into the foreground of discussion gives us all the opportunity to be active players in helping move forward rather than being ignorant and sweeping such issues under the rug.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:142,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb425f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELSSU\\u2019s Arts Center Director and Assistant Professor of Theatre\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cstrong\\u003EThomas Meacham,\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;Ph.D. chose this year\\u2019s novel with Boucher. Although it is set in 1988 on a reservation in North Dakota, they say it is still relevant and reflects the struggles that Native American victims of violence face when trying to find justice. There are Native American families in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., that have experienced the murder of their daughter\\\/sister\\\/mother\\\/friend due to domestic violence and human trafficking. Those families are still waiting for justice for their loved ones.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-connecting-with-community\\u0022\\u003EConnecting with Community\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents attending\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u0026nbsp;are living and learning within a unique community. The 115-acre campus sits on the site of the former U.S. Army\\u2019s Fort Brady, with fourteen of\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s buildings being listed on various historic registers. The campus overlooks both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the St. Mary\\u2019s River, and the Soo Locks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESault Ste. Marie, Michigan shares the international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Between both cities, the population is about 100,000. Members of Native American tribes and Canadian Aboriginal communities call the area home. Located in the Upper Peninsula are five tribes: Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Hannahville Indian Community; Bay Mills Indian Community; and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022The power of hearing about others\\u2019 experiences\\u2026\\\\r\\\\ncan help build bridges with people you might not have ever thought you might engage with.\\\\r\\\\n\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mark Boucher\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb4284\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of the Big Read Kick-Off event, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Bryan Newland, who at the time was the president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, was the keynote speaker. He is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe), and before being elected president he served as Chief Judge of the Bay Mills Tribal Court. From 2009 to 2012, he served as a Counselor and Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior \\u2013 Indian Affairs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter Newland\\u2019s address, a panel discussion was held featuring Newland, Chief Judge of the Sault Tribe Jocelyn Fabry, and Executive Director of the Diane Peppler Resource Center, Betsy Huggett.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoucher said the discussion held at the Bayliss Public Library was powerful because of the participation of community members who brought their real-life experiences to the table. The panel focused on tribal law enforcement divisions, who they can prosecute, and barriers to enforcement. At the panel, a woman in the audience spoke about recently discovering her Native heritage.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThis woman was told, or felt, that she should be embarrassed about her own cultural heritage,\\u201d said Boucher. \\u201cBut the discussions that were happening and her own self-discovery and hearing about the pride, connection, and community, and helping others around her in that discussion learn about it from her own personal experience was very powerful.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-dancing-into-understanding\\u0022\\u003EDancing into Understanding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter a semester of film screenings and panel discussions in 2020, programming was suspended because of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2021, programming resumed when\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/nativeamericandancecompany\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWoodland Sky Native American Dance Company\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;began its week-long residency at\\u0026nbsp;LSSU. Students, faculty, and members of the community engaged in lectures about regalia and the celebration of traditional ceremonial practices; participated in craft-making workshops and dance classes; and were exposed to Indigenous art and jingle dresses on display in\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s Art Gallery.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMeacham says that the workshops allowed students to learn the cultural background and meaning behind the crafts they made.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:143,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb429e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs a closing activity, Woodland Sky performed dance and spoken word about the necessity for the preservation and celebration of Indigenous identities. \\u201cIt was a wonderful way to see so much of what was discussed prior to the pandemic realized through the arts and artistic expression,\\u201d Meacham said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMeacham and his team worked to incorporate the Big Read\\u2019s themes of land sovereignty and jurisdictional issues with Woodland Sky Dance Company\\u2019s residency and final performance. Translating issues through the medium of dance creates \\u201ca very visceral emotive sense that you might not get [by] reading the book,\\u201d Meacham said. \\u201cThe arts are well-positioned to bring us into these themes in a whole new way. Even though it has been some time since students read the book, those same themes can come alive again through dance.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe main reason myself and Shane Mitchell co-founded the dance company was to continue sharing stories and teaching, and really show the beauty of our culture,\\u201d Woodland Sky co-founder\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cstrong\\u003EMichelle Reed\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;added. \\u201cWe try to bring it to the next level where people in the mainstream would want to see and watch it and learn about who we are, instead of just sticking with preconceived ideas that they grew up with about Native people.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:144,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb42ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDuring the residency, several students who are part of the Native American Center on campus told Meacham that they had not felt visible on campus. \\u201cThese residencies and [the] artists on campus provided students an extended experience that would not have been possible without this grant,\\u201d said Meacham.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoucher said that\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s strategic plan identified strengthening connections with Native American people, land, customs, and history. Through the Big Read, he says the visibility of Native American culture on campus has increased. Reading The Round House encouraged students, faculty, staff, and the community to engage in a common set of ideas and see them from multiple perspectives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe power of hearing about others\\u2019 experiences and seeing how they are either similar or very different from your own can help build bridges with people you might not have ever thought you might engage with,\\u201d said Boucher. \\u201cJoe\\u2019s life [as] a 13-year-old boy growing up in the Midwest allowed me to see how my own (non-Native) culture is in some ways so much like his.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;is a national program administered by Arts Midwest that helps communities realize the benefits of reading together. Each year, grants are given to about 75 community reading programs around the country who set up creative events and opportunities for their community to read and discuss one book together. Since 2006, more than 1,600\\u0026nbsp;NEA\\u0026nbsp;Big Read programs have taken place in every U.S. state.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where five Native nations are located. In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug deeper into the area\\u2019s Native American culture and history through a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant. Louise Erdrich\\u2019s award-winning novel \\u003Ci\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E inspired impactful discussions, book talks, writing workshops, and performances.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where five Native nations are located. In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-read-brings-native-american-voices-culture-to-university-campus\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":143,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Big Read Brings Native American Voices \\u0026amp; Culture to LSSU. 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-2048x1152.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Linda Batiste-Cohen and Michelle Reed performing in 2021.\",\"date\":\"2022-01-14 17:27:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 14, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":20,\"name\":\"Brenda Austin\",\"slug\":\"brenda-austin\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":20,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Brenda Austin is a writer and photographer at Sault Tribe in Michigan.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brenda Austin\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":6,\"label\":\"NEA Big Read\",\"slug\":\"nea-big-read\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022text-xl text-dark-sky\\u0022\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cspan data-contrast=\\u0022none\\u0022\\u003ERead stories and updates about communities participating in NEA Big Read 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In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug deeper into the area\\u2019s Native American culture and history through a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant. Louise Erdrich\\u2019s award-winning novel \\u003Ci\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E inspired impactful discussions, book talks, writing workshops, and performances.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":311428,\"participants\":32391,\"grants\":47,\"communities\":48},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3027,\"title\":\"New York Mills Cultural Center Casts Wider Artistic Net\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe magic happens in a charming and historic two-story brick building in the center of an equally charming Midwestern town. Years of use have taken a toll on the building, however.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E To maintain the desired reach of the New York Mills Cultural Center, it was evident that some updates needed to be made. The goal of accessibility has always been foundational to the center, as is sustaining the growth of arts and culture in this small town rich with heritage. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith this understanding in mind, the Cultural Center recently launched a new capital campaign.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3028,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a362041\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a distinct presence of creativity in New York Mills\\u2014shaped and sustained by the Cultural Center. They offer programs related to fiber art, sculpture, music, and dance as well as other community events. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELatham Hetland, chair of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, shares, \\u201cWhen we began recruiting new community members, one of the best ways to get them to buy into our community was by having them visit the center and go to concerts. They were so impressed that something this great could be in such a small town.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the center\\u2019s historic building itself is a landmark to both residents and visitors, the impact of the Center is felt throughout the town. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI was well into my 30\\u0027s when I realized that not all schools are provided with the experience of having visiting artists in their classrooms. It was just such a normal, everyday thing to have writers, musicians, and visual artists from all over the world in our classrooms,\\u201d said Sarah Carlson, a local to New York Mills and a board member of the center. \\u201cThere\\u0027s nothing greater than growing up in a town where you don\\u0027t blink twice at someone telling you their profession is being a poet.\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a36205c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3031,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The stories that make New York Mills a stand-out town are made possible in large part because of the Center. The new capital campaign is designed to maintain and broaden the impact the Center can make, so that more community members can experience the rich opportunities available to them.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut, like any large-scale project, improvements must start small.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe first steps in what will be the first stage of the capital campaign include preservation work on the building\\u2019s exterior, like installing more efficient windows and re-building the front steps.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom there, changes include better equipping the center to host events by adding an enhanced sound system as well as making the center more visible in, and outside of, the town. New highway signs and signage for sculptures around New York Mills will be a part of this second phase.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFinally, creating \\u201cinstagrammable\\u201d spaces and adding wayfinding signage around the town help make up the third phase.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe second and third phases also include significant updates to the center\\u2019s retreat house, a space for artists in residence to create in the town.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe New York Mills Cultural Center has been a consistent presence in community life for the last three decades. It is well-loved by many, and the team continuously embraces connection with people they serve.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe center doesn\\u2019t shy away from community ideas, either.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMy favorite part of working in New York Mills with the Cultural Center is approaching the staff with an idea, and the immediate response being, \\u2018How can we make this happen?\\u2019\\u201d said Pam Robinson, a former board member.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt is refreshing to see the action-oriented and productive approach the Center takes when tackling community needs and highlights the power of being embedded in a place.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Center proves, in the words of Latham Hetland, \\u201cwhen a small town gets together and focuses on a project, things can happen very quickly.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a3621b4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe three goals of the capital campaign are to survive, enliven, and endure. From providing a space for future generations to explore their creative side to widening the audience the Cultural Center currently reaches, the capital campaign will help with it all. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Center is calling on their community to help fund this campaign and encourage those who have been touched by their work and programs to donate to the campaign. The proposed changes and upgrades are large, but will, in the words of Latham Hetland, cement the Cultural Center \\u201cas the true foundation of our downtown community that it is.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Mills Regional Cultural Center was part of the Community Creativity Cohort 2, a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/history\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-york-mills-cultural-center-casts-wider-artistic-net\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3029,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The 13th Annual Artists Bazaar hosted by New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in November 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-07 14:42:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 7, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":50,\"name\":\"Helene Pfaendtner\",\"slug\":\"helene-pfaendtner\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":50,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Helene Pfaendtner is the Communications and Engagement Associate at NewPublica.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Helene Pfaendtner\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-york-mills-cultural-center-casts-wider-artistic-net\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                New York Mills Cultural Center Casts Wider Artistic Net\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":926,\"title\":\"Building a Home and a Community Through Theater\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Meena Natarajan and Dipankar Mukherjee decided to open and house the Pangea World Theater in Minneapolis, they sought to develop and create sustainable solidarity. The plan was to create a theater space that connected people from all walks of life. They chose to rent out a space on Lake Street in the Downtown Longfellow neighborhood and for the past 25 years, Natarajan and Mukherjee have grown Pangea World Theater into a local treasure with a national reputation in the arts.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:928,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f88555354\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f8855539d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the beginning, Natarajan and Mukherjee\\u2019s hope for Pangea has evolved in a way they could have never imagined. Pangea\\u2019s mission was to create a multi-disciplinary theater that embodies decolonizing practices of solidarity, sustainability, and equity. Their first production was written by Natarajan herself, titled, Conference of the Birds, a theatrical adaptation of a twelfth-century Sufi poem. Since then, Pangea\\u2019s focus has been charged by solidarity and collaboration. For example, Pangea has partnered with Latinx theater company Teatro del Pueblo since 2008, leading to the development of the Latino Asian Fusion program in 2014. Pangea\\u2019s work has garnered several national and international awards, including the International Gardens of Peace Award in 2000, 3M Innovation of the Arts Award in 2002, the Special Recognition Award from the Advocates for Human Rights in 2005, as well as being chosen as one of five national organizations to join the National Performance Network Leveraging and Networking Equity in 2017.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite national and international recognition, Natarajan and Mukherjee were determined to stay in Minneapolis, where they saw the need and the value for organizations such as Pangea.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELake Street has been a bustling community of businesses since its inception in 1856. Many of these businesses represented Minneapolis\\u2019 rich community of immigrants and refugees. The protests following the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020 and the aftermath of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic left Lake Street in ruins. The uprising in Uptown saw the destruction of several buildings along Lake Street, including ones that hosted Pangea World Theater events for over two decades.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EChrissie Orr, a friend of Pangea\\u2019s and internationally recognized community-based artist said of Natarajan, Mukherjee, and the community they are trying to build with Pangea World Theater, \\u201cThe generosity of spirit and their vision and their capacity as human beings really ripples out and I think they\\u2019ve built such great trust in Minneapolis that is not always easy to do, and they do cross over many boundaries and barriers. They\\u2019re consistent. They don\\u2019t let something go. They will listen and make it work,\\u201d said Orr.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:932,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f885553b2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the wake of the civil unrest, community members and business owners from the area began holding community gatherings on the front lawn of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The gatherings which came to be known as Longfellow Rising, which would eventually become a nonprofit over the next two years, were an attempt to build community cohesion and strength after the historic civil disruption. \\u201cThese meetings became a place where the community could bond and band together. It was a place we could all imagine our community in the way we know it can be,\\u201d said Pastor Ingrid Rasmussen, the lead pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENatarajan and Mukherjee began attending the meetings and shared leadership with other members in the group. Pastor Rasmussen got to know the pair. \\u201cI came to really appreciate the work Pangea does. They are so grounded in community. Pangea honors the authentic values of whatever communities they work with, such as the poetry along the cultural corridor. They honor art that is accessible to people, done by and for community members.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Pangea reimagines the kind of community it wants, it also reimagines its future and likely, permanent home. \\u201cSo much has been destroyed. We are in a position to actually dream a little bit and say, okay, let\\u2019s create those spaces. Let\\u2019s create a space of belonging for everyone in that neighborhood.\\u201d said Natarajan.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:933,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f885553c3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMIGIZI, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization working with American Indian youth, lost their building during the unrest and decided to move to another location on Lake Street. It was important to them that their former property went to a\\u0026nbsp;BIPOC\\u0026nbsp;owner or organization. Through a series of conversations, the property was purchased by The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and will eventually be donated to Pangea when the theater is in a place to receive it. The lot will serve as Pangea\\u2019s new location.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERight now, they plan to build The Center for Peace and Social Justice on this Lake Street lot with an extension across the street from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It will be a regenerative building with a greenhouse, solar panels, caf\\u00e9, rehearsal and event spaces as well as a 200-seat theater where Pangea will continue to conduct its art. The space will also be utilized as an incubation space for artists and for businesses\\\/nonprofits run by people of color.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFrom the ashes we are reimagining our community,\\u201d said Mukherjee.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPangea World Theater was part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/hitory\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-a-home-and-a-community-through-theater\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":930,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022491\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pangea\\u2019s performance of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021.\",\"date\":\"2022-10-06 22:50:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 6, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":49,\"name\":\"Shee Yang\",\"slug\":\"shee-yang\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":49,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Shee is a reader, writer, and editor. Her love for language and learning has led her to many places including careers in both journalism and publishing before entering consulting. She has led communications campaigns for both mainstream and diverse, particularly hard-to-reach audiences, with partners from government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Shee Yang\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022654\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022654\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-a-home-and-a-community-through-theater\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building a Home and a Community Through Theater\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":687310,\"participants\":36545,\"grants\":55,\"communities\":35},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":938,\"title\":\"Not Just Any Kitchen: Sharing Knowledge at Sitting Bull Visitor Center\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Open Kitchen will expand the center\\u2019s educational offerings on food sovereignty and honor the tradition of outdoor cooking. Programming and planning are underway to help it make an impactful debut, and updates on the initiative can be found on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.sittingbull.edu\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESitting Bull\\u2019s\\u0026nbsp;website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/sittingbullcollege\\u0022\\u003Etheir Facebook page\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390483\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea behind the Open Kitchen is a simple and intentional one\\u2014to serve as a community space for anyone interested in food-related enrichment. This will include workshops around traditional food preparation, as well as offering space and materials for community members to process food from hunting and foraging. Such workshops will be in partnership with other classes offered by Sitting Bull College, from courses related to the making of traditional cookware to the processing of Buffalo rawhide and hide for drums.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:940,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b3904e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Visitor Center has long been a community gathering space for students, locals, and visitors alike. And with its neighbor, Sitting Bull College, it has made a profound impact through community-informed programs for over 50 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDebra Gray Eagle, a workshop instructor at the college, works closely with programming at the Visitor Center. She is excited about the prospect of the Open Kitchen, and enthusiastically shared some of the ways that it would impact her community. \\u201cTraditionally, an elder would take his nephew out to go hunting, and he\\u2019d teach him one-on-one. Now, you could have that uncle teach 20 nephews at once in the [Open] Kitchen.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe views the impact of the Open Kitchen in a broader context, too, with the understanding that, \\u201cwhat we eat gives us health or non-health.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI see the Visitor Center as a [\\u2026] beacon for getting back to traditional re-teachings by empowering communities and students and getting back to [\\u2026] land stewardship and respect for the water, animals, and plants. The Visitor Center is a place to pass on that knowledge and cultural investment.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese \\u201cre-teachings\\u201d are invaluable to a community long underserved and denied the ability to exercise traditional food practices.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:941,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390500\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELoretta Bad Heart Bull, who works at the college\\u2019s entrepreneurial center, and closely with food sovereignty in her community, understands the depth of impact the Visitor Center has on the community. The students she teaches are often \\u201celderly people who never learned how to do some of [the activities related to food sovereignty] because we were so ingrained in the religion of the non-natives.\\u201d In this way, the Visitor Center provides a multi-generational education, uplifting members of the community who are eager to learn but may have not previously had the opportunity to engage with this important tradition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe services of the Visitor Center extend far past the proposed Open Kitchen and include culturally based workshops, exhibits showcasing Native American artifacts and local artwork, and other diverse courses and offerings. Workshops through the Visitor Center are offered for free to community members and count towards college credit, which brings rich and accessible sharing of knowledge to the Fort Yates area and local Lakota and Dakota tribal communities. Some of the recent workshops offered through the Visitor Center include lanyard making, quilting, and container gardening. For those just passing through Fort Yates, there are many opportunities to get involved, like tree planting activities or putting up tipis. The nature of many of the Visitor Center happenings are unique in their no-strings-attached openness and informality, and by making events free to the public, the center helps to foster transparency and inclusion.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:942,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390519\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA sentiment consistently expressed by those directly involved with the Visitor Center is the interconnectedness with the offerings at Sitting Bull College. The programming of the Open Kitchen will serve both present and future needs, as it will help to establish a solid foundation for the future of the Visitor Center.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis interconnectedness helps to bridge the gap between food and art, as the lines between such disciplines become blurred when the infrastructure exists to teach all these different areas at once. Both traditional and innovative, the instruction model offered by the Visitor Center reaches tribal members, visitors from afar, and community at large. This accessible education offered to all who seek it out helps advance food sovereignty and holistic knowledge of traditions\\u2014an ambitious goal that the Sitting Bull Visitor Center works towards each day by showing up for their community through initiatives like the Open Kitchen.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sitting Bull Visitor Center is part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/about\\\/history\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the tribal headquarters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is recognizing and addressing its community\\u2019s need for holistic education around food sovereignty through their proposed Open Kitchen. This initiative complements their rich portfolio of offerings related to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/not-just-any-kitchen-sharing-knowledge-at-sitting-bull-visitor-center\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":939,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore.\",\"date\":\"2022-08-25 15:07:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":50,\"name\":\"Helene Pfaendtner\",\"slug\":\"helene-pfaendtner\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":50,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Helene Pfaendtner is the Communications and Engagement Associate at NewPublica.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Helene Pfaendtner\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/not-just-any-kitchen-sharing-knowledge-at-sitting-bull-visitor-center\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Not Just Any Kitchen: Sharing Knowledge at Sitting Bull Visitor Center\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the tribal headquarters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is recognizing and addressing its community\\u2019s need for holistic education around food sovereignty through their proposed Open Kitchen. This initiative complements their rich portfolio of offerings related to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":320204,\"participants\":10720,\"grants\":48,\"communities\":15},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[],\"invested\":420115,\"participants\":37792,\"grants\":46,\"communities\":30},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2518,\"title\":\"Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou are up in the air, and you don\\u2019t know if you will stick that landing. But it doesn\\u2019t matter because you can try again. And again.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a constant invitation and openness in skateboarding\\u2014a \\u201cwelcome\\u201d sign. Like any creative outlet and sport, skateboarding has a magnetic energy\\u2014a challenge that is renewed with every new curb or ramp, and a movement that brings calm and groundedness. Skateboarding conjures up moments of connection between you and your body; your body and the board; your board and the ramp; and the people cheering you on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2526,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThat Skate Life\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA couple of years ago, Willow Kneip and her older sister were looking through the garage and found their parents\\u2019 old skateboards. They started pushing around on them in their driveway. \\u201cI didn\\u2019t like it too much at first,\\u201d said Kneip, an 11-year-old who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. \\u201cBut I decided I should probably keep trying it and get better at it, so then you actually get the feel for it. From then on, I just stuck to it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhat does this young skater love about the sport? \\u201cThe joy of it\\u2014whenever you are trying a trick and then you finally do it. Also, going to the skatepark with your friends is really fun!\\u201d said Kneip, who wants to go to the Olympics when she is older. In the last two years of skateboarding, she has noticed, \\u201cI\\u2019m a lot more happy and jolly than I thought. I\\u0027m never really that sad. I\\u0027m very social.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor 16-year-old Keith Heth III of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe\\u202fin Fort Thompson, South Dakota, skateboarding has been a part of his life for the last decade, since his father built a mini ramp in their driveway. His persistence as a young kid asking their neighbor and tribal council member about a skatepark finally brought Evergreen Skateparks and grant funding to build a cement park in 2015.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe friendships I\\u2019ve made along the way \\u2026 they always keep me coming back. There\\u2019s something about hopping on the skateboard and riding around ... It just starts getting me all happy,\\u201d said Heth III, who competed in his first skate contest at Innoskate in Sioux Falls.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e III, who is interested in getting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea skate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e sponsorship while pursuing music as a career, said that skateboarding is a part of him and has always been since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ean early age\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e like if it \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewasn\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e there, I really \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003edon\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e know who \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eI\\u0027d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e be. I guess that sounds kind of dramatic, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethat\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e how I can say it right now.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b32\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI don\\u2019t think there\\u2019s any other sport where your competition cheers as loudly [for you] as your team.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WALTER PORTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LET\\u0027S SKATE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5ba1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-community-in-skateboarding\\u0022\\u003ECommunity in Skateboarding\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince it began in the 1950\\u2019s in California, skateboarding has made its way from an outsider activity to the core of American culture. In South Dakota, you can find this creative pastime everywhere, from the streets of the state\\u2019s largest city, Sioux Falls, to Pine Ridge Reservation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSkateboarding has always been there for me,\\u201d said no less than three South Dakotans reflecting on how important the sport is for them. It is this sense of community that keeps people coming back.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESkateboarding took center stage last summer in South Dakota through \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/invention.si.edu\\\/innoskate\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EInnoskate\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a unique festival that celebrates skateboarding. Launched in 2013 by the Smithsonian\\u2019s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention, Innoskate believes that \\u201cinvention and innovation happen every day\\u2014often in unexpected places.\\u201d Through public programming across the world in partnership with leaders in the skate community, it celebrates the creativity and innovation that happens in skate culture. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2530,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bc4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKyle Mesteth built his first mini ramp with his father as a young skateboarder and went on to be an announcer at skate competitions\\u2014with the sport showing up to build community for him in different ways throughout his life. \\u201cSkateboarding really set forth my path, forged it and I\\u2019m happy for that,\\u201d he said. Mesteth is now building an \\u201cultimate creative space\\u201d called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/groundcontrol605\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGround Control\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a community multimedia studio with an indoor skatepark in the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota and one of nine Indian Reservations that share the geography of the state. \\u201cWe needed something like this on the rez\\u2026a community center that focuses on the artists and creativity and making people excited.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis exploration of building a distinct space for community has given him permission to pursue things close to his heart. For him, it is also a call to makers and doers in Pine Ridge to whole-heartedly embrace their creativity. \\u201cThe possibilities are endless. There\\u2019s room for all of us to eat. There\\u2019s room for everybody to put their art out, if need be, and let the world enjoy it,\\u201d said Mesteth. \\u201cYou can see things that are 100% Lakota-made being produced out of here. That\\u0027s going to be amazing because it\\u2019s important that we take our narrative back and tell our stories from our voice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Sioux Falls, just over 300 miles from Pine Ridge, plans are underway to design and build the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza, the city\\u2019s first cement skatepark at the edge of downtown. A result of an ambitious $2-million fundraising and community buy-in effort, this visible success in Sioux Falls recently brought Innoskate to South Dakota. Walter Portz, Executive Director of Let\\u2019s Skate (formerly Sioux Falls Skatepark Association), said that there has been \\u201can explosion of opportunities and ideas\\u201d since, with an acknowledgement for what the sport and new space can do for community members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2567,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2571,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2569,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think everybody that was there [at Innoskate], skateboarder or non-skateboarder, feels momentum and energy. Sioux Falls just became a skateboarding town,\\u201d said Portz. \\u201cI estimate between 200 to 300 kids stepped on skateboards for the first time or were exposed to skateboarding for the first time in person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom corporate companies and school districts interested in partnering for after school programs, to invitations for representing the sport in athletic events across the state, to working with other communities in the country to campaign for skateparks, Let\\u2019s Skate is experiencing momentum in different directions. The nonprofit organization is working with\\u0026nbsp;communities in Worthington (Minnesota), Rapid City (South Dakota) and Waxhaw (North Carolina) to scope out skatepark fundraising campaigns and projects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGround Control is seeing similar interest and investment. \\u201cWhat\\u0027s crazy is there are people who just want to be involved in any shape or form,\\u201d said Mesteth. With a fully equipped professional production studio and expansive offerings to meet creative needs of makers and skaters, the facility will be \\u201crocking and rolling\\u201d by the end of 2022. It has been important for him to frame this space up in a way where anyone can see themselves in it. \\u201cIt\\u2019s making it visual for the next person to say, \\u2018I want to be a part of that,\\u2019 or \\u2018I\\u2019ve always wanted to do something like that,\\u2019\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2575,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCreative Connections\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThere is an inherent connection between skate culture and diverse art forms. Innoskate in South Dakota celebrated just that\\u2014the intersection of music, art, videography, photography, and skateboarding.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Fort Thompson, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Youth Council recently organized a summer bash showcasing visual artists and skateboarders. To see them and other people operate within these collaborative spaces highlights how skate culture is fostering creativity and innovation in South Dakota.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Portz and Mesteth, who have been key in leading efforts in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge, the work has come full circle many times\\u2014from introducing their craft as artists working in photo and video, to creating space for young skateboarders.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe skate communities in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge have come together a few times already. From sharing photo and video gear to show what those mediums mean for documenting the sport and shaping professional skills, to working together to lay Masonite sheets for Ground Control\\u2019s indoor skatepark, to co-hosting skate contests in the two places. \\u201cWe bridged the gap between Pine Ridge and Sioux Falls. And that, to me, is amazing,\\u201d said Mesteth.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.espn.com\\\/espn\\\/story\\\/_\\\/id\\\/27356477\\\/kids-playing-enough-sports-culprit-cost\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e2019 ESPN article\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e cited research by the Aspen Institute that ranked skateboarding as the third most financially accessible sport next to track and field and flag football. Families on average spent around $380 per child annually on skateboarding. These South Dakotans among many others have been making a case for the sport and skateparks\\u2014one that has been amplified with skateboarding making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile the sport has existed globally on a large scale with prestigious competitions and events, the inclusion in the Olympics seems to have bolstered it to the main stage. Opening a new awareness of its impact and reach\\u2014a recognition for its low barrier of entry and the potential it holds to shape talent in diverse ways.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5c15\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe attraction and magnetism to the sport is equally palpable in people who have skated for 30 years or just two. The possibilities of creativity through the sport\\u2014through actions of perseverance and small, slow shifts\\u2014seem endless for these South Dakotans. They are highlighting the creative, emerging power of it through movements in Pine Ridge, Fort Thompson, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and communities across South Dakota and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Portz\\u2019s words, a skatepark is more than a playground. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a community center and a playground in one.\\u201d And to inspire people into this world of possibility, fifth-grader Kniep says: \\u201cYou can do it when you\\u0027re ready. There\\u0027s no rush, because there\\u0027s no rush in skateboarding.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2525,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022960\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp at Innoskate 2022 in downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Photo by Joshua Novak.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 09:00:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":899,\"title\":\"The Matthews in Spearfish Embraces Change, Uplifts Creativity\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:900,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f8473915e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen it first opened, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.matthewsopera.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ethe Matthews\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E hosted stage plays, operas, and other live performances. When competition from the new \\u201ctalkies\\u201d theater in town grew, the Opera House transitioned into a community space for meetings, athletics, and storage. During World War II, the Spearfish icon was used to roll parachutes and served as a shooting gallery. Clearly, the Matthews is no stranger to change. In seeing what was needed in the community in 1998, the Matthews merged with the Spearfish Area Council for the Arts and Humanities to expand its organizational reach and develop a new awareness of the organization as a community resource.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough its uses have always been vast, the Opera House went through periods of neglect and needed major restoration both organizationally and physically. Refurbishing projects were initially led by students from Black Hills State College (now Black Hills State University), a school just a mile and a half away from the Matthews. By 2006, the restoration of its building was complete, thanks to the Spearfish Downtown Association\\u2019s formation of the non-profit Matthews Opera House Society.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f847391a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:901,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Today, over 100 years after its grand opening, the Matthews still responds to the needs of its community. The current direction of the Spearfish landmark is to change its name from \\u201cThe Matthews Opera House and Art Center\\u201d to simply \\u201cThe Matthews\\u201d to showcase its extensive offerings and its role as more than a theater. Another key focus for the Matthews today is ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of its mission.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe do our best to curate performers, musicians, visual artists, educators, teachers, thinkers, and creatives who are of different nationalities, ethnicities, and social constructs for our community so that our patrons have the opportunity to widen the lens of their own belief systems and consider, even celebrate, others,\\u201d said Executive Director Darren Granaas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Matthews persists in being an institution where all feel welcome and works to expand the belief that the arts are for everyone, and everyone is an artist. Granaas says the Matthews strives to \\u201cprovide tools and opportunities for all to make deep-rooted connections within themselves and others to foster positive change and understanding.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Matthews also houses \\u2018The Matthews Art Gallery\\u2019 where it highlights the visual art created exclusively by Black Hills artists. Beyond showcasing local artists, the Matthews expands access to and participation in diverse art programming through community outreach programs.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe cultural hub of Spearfish\\u201d shares its world of art, creativity, and expression through residencies for artists to work with a local residential youth facility and a local center that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as in classrooms, community art projects, and its own Young Actors Guild.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cAn educated populace that is open to other systems of thought and points of view, and one that is willing to embrace change and celebrate the planet\\u2019s diversity in all of its forms, is a much healthier one,\\u201d said Granaas. \\u201cWe cannot move forward as a species by leaving anyone behind.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn a town with only 17% of the population under the age of 18 (7% less than the South Dakota average), the art community understands the importance of serving youth. The Matthews hosts more than 30 free youth art programs annually. In 2019, they cast 40 young actors in its Children\\u2019s Theater shows and engaged with 1,550 students at local public schools during the 2018-2019 school year.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f847391da\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Matthews continues its ongoing commitment to reach those who are underserved and pushes for broader cultural understanding in its community. Its everlasting readiness to educate and uplift the Spearfish population and cultivate deeper personal connections in the community transcends the art hub from an Opera House to a beacon of inclusivity and interconnectedness.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EMatthews Opera House was part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/History\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location on Main Street in Spearfish, South Dakota. Since its inception, the building has gone through various program changes to better serve its community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-matthews-in-spearfish-embraces-change-uplifts-creativity\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":906,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Opening reception for the Community Art Show at the Matthews Gallery. Photo courtesy of the Matthews.\",\"date\":\"2022-11-21 21:33:24\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 21, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":47,\"name\":\"Maria Lewis\",\"slug\":\"maria-lewis\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":47,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Maria is a creative communications professional with experience in copywriting, advertising, and digital media. Maria works closely with organizations to ensure their communication channels align with their business goals, customer needs, and project timelines. At NewPublica, she collaborates with members of diverse communities to capture their input and insights on programs, initiatives, and campaigns. She has strong expertise in social media strategy as well as writing blog posts, press releases, and articles for various audiences. Maria utilizes the organization, delegation, and communication skills gained from being a collegiate athlete to lead team members through projects to exceed client expectations. Maria is currently the Head lacrosse coach for the youth lacrosse club team, Minnesota Lakers Select.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Maria Lewis\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-matthews-in-spearfish-embraces-change-uplifts-creativity\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The Matthews in Spearfish Embraces Change, Uplifts Creativity\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location on Main Street in Spearfish, South Dakota. Since its inception, the building has gone through various program changes to better serve its community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":943,\"title\":\"In Smalltown Sisseton, Art is a Connector\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJane Rasmussen, Director of the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.sissetonarts.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESisseton Arts Council,\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;has lived in the Sisseton area for a long time. She remembers the early days of the Arts Council and how it has developed, \\u201cWe literally went up and down the street asking businesses for $50 to bring a traveling theater company to town, and we\\u2019ve been supporting the arts in our community ever since.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Arts Council has grown substantially since those days. They\\u2019ve hosted artists from around the world, created residencies, and continuously pushed for public art displays, making Sisseton beautiful for the entire community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:945,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLast year, the Sisseton Arts Council received permission from the City of Sisseton to place sculptures of an 8-point design on city property. The 8-point design was originally created by artists Nicholas Blaske and Markus Tracy. The design was first put in place as a crosswalk mural that intersects Main Street through downtown. Then it took off. The community resonated with art.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe 8-point design utilizes geometric shapes from both Dakota and Scandinavian cultures with the focal point being an 8-point star. Blaske describes the perspective of the design, \\u201cTo the Dakota people, it is a star, a symbol of hope and guidance. To the Norwegians, it is a rose, commonly seen on thick hand-knit sweaters, giving the early settlers a comfort of home.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLocal businesses began to sponsor the design\\u2014setting the design in flowerpots outside their shops. Eventually, Blaske was commissioned to create a sculpture of the symbol. He chose to make it a mirror so that when it is being observed by community members, they will see themselves reflected in a symbol that represents the beauty of togetherness. The design has been adopted by the City of Sisseton to be on its official flag. Today, the flag flies proudly beneath the United States and South Dakota flags at City Hall.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDown the street, Dustina Gill has been spearheading a Native youth movement in Sisseton through her nonprofit,\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/neeshtoinc\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNis\\u2019to Incorporated.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0In Dakhotaiyapi, Nis\\u2019to is defined as \\u201ca concern for others outside of ourselves.\\u201d Gill, a long-time resident of Sisseton, understands the history of this place, and the impact of expression. The youth at Nis\\u2019to learn both leadership and technical skills and are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of art forms. They sew, they paint, they write poetry, and play music\\u2014all cultural and strength-based approaches that reaffirm their place and roles on the Lake Traverse Reservation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRecently, Nis\\u2019to independently hosted a youth-led art show that proved art could bridge communities. \\u201cThe rooms were packed. People who don\\u2019t usually mingle were mingling, but they showed up to see the art and the kids saw that. Their energy from seeing all these people come to see their work was so amazing,\\u201d said Gill.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a6654\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESisseton will be buzzing with even more creative youth programming over the next year, including several apprenticeships with local as well as visiting artists. Gill has been quietly volunteering to coordinate these types of learning opportunities for years because she is deeply passionate about helping others pass on their culture to the next generation. Through a wide range of topics from poetry to the environmental effects of cattle grazing, her youth have come to describe much of the programming as \\u201ca rite of passage camp for a lot of the siblings of the kids, younger cousins, waiting to be old enough to be a part of it.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a66e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:946,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a6701\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGill believes that art will continue to survive and even thrive in Sisseton as long as the youth are interested. She feels her kids desire to reach out to other artists. \\u201cThey want to learn and as long as they want to learn, they will have the desire to engage with other artists.\\u201d Gill believes that art is truly the great connector of community. She has seen it happen more than once\\u2014and hopes to continue seeing art bridge all differences.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGill is not alone. As the Sisseton community continues to embrace art, they are also learning to embrace each other.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sisseton Arts Council is part of the Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022.  Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/History\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E \\u003Cem\\u003EThis story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half is mostly white. But it is not only the residential makeup of the Sisseton that makes it unique. It is the survival and persistence of art in the area, and new movements that are bridging a historically separated community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-smalltown-sisseton-art-is-a-connector\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":944,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three children sit in a line on the grass with notebooks. The child in the center holds her notebook up to show a wildflower that she\\u0026#039;s stuck to the page.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Participants in Nis\\u2019to\\u2019s Bundle Carriers Camp learn about native plants at the Native Wildflower Restoration Project.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-20 15:30:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 20, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":49,\"name\":\"Shee Yang\",\"slug\":\"shee-yang\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":49,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Shee is a reader, writer, and editor. Her love for language and learning has led her to many places including careers in both journalism and publishing before entering consulting. She has led communications campaigns for both mainstream and diverse, particularly hard-to-reach audiences, with partners from government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Shee Yang\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three children sit in a line on the grass with notebooks. 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The child in the center holds her notebook up to show a wildflower that she\\u0026#039;s stuck to the page.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-smalltown-sisseton-art-is-a-connector\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Smalltown Sisseton, Art is a Connector\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half is mostly white. But it is not only the residential makeup of the Sisseton that makes it unique. It is the survival and persistence of art in the area, and new movements that are bridging a historically separated community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":335290,\"participants\":2132,\"grants\":24,\"communities\":18},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2546,\"title\":\"When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe mural stands tall. A guardian of Interstate-43. Mountainous. A keeper of insurmountable dreams. Promises muttered in its cream brick as it cascades rainbow hues, b-boy grooves, and melanin splendor. I still marvel at its glory.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I would ride shotgun in my grandfather\\u2019s Buick as a precocious kid, often I asked myself, \\u201cWho are these people painted on the side of this building? And what was happening there?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELater in life, insatiable curiosity led me to discover that the glorious mural that captivated me as a child was a creation of the\\u00a0\\u003Cstrong\\u003EInner City Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u00a0Anchored in the historic Bronzeville Milwaukee neighborhood, the organization was a cultural hub for artists of various mediums to develop their crafts while serving the predominately Black population in the area and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f2926c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In the late 1960s, Milwaukee was thrust into the national spotlight. The blatant discriminatory practices of atrocious housing conditions and police brutality against Black residents led to an uprising in July 1967 which served as the precursor to the 200 Nights of Freedom marches. Ultimately, this call to action resulted in the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis era unveiled a new consciousness for Black Americans who sought respite from the daily injustices of social life. This temperament echoed throughout the country with the cultural expressions of the Black Arts Movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe need for self-affirmation and self-actualization for Black Milwaukeeans lead to a number of organizations joining forces to create the entity known as the Inner City Arts Council in January 1968. Its charter members included The Mary Church Terrell-Creative Center, Black Arts Theatre, The Echo Writers Workshop, The Paint Box, and the Community Youth Center.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nArtists are keepers of history. Creating new worlds as they uphold memories that whisper to the Earth. So, in learning more about the Inner City Arts Council, I knew I had to talk to a few elders who intimately experienced its magnitude.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHere are the stories of three artists, in their own words.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f292730\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-reynaldo-hernandez-the-muralist\\u0022\\u003EReynaldo Hernandez \\u2013 The Muralist\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1984, Reynaldo Hernandez created the iconic mural entitled \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d on an office building that presently sits at the corner of 7th \\u0026amp; North Avenue in Milwaukee. The site has a rich history, once serving as library and firestation, as well as the home of the Inner City Arts Council for many years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the decades, Milwaukee has become a haven for many muralists to display their craft, but Hernandez\\u2019s work is part of the artistic landscape of my childhood. To this very day, it still is my favorite piece of public art in the city. During our interview, Hernandez details the striking images of the mural. It features the Mask of Benin, legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and a gorgeous Black woman rocking an afro.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHernandez remembers the days when the Inner City Arts Council was the place to be for upcoming and established Black artists in the city. Its two floors consisted of dance and acting classes, alongside visual art studios for all ages. Like Hernandez, many other artists received their initial training \\u0026amp; professional opportunities at the emblematic organization.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker \\u2013 The Dancer\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker was a young bright-eyed dancer who was eager to share and display her talents with the community. She remembers being amongst an eclectic mix of people performing at various events like summer festivals and teaching kids in city parks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith so much danger for Black residents like Caulker, the Inner City Arts Council gave her and others the chance to envision worlds beyond their wildest imaginations. \\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope,\\u201c she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKo-Thi Dance Company, founded by Caulker in 1969, became a staple within the Inner City Arts Council thanks to their riveting performances and educational outreach initiatives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell \\u2013 The Ingenue\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell was a young girl who attended many performances that became staples within the Black community of Milwaukee. She was mesmerized by the Black theatrical productions that came to entertain her family. \\u201cI just sat there with my mouth hanging open,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of those plays was \\u201cTo Be Young, Gifted and Black\\u201d by Lorraine Hansberry. Parnell recalls how uplifting the work of the Inner City Arts Council was during her adolescent years into young womanhood as she went on to attend the prestigious Spelman College. Pannell would later obtain a degree in directing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in the footsteps of Lorraine Hansberry, who also attended the state\\u2019s flagship institution.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022- Mama Ferne Caulker\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29275b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2549,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29276e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Inner City Arts Council went on to host iconic artists like Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen, \\u0026amp; Alvin Ailey. Its impact positioned the organization as a forerunner until it later dissolved in the early 1990s, but those whispers are still within the city. Reynaldo Hernandez, Mama Ferne Caulker, Sherri-Williams Pannell, and so many others hold tales to a time where Black people sipped from its gourd. They are our elders. Our storytellers. Our libraries. It is my hope we continue to acknowledge the Inner City Arts Council and the artistic contributions of the people who were part of it, to inspire future generations in Milwaukee and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EInner City Arts Council archival images courtesy of Milwaukee County Historical Society. Reynaldo Hernandez photo by Sam Easton, Mama Ferne Caulker photo by Sara Stathas, Sheri Williams Pannell photo by Scott Paulus.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council....\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2547,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d mural was on the former Inner City Arts Council building was created by Reynaldo Hernandez in 1984 and was revitalized in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2022-02-25 02:25:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":102,\"name\":\"DeMar Walker\",\"slug\":\"demar-walker\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":102,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By DeMar Walker\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":147,\"title\":\"Murals Brighten Central Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEight of these murals, marked with an asterisk, were created in partnership with the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and the Wisconsin Arts Board to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. These murals, organized by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.createportagecounty.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECREATE Portage County\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, incorporate quotes authored by women from marginalized backgrounds, adding vibrant and meaningful public art that honors unique locations across Portage County.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExplore all 13 murals and the creative stories that inspired them:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:150,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDondi Bueno\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural: \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eCalifornia-transplant-turned-local-artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.dondibueno.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDondi Bueno\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Zest to kick off the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.createportagecounty.org\\\/paintthecounty\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePaint the County! initiative.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0His mural features a colorful octopus.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location? \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/zeststevenspoint\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eZest\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a coffee shop and bakery located on the edge of UW-Stevens Point. It is a wonderful community space but tucked into a location that is hard to find. The mural helps to grow the visibility of this hot spot!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know: \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eYou can watch videos of octopi, known for being able to get out of almost any situation, spinning lids of jars or sliding through impossibly small holes. This content was chosen to remind us that we too will get out of the pandemic.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a1e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:157,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eStephon \\u201cKiBA\\u201d Freeman\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point alum and Chicago-native-turned-local-artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kibafreemanart.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStephon \\u201cKiBA\\u201d Freeman\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Worzalla Publishing in Stevens Point. His mural features a young girl reading and scenes from her imagination.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/worzalla.site\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWorzalla\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is an employee-owned printing company founded in 1892 that produces high-end books for major publishers.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0From\\u00a0\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eDiary of a Wimpy Kid\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\u00a0to\\u00a0\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWhere the Wild Things Are,\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\u00a0the books of your childhood were likely printed in Stevens Point, WI.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a259\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:154,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJessie Fritsch*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Local encaustics artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/jessiefritsch.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJessie Fritsch\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0and her art sisters painted a mural on the backside of the Mitchell Square Building as the cornerstone project of eight murals celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The eight murals connected to the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission span Portage County. We wanted an iconic mural in a high-visibility location to grow awareness of the project and encourage people to visit the other seven.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0In addition to memorializing Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this mural celebrates one woman of influence for every year since the 19th Amendment was ratified and includes many women important to Portage County\\u2019s history.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a287\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:156,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJon King\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point alum\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.thegingbeard.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJon King\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted the City of Wonderful Water typography mural on the wall of Father Fat\\u2019s Public House in Stevens Point.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.fatherfats.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFather Fats\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0serves up shareable small plates that blend the tastes of New York, Asia, Spain, and the Deep South. The restaurant is a key contributor to the thriving local food scene in Central Wisconsin, which takes farm-to-table to a whole new level.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Stevens Point got the nickname \\u201cThe City of Wonderful Water\\u201d in the 1920s when it built Iverson Park to protect its drinking water. It reclaimed the title in 2010 when it won a taste test for best drinking water in the U.S.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a2af\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:155,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJohn Kowalczyk\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Milwaukee artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/johnkowalczykart.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJohn Kowalczyk\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted this trippy nature mural on the backside of two downtown storefronts in Stevens Point. The artwork plays with local flora by integrating images of the animals they are named for.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0When Stevens Point razed its mall, it exposed the backsides of storefronts along the northside of Main Street. This mural is part of an effort to beautify what became visible as a result of that demolition.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The land now called Stevens Point has a rich history of conservation. For 14,000 years it was home to the Menominee tribe, whose forest stewardship informed what became sustainable forestry. In 1946, UW-Stevens Point created the first conservation major in the country.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a2e1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:151,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eErin LaBonte \\\\u0026amp; David Carpenter*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022caps\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUWSP\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0alum Erin LaBonte and David Carpenter of\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.yonderartland.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eYonder Arts\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural featuring a quotation from Malala Yousefzai on the facade of Falcon One Stop in Amherst, WI.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural on Falcon One Stop adds vivid color to downtown Amherst, a smaller community in Portage County that has a rich arts scene with many artist studios nearby. You can visit these studios every October as part of the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hiddenstudiosarttour.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHidden Studios Tour.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The People\\u2019s Fair in nearby Iola in 1970 rivaled Woodstock and drew a crowd of about 85,000 people, many of whom made a home in the Tomorrow River area that includes Amherst.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:159,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThomas Moberg\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Central Wisconsin resident and UW-Stevens Point alum Thomas Moberg painted a landscape mural on the wall of MC Z\\u2019s Brew Pub in Rosholt that is inspired by the farm fields that surround Rosholt.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/mczsbrewpub\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMC Z\\u2019s Brew Pub\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a family-friendly microbrewery that serves soups, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers. One of nine local breweries, wineries, and distilleries that make up the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, Mc Z\\u2019s is part of the rich history of beverage making in Portage County.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Hops have been grown in Rosholt for generations. The community used to host dances to celebrate the hops harvest. Rosholt-grown hops are still used in local beers today!\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a344\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:160,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eXee Reiter*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Minneapolis artists Xee Reiter painted a mural in tribute to the Hmong refugee experience on the wall of the Point Market and Vietnamese Restaurant on the southside of Stevens Point.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e Stevens Point is home to many Hmong community members and the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/pointasianmarket\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePoint Market and Vietnamese Restaurant\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is one of the many cultural assets we have because of the contributions of this community. The restaurant serves pho and other traditional cooking and the market imports Asian grocery items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Hmong community served as allies to the U.S. during the Vietnam War. After the fall of Long Cheng, a\\u00a0\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022caps\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCIA\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0airbase in Laos, many Hmong people were evacuated or fled to refugee camps in Thailand. The bright-colored bags featured in this mural are often called \\u201crefugee bags\\u201d and were used to hold their belongings.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a377\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:149,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eChris Sweet*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Ho-chunk artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indigenousfirst.org\\\/chris-sweet\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChristopher Sweet\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the barn at Fernwood Acres to recognize the influence of the Haudenosaunee on the Women\\u2019s Suffrage movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Fernwood Acres is a farm south of Amherst on Highway 54 between Plover and Waupaca. The mural is best viewed when driving west and is nearby to Hartman Creek State Park, which offers camping, mountain biking, and access to the Ice Age Trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Christopher Sweet\\u2019s cousin Denise Sweet was the Poet Laureate of Wisconsin and wrote an original poem \\u201cSong for Seven Sisters\\u201d to accompany this mural.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:152,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eIsaac Tapia \\\\u0026amp; Rodrigo Alvarez (IT-RA Icons)*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Kansas City duo Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alavarez, also known as\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.itraicons.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIT-RA Icons,\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Adelante to celebrate the growing Latinx community in Almond, featuring a young girl looking up at the stars.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.liberationfarmers.com\\\/marketplace-cafe\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAdelante\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a local farm-to-table caf\\u00e9, coffee roastery, food marketplace, commercial kitchen to rent, and community gathering space in Almond, WI. It was a perfect spot for this mural due to its weekly pizza and taco nights, which draw a crowd to this outdoor dining space.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural is based on a quotation by Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut who first traveled into space in 1993. On her four spaceflights, Ochoa spent more than 40 days in space.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:153,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJason Tetlak*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Florida artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/art.tetlak.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJason Tetlak\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted this train-inspired mural on the former Central Waters Brewing location in Junction City.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural location was once home to Central Waters Brewing, which has now moved to Amherst and has opened a second location in Milwaukee. Central Waters, best-known for its barrel-aged brews, is a part of the rich brewing tradition that started with the Point Brewery, the fifth-oldest continuously operated brewery in the U.S.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Jason Tetlak has studied paint colors to figure out how to make 3D murals. When viewed through a red filter, these paintings reveal a hidden image.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3fd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:158,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThe Thielking-Brunett Family*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point art professor Kristin Thielking, Keven Brunett and their kids painted a mural featuring a mermaid on the support pillar of a bridge that crosses the Wisconsin River adjacent to a bike trail called the Green Circle Trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greencircletrail.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Green Circle Trail\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a 28-mile bike loop that encircles Stevens Point and takes cyclists and hikers through some of our most beautiful nature areas. We wanted more art to greet people making use of this trail system.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0To paint this mural, the artists had to set up scaffolding in a moving river that was about three feet deep. The mural also extends to the bridge and trail creating an immersive art experience.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a42a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:148,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAmy Zaremba*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Madison artist Amy Zaremba and friends painted a mural honoring the potato-growing traditions of Almond, Wisconsin on the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.pocolibrary.org\\\/locations-and-hours\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlmond Public Library\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Almond Public Library also serves at the Village Hall and is in the center of the community. Mural locations were chosen in part to spread creative energy to all communities in Portage County.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural integrates the colors of the suffragettes: purple, white, and gold.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a453\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EProjects marked with an asterisk are part of a partnership with the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and the Wisconsin Arts Board that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment through murals that incorporate inspirational quotations authored by women from marginalized backgrounds, adding vibrant and meaningful public art that honors these unique locations. The Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission was created by Congress to coordinate a nationwide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, ensuring that Americans across the country find inspiration in this important milestone.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a471\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic development organization in Stevens Point, WI, put artists impacted by\\u00a0COVID-19 to work painting murals inspired by themes including food, imagination, farming, refugee experiences, and resilience.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-brighten-central-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":153,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022On the side of a short brick building, in funky pink lettering over white and light green paint, read the words \\u201cI love the way I feel when I pass the moon and I holler to the stars I\\u2019m coming through.\\u201d *Part of the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission*\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\" Mural by Jason Tetlak\",\"date\":\"2022-01-31 00:18:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 31, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":22,\"name\":\"CREATE Portage County\",\"slug\":\"create-portage-county\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":22,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"CREATE Portage County has become a leading voice in the field of small-city, people-centered community and economic development. Established in 2004 as an arts advocacy organization, CREATE learned quickly how to leverage creativity and culture to attract and support people with big ideas. CREATE now works at the overlaps of creative placemaking, social justice, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building. We are helping communities improve their quality of life and strengthen their local economies.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By CREATE Portage County\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022On the side of a short brick building, in funky pink lettering over white and light green paint, read the words \\u201cI love the way I feel when I pass the moon and I holler to the stars I\\u2019m coming through.\\u201d *Part of the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission*\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-brighten-central-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Murals Brighten Central Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic development organization in Stevens Point, WI, put artists impacted by\\u00a0COVID-19 to work painting murals inspired by themes including food, imagination, farming, refugee experiences, and resilience.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":208075,\"participants\":12511,\"grants\":42,\"communities\":33}},\"label\":\"2022\",\"query_var\":\"2022\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2022\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"Learn More\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/2022-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2022 Financials\",\"key\":3}],\n          states: {\"national\":\"National\",\"illinois\":\"Illinois\",\"indiana\":\"Indiana\",\"iowa\":\"Iowa\",\"michigan\":\"Michigan\",\"minnesota\":\"Minnesota\",\"north-dakota\":\"North Dakota\",\"ohio\":\"Ohio\",\"south-dakota\":\"South Dakota\",\"wisconsin\":\"Wisconsin\"},\n          categories: {\"invested\":\"Invested\",\"participants\":\"Participants\",\"grants\":\"Grants Awarded\",\"communities\":\"Communities Reached\"},\n          endpoint:\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-json\/arts-midwest\/v1\/post\/posts\/\",\n          grantee_endpoint:\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/wp-json\/arts-midwest\/v1\/grantee\/grantees\/\",\n        })'\n      >\n\n        <div\n          class=\"flex relative flex-col justify-between sm:flex-row xl:pr-10 2xl:pr-20 sm:gap-x-4 md:gap-10 lg:gap-x-20\"\n        >\n          \n          <div class=\"top-0 right-0 z-20 order-0 sm:absolute\">\n            <fieldset>\n    <div class=\"flex justify-start sm:justify-end gap-4 items-center sm:mb-16\">\n              <legend class=\"pb-2.5 font-medium leading-6\" >\n          Year\n        <\/legend>\n      \n        <div \n          x-data='{ isOpen: false, current:{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":11415,\"title\":\"Six Midwest Cities Among the \\u2018Most Arts-Vibrant\\u2019 in the US\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe\\u2019ve always known the Midwest is brimming with creativity, and now there\\u2019s fresh data to back it up.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA new national study by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/culturaldata.org\\\/arts-vibrancy-2024\\\/the-top-40-list\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESMU DataArts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E named \\u003Cstrong\\u003Esix Midwestern communities\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E among the Top 40 Most Arts-Vibrant Communities of 2024, recognizing places where the arts are thriving thanks to strong local investment, engaged audiences, and a high concentration of creative activity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese rankings aren\\u2019t just about size or star power. SMU DataArts evaluates communities using 13 indicators of arts vibrancy, including supply, demand, and public funding, adjusted for population and cost of living. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere\\u2019s how the Midwest stacked up:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:table --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-table\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Ctable class=\\u0022has-fixed-layout\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cthead\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ERanking\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ECommunity Size\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003Cth\\u003ECommunity, As Listed\\u003C\\\/th\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003C\\\/thead\\u003E\\u003Ctbody\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E5\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMinneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E5\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMedium Communities\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EKalamazoo-Portage, MI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E10\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMedium Communities\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EAnn Arbor, MI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E11\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EChicago-Naperville-Evanston, IL\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E14\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003EMilwaukee-Waukesha, WI\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003Ctr\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003E19\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ELarge Communities \\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003Ctd\\u003ECincinnati, OH-KY-IN\\u003C\\\/td\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tr\\u003E\\u003C\\\/tbody\\u003E\\u003C\\\/table\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:table --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe\\u2019re proud to see so many Midwestern communities recognized, and we\\u2019ve been lucky to tell stories from many of these vibrant places. 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\\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002255px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:55px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou can check out the full Art Vibrancy 2024 report on the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/culturaldata.org\\\/arts-vibrancy-2024\\\/the-top-40-list\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESMU DataArts website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Attendees of 2024 Art-A-Whirl view works by artist Grover Hogan at PF Studios #400 in the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-18 19:39:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 18, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people stand next to a white wall and look at the different artworks mounted on the wall.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/six-midwest-cities-among-the-most-arts-vibrant-in-the-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Six Midwest Cities Among the \\u2018Most Arts-Vibrant\\u2019 in the US\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11026,\"title\":\"\\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the water, these fish run. Outside it, they dance.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s May in Duluth, Minnesota: Rolls of tinfoil unfurl onto DIY hats and fish puppets, paraded by dozens of costumed, shiny partygoers. Giant papier-m\\u00e2ch\\u00e9 heads float like boats along Lake Superior\\u2019s horizon.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe reason for the silvery springtime celebration? Smelt, aka miniature freshwater fish.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11062,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11083,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11037,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11034,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11043,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96448\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you\\u2019ve lived up here for any amount of time, you see these little remnants of this huge boom that the smelt population had in the 1970s,\\u201d says \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/magicsmelt.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMagic Smelt Puppet Troupe\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E co-founder Anton Jimenez-Kloeckl.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the time, Lake Superior\\u2019s parasitic lamprey population boomed, sending trout numbers downward. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dnr.state.mn.us\\\/areas\\\/fisheries\\\/lakesuperior\\\/smelt.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELocal smelt thrived\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, starting out as an invasive species that\\u2019s become a beneficial part of the ecosystem. The population dwindled in the \\u201880s, but fisherfolk today still wade into the lake with seines in hand. In the spring, the smelt \\u201crun\\u201d from tributaries to the lakeshore at night\\u2014making them more easily catchable.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere are still spots where you drive around town where you\\u2019ll see signs\\u2014you\\u0027ll see cardboard signs that say \\u2018smelt for sale!\\u2019\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd what better way than a cardboard theatre troupe to honor the smelt and to make a cardboard parade?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11050,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11061,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11046,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11039,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11038,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11036,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96629\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe troupe behind\\u003Cem\\u003E Run, Smelt, Run!\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E was founded by Jim Ouray in 2012. The non-motorized parade starts with a cheeky skit by Duluth\\u2019s famous \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitduluth.com\\\/experience\\\/aerial-lift-bridge\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAerial Lift Bridge\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, follows the also-historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/duluthmn.gov\\\/parks\\\/parks-listing\\\/lakewalk\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELakewalk\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and lands downtown with a fried smelt dinner and more dancing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the best party in Duluth, hands down. We\\u2019ve been called Duluth\\u2019s Duluthiest event,\\u201d says Jimenez-Kloeckl, who calls it a \\u201csilly fish parade.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout are massive puppets and\\u0026nbsp;folk dancing. The sky is filled with bubbles and gleaming banners. Smiles are on countless faces, and no excuse to be weird is necessary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can join workshops to help plan skits or create costumes beforehand. It\\u2019s open to all, in the spirit of a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.neworleans.com\\\/things-to-do\\\/music\\\/history-and-traditions\\\/second-lines\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Esecond-line parade\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E where onlookers become participants.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s so fun and it lets people express themselves,\\u201d says John Finkle, who has been involved with nearly every parade. \\u201c[It\\u2019s] super creative and really amps up everybody\\u2019s energy for celebrating our little window that is spring on the North Shore.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11060,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11066,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11089,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11041,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11029,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11035,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96650\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11064,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 61%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-05-29 16:18:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 61%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 61%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                \\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4626032,\"participants\":672475,\"grants\":278,\"communities\":225},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":9651,\"title\":\"Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne piece of paper may be all that\\u2019s standing between you and having your art seen. No editor, no publisher, no product number needed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis independence is a pillar of the world of zines\\u2014small scale stories, observations, or images often printed on plain copy paper. Any genre goes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9654,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf you make your own work and you\\u2019re putting it out yourself, you\\u2019re just eliminating that gatekeeping. You\\u2019re getting it out,\\u201d says \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lizmasonisawesome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLiz Mason\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, owner of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.quimbys.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eQuimby\\u2019s Bookstore in Chicago\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the birthplace city of zines.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe store sees non-Midwest waves of customers exclusively for its consigned zine collection.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe zine timeline likely started with science fiction fan writings, authored mostly by women, in the 1950s, Mason says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe first recorded was \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/research.dom.edu\\\/zines\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s sci-fi fanzine Comet\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, published by the Science Correspondence Club in 1930. Following that, artistic movements held zines up, namely punk and \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nytimes.com\\\/interactive\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/03\\\/arts\\\/music\\\/riot-grrrl-playlist.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eriot grrrl\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e waves.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMini zines and comics made (and still make) their appearances: The art form isn\\u2019t \\u201cback\\u201d\\u2014it never left.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee00fa3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-just-ink-and-paper\\u0022\\u003EJust Ink and Paper\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERural southern Illinois zinester \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nathanpearcephoto.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENathan Pearce\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has been making zines for the last 15 years. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe defines them as \\u201cany sort of self-published or DIY publication that can take a lot of forms,\\u201d including stapling pages together, self distributing, or photocopying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe photographer uses zines to distribute his art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s black-and-white works draw you into Midwest detail. Steady horizons hold you; everyday scenes soothe. And these images wouldn\\u2019t have the prevalence they have today if not for zines.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9656,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01134\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat made a big difference in my career,\\u201d Pearce says about self publishing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople started to pay attention more because I was able to distribute more printed things. Just waiting for someone to give me a show, give me an exhibition of my own didn\\u2019t necessarily make sense for me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe could come up with a project or book, then do a small print run (5-10, sometimes 20). People would buy them. And all it cost Pearce was ink and paper.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-prominence-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Prominence\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe Midwest is that kind of scrappy DIY can-do,\\u201d says Mason, who has been making zines for over two decades. The region holds a prominent spot in zine culture, with active communities even in smaller cities and towns.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s work wouldn\\u2019t exist without rural Illinois.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s sort of hard to put into words ... the quiet landscape ... there\\u2019s something both beautiful and maybe sometimes a little ominous,\\u201d Pearce says of the photos he takes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9655,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01184\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMason says there are all the reasons in the world to venture into this folk art world\\u2014either making or buying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey\\u2019re less expensive than books, too. And zines = unparalleled community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you are a fan of a zine or a comic that you\\u2019ve bought, usually those people are very easy to contact, and you might end up developing a relationship with them,\\u201d Mason says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter this niche, and you\\u2019re likely to come out of it with a bestie\\u2014\\u003Cem\\u003Eand\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E an eight-page manifesto.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9658,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Consigning countless shelves of zines, from serious to silly, are a pillar of Quimby\\u0027s Bookstore in Chicago.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-05 16:01:05\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10104,\"title\":\"Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s no secret women are underrepresented in the music industry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough numbers are \\u003Cem\\u003Eslowly\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E trending upward. In 2023, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.billboard.com\\\/business\\\/business-news\\\/usc-annenberg-study-gender-equality-music-industry-1235591929\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E35% of artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end charts were women\\u2014a 12-year high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest is rich with historic music from artists like Aretha Franklin to Tracy Chapman. Here are the stories that have inspired a love for\\u0026nbsp;music, in small towns and big cities across the Midwest (if not the world).\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Peggy Lee (Singer-Songwriter, 1920-2002)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Hailing from Jamestown, North Dakota, Lee (who inspired Jim Henson\\u2019s Miss Piggy) was a singer-songwriter with a \\u201ccool, sultry voice,\\u201d says the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. This signature singing style all started when a wild crowd wouldn\\u2019t quiet down during her performance\\u2014so she did.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Mary Osborne (Jazz Guitarist, 1921-1992)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Minot, North Dakota, the long-strumming jazz guitarist would come to work with Mel Torme, Art Tatum, and Dizzy Gillespie. As a teenager, she performed for chocolate bars before trailblazing as a female guitarist in a patriarchal music industry.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de06\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10115,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10121,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10118,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10111,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10124,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de6b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Garden (Active in the 1970s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022The trio was the first all-women band to be inducted into the South Dakota Rock \\\\u0026amp; Rollers Hall of Fame. Based in Vermillion, South Dakota, Garden (Susan Osborn, Colleen Crangle, and Marilyn Wetzler Castilaw) was a concert-only, folk-rock group, playing guitar, piano, violin, and vibes in the mid-70s. They each maintained separate music careers after Garden wrapped up performances.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Musician, 1876-1938)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022A member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux, Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Red Bird) learned violin while attending an Indian boarding school. The keen critic of assimilation would go on to study violin at the New England Conservatory of Music, co-write the first American Indian opera \\u201cSun Dance,\\u201d and teach violin.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Gwen Matthews (Singer, 1950-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Chicago, Matthews\\u2019 career took off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she recorded jingles (for General Mills, Whirlpool, and a few insurance companies). Beyond singing on all sorts of national commercials for television and radio, she\\u2019s also a recording artist, songwriter, producer and teacher. Matthews has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Susanne DePasse, and members of Earth, Wind, \\\\u0026amp; Fire.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Jeanne Arland Peterson (Jazz Musician,1922-2013)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Arland Peterson is perhaps the most \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eMinnesota\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e on this list. The jazz pianist and singer was WCCO radio\\u2019s staff vocalist for two decades and played the organ for Minnesota Twins baseball games.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Continental Co-Ets\\u00a0(Active in the 1960s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The 1960s high schoolers might\\u2019ve been the first girls-only garage rock group in the country, The Current says. Though from small-town (Fulda) Minnesota, the girls signed with an Iowa record label after learning their own instruments and touring Canada and the Upper Midwest. They were inducted to Iowa\\u0027s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tracie Spencer\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Singer-Songwriter, 1976-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Spencer was the youngest girl\\u00a0to sign a contract with Capitol Records for her R\\\\u0026amp;B music; by the time she graduated high school in the 90s, she\\u2019d already released four Billboard top-10 songs.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022The Chordettes (1946-1963)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022Sheboygan, Wisconsin college friends Dorothy Schwartz, Janet Ertel, Jinny Osborn, and Alice Mae Buschmann were behind the instantly recognizable tunes \\u201cMr. Sandman\\u201d and \\u201cLollipop.\\u201d In the 1950s and \\u201860s, the women\\u2019s songs broke into the Top 100 charts 13 times. They also appeared on the first ever episode of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eAmerican Bandstand\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a long-running entertainment show.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:7,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e170\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10153,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10150,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10160,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10159,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e1b2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Susan Halloway (Marching Band Director, 1953-2015)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Halloway made waves as an inductee to the Wisconsin School Music Association\\u2019s Marching Band Hall of Fame. She taught at the same high school in Sauk Prairie for her whole career, where she started its competitive marching band program. The group excelled and even played for a 1992 presidential campaign rally for Bill Clinton and Al Gore.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnie Riperton (Soul Singer, 1947-1979)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Chicago, Illinois, actor Maya Rudolph\\u2019s mother had a soul sound that lasted far beyond her short life. Professionally singing since age 15, she would later drop out of college to pursue music (which included being a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder). The Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Patti Smith\\u00a0(Singer-Songwriter, 1946-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022The punk-rock-poetry pioneer from Chicago started busking in Paris in the late 1960s. It would grow into a prolific career that\\u2019s still ongoing\\u2014one that includes photography, acting, activism, and writing.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Martha and the Vandellas\\u00a0(1957-1972)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Adding to the Michigan-strong list of impressive musicians (Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Madonna, Anita Baker...) is Martha and the Vandellas. After winning a talent contest that a Motown staff member saw, a lucky series of events led to Martha Reeves working as a receptionist at the label and singing with Marvin Gaye. She started a trio with the other women singing on his tracks, and top singles ensued.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Aaliyah\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Artist, 1971-2001)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The young R\\\\u0026amp;B star grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and created three albums before her tragic death at just 22. Aaliyah\\u2019s stuttering style spread to the hip-hop scene in the late 1990s. Her debut album quickly sold over a million copies.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:5,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e269\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10165,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10162,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e28f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Opal Brandt LaFollette (Country Singer, 1924-2022)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Lawrenceberg, Indiana, LaFollette was a vocalist and musician for over four decades. In her younger years, she had quit music because of its low pay but later became an inductee into the Southeastern Indiana Musician\\u2019s Hall of Fame in 2006, joining her two brothers.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tiara Thomas (Singer, 1989-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022One of the youngest on the list, this 35-year-old R\\\\u0026amp;B singer is already making history. From Indianapolis, Indiana, she\\u2019s won a Grammy for co-writing 2021 Song of the Year \\u201cI Can\\u2019t Breathe,\\u201d and was nominated for a Golden Globe and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song \\u201cFight for You\\\\u0022 from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJudas and the Black Messiah\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Thomas\\u2019 career began when she met music gurus at a Wale concert, who she would later perform with.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Chrissie Hynde (Rock Musician, 1951-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Joining Ohio legend Tracy Chapman is Akron native Chrissie Hynde. The rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter joined a band with a member of Devo and later formed the band the Pretenders in the 1970s. She is still releasing music today in her 70s.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Doris Day (Singer and Actress, 1922-2019)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 1950s and \\u201860s Hollywood film star double dipped in big band singing, which led to her earning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. After getting in a car accident meant she couldn\\u2019t dance for a while, she began to sing. She would release music until almost age 90.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:4,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e32f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/playlist\\\/3TrN404i7lBENc4Vl0c3R9?utm_source=generator\\\\u0026theme=0\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e357\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10108,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022461\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 20%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Born Norma Deloris Egstrom, Peggy Lee will be remembered for much, including writing songs at a time when original lyricism wasn\\u0027t common.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-27 20:53:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 27, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13550,\"title\":\"Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHow do we surprise and delight people?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat\\u2019s been the question swirling around the minds of Wisconsin-based duo Nicole Reis and Sarah Van Dyke. They own \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/joyvendingco\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EJoy Vending Co.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Madison.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir answer?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have a large, snack-size vending machine,\\u201d Van Dyke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s essentially the type of machine you\\u2019d normally see drinks and chips in. But instead, ours is packed with local art.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13545,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePartnering with 10 local makers, it\\u2019s stuffed with Wisconsin-themed watercolor art prints and polymer clay earrings shaped like Cheez-Its, or craft kits for kids.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStarting less than a year ago, the pair has also stuffed two, old-school temporary tattoo machines with mini art prints. Reis designs them and they\\u2019re printed locally. The \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.goodthingsvending.com\\\/locations\\\\u0022\\\\u003emachines spend a month or so at different locales\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e like breweries or boutiques (and, soon, weddings or other gatherings), tailored to the setting\\u2019s theme.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVan Dyke says it\\u2019s all about sharing moments of joy\\u2014hence the company name\\u2014and defining the area.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAnytime people are doing fun and creative things, you have the chance of catching the eye of others and being like, \\u2018OK, Madison isn\\u2019t so sleepy,\\u2019\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere are pockets of things happening.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. . . happening both in Madison, yes, but also in our lives\\u2014including surprise.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701cca\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think life can tend to be a bit of a slog sometimes,\\u201d she says. \\u201cAnd so I just love the idea of something that kind of jolts you out of that routine . . . It kind of just ignites your curiosity or your sense of playfulness, or it gives you something that you want to kind of nudge the person next to you and be like, \\u2018Wait a minute, look at that.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13549,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13546,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13555,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13543,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d0d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-is-fundamental-to-being-a-person-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Art is Fundamental to Being a Person\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver in Chicago, Illinois, Steph Krim says she\\u2019s part of this growing creative vending network. The Good Things Vending founder saved up $2,800 to buy her first machine; now she\\u2019s got nine (and counting) and an also-expanding crew alongside her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELocal muralists will paint the machines, stocked with \\u201ca rotating cast of local artist goods\\u201d and nostalgic items, Krim says. Everything is $20 or under.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI believe that art is fundamental to being a person. And I think that art spaces that are accessible is something that we always need more of,\\u201d she says, adding vending machine art is often a portrait of collective creativity. \\u201cThat\\u2019s just my favorite part of being a person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13541,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKrim says these machines are truly machines of community\\u2014they promote business traffic, artist visibility, and connection. And anyone can do it, she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI have a full-time job operating an art vending machine business. That\\u2019s a real job that I just feel like I made up for myself. And I think when people hear that, they\\u2019re like, \\u2018Can I do that too?\\u2019 And if there\\u2019s anything else I could say, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Yeah, you could.\\u2019\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d34\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13548,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 45%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022It\\u0027s always been a deeply collaborative project,\\u0022 Good Things Vending owner Steph Krim says, nodding to the set-up crew, mechanics, artists, and community.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-16 15:54:07\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 16, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2073267,\"participants\":345107,\"grants\":184,\"communities\":139},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":12079,\"title\":\"Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJim Bolin\\u2019s house is adorned with wind chimes, a nod to his late grandmother. He was listening to their nostalgic rings one evening over a decade ago and thought: \\u201cI wonder what the world\\u2019s largest wind chime (is).\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBack then, the largest was 27 feet long, Bolin says. Now, the record-holder swings at an impressive 42 feet\\u2014and its maker? None other than the Casey, Illinois, businessman himself.\\u0026nbsp; \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12096,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12082,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12081,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d0041b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBeing a pipeline company, we have all kinds of used pipes,\\u201d says the creator, who also runs Bolin Enterprises. \\u201cWhen we had time, I started building this giant wind chime and we finished it . . . and got it in the Guinness Book as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.guinnessworldrecords.com\\\/world-records\\\/largest-wind-chime\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eworld\\u2019s largest wind chime\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen years later, Bolin is still building big. In Casey (pop. 2,400), he and his crew at the enterprise have constructed nearly 30 large-scale works out of repurposed material, scattered around town. There\\u2019s an enormous crochet hook\\u0026nbsp;and mailbox; a softball bat and a rocking chair.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe calls the project \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBig Things Small Town\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhenever the mood strikes or a new business comes to town, Bolin gets to work. He\\u2019ll find, say, a broken spring from an overhead door at his company. Bingo\\u2014it\\u2019s a massive mousetrap. Or the library will need a fundraising boost; Bolin\\u2019s there with a big ol\\u2019 bookworm.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJim was a visionary with this,\\u201d says Tom Daughhetee, economic development director with the city. \\u201cHe and his team are extremely skilled builders and they\\u2019re very clever. That creativity and the know-how to actually build them has just been fantastic. They should be considered art in many ways.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd many people do: Bolin says between 1,000 and 2,000 people probably stop in Casey each week, though it\\u2019s tough to know for sure. He quickly noticed out-of-state license plates driving by after he advertised on the nearby interstate (most of the sculptures are a four-minute detour off I-70). Daughhetee says he\\u2019s seen an increase in visitors both for Big Things and to check out what else the small city has to offer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12090,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12087,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12092,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12085,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12083,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00441\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBefore the big things, our downtown was completely empty,\\u201d Daughhetee says. \\u201c(Big Things Small Town) is a pretty good thing to be known for . . . and you just see all these people gawking and smiles on their faces and kids running around and getting their picture taken.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat collective joy is what keeps Bolin creating (he\\u2019s currently working on an oversized fishing pole.) Born and raised in Casey, it\\u2019s easy for him to recount what he loves about the town. He talks about the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/popcornfestival.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPopcorn Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.candycanesonmain.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECandy Canes on Main\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014\\u201cit\\u2019s like a Hallmark movie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not really the dirt under our feet. It\\u2019s the people,\\u201d Bolin says. \\u201cWhen you go uptown, everybody knows each other . . . I like the sports experience at our schools. I like the county experience with the festivals that we have.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat\\u2019s what brings people back multiple times,\\u201d he adds. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not the Big Things; it\\u2019s the human part of just enjoying life.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Colossal Casey\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eWorld\\u0027s Largest!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWind Chime, Golf Tee, Rocking Chair, Wooden Shoes, Pitchfork, Mailbox, Key, Gavel, Swizzle Spoon, Golf Driver, Barbershop Pole, Teeter Totter\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eOther Big Things in Town\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAntlers, Birdcage, and Bat\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnvil and Horseshoe\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBookworm and Nail Puzzle\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCactus, Ear of Corn, and WW\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKnitting Needles and Crochet Hook\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMouse Trap and Rocking Horse\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPokeball and Minion\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSpinning Top and Toy Glider\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTaco and Piggy Bank\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWooden Token and Pizza Slicer\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nYardstick and Pencil\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:12104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00472\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12086,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022509\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 24%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The World\\u0027s Largest Rocking Chair (which actually rocks!) took two years and ten people to create.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-22 20:28:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11567,\"title\":\"Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt seemed like a nice enough day for a boat trip along the Chicago River. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA bright pink, rented kayak in tow, local \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/aomusicrecords.com\\\/about-ao\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECindy Juhasz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;took to the water with her husband and friend last year. It\\u2019s something they did often, but this time was different.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe were on the river and we heard music, and we all got goosebumps and we\\u2019re like, \\u2018What\\u003Cem\\u003E is \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethis?\\u2019\\u201d Juhasz says. \\u201cWe literally followed the sound, and we couldn\\u0027t believe what we were seeing.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11578,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5af\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn front of them was a large \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wsdot.wa.gov\\\/publications\\\/manuals\\\/fulltext\\\/M3082\\\/650.pdf\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edolphin\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a floating, cement structure typically used for anchoring boats. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn top of the dolphin: a full band.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s about, I dunno, eight feet up? And then you get one guy in the boat, one guy on the ladder, one guy on top receiving, and then pass the gear up,\\u201d says dolphin-stage brainchild Ben Kinsinger. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11572,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u0027Just a Random Bridge\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger\\u0027s \\u201csad cowboy song\\u201d group, \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLawrence Tome\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, has been hosting what he calls \\u201csecret river shows\\u201d for several years. Discoverable by \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003elatitude and longitude coordinates\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the shows have grown from a few friend-fans to a venue of sorts where music acts across genres appear.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s pretty epic. It\\u2019s a whole crowd of folks that are 20, 30 feet out in front of you and there\\u2019s a body of water in between. At one of these shows, there\\u2019s probably 30-plus kayaker\\\/canoe people out on the water, and other bigger boats,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cAnd it\\u2019s surreal. It\\u2019s just a random bridge that nothing ever happens at, and suddenly it\\u2019s filled with hundreds of people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger happened upon the river-crossing bridge and underpass maybe four years ago and, like a true artist, thought: \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWhy not?\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe shows are collecting community with every gig, Chicagoan \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESara Geist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E says: All sorts of folks show up; an artist has painted a mural on the dolphin; even a barber makes the occasional appearance and offers haircuts (just don\\u2019t bob your head too much, OK?) \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think of it as sort of an important third space. You can kind of always count on there being a secret river show over any weekend in the summer now. And if you go, there are going to be friends there and cool bands ... it just feels like this really special part of the community that you can rely on now,\\u201d says Geist, who is gearing up to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eperform\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at a July 5 show.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-creative-care-for-a-river-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ECreative Care for a River\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.wttw.com\\\/2019\\\/08\\\/09\\\/how-clean-chicago-river-new-project-wants-show-you-real-time\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOver a century ago\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Chicago used the river as a means of runoff. Around 1900, the river\\u2019s flow was actually \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nationalgeographic.com\\\/travel\\\/article\\\/what-to-do-along-the-chicago-river\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ereversed\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to mitigate environmental impacts. But Chicagoans \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cbsnews.com\\\/chicago\\\/news\\\/chicago-river-cleanup-sewer-overflow-climate-change-clean-water-act\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Estill battle runoff and pollution\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially during periods of rain.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIn the city, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Don\\u2019t get in the river. It\\u2019s gross.\\u2019 But it\\u2019s not,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cI love the river ... It still has that desire, I feel, to be just a natural river and it has the possibility of doing it, if we can get people organized around caring.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11577,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11576,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11571,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca62b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENext month, Lawrence Tome will do that the way it knows best, but better: through a river band\\u0026nbsp;parade with a slew of performers, pontoons, and buoyant stages.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBecause if the river moves and changes, so can its future\\u2014with electric guitars and drum kits floating with it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11569,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Lawrence Tome performs on \\u0022a big cement thing that was there,\\u0022 band member Ben Kinsinger says, with a full sound system, amplifiers, instruments, and recording equipment.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-26 18:19:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 26, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9114,\"title\":\"Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBefore the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival (est. 2015), there was Redmoon Theater (est. 1990, also co-founded by festival artistic director Blair Thomas).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA\\u00a0 puppet-based company centered on spectacle and cross-arts collaboration, Redmoon drew a wide range of artists and performed in theaters and festivals, but most notably, on the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe festival grew out of that tradition, establishing the city as a puppet hub, and luring international puppet companies to Chicago every January.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9117,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe festival\\u2019s puppet design studio in the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fineartsbuilding.com\\\/history\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFine Arts Building\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is located in the very spot that the word \\u201cpuppeteer\\u201d \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.huffpost.com\\\/entry\\\/chicago-puppeteer-city_b_634493\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003emay have been coined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in 1912 by \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Ellen_Van_Volkenburg\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEllen Van Volkenburg\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, connecting it to a much longer theatrical history.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKnown as \\u201ca woman of strange and unique talents,\\u201d Van Volkenburg co-founded one of Chicago\\u2019s earliest and most influential peoples\\u2019 theater companies: The Chicago Little Theatre.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThough it ran for just five years, its impact endured as the impetus for the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Little_Theatre_Movement\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLittle Theatre Movement\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of the 1910\\u2019s and 20\\u2019s. Their DIY, non-commercial approach challenged preconceptions about theater being a high art form and set the stage for later theatrical concepts (improv, for example) that would be developed in Chicago.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe theatre\\u2019s motto was \\u201cCreate your own theater with the talent at hand.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThey produced works that were poetic, classical, experimental, often full of puppets. And above all, for the people. This is where Van Volkenburg founded the Chicago Little Theatre Marionettes. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f4723a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-pulling-on-traditions\\u0022\\u003EPulling on Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe last century has been full of fruitful theater years for Chicago\\u2014brimming with Broadway contenders, storefront experimental works, and institutions\\u0026nbsp;like Chicago Shakes, Steppenwolf, and Goodman.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to pioneers of Chicago theater who maintained the DIY aesthetic, including Van Volkenburg, a climate of exchange has persisted among artists who do voice work, actors who puppeteer, dancers who perform circus, and puppeteers who build sets.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis environment has given Chicago its reputation as a proving ground for great performances and versatile artists. It has also birthed innovative cross-discipline theater companies such as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENeo-Futurists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and Manual Cinema.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s difficult to measure how many artists and art forms have been influenced over the decades by Chicago\\u2019s theater influence.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESarah Fornace, co-founder of Manual Cinema, says her company couldn\\u2019t have become what it was today anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9118,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472c4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EManual Cinema has performed around the world and across artistic disciplines\\u2014from adapting poetry and performing with contemporary classical musicians at the Poetry Foundation to renting a funeral home for a puppet show premiere with friends in experimental music.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFornace sees a direct line from the traditions of Van Volkenburg\\u2019s era to the current theater climate in Chicago, and recognizes their impact on Manual Cinema. \\u201cBlair Thomas [at Redmoon] gave me my first paying job as a puppeteer, and I still often think of basic principles of puppetry that I learned on that show.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat marionettes operated by women in a show in a tiny theater over a 100 years ago could somehow be part of a movement whose influence persists in theater today is not simply surprising, it\\u2019s potentially inspiring to a whole new generation of puppeteers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEllen Van Volkenburg would be proud to see her legacy carry on.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Chicago\\u0027s Puppet Community\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s working-class ambition carried over to the arts. The creative landscape attracted performers, shows sprung up to entertain the masses, and artistic innovations (like Little Theatre and non-illusory theater) emerged.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eThe current puppet community in Chicago includes offshoots of these innovations, from regular puppet slams and workshops at Stop Motion Plant, Puppets in Progress, Agitator Gallery, Nasty, Brutish and Short, and PuppetQueers, to grassroots puppet-based companies like Rough House Theater, Shoestring Puppets, and Rabbit Foot Puppetry.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eFor the puppet-curious, there are puppet performances on any given week in Chicago. January\\u2019s highlight is the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival, January 15-26, with multiple venues.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:9121,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9119,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"LaKecia Harris in Manual Cinema\\u0027s Christmas Carol.\",\"date\":\"2025-01-15 20:46:21\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 15, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":746,\"name\":\"Kimzyn Campbell\",\"slug\":\"kimzyn-campbell\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":746,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kimzyn Campbell\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":265175,\"participants\":50779,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":15},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":13270,\"title\":\"Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWarsaw, Indiana might be best known as the \\u201corthopedic capital of the world.\\u0022 But over the last decade, this small city of 16,000 has been steadily adding another layer to its identity: a growing commitment to public art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe city\\u2019s journey began 10 years ago, when Warsaw applied for a state-funded community placemaking grant and lost. Though they were a finalist, they ultimately weren\\u2019t chosen due to \\u201ca lack of public art in the community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13302,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In response, then-mayor Joe Thallemer gathered a small group of volunteers and launched the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ArtFULLYWarsaw\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWarsaw Public Arts Commission\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. Their early experiments ranged from renting temporary statues to hosting a student sculpture competition downtown.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nEach project confirmed what many already suspected: art could activate public spaces and open up new conversations about what Warsaw could be. Still, the Commission wanted something more permanent that said \\u201cart belongs here.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat opportunity came through \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.in.gov\\\/arts\\\/programs-and-services\\\/training\\\/creative-convergence\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCreative Convergence\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a team-based workshop and funding program run by the Indiana Arts Commission. The initiative brings together community teams for hands-on learning in strategic planning, cultural development, and public art design, paired with coaching and seed funding to help ideas take root.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by what they\\u2019d learned through the program, the city put out a call for artists and selected Ohio mosaic artist Gail Christofferson of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.animalhouseglass.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAnimal House Glass\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b30\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-for-and-by-the-public\\u0022\\u003EArt For - and By - the Public\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EChristofferson\\u2019s sculpture concept invited neighbors into the making. She staged community workshops at the YMCA, Third Fridays, and Redbird Art Studio where residents placed pieces of colored glass onto panels that would later be assembled into the finished work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13277,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b84\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe result is \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a 10 foot tall, open-sided pavilion now installed in Warsaw\\u2019s Central Park. Its angled glass panels scatter shifting patterns of light across the concrete. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut the piece is as much about community as aesthetics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople helped create it. They own part of this piece of public art,\\u201d says Christofferson.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Commission hasn\\u2019t stopped with one sculpture. Alongside \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, they\\u2019ve launched \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitkosciuskocounty.org\\\/artworkswarsaw\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Works\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (a campaign spotlighting Warsaw\\u2019s creative makers), and nearly doubled their group in size to include artists, educators, city staff, and cultural supporters.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002244px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:44px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13276,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13280,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13278,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13279,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13282,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55bac\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECommission member Andrea Miller, an educator and metalsmith, says Warsaw\\u2019s commitment to public art has shifted her perspective on her home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I first moved here, I felt very isolated,\\u201d Miller says. \\u201cSeeing that there is interest in art, and there are people excited about it and trying to do things to either participate or make more opportunities happen, that makes me feel like this is a place that I could stay longer.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd hopefully, it opens new doors for others to get involved. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think public art gives people the opportunity to be exposed to art without it intimidating them,\\u201d says Christofferson. \\u201cHopefully it makes them realize that, oh, art is really beautiful, and I can connect to this, and I\\u0027m going to pay attention a little bit more in the future.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13272,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Warsaw, a city of 16,000 in northern Indiana, has infused energy and creativity into their community through public artworks by Midwest artists like Gail Christofferson (center).\",\"date\":\"2025-10-08 14:49:13\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13221,\"title\":\"Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of Jim Byerly\\u2019s coming-of-age in Indiana was traveling across the state.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m one of nine kids, and in order to keep their sanity, Mom and Dad would take us to the state parks on the weekends to a different historical location,\\u201d says Byerly. \\u201cAnd then once we ran out of things in Indiana, then we started traveling around, going further out as all of us got a little bit older.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13232,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022These days, it\\u2019s harder for Byerly, 65, to get out like he used to. He\\u2019s one of 30-some daily guests at \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stillwatersadc.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStill Waters Adult Day Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in Indianapolis, which welcomes folks with dementia and other disabilities.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut thanks to a grant from Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks, Byerly and others can still see, learn, and visit\\u2014in a way\\u2014art and historic destinations across Indiana. It\\u2019s in partnership with the Indiana State Museum.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cIt was just unbelievable,\\u201d Byerly says of a virtual visit to T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville, Indiana. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/tcsteele.org\\\/portfolio\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eT.C. Steele\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was an impressionist painter in the late 1800s and early 1900s.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cBrown County is beautiful. And he was able to bring it to life so that even here in Indianapolis where you don\\u2019t get to see all of that beauty and surroundings, you could see it in his artwork.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d24e8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-seeing-sites-in-new-ways-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ESeeing Sites in New Ways\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDiana Keely is Still Waters\\u2019 executive director. She says the weekday center is there so elders can stay in their own homes or with family.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur seniors [should] have the programming they would have if they didn\\u2019t have dementia,\\u201d says Keely, who wrote this program grant. \\u201c[It] is very difficult [for] an individual with dementia to do some of these programmings . . . The drive is just too far for someone who has any type cognitive or physical limitations. Or when they get there, it is difficult for them to actually explore and walk the grounds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the grounds come to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13233,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d255c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndiana State Museum staff present and explain historical artifacts\\u2014Keely recalls a horse brush being one.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd she would hold it up and she would talk, would get \\u2018em three scenarios that the horse brush would be used for, and they have to state what they think the horse brush was actually used for. So, it\\u2019s a really cool and engaging way to get the guests to think about old items around their house,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther sites are land-based and discoverable via video tours. Museum staff would stop in certain areas and give context: the who, what, and when.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly has been to all the sessions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWell, I\\u2019ll tell you: It was wonderful because they were able to take us without having to travel over there,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp; \\u201cIt was quite wonderful. It made you feel like you were actually there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly says these tours have rekindled memories of when he\\u2019d traveled to these sites before.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt just reminded me of seeing it in person,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt was a wonderful thing to relive that and to see it again . . . It helps to renew and helps you to remember.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13234,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022529\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 41%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Remote site tours have included the T. 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Steele State Historic Site, the Limberlost State Historic Site, and Angel Mounds State Historic Site.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-02 16:00:16\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022705\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 41%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11004,\"title\":\"Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI reached out, wrapped my hands tightly around the bar, swung out on the trapeze 25 feet in the air, threw a flip, and looked up for my catcher\\u2019s hands. I trusted they were there. Then relief and excitement. The audience erupted in applause!\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11005,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBorn and raised in Peru, Indiana, I did what kids only dream of. I was six when my mother took me to see my cousin perform at the circus. I knew then that I wanted to do it too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe \\u2018\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.perucircus.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGreatest Amateur Show on Earth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2019 showcases circus acts with 200+ kids every year and has been for 65 years. There are \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonly\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e 50 \\u201ccircus towns\\u201d\\u2014places with connections to circus performance and history\\u2014in the United States. Seeing the impact of circus in Peru (pop. 11,073), I wonder why.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAt age 11, I experienced drastic changes at home. I was moving, changing schools, leaving friends. Then spring came, and it was time for circus practice to start.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt took me away from the chaos at home. Having fun with people who cared about me got me through that time. When my family fell apart, without the circus, I could have fallen apart too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMy former coach Bill Anderson performed and coached for five decades. Unaware of specific obstacles kids faced at home, he focused on building their confidence. \\u201cThe young performers learn that they are capable of doing much more than they think they can do,\\u201d he says.\\u00a0 \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAccording to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/articles\\\/PMC10003779\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eresearch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, circus activities boost emotional well-being, self-esteem, social interactions, and academic achievement. With nearly 20% of children under 18 in Miami County (home to Peru) living in poverty, the local amateur circus has been an affordable and welcoming place for children from all walks of life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002234px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:34px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022[Spending] 10 years in the circus taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Debra Jo Myers\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2de\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-finding-growth-shaping-lives\\u0022\\u003EFinding Growth, Shaping Lives\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt 18, Jaxon Cole is a fourth-generation flyer in the circus. His great grandfather was the first catcher for flying trapeze in the early 1960s. His parents and grandparents performed professionally, too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWithout it, I wouldn\\u2019t have learned to trust people, like my catcher on the flying trapeze. Or to push myself harder every day\\u2026\\u201d says Jaxon. \\u201c My life wouldn\\u2019t be fun without circus!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaving spent 10 years in the circus, this resonates with me\\u2014it taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community. Without hundreds of volunteers, there would be no circus in Peru, Indiana.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11013,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11012,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11009,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKnowing how to push through my fear to try new experiences has led me to encourage others to do the same. It led me to a career in management. It\\u2019s also filled my head and my heart with stories that gave me the drive to write. I would have taken a different path had I not been a circus kid.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I meet people, and they ask where I am from, I get to share stories of flying high on the trapeze. Even now, 50 years later, the voices of my circus family are always with me:\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBelieve in yourself! You can do it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd importantly, \\u201cMay all your days be circus days!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11010,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Record-breaking seven-person pyramid on High Wire, 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-03 15:49:58\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":757,\"name\":\"Debra Jo Myers\",\"slug\":\"debra-jo-myers\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":757,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Debra Jo Myers\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":209362,\"participants\":32819,\"grants\":18,\"communities\":16},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10505,\"title\":\"A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EInside a two-story, century-old brick fortress, sun shines through stained glass artworks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMusic serenades down the hall; a koi pond will soon reflect a kaleidoscope of oranges and whites. Magic happens here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut it isn\\u2019t a fairytale\\u2014this is Cedar Rapids, Iowa.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEastern Iowa Arts Academy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a nonprofit offering accessible arts education\\u2014recently purchased this historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/about\\\/arthur\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArthur Elementary school\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which was meant to be demolished. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s like a whole new place ... You can unwind. You can be creative. You can be exactly who you want to be here. It\\u2019s a safe place,\\u201d says Heather Wagner, the organization\\u2019s executive director. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10509,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181012\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building\\u2019s plans include a hallway gallery, open studio spaces, and a community room with a food pantry, clothing closet, and mental health support. Folks can rent out instruments; there\\u2019s a sensory room, and a kitchen and gym rental.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents can sign up for band practice, create in the community maker\\u2019s space, or record tracks at the studio.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10511,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-music-as-healing-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMusic as Healing\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nOne of those students, Zoe Wolrab, is a high school senior involved in three rock bands through the academy. She sings and plays bass guitar, covering artists from Carol King to Toto.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I was 14, I was kind of struggling a lot, just focusing in school and wanting to go to school in the first place. And I was also struggling a lot mentally,\\u201d Wolrab says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSo their mom suggested getting involved with music. Joining after-school sessions at Eastern Iowa Arts Academy perhaps saved their life, says Wolrab.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMusic is what I want in my life now. This kind of helped me find my career path in the first place. I just want to keep doing this forever.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f91810cf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe academy is open to students of all ages and abilities, who pay full or partial memberships up to $190 or so a year. By the next three years, organizers plan to have full ADA-accessible programming. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s for everybody\\u2014by everybody.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe whole community coming together is working ... on making this \\u003Cem\\u003Ethe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E arts hub for this area,\\u201d Wagner says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meeting-a-creative-need-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeeting a Creative Need\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen bringing folks back to the academy\\u2019s previous building after pandemic restrictions, the problem was clear: The demand was just too high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey came back in droves,\\u201d Wagner says of the students. \\u201cThe need for expression in the arts was huge.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EClasses started racking up waiting lists and students wanted more private instrument lessons. The academy was running out of room. With the help of a cohort grant through the Iowa Arts Council, the team secured the school for $260K.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10515,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181149\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building, though largely untouched save some painting, has transformed into an arts refuge. Wagner says people can come just as they are: There\\u2019s no need to put on a mask, empty your wallets, or be uncomfortable. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe just wants people to feel restored, much like the building\\u2019s newfound purpose.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArt can do what it\\u0027s supposed to do. People can kind of bury themselves in the art,\\u201d Wagner says. \\u201cYou can just heal. And that\\u2019s what it\\u2019s all about.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10514,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hundreds of people showed up for the open house of Eastern Iowa Art Academy\\u0027s new (old) building.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-21 17:20:20\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 21, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9475,\"title\":\"This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA mammoth kite is strapped down to a truck; Interstate 35 is backed up with traffic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s one of the biggest weekends for small-town Clear Lake, Iowa: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/color-the-wind\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EColor the Wind Kite Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe event itself draws almost 20,000 people from all across the Midwest to see these kites in the sky,\\u201d says Stacy Doughan, president and CEO of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut they\\u2019re not \\u003Cem\\u003Ejust\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E kites\\u2014once a year, acres of frozen lake set the stage for flying cats, astronauts, Iron Man, and dinosaurs. Yes, even pigs fly (at least in Clear Lake).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9477,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78568\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe event inspired Iowa artist Andy Chenchar, who grew up visiting the city as a child. His \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/members.clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/details\\\/exhibition-constructs-from-the-printed-page-by-artist-andy-chenchar-739348\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enew exhibition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in town features collages depicting Color the Wind\\u2019s fantastic colors and shapes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the color contrast against the sky that\\u2019s kind of grayish-blue,\\u201d Chenchar says. \\u201cThese things are huge sculptures in the air and the way they float and the tension between the ground and the sky ... They\\u2019re really colorful and sculptural and kinetic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe\\u2019ll connect scraps from magazines and paper, creating horizons and shapes to form what he calls an artistic puzzle. Chenchar\\u2019s piece \\u003Cem\\u003EKite Fest\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is informed by his frequent visits to the area and the festival.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9483,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e7859a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s incredible to watch \\u0027em go up and hang up there in the air,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoughan says some kites, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. Several dozen fliers will hoist multiple kites at once, filling the chilly air with flowing reds and yellows.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\\\u0026feature=youtu.be \\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be \\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EColor the Wind started in 2005 with local kite pilots Larry and Kay Day, who traveled to similar festivals across the U.S. before deciding Clear Lake needed its own.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSummer is just a packed time here in Clear Lake, and so doing it in the middle of winter on the frozen lake was just appealing,\\u201d Doughan says. \\u201cBecause after a long, dark, dingy winter, it\\u0027s so nice to have the bright kites in the sky on top of the snow-covered lake.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022It\\u0027s Cold But We Still Art!\\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022Read more stories about how Midwesterners creatively celebrate and embrace winter!\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00228942\\u0022,\\u00226492\\u0022,\\u00223518\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022multicolor\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78880\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9478,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 72%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Some kites in the fest, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. \",\"date\":\"2025-02-11 19:08:14\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 11, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 72%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                          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                (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":14090,\"title\":\"Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tamsie.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETamsie Ringler\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E moved to Dubuque, Iowa, five years ago.\\u0026nbsp;After years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she was looking to retire somewhere she could afford a house, continue her art practice, and see her son finish school.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut before she relocated, Ringler spent decades teaching sculpture and foundry in colleges and leading iron pours across the country and internationally. At these live, high-heat casting events, artists melt scrap iron in a furnace and pour the glowing metal into molds to create sculptures.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14094,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667a9ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler has always loved the collective spirit that comes with iron casting and foundry,\\u0026nbsp; a passion she put into practice during a decade of organizing the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/franconiablog.wordpress.com\\\/2018\\\/02\\\/13\\\/2018-valentines-day-hot-metal-pour-part-2-life-as-a-professional-artist-working-in-cast-iron\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECommunity Collaboration Hot Metal Pour\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Minnesota\\u2019s Franconia Sculpture Park.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It\\u2019s] working together with a large group of people to make something happen and\\u0026nbsp;supporting\\u0026nbsp;the work of other people as well as your own,\\u201d the artist explains.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler is used to setting up foundries in non-traditional spaces including parking lots and sculpture gardens. \\u201cIt\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;a jump for me to be like, well, I can do that here in Dubuque,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cThere\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;anything like that going on here.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, in spring of 2025, Ringler debuted the Dubuque Iron Pour Project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14093,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eHeavy Metal Artistry\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor three weeks, eight local and regional artists (including sculptors, painters, metalsmiths, and landscapers) joined Ringler through the whole metal casting process\\u2014\\u201cfrom pattern to pour.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor participant \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/timolsonstudio.com\\\/paintings\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTim Olson\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, the technical parts of the workshop were a learning experience.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt took a while for it to all make sense,\\u201d says the artist who primarily works in painting and stained glass. He cast a miniature guard shack, incorporating stained glass as windows. \\u201cI picked a pretty difficult mold without really knowing what I was getting into.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLike Olson, most participants were new to metal casting. \\u201cIt was great\\u2014I got to meet artists\\u00a0[from Davenport, Iowa] I\\u0027d\\u00a0never met before\\u2026 We were all working together\\u00a0pretty closely\\u00a0because\\u00a0we had to help each other mix the material for the molds,\\u201d he adds.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlong the way, the group also helped Ringler make relief molds for the project\\u2019s outdoor community pours.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSupported by grants from the Iowa Arts Council, the Starseed Foundation, and local businesses, the Dubuque Iron Pour Project offered free workshops\\u2014including one at the Boys and Girls Club\\u2014and a public iron pour at the Dubuque Art Museum.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI didn\\u0027t really think of this type of work as being a kind of community project, you know, the way it turned out to be,\\u201d says Olson.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI definitely want to do it again.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; 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bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac13\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002239px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:39px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14105,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14097,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14101,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14102,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac7a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-casting-community\\u0022\\u003ECasting Community\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler kept the iron pour small this year, but hopes it can happen yearly.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2026, she hopes to host a conference centering art and climate, along with more public iron pours and workshops.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt takes a community of people to make [iron pours] happen.\\u0026nbsp;But I think\\u0026nbsp;we\\u0027re\\u0026nbsp;also all craving that, right? Because it\\u2019s difficult to get together in\\u0026nbsp;community,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to Ringler, that community is taking shape in Northern Iowa\\u2014one pour at a time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac9d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14098,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Dubuque Iron Pour Project by Tamsie Ringler hosted a number of free workshops for small groups and community where participants learned the iron casting process\\u2014\\u0022from pattern to pour.\\u0022\",\"date\":\"2025-11-19 23:01:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":246968,\"participants\":25033,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":12},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14000,\"title\":\"It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVickie Elmer will pick up litter on the side of the road. It\\u2019s not solely for humanitarian reasons, but for something a bit more creative.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe turns that trash into summer jobs\\u2014summer \\u003Cem\\u003Eart\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E jobs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EElmer is the co-founder and executive director of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMint Artist Guild\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E based in Detroit, Michigan. She leads the guild\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/programs\\\/summer-creative-jobs\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESummer Creative Jobs program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for teens and young adults.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur budget is small, but our aspirations are not,\\u201d Elmer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ec6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUsing donated secondhand material and hand-picked (literally) trash for several summers now, her employees will work for six weeks. The high school and college students are paid to create art, attend artist talks, or run crafting workshops; there\\u2019s a growing number of participants (up to 30 this year). Throughout the program, youth are compensated for their art and work\\u2014sometimes their pieces end up in galleries and exhibits, or are sold for fundraising.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d \\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RYN BENNING, 2024 INTERN\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ff5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERyn Benning was a 2024 intern, leading painting projects and artmaking all summer. A highlight was Trash to Treasure Day, a collaborative, speed-arting competition. The prize? Bragging rights.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe used a broken porcelain doll head, an arrow, an old painting and other knick-knacks to create an interactive piece,\\u201d Benning says, noting they added haiku and copious amounts of hot glue.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[I] got to test my craftsmanship in a set amount of time and learn more about my teammates,\\u201d Benning says. \\u201cParticipating in the event helped me build my collaboration skills. I also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14006,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14005,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14007,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14003,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d681a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14008,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Some of the art ends up in nearby exhibits, Elmer says, but it\\u2019s not about the end product.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u2019s so many nuanced lessons that they learn about being inventive and adaptive,\\u201d Elmer says. \\u201c[Repurposed art] frees [artists] from the constraints of having to have enough money to buy a big canvas or the best paint or whatever.\\u201d\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe sees that scrappiness across Detroit and has for years.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cRecycled and repurposed art . . . existed in Detroit for a long time, alongside fairly high rates of poverty in the city, and people who maybe don\\u2019t have an expectation that they\\u2019re ever going to spend time in a museum or an art gallery. So it\\u2019s sort of egalitarian,\\u201d Elmer says.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s available for everyone.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d6826c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14004,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022326\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students apply for the creative summer jobs, which is often their first official job application.\",\"date\":\"2025-11-06 20:02:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 6, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12747,\"title\":\"Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESeptember means the end of summer, the start of fall, and\\u2014in true Michigan tradition\\u2014the return of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArtPrize\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s one of the largest art competitions in the world, founded in 2009.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe two-plus-week festival spans across Grand Rapids (pop. 200,117) this year from September 18 to October 4. Galleries, breweries, and parks set the scene for open art crawls, renowned artist competitions, and creative events for the public. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis year, ArtPrize is awarding $600,000 in fundraising money to the winning artists, based on juried and community voting. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/faq\\u0022\\u003EThe nonprofit says\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E most of their budget comes from \\u201ccorporate giving, followed by foundations, individuals, and government grants.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 900 works will be on view, from artists across 39 states and 18 countries.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12774,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12749,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12757,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12754,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12752,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:12751,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:12798,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:12799,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e27\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtPrize 2025 is run by the City of Grand Rapids, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s installation art, live performances, sculptural work, architectural design, fashion, digital art, and more. Any artist over 18 can submit one piece to ArtPrize, where applicants must collaborate with host sites to be in the running.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere are a couple of those artists involved, both from years past and upcoming.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-teresa-dunn-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ETeresa Dunn\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETeresa Dunn showed work at one of the very first ArtPrize competitions as well as last year. She says she\\u2019s first and foremost a Mexican American woman, before she\\u2019s a \\u201cvisual storyteller.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd that shapes a lot of who I am as an artist,\\u201d says Dunn, from East Lansing, Michigan. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDunn\\u2019s piece \\u201cBrown Girl Club,\\u201d depicting her daughter\\u2019s math and science teachers, will be up at the city hall during this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12750,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e58\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a rare occasion where a city dedicates this timeframe to the arts in this way and it\\u2019s become an international phenomenon that that\\u2019s really exciting to be a part of,\\u201d she says. \\u201cOftentimes, artists are making their work in isolation or in small groups . . . and you don\\u2019t know if it has impact or not until you get it out into the world.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Dunn, ArtPrize \\u201cis a community building; it\\u2019s a celebration of artistic and creative practice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCameron Stalheim\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nSioux Falls, South Dakota, sculptor Cameron Stalheim works to capture bodily emotion, spirituality, and positivity with his pieces.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHe was chosen to show one of his favorite sculptures \\u201cPersist\\u201d at Sixth Street Park for this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a large, bronze piece depicting a figure holding down a fabric that\\u2019s binding it, arm outreached. Stalheim is currently working on transporting this 700-pound figure across the Midwest for his first ArtPrize showing.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTo Stalheim\\u2014win or lose\\u2014ArtPrize shows the world how one artist can affect communities across the region and world.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s just being able to step into one of the biggest conversations about art on an international level,\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd we can do that, collectively, from the Midwest.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e81\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12770,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Since 2009, ArtPrize says it has given nearly $7 million to artists and garnered more than 4 million public votes. Pictured is the Closing Ceremony of 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-09-04 21:46:27\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 4, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11377,\"title\":\"The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen he was 27 years old, the hardware used to treat Nicholas Harrier\\u2019s childhood osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) became infected, necessitating an above-knee amputation. Upon receiving his prosthetic leg from Bay City, Michigan\\u2019s Oakland Orthopedic, however, Harrier put the unit through its paces\\u2014by, among other things, leaping down flights of stairs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOakland Orthopedic soon offered Harrier a job. Harrier has gone on to make an even bigger impact than the ones at the bottom of those staircases.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11381,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to his day-to-day work as a prosthetic technician, Harrier designs custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d: bespoke pieces of art, slipped over a patient\\u2019s artificial limb, in whatever form they so desire\\u2014be it dragon skin, body horror, or the iconic aesthetics of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/H._R._Giger\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eH.R. Giger\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. On Instagram, Harrier documents his work as \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/prostheticguy\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e@prostheticguy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cEvery prosthetic place should have a prosthetic guy. It shouldn\\u0027t just be me and a few companies doing it,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cThey need to up their game, because it\\u0027s not just about looks, and I\\u0027m so tired of hearing it reduced to that. We have empirical data that can disprove that.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHarrier cites a study out of University of Nevada that found that positive patient outcomes increase by as much as 70 percent, just by being offered a choice, and by being engaged in the design process of their new appendage.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u0027re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u0027re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u0027re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u0027t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cAnd I\\u0027ll die on that mountain.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOver the past decade, Harrier estimates that he\\u2019s crafted as many as 80 custom jackets. But he endeavors to test out new materials or techniques each time; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u0027s yours,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cIt\\u0027s not something that came off of a factory line. It doesn\\u0027t have some giant corporate logo on it. The mold is broken. And for some amputees, it\\u0027s not their first leg. But for a lot of them, it feels like it, because it\\u2019s the first one truly designed for them.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOne of Harrier\\u2019s clients, Cam Ayala, outlined the vision for his first cover via classic cinema: the 1991 Disney movie, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eThe Rocketeer\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; Matthew McConaughey\\u2019s spacesuit from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eInterstellar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; and blending both together via weathered, rusted steampunk.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5749e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u2019re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u2019re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u2019re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u2019t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NICHOLAS HARRIER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d57531\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11385,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNick has such a servant\\u0027s heart,\\u201d Ayala says. \\u201cThere\\u0027s not a lot of people who would lose their leg to cancer and then decide to get into the field of prosthetics\\u2014and then, adding this whole layer of custom aesthetic that really does get to the psyche of the patient. To empower them, to be proud. To not just feel like this is just a durable piece of medical equipment.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHarrier doesn\\u2019t simply hope that his work makes the world a more accessible, beautiful place. Rather, his art aims to challenge the paradigm of what disability can, or should, be: not as a marker of illness or tragedy, but as an emblem of pride and power.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u0027s a great quote,\\u201d Harrier says, \\u201cand you can pretend like I knew the guy who said it: \\u2018We rise by lifting others.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5755d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11384,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 15%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"With every custom jacket, Harrier endeavors to test out new materials or techniques; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-17 17:41:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":758,\"name\":\"Jonathan Feakins\",\"slug\":\"jonathan-feakins\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":758,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jonathan Feakins\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":273165,\"participants\":44991,\"grants\":29,\"communities\":28},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":11750,\"title\":\"Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou go to cemeteries to grieve, to remember, or maybe just to take a lunch-break walk. At this Minneapolis, Minnesota, cemetery, you can add a more fertile reason to that list: for \\u003Cem\\u003Eart.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELakewood Cemetery\\u2019s very first \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eartist-in-residence program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E kicked off this spring. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFour local artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (selected through a public open call) host events and create work throughout the year at the 250-acre site. It\\u2019s believed to be the first of its kind in the Midwest; there are two on the east coast.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDeath is one of our few constants between everyone. We all will experience it at some point,\\u201d says Amanda Luke, the cemetery\\u2019s community engagement manager. \\u201cAnd I think it\\u2019s a no-brainer to utilize these spaces as community sites for conversations (and) artist workshops.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11755,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044546\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuke says over 70 artists applied for the residencies, which focus on remembrance, grief, and the cycle of life and death. While the residency is new this year, she says it\\u2019s hard not to imagine it becoming a staple. Art and cemeteries have long been allies\\u2014especially at Lakewood, which is more than 150 years old. There are sculptures and elegant gravestones throughout the cemetery, which \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.arbnet.org\\\/accreditation\\\/levels-accreditation\\\/level-ii-criteria\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edoubles as an arboretum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have beautiful art all across the grounds. It\\u2019s kind of hard to miss,\\u201d Luke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s like a museum where you can actually gently touch the art . . .\\u0026nbsp; it gives you a new way to just think about these spaces as artistic spaces.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meet-the-artists-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeet the Artists\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of her residency, longtime visual artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dianaeicher.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDiana Eicher\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E collects would-be composted, post-funeral flowers. With them, she hand-makes paper that people can take home. By next spring, she\\u2019ll have a collection of tree and floral artwork, inspired by the cemetery, printed on that petal paper.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11758,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOne of my motivations was . . . to also honor and memorialize the people whose loved ones are being buried and commemorated at Lakewood without actually attaching names to them,\\u201d Eicher says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother artist-in-residence is improvisational musician \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sarahmgreer.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESarah M. Greer.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E She leads song circles at the cemetery chapel by taking grief-adjacent sounds and distilling them into songs. She\\u2019ll then write that translation on a notecard for participants, like: \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u2018Sing a falling, two-note pattern for a relatively long period of time.\\u2019\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI got curious about if we could make music from the sounds that we use to express sorrow and in so doing, if the sounds themselves were part of how we digest and transmute sorrow,\\u201d the composer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11760,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11761,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11756,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-687688304458d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe other artists in residence are \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.andrewgrumcarr.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAndrew Grum Carr\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, reflecting on loss through an essay and seasonal watercolor paintings; and RJ Kern, a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rjkern.com\\\/ethereal-echos\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EChromoskedasic photographer\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E creating abstract images of \\u201cimpermanence and rebirth.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn their own ways, these artists transform grief into a kind of wonder. A space to create\\u2014sometimes collectively\\u2014from a gaping hole. These life cycle-focused expressions let us sit with our big, heavy questions, especially if we do not have the answers. They invite some solace into bereavement\\u2019s blues, and its beauty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11762,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A community lantern release event in 2021. This year\\u0027s inaugural artist residency program is part of Lakewood Cemetery\\u0027s long art history.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-09 21:18:10\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 9, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11152,\"title\":\"Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EScene: It\\u2019s December 2023. Reggie Holmes, 72, faces the audience at a choir concert. She\\u2019s been singing since she was a baby, but things have changed.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI turned around to apologize to the guy behind me. I said, \\u2018I just want to sing, but it will sound really bad,\\u2019\\u201d Holmes says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMy voice was lovely, but Parkinson\\u2019s stole that from me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the past couple of years, she\\u2019s somewhat reclaimed that voice\\u2014in large part thanks to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.spoonsforthepeople.com\\\/parkinsong\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EParkinsong Choir\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in rural Washburn, Wisconsin. Last year, it sprouted from a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-network\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enetwork\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of choral groups across the Midwest (and world) for folks with dementia and their caretakers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEyleen Braaten is the executive director of that parent network: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGiving Voice\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In it, she sings with her dad, who has dementia.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It] is an opportunity to have a human-centered approach to creating programs that really bring wellbeing to people that are often told that they don\\u2019t have too much to give,\\u201d Braaten says of Giving Voice, which offers \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-toolkit\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Efree toolkits\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for communities looking to start their own choirs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c01042\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGetting your song on is proven to boost \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.midwestmedicaledition.com\\\/articles\\\/music-amp-memory-sdfmc-program-explores-the-connection\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ememory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nccih.nih.gov\\\/health\\\/providers\\\/digest\\\/music-and-health-science\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eoverall health\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially in cases of dementia, Alzheimer\\u2019s and Parkinson\\u2019s. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganmedicine.org\\\/health-lab\\\/music-may-bring-health-benefits-older-adults\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPolls show\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E music (even just listening) is especially remedial with older adults. Music is social. Active. Even scientific.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s something Stephanie Johnson knows well. In 2009, the board-certified music therapist founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.musicspeakstherapy.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic Speaks\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and has worked with clients struggling with communication, memory, learning, early development, mental health ... the list goes on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf the brain is not operating in a way that it used to, due to a physical traumatic injury or a stroke or Parkinson\\u2019s or dementia, we can incorporate music and help pull the information from a healthy part of that brain back into processing, whether it be speech or motor or cognition,\\u201d Johnson says. She\\u2019s helped nonverbal clients sing, even when speech remains difficult.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010ba\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThink of the alphabet, she says: Would you have been able to memorize those 26 letters, in order, without that kindergarten-famous alphabet song?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJohnson\\u2019s team of music therapists works across the Midwest and beyond, adjusting song tempo and dynamics to meet client needs. But folks without this care access, a local choir, or even a diagnosis can still reap musical benefits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can queue up a beat (may we suggest our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/playlist\\\/3s7v2uUtWL9QD5oRo6ubjH\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEssential Midwest\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E playlist?) and let the brainwaves work their magic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMost often, the western world thinks of music as a song or a genre or an artist,\\u201d Johnson says. But what about music as healing? As identity, recovery?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11170,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11168,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010df\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinging, especially with Parkinsong Choir, is a source of joy, friendship, and belonging for Holmes: \\u201cMy voice is not what it used to be . . . It\\u2019s still kind of harsh and I have a vibrato you wouldn\\u2019t believe,\\u201d she says, laughing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut I can sing. And it\\u2019s beautiful.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-giving-voice-choirs\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Giving Voice choirs:\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Illinois\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundsgoodchoir.org\\\/goodmemories\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGood Memories Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Chicago\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.springfieldchoralsociety.org\\\/post\\\/scs-launches-sing-by-heart-a-dementia-friendly-chorus\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing By Heart\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Springfield\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Indiana\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/profile.php?id=100057589863575\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing For Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Bloomington\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/_files\\\/ugd\\\/138821_ac3e8acaa46940e28a16f76587443f49.docx?dn=Sandi%27s%20Closet%20Flyer.docx\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSandi\\u0027s Closet Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Columbus\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Iowa\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mercycare.org\\\/services\\\/family-caregivers-center\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTogether in Song\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Cedar Rapids, IA\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnesota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/walkerwest.org\\\/amazing-grace-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmazing Grace Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | St. Paul\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.capiusa.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSuab Zoo Siab (Hmong Folk Choir)\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Brooklyn Center\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lahgranitefalls.org\\\/programs\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBuilding Bridges Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Granite Falls\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/elevateotc.org\\\/elevating-voices\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eElevating Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Perham\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.resoundingvoices.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eResounding Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Rochester\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singinghillschorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSinging Hills Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Mankato\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thevictorychorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVictory Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Duluth\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/VOJmusic\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVoices of Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Benson\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.memorylanesingersmn.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Memory Lane Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Coon Rapids\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/actonalz.org\\\/winona\\\\u0022\\\\u003eForget Me Notes Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Winona\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Minneapolis\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Lino Lakes\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022North Dakota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singfromyourheartchorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing From Your Heart Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e |\\u00a0Fargo\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/calvarygf.org\\\/unforgettables\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Unforgettables\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Grand Forks\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 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Washburn\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:6,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c013ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11167,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022671\\u0022 height=\\u0022417\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022We have that ability to use music and that powerful rhythm to help synchronize the brain and open up the brain\\u0027s ability to use more parts of their brain and more efficiently also,\\u0022 says Stephanie Johnson, founder of Music Speaks.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-10 21:14:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 10, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 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light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12700,\"title\":\"Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EWhat do you want to be when you grow up?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo be leaders, to show the right path,\\u201d Mike Laverdure hopes today\\u2019s teens will say\\u2014and he\\u2019s guiding them to that dream.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELaverdue, an architect and owner of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/team-members\\\/mike-laverdure\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDSJW\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/firstamericandesignstudio.com\\\/about\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFirst American Design Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, co-founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/indigenousdesigncamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s a free, week-long summer intensive for Native high school students. The volunteer-run camp, which is the first of its kind in the U.S., wrapped up its second year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout the week, the teenagers set up (day) camp at Dunwoody College of Technology\\u2019s architecture studios. They created projects and models using scale and measurements; they checked out the University of Minnesota\\u2019s architecture program and learned from Indigenous architecture; and Native designers visited and presented.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI was surprised how few Native architects there are. It made me want to change that.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PARTICIPANT, INDIGENOUS DESIGN CAMP\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194cc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12706,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194ef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think a lot of us on reservations don\\u2019t get to see that. We only see a few different careers. . .we don\\u2019t see architects, we don\\u2019t see landscape architects, we don\\u2019t see interior designers. We don\\u2019t even run into a lot of engineers,\\u201d Laverdure says, noting there are only about two dozen Native architects in the whole country. \\u201cAnd 20 years from now, there\\u2019ll be hundreds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe and the Indigenous Design Camp crew are starting small: Last year, around 10 kids participated. That\\u2019s just about doubled this summer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12715,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCo-founder \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/design.umn.edu\\\/directory\\\/jessica-garcia-fritz\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJessica Garcia Fritz\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e is an assistant professor and an architectural educator. The citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe says the camp lets these students\\u2014and over a dozen architects\\u2014gather in community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI also see the camp as an alternative and a way to build a collective of Indigenous architects and designers who may view the environment, and certainly the built environment, in a different way\\u2014one that needs to be stewarded, taken care of,\\u201d she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStudents at the camp learn about \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/respecting-the-tribe-the-7-principles-of-indigenous-engagement-in-the-design-process\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndigenous design principles\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. Garcia Fritz says they contrast western architecture\\u2019s often destructive and exclusive nature.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u2019s not looking at dominance over the land, dominance of relationships. I think that it\\u2019s\\u2014and this has always been a part of our cultures\\u2014looking at working with relationships, working with the land,\\u201d Garcia Fritz says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b067831967c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother co-founder and architect, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fullcircleplanning.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESam Olbekson\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of the White Earth Nation, says this camp helps students see themselves in not only architecture, but the architecture\\u003Cem\\u003E they \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ecreate. It\\u2019s about sovereignty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s my first time doing anything architectural\\u2014I\\u2019m excited to get that hands-on experience,\\u201d a participant from Elk River, Minnesota, shared on the camp\\u2019s website. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo design for themselves, to speak for themselves, to create the ideas and concepts,\\u201d Olbekson says. \\u201cThey don\\u2019t see boxes. They see the shapes, the colors, the patterns, the symbols when appropriate, or not. That makes them feel at home.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12713,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12714,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12716,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12726,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b0678319841\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp can be a major catalyst for many of these aspiring students, Laverdure says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBecause as Native architects and designers, we\\u2019re the ones who really are the change makers and the nation builders for our tribes,\\u201d he says. \\u201cSo to me, it is just kind of that first initial step into creating an environment where we take control of our own progress, our own generations, our own future.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12704,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 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class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":219484,\"participants\":43098,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":14},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10242,\"title\":\"Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a good-weather-day, skylight windows illuminate Albert: A large, metal albatross frozen in flight.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough not a bald eagle, the seabird is the symbol of patriotism here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe sculpture is on display in a two-story brick building in Grand Forks, North Dakota, nestled along the Red River across from Minnesota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10255,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe artist: Randi Goodoien. He, like many others in the space, is a veteran. He joined the Navy out of high school, spending four years as an aircraft mechanic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong the way, he found art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI went into autobody work ... and it really interested me how I was able to make the metal move and be creative,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;he says. \\u201cThat\\u0027s when I realized I was an artist.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECue Arts for Vets, home to Albert\\u2014and a cache of studio artists, neighbors, and visitors sharing the locale.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was founded nearly a decade ago by artist Kimberly Forness Wilson, who comes from a family of veterans. It grew from four to over 100 people involved in one year and has had a brick-and-mortar spot for six years.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10244,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10250,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10254,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10245,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10246,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10247,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10248,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10253,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArts for Vets is a veteran-initiated community arts entity. We do community arts in the physical\\u2014at our gallery\\u2014and we also bring community arts out,\\u201d Forness Wilson says, such as school visits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen of Grand Forks\\u2019 50,000-some residents rent studios at the small business. Some teach, others sell their work; everyone creates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt should be called Arts by Vets, the way it\\u0027s evolved,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThe veteran teaches the community. It\\u0027s a way of serving.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-gathering-force-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EA Gathering Force\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets studio artist and volunteer Senta Grzadzielewski hasn\\u2019t found anything like it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s kind of cool to be around people who value people who have committed, at least some point of their life, to serving the country. So to me, that\\u0027s super important to be a part of,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;the Air Force officer says. \\u201cIt actually cemented me in the community, made me feel like I had a purpose and that I belonged here.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10249,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2ee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrzadzielewski is an impressionist artist, focusing on landscapes in the Midwest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer creative output\\u2014vast skies, flowing hills, colors galore\\u2014is a stark contrast from the militarism she\\u2019s known for over 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI work in a lot of absolutes, a lot of black and whites ... My art has allowed me to escape from that and expand into more of an unknown,\\u201d Grzadzielewski says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-arts-for-well-everyone-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EArts for, Well, Everyone\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets isn\\u2019t just for vets or even capital \\u201ca\\u201d Art, really.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10252,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Studio artists invite community members who maybe, say, create for fun or for cultural tradition. Anyone can come for classes, gallery openings, you name it.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat\\u2019s intentional,\\u00a0Forness Wilson\\u00a0says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe feel a patriotic act to make sure that all can participate,\\\\u0022 she says. Everyone is invited to share their story, through art or practice.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cOnce they sit down and they\\u0027re part of the group, their creativity starts flowing and it\\u0027s like, \\u2018Wow, I didn\\u0027t think I could do this,\\u2019\\u201d Goodoien says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt builds a little more community, one brick at a time, one person at a time.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb45b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10251,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022601\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 81%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A Memorial Day art piece by Senta Grzadzielewski.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-08 14:52:43\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9990,\"title\":\"Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENorth Dakota is calling: It wants you to break up with the notion that high-quality, professional art is only for the coasts\\u2014and the cities.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMJ McHugh wants you to, too. They\\u2019re the Education and Rural Arts Director at the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I moved to North Dakota, I wasn\\u2019t expecting a crazy amount of arts. But when I got here, I was just absolutely shocked about how passionate the people of North Dakota are about art,\\u201d they say.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe museum\\u2019s Rural Arts Initiative goes beyond the bigger cities of Fargo or Bismarck and into the in-between spaces. Why?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany rural communities don\\u2019t have access to something like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Minneapolis Institute of Art,\\u201d they say. \\u201cThey just don\\u2019t always have that privilege and luxury to go see something.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the \\u003Cem\\u003Esomething\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E comes to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-not-empty-but-open\\u0022\\u003ENot Empty, but Open\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPoet and photographer Rebecca Norris Webb, along with partner Alex Webb (a photographer with 15 published books), is part of the program\\u2019s traveling exhibition across North Dakota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlex\\u2019s work takes in North Dakota\\u2019s urban scenes, while Rebecca\\u2019s focuses on the spaces between them. She grew up in South Dakota and found solace in the landscape of the Dakotas when her brother unexpectedly passed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt seemed the only place I could breathe was the prairies and Badlands,\\u201d Rebecca says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10000,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7d7b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Cem\\u003EGreat Open\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E exhibition, now on view at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/longxarts.com\\\/art-gallery\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELong X Arts Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Watford City, was inspired by the late poet Tomas Transtr\\u00f6mer\\u2019s quote: \\u201cI am not empty, I am open.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERebecca says anyone who considers the Dakotas as \\u2018flyover states\\u2019 is at a loss. Her work for this project was rooted in the grasslands, the prairie, and the Badlands that stretch across both states.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinking into this environment has helped to deepen her attention, she says. It\\u2019s mesmerizing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJust recently in the dead of winter, I was working near the South Dakota Badlands and was delighted to run across a series of Arctic migrants,\\u201d Rebecca says, recalling her experience watching the birds hopping across wintry grasses in search of food.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAll of a sudden, the flock lifted off, as if of one mind\\u2014a brown and white flash flitting as it vanished across the prairie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-the-world-comes-to-north-dakota\\u0022\\u003EThe World Comes to North Dakota\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe educational outreach program works \\u201cto encourage and empower rural school students and their teachers to actively participate in learning through the arts.\\u201d It came about as a direct response to feedback from rural educators and families.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re always trying to bring international, global, regional, and local art to our museum,\\u201d McHugh says, especially from artists with state ties.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7dd9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENot only do you have world-class artists displaying that beauty, but it\\u2019s accessible. The galleries traverse rural areas of the state; admission and programming are free.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo if you\\u2019re searching for that awe-inspiring gallery, perhaps look no further than your Midwest neighbors.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe doors are open\\u2014and not just from that North Dakota wind.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9994,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022527\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 56%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rebecca Norris Webb (right) teaches a student art workshop in Minot, North Dakota.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-19 17:58:49\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9734,\"title\":\"Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo spend time with one of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pieperbloomquist\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPieper Bloomquist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s paintings is to be surprised and delighted. At first glance, you may think you\\u2019ve stumbled on a long-lost Nordic painting, full of muted egg tempera colors and folk-art figures. But looking closer, you\\u2019ll notice the figures are playing baseball, and the medieval script next to them is in modern English. It\\u2019s a moment that prompts a double take: \\u003Cem\\u003EWhat is going on here?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBloomquist has dedicated her life to two traditional Swedish folk art painting practices, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Along the way, she has found a way to blend these historic techniques with contemporary stories to create something all her own.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhat makes Swedish folk painting unique, Bloomquist explains, is its narrative quality. While the tradition of Norwegian \\\\u003cem\\\\u003erosemaling\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e focuses on decorative floral and scrollwork, Swedish styles incorporate storytelling, often showing Bible stories or other meaningful events.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn 18th-century Sweden, traveling artists painted scenes on cloth to decorate wooden farmhouses. These paintings weren\\u2019t just art\\u2014they were personal and functional, often marking important moments in people\\u2019s lives.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s the storytelling aspect of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e that Bloomquist loves most. After working as an oncology nurse for years, she has spent much of her life listening to people\\u2019s stories and helping them through difficult times. Art became a way to manage stress and express her thoughts.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBlooomquist\\u2019s artistic journey was shaped by mentors Karen Jenson and Judith Kjenstad, two master folk artists known for their work in Norwegian and Swedish folk art traditions. They passed on the technical skills of the craft, inspiring Bloomquist to learn to make handmade paint, flour-based gesso, and stretched linen canvases.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e57d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut Bloomquist\\u2019s work didn\\u2019t stop with tradition\\u2014it evolved to include modern narratives. Her paintings show scenes like elders sipping coffee at a local Cenex, children climbing apple trees, or a North Dakota community rallying to move a church. Each piece bridges the past and present.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI want the original paintings to be valued as tools that have allowed us to tell our stories,\\u201d Bloomquist explains. \\u201cBut I\\u0027m very careful not to romanticize those old paintings. I recognize this tradition needs to stay relevant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9767,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9764,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9766,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9765,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e653\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of her most meaningful projects involves working with elders in nursing homes to create community paintings. Bloomquist interviews residents to gather personal stories, sketches their stories onto a large canvas, and holds open painting sessions where participants contribute to the artwork. In the end, the finished piece reflects residents\\u2019 lives and hangs in their home\\u2014a lasting tribute to their stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBloomquist also shares the history of \\u003Cem\\u003Edalm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E and \\u003Cem\\u003Ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E through teaching, both in the United States and in Sweden. \\u201cI want people to know about this tradition. I\\u2019ve been vocal to make sure it\\u2019s not forgotten,\\u201d she explains.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThrough her work, Bloomquist ensures Swedish folk painting remains a living, evolving tradition\\u2014rooted in history but reflecting today\\u2019s world. \\u201cIf something I\\u2019ve done has touched someone,\\u201d she reflects, \\u201cthat\\u2019s my legacy.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPieper Bloomquist is a 2024 recipient of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9760,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pieper in her home studio working a painting for the Hallson Church at Icelandic State Park in Cavalier, North Dakota, as part of the Partners for Sacred Places - Nordic Churches project.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-03 18:57:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 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wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea took root in 2019, when the Ohio Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission was convened to mark 100 years of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/constitution.congress.gov\\\/constitution\\\/amendment-19\\u0022\\u003E19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E Amendment.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the group hosted events and shared history about the amendment that granted women the right to vote, they began to wonder how they could create something lasting.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe talked about how important this anniversary was and what permanent things we could do to commemorate it,\\u201d says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt sparked the question: What if there was a monument commemorating Ohio women at the Statehouse?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut adding a new work of art to Capitol Square is no easy feat. A minimum five-year waiting period and multiple layers of review stood between the idea and installation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUndeterred, the Commission partnered with the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) and the Capitol Square Foundation to begin the long journey.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter a national artist search, the committee selected sculptor \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBrenda Councill\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, known for blending classical forms with contemporary meanings.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002241px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:41px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13809,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13805,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13816,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13818,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13825,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:13822,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:13808,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2998f1e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECouncill\\u0027s design features four granite columns encircled by rings engraved with the words Equality, Justice, and Liberation. Names of notable Ohio women will be etched into each pillar. Bronze figures of everyday women will stand atop three of the columns, while a fourth remains open to honor future generations. At ground level, a woman steps down from a pedestal and a child reaches upward.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe idea that consistently resonated with me was the depiction of women standing on columns,\\u201d says Councill. \\u201cIt\\u2019s a metaphor that both acknowledges and challenges longstanding traditions in American culture.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13820,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In 2025, Councill relocated from her home in North Carolina to Zanesville, Ohio, taking up residency at the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio \\\\u0026amp; Gallery to sculpt each figure from clay before 3D scanning and casting them in bronze. The process to bring the monument to completion will include engineers, architects, and other craftspeople from across Ohio.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCreating a work like this really takes a team. And project management.\\u201d Councill says. \\u201cBronze casting takes a year. Granite fabrication is 10 months. It\\u2019s a lot.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBehind the scenes, philanthropy has powered the project. Nearly $1.7 million has already been raised toward a $2.5 million goal \\u2014 all from private and philanthropic sources, as taxpayer dollars cannot fund new Statehouse monuments.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSome of the funds raised will support the creation of educational exhibits and materials about the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument for the thousands of students who visit the Statehouse each year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFor Charley Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation, that educational impact is one of the most meaningful aspects of the project.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe call the Statehouse \\u2018the people\\u2019s house,\\u2019\\u201d Moses says. \\u201cWe hope this monument will inspire students to be active citizens\\u2014to vote, to lead, to be involved in their communities.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument installation is slated for summer 2026, aligning with America\\u2019s 250th year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI hope that [the monument] is a representation of what women\\u0027s leadership makes possible,\\u201d says Collins. \\u201cAnd I hope little girls can point and say, I want to be her.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eFollow along as the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument comes to life through updates on the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/oac.ohio.gov\\\/home\\\/news-and-events\\\/all-news\\\/ohio-womens-monument\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOhio Arts Council\\u2019s blog\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2999087\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13819,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 43%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Artist Brenda Councill sculpts a figure for the Ohio Women\\u0027s Monument. The plinth to support the monument will be set into place in the spring of 2026. \",\"date\":\"2025-10-29 17:32:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 43%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Ohio\\u2019s Next Landmark Honors the Monumental Women Around Us\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11175,\"title\":\"Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1942, Agnes de Mille\\u2014one of America\\u2019s most influential choreographers\\u2014premiered \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E (pronounced row-DAY-oh). It\\u2019s a ballet that explores love, identity, and the social norms of the 19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century American Southwest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplays a pivotal part in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kennedy-center.org\\\/education\\\/resources-for-educators\\\/classroom-resources\\\/media-and-interactives\\\/media\\\/dance\\\/agnes-de-mille--rodeo\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eballet history\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It helped define \\u201cAmerican ballet,\\u201d setting it apart from predominant Russian influences of the time. And de Mille\\u2019s choreography introduced what she called \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=vJPuk9dPJFI\\u0022\\u003Estorytelling dance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u201d which transformed everyday gestures like cowboys riding horses or ropers throwing lassos into dance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow 80+ years on, \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eis being reimagined by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dancingwheels.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the nation\\u2019s first physically integrated dance company. Founded in 1980 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the international touring group consists of 10 full-time professional dancers, with and without disabilities, from diverse dance backgrounds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11180,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9ae6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMary Verdi-Fletcher, Dancing Wheels\\u2019 president and founding artistic director, says that she\\u2019s loved \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E ever since she first saw it staged by Cleveland Ballet in the \\u201980s. The vibrant movement and storyline, and de Mille\\u2019s approach to dance all resonated with her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI really wanted to do \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E for years, but it wasn\\u0027t possible [for Dancing Wheels] to do the actual movement ... the choreography at the time. So, I thought, \\u201cWhy don\\u0027t we reimagine it, modernize it, put it in today\\u0027s mindset where inclusion is so important in dance,\\u201d she elaborates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVerdi-Fletcher says Dancing Wheel\\u2019s version of \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Erepresents a major milestone: It\\u2019s the first time a major ballet \\u201cmaster work\\u201d has been recreated to be physically integrated. \\u201cWe\\u2019re pretty noted for taking on bigger projects,\\u201d she shares.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11181,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA Collaborative Transformation\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRodeo Reimagined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e incorporates different genres of dance, all to meet the expertise and experience of sit-down dancers in wheelchairs and stand-up dancers. It\\u2019s also being reenvisioned in other ways: a reworked score, a slightly different storyline, new costumes, and fewer cast members than the original.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo pull it off, Dancing Wheels collaborated with Cleveland Jazz Orchestra\\u2019s Paul Ferguson for the score and leading New York-based choreographer and director Amy Hall Garner.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThis has been a different process for me because we are telling a story. So, I have to make sure that stays in the forefront of all the movement,\\u201d says Garner, whose recent works lean non-narrative or abstract. \\u201cIt\\u0027s really opening my creative voice in a different way and making sure that everything is clear and comfortable, and cohesive and precise.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b5b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11184,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11185,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11183,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b82\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd how long did they have to create \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo Reimagined\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E? Just two weeks and three days of intensive in-person choreography with Garner, plus a handful of rehearsals!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe says her time with Dancing Wheels has been a gift \\u201cbecause you get so used to working in the vocabulary that you normally work in \\u2026 It really is cool for me to figure out new ways of moving and consideration.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis interpretation of the historic American ballet will \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.eventbrite.com\\\/e\\\/dancing-wheels-company-school-presents-rodeo-reimagined-tickets-1292733874819?aff=oddtdtcreator\\u0022\\u003Epremiere on June 14\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Dancing Wheels\\u2019 annual benefit gala.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u2019 production of Rodeo Reimagined is supported in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11177,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 70%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Dancing Wheels is the nation\\u0027s first physically integrated professional dance company. There are only 50 other companies like theirs in the world. Pictured: Dancing Wheels dancers performing in \\u003Ci\\u003EThree 4 Ann \\u003C\\\/i\\u003E (2022) choreographed by Mark Tomasic. \",\"date\":\"2025-06-05 15:05:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":100,\"label\":\"GIG Fund\",\"slug\":\"gig-fund\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read updates, news, and stories about GIG Fund, a grant that supports creative events and activities taking place in Midwestern communities.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\",\"grant_page\":null}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9470,\"title\":\"A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EQuilts. Sure, they\\u2019re bedcovers to keep you cozy over these long Midwestern nights\\u2014but they\\u2019re also art. Narratives. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.northwestern.edu\\\/stories\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/tracy-vaughn-manley-quilting-american-culture\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArchives of our past\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFitting all that into bits of fabric is Ohio-based \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/carolynlmazloomi.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECarolyn Mazloomi\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, whose middle name might as well be \\u201cMaster Quilter.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EForty years ago, she noticed a lack of community among artists like herself. So, she founded the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wcqn.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWomen of Color Quilters Network\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI founded the organization because I felt that, at the time, there needed to be a guild or an organization that would support African-American quilt makers,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThey were not members of regular quilt guilds, and it was because their work wasn\\u0027t so much accepted within the larger white quilt community.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMazloomi says she wanted to find a place\\u2014maybe\\u003Cem\\u003E the \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplace\\u2014in American quilt history for Black makers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThis history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CAROLYN MAZLOOMI, FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN OF COLOR QUILTERS NETWORK\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc8254\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cQuilts tell the stories of the struggles and the survival and the triumph of Black people, and they reflect the lived lives of their makers,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey serve as records of personal and collective history, Mazloomi says, from slavery to civil rights, race relations to simply day-to-day stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9488,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-nbsp-a-visual-voice-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2018A Visual Voice\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMazloomi says Black communities tend to utilize unique patterns: vibrant colors and improvisational styles.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSometimes this caused friction and criticism, if it was even looked at in the first place. But more than anything, the style became a community. A home.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThat gives us a sense of identity and solidarity and pride in our quilt-making. So quilt-making has long been a visual voice for marginalized people,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cAnd this, to me, is wonderful. And it\\u2019s very inspiring for future generations of Black quilt makers.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWomen in Mazloomi\\u2019s network skew older; the average member age is somewhere between 75 and 103, she says. Some teach youth around the country in an effort to reach younger folks.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd quilting remains relevant in visible spaces (see a \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.si.edu\\\/exhibitions\\\/we-gather-edge-contemporary-quilts-black-women-artists:event-exhib-6766\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecurrent exhibit\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e featuring works by Mazloomi\\u0027s quilters network at Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Art Museum). But like the quilting process itself, shifting demographics take time.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022It\\u2019s coming along slowly,\\u201d says Mazloomi.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83b5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-stitching-stories-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EStitching Stories\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.washingtonpost.com\\\/business\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/05\\\/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELess than half of Americans\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E identify as book readers. Luckily for us, we can glean stories in art, too, not just through vocabulary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe are not a nation of readers. So I think it\\u2019s an easy fix to tell these visual stories because we\\u2019re basically visual learners,\\u201d Mazloomi says, adding dozens of states have limited African-American history in schools.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter story quilts, visible in Mazloomi\\u2019s work. They portray Black history\\u2014even (especially) the traumatic stuff.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9489,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a way to tell difficult stories visually in places that are safe, where you can have a safe conversation about these difficult topics and talk about them,\\u201d Mazloomi says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut these stories have to be preserved. This history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9472,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 44%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi founded the Women of Color Quilters Network in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u00a0\",\"date\":\"2025-02-25 15:05:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":282406,\"participants\":58657,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":18},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14170,\"title\":\"Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESpanning just 10 minutes is an escalating story of cats, church, betrayal, and murder\\u2014by snake.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s a short play\\u2014made in just five short days\\u2014in the small town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. New playwright Margaret Bolte brainchilded \\u003Cem\\u003ECleopatra the Cat\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E during a creative writing session in town.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI don\\u2019t know where [writing] comes from,\\u201d the retiree says. \\u201cYou just get these ideas and words on paper, and it all comes together.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14183,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b1fa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBolte and five others tried their hands at one-act playwriting for Belle Fourche Area Community Theater\\u2019s inaugural \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bellefourcheact.com\\\/shows\\\/center-of-the-nation-playwrighting-festival\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECenter of the Nation Playwriting Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The community theater has been putting on original plays for 15 years, but director Derek Olson wanted to try something new.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhy not? Who knows if this\\u2019ll work or not?\\u201d Olson says. And it did: \\u201cWe got six writers to do the workshops. They had never finished a play, and they [all] wrote a play. And to us, that\\u2019s a win.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-one-week-plenty-of-passion\\u0022\\u003EOne Week, Plenty of Passion\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarlier this fall, for one week, writers gathered under the guidance of local Isabella Quijano, the festival director. Writers who responded to an open call\\u0026nbsp;completed workshops and exercises to find their play\\u2019s objective. Quijano worked with them on developing character voices and plots. Then the group read one another\\u2019s work and gave feedback.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14186,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b27a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was a lot of comradery and passion in one room at a time,\\u201d says Quijano, who recently graduated college with an English major. \\u201cIt was really special.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat special end product? Six, 10-minute plays performed by community members in front of an audience\\u2014including the writer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cTo actually hear these characters\\u2014characters I created for a story\\u2014come to life on the stage was absolutely surreal. It was just wonderful and performed perfectly.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Margaret Bolte, Center of the Nation Playwriting Festival participant\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b2ce\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe staged readings included props, set pieces, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt wasn\\u2019t just standing in a corner and reading awkwardly. They put their hearts and souls into this for a week and a half straight with almost no notice. So it was just a really big and wonderful thing that we made with so much love,\\u201d Quijano says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-yes-town\\u0022\\u003EA \\u2018Yes\\u2019 Town\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a town of 5,000-some people, that love ripples. There aren\\u2019t many opportunities to see plays around Belle Fourche, let alone learn how to write one. Thanks to a grant, festival tickets were low-cost and the workshops were free to encourage participation and creativity, no matter where folks live.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople don\\u2019t expect it. Belle Fourche is a very rural town,\\u201d Olson says of the area\\u2019s enthusiasm for the plays. \\u201cI think it shocks people, but I think it shows that . . . people need a creative outlet everywhere.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14176,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b335\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDirectors are hoping for a rerun next year (and then some). Belle Fourche, like many small Midwestern towns, is a great place to just say \\u201cyes,\\u201d Olson says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe say, \\u2018yes\\u2019 because . . . who knows, [Belle Fourche residents] could be the next people [who] are having their plays produced across the country.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14173,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Community members support their local playwrights (and the dessert table) during the inaugural playwriting festival. \",\"date\":\"2025-11-20 22:15:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 20, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10550,\"title\":\"Everyone Wins: Inside a Sioux Falls Gallery\\u2019s Art Lottery\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe next lucky number is 12. Twelve. Lucky Number 12.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENo, it\\u2019s not bingo night. That\\u2019s an announcement at an art gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their large windows display a painted sign that reads, in all caps: THE THUNDERDOME OF ARTS FUNDRAISERS.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuckily, there are no steel cages or fight-to-death matches. Just lucky numbers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10564,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6df8d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe announcer at the microphone is Mike Hart, one of the founders of Ipso Gallery, started in 2009 by Hart, Liz Heeren, and Ted Heeren.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIpso Gallery\\u2019s biennial-ish arts fundraiser, Lucky Number, is a lottery style, one-night-only event, where art from local artists is divvied up among participants\\u2014by chance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s an arts fundraiser where everyone wins,\\u201d says Liz Heeren, Ipso\\u2019s director and curator. All artists get paid the same amount, sponsors buy in to win three artworks, and a local project or nonprofit receives funding.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoing it this way was important to Liz, an artist and art educator. Over the years, she noticed that artists often lose at events like these\\u2014\\u201ctheir work doesn\\u2019t sell or get bid on.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10570,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022At the event, Liz advises attendees on artists and artworks hanging on the walls, while \\u201cLadder Boy\\u201d Ted hands the art out. Collectors holding numbered tokens eagerly wait for their lucky number to be called. If it is, they walk up to the gallery wall, pick their art, and then take it home that evening!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s exhilarating, nerve wracking, and sometimes tense, says the curator. There\\u2019s been \\\\u003cem\\\\u003esome \\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003eshouting.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSponsors come with a strategy, says Liz. \\u201cPeople are invested \\u2026 They\\u2019ve got their top 10 listed. They\\u2019re taking notes.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a gamble\\u2014either you get first pick, wait your turn, or get called last.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMaybe in the end if they don\\u0027t get their number one choice, they\\u0027re getting an artist they don\\u0027t know as well, and might fall in love with that work and become a collector of that artist over time.\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLucky Number raises money to support local arts and culture. The 2025 proceeds will fund a site-specific public art installation. Over the last decade, the fundraiser has benefitted small arts organizations and artist-run creative projects.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e05f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10566,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10569,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10567,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10568,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e207\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as importantly, it connects the Sioux Falls community to art and artists.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019ve had some really strange shows over the years and really explored art in different ways. And that\\u2019s what gets us excited,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s getting people to do things that are uncomfortable, the transformation of the space, and the celebration of really weird ideas.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor those who enter Ipso, it\\u2019s a moment of \\u201cdelight in creativity.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Want to run your own Lucky Number event?\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e Here\\u0027s how Ipso Gallery does it!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA sponsor buys in at $1,500 to \\u201cwin\\u201d three artworks (Ipso invites 15-20 local community members and businesses to sign up; a sponsor can be an individual or a group)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nAn artist submits three artworks and receives $900 (Ipso curates 15-20 regional artists; $750 is from the sponsorship and $150 from Ipso)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA local organization or project receives $10,000-$15,000 (Ipso Gallery supports the growth of local arts and culture)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003eAt the event, sponsors are given numbered tokens for three rounds of Lucky Number. When their number gets called, they pick an artwork from the first panel\\u2014and so on.\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:10555,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e3f0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting art.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-fundraiser-ipso-gallery-lucky-number\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10557,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. They are handing off an artwork from the wall to a person standing below them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022Ladder Boy\\u0022 Ted Heeren hands an artwork to a Lucky Number participant.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-23 17:22:31\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 23, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. 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The playwright who defined modern English, oddly enough, knew that words were only half the story.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWisconsin\\u2019s American Players Theatre (APT) has taken this sentiment to heart. Set in the hills of rural Spring Green, roughly an hour from Madison, the classical venue is creating performances, events, and audience experiences with and by deaf artists, reimagining how theatre tells everyone\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2023, APT produced \\u003Cem\\u003ERomeo \\u0026amp; Juliet\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, but with a twist: Actor Josh Castille played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers. \\u201cI only did Romeo \\u0026amp; Juliet that year,\\u201d says Castille, \\u201cand Brenda [DeVita] and I had a conversation\\u2014what would it mean to have me for a whole season?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10959,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfacd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd the gears started turning. In 2025, the repertory theatre will showcase the whole spectrum of deafness: Castille returns for \\u003Cem\\u003ETribes\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a story of a deaf son in a hearing family, and to play Puck in \\u003Cem\\u003EA Midsummer Night\\u2019s Dream\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. It\\u2019s not theatre for deaf audiences, Castille clarifies\\u2014it\\u2019s theatre \\u003Cem\\u003Eincluding\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E deaf artists.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat, coincidentally, makes it more accessible to all: Shakespeare is dense for any theatre-goer, hearing or otherwise, and utilizing ASL (American Sign Language) helps with storytelling, making it both more multidimensional and more digestible.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEvery show, I\\u2019m used to finding the cracks in the story and slipping in justification for why this person is deaf,\\u201d says Castille. \\u201cWhat\\u2019s lovely about \\u003Cem\\u003EMidsummer\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is that we\\u2019re not justifying the deafness. We\\u2019re letting Puck be Puck, letting him just exist as this nuanced person, because everyone is that way.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003ci\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003ci\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e experience. But all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Brenda DeVita, Artistic Director, American Players Theatre\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfb38\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10961,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT is also running an ASL immersion weekend, August 22-24, 2025. In addition to full ASL interpretation of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTribes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidsummer\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, pre-show talks with deaf translators will discuss adapting Shakespeare, and an open \\u201cASL Slam\\u201d stage call invites deaf audience members to perform at a partner venue.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor these shows, captioning services (via GalaPro) will be available, making the text available in real time, on any device, including smartphones. APT started utilizing the service in 2023, making performances accessible for the deaf or hard of hearing\\u2014or simply those who wish Shakespeare had subtitles.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT doesn\\u2019t have a term for what it is they\\u2019re doing. There was no plan to turn Shakespeare on its heels or break ground via accessibility work.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e experience,\\u201d says Brenda DeVita, artistic director. \\u201cBut all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfca2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, staff started seeking out new ways to tell the human story. \\u201cLuckily,\\u201d says DeVita, \\u201cour audience moves with us because they trust us, and the artists that come to work with us move with us because they trust us. We move at the speed of trust.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOf course, a widened perspective is only part of good storytelling. \\u201cThe reason we\\u2019re doing it,\\u201d says Sara Young, managing director, \\u201cis because it makes the stories better. It simply makes them richer for our audiences.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10960,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Actor Josh Castille (right) played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer (left) played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers\\u2014in \\u003Ci\\u003E Romeo \\u0026 Juliet\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E by American Players Theatre in 2023.\",\"date\":\"2025-05-22 14:04:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":666,\"name\":\"Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"slug\":\"jacqueline-kehoe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":666,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                How Sign is Transforming a Wisconsin Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9782,\"title\":\"Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist-educator \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/marthabuche.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMartha Buche\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E calls herself a generalist. From drawing to felting, needlework to woodwork, mosaics to metallurgy, \\u201cI rarely meet a medium I don\\u2019t want to explore,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche finds a niche, however, in traditional copper bowl-making.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9960,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The tradition she draws from is her own Potawatomi ancestry\\u2014for centuries, Indigenous communities of the Great Lakes have cultivated rich artistic and toolmaking practices thanks to the region\\u2019s natural copper deposits. \\u201cWe are so blessed in the upper Midwest to have this beautiful vein of Lake Superior copper that is 99% pure,\\u201d says Buche. \\u201cThe Creator gives you what you need.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith copper so pure, no smelting is required. Beautiful bowls can be hammered out with stones found along the shores of the very same lake.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI love talking to people about the wonderful Indigenous wisdom of knowing millennia ago that copper is antibacterial and antimicrobial and purifies water,\\\\u0022 says Buche. \\\\u0022That\\u2019s why it\\u2019s used in our water ceremony.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBuche\\u2019s relationship to her Potawatomi heritage grew while working with the military, when she connected with Indigenous soldiers. When she returned from Germany, she took her children to powwows and handmade their dance costumes. From there, her artistry blossomed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI have always been an artist, and drawn to natural materials, so I found it a very natural transition,\\u201d she says. \\u201cI love metal\\u2014copper in particular\\u2014so when I discovered this traditional bowl-making practice using stone tools, I just fell in love.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5695ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow, Buche teaches at folk schools like the Driftless Folk School in Viroqua, Wisconsin, where her students range from middle schoolers to retirees. Some are Indigenous; many are not. Some travel from across the United States to make a copper bowl, and she\\u2019s since tripled the number of classes she offers. She starts each lesson with a greeting in the Potawatomi language before delving into the history, the process, and metallurgy.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou have to be in relationship with the copper,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cYou have to make sure you are listening when it speaks to you, that you\\u2019re paying attention to the relationship between you and how it\\u2019s changing with your interaction.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe reminds students to be kind to themselves. \\u201cEverybody goes through what I call the dark night of the bowl,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere can be a frustrating part in there because you\\u2019re using a new set of muscles and a new kind of tool. But I haven\\u2019t lost one yet. I believe everybody can make a bowl, and they do.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9958,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9962,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9963,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9964,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9965,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9967,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5697c6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche was \\u201cflabbergasted\\u201d to receive the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI have been an artist for fifty years. To be acknowledged as somebody worth taking a look at is amazing,\\u201d she says. And although teaching has been a cherished part of her career, she looks forward to dedicating more time to her own artmaking.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOften working with others inspires one\\u2019s own imagination, so it\\u2019s been a wonderful blessing,\\u201d she says. And, \\u201cI\\u2019m getting to the point now that I don\\u2019t have endless amounts of time. I should probably get to it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EMartha Buche is a 2024 recipient of the Midwest Culture Bearers Award, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9966,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Martha Buche teaches copper bowl-making classes at the Driftless Folk School, to students of all ages.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-17 17:37:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":738,\"name\":\"Jennifer Vosters\",\"slug\":\"jennifer-vosters\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":738,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":18,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jennifer Vosters\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":{\"1\":{\"ID\":665,\"label\":\"Midwest Culture Bearers Award\",\"slug\":\"midwest-culture-bearers-award\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories and updates from this award that celebrates Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners and supports their future work.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\"}},\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Midwest Culture Bearers Award\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9288,\"title\":\"Understanding Milwaukee History Through a Miniature House\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen you think about miniatures, what comes to mind? Tiny dollhouses? Model trains? While they\\u2019re often seen as cute toys, what if miniatures contained something bigger\\u2014like the history of immigration in a neighborhood?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of their most recent exhibit, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mitchellstreet.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMitchell Street Arts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E created a miniature version of a real house in Milwaukee\\u2019s South Side neighborhood, as seen through two different eras of the home\\u2019s history. It\\u2019s meant to be a conversation starter about immigration, gentrification, cultural change, and what makes the South Side home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the past 140 years, the area around Mitchell Street has welcomed waves of immigrants, including Germans, Poles, Norwegians, Soviet Jews, and, more recently, Hispanic and Middle Eastern families. What has stayed the same is the neighborhood\\u2019s houses\\u2013which led to the idea of making one in miniature. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think miniatures inspire a sense of wonder and awe in a way that is unique amongst a lot of other art forms,\\u201d says Rew Gordon, Executive Director of Mitchell Street Arts. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a perfect entry point into talking about the melting pot that is our city.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9289,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Neighborhood-Wide Search\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nTo find the right house to recreate, Mitchell Street Arts partnered with Dr. Jill Lackey of Urban Anthropology Center. Dr. Lackey\\u2019s team ventured across the near South Side, canvassing over 30 blocks to find a house whose style, lot size, and window dimensions might capture the essence of the neighborhood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce they had a list of potential addresses, they dove deep into the history of these homes, using databases from the Milwaukee County Historical Society and Ancestry.com. They uncovered fascinating details like who lived there, where they came from, how many children they had, and what work they did.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd then, they started work to build a miniature version of a duplex located at 1512\\\/1514 S. 7th Street.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d84d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002252px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:52px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9294,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9293,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9295,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9296,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9297,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9292,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:9291,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d8554\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-two-families-connected-by-a-home\\u0022\\u003ETwo Families, Connected by a Home\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe lower level of the miniature represents the 1950s, when the Polish-American Golec family lived there. Catherine Golec, a widow, shared the home with three of her six children.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe upper level depicts the 1985 home of the Acevedos, a Mexican-American family who lived in the house until 2010. The floors are filled with miniature furniture, outfitted to match each family\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell Street Arts hopes that the miniature home can be a connector. So far, it\\u2019s having the intended effect. One visitor, a current renter of the house, was moved to tears by the exhibit.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThese are different periods and different groups of people, but we all have more in common than we realize. We\\u0027re living in the same kinds of units and making them our own,\\u201d says Bella Biwer, a local architect who helped to construct the miniature house. \\u201cI hope that it gives people a sense of belonging and pride in their community and their homes.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe miniature house will be on display at Mitchell Street Arts through mid-March 2025, with additional programming around memory, community and documentation, including drop-in family photography sessions for neighbors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Milwaukee South Side Miniature Project was made possible in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/milwaukee-miniature-house\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two smiling people pose next to a miniature house in an art gallery\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 53%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Claire Tilton \\u0026 Bella Biwer pose by the miniature house that they built for the South Side Miniature Project\\n\",\"date\":\"2025-01-29 20:39:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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(min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n         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href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":242649,\"participants\":46787,\"grants\":19,\"communities\":13}},\"label\":\"2025\",\"query_var\":\"2025\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2025\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/2025-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"key\":0}, items:[{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in 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Cities)\\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022choose_stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00223683\\u0022,\\u00229021\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022,\\u0022_flourish_alignment\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_flourish_alignment\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69a8547b9abb7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002255px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:55px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou can check out the full Art Vibrancy 2024 report on the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/culturaldata.org\\\/arts-vibrancy-2024\\\/the-top-40-list\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESMU DataArts website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/six-midwest-cities-among-the-most-arts-vibrant-in-the-us\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7848,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people stand next to a white wall and look at the different artworks mounted on the wall.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Attendees of 2024 Art-A-Whirl view works by artist Grover Hogan at PF Studios #400 in the Northrup King Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-18 19:39:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 18, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people stand next to a white wall and look at the different artworks mounted on the wall.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people stand next to a white wall and look at the different artworks mounted on the wall.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Drew-Arrieta-41-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/six-midwest-cities-among-the-most-arts-vibrant-in-the-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Six Midwest Cities Among the \\u2018Most Arts-Vibrant\\u2019 in the US\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The numbers are in: six Midwestern cities just made the list of the country\\u2019s most culturally dynamic communities.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11026,\"title\":\"\\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the water, these fish run. Outside it, they dance.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s May in Duluth, Minnesota: Rolls of tinfoil unfurl onto DIY hats and fish puppets, paraded by dozens of costumed, shiny partygoers. Giant papier-m\\u00e2ch\\u00e9 heads float like boats along Lake Superior\\u2019s horizon.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe reason for the silvery springtime celebration? Smelt, aka miniature freshwater fish.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11062,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11083,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11037,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11034,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11043,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96448\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you\\u2019ve lived up here for any amount of time, you see these little remnants of this huge boom that the smelt population had in the 1970s,\\u201d says \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/magicsmelt.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMagic Smelt Puppet Troupe\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E co-founder Anton Jimenez-Kloeckl.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the time, Lake Superior\\u2019s parasitic lamprey population boomed, sending trout numbers downward. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dnr.state.mn.us\\\/areas\\\/fisheries\\\/lakesuperior\\\/smelt.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELocal smelt thrived\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, starting out as an invasive species that\\u2019s become a beneficial part of the ecosystem. The population dwindled in the \\u201880s, but fisherfolk today still wade into the lake with seines in hand. In the spring, the smelt \\u201crun\\u201d from tributaries to the lakeshore at night\\u2014making them more easily catchable.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere are still spots where you drive around town where you\\u2019ll see signs\\u2014you\\u0027ll see cardboard signs that say \\u2018smelt for sale!\\u2019\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd what better way than a cardboard theatre troupe to honor the smelt and to make a cardboard parade?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11050,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11061,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11046,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11039,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11038,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11036,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96629\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe troupe behind\\u003Cem\\u003E Run, Smelt, Run!\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E was founded by Jim Ouray in 2012. The non-motorized parade starts with a cheeky skit by Duluth\\u2019s famous \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitduluth.com\\\/experience\\\/aerial-lift-bridge\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAerial Lift Bridge\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, follows the also-historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/duluthmn.gov\\\/parks\\\/parks-listing\\\/lakewalk\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELakewalk\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and lands downtown with a fried smelt dinner and more dancing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the best party in Duluth, hands down. We\\u2019ve been called Duluth\\u2019s Duluthiest event,\\u201d says Jimenez-Kloeckl, who calls it a \\u201csilly fish parade.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout are massive puppets and\\u0026nbsp;folk dancing. The sky is filled with bubbles and gleaming banners. Smiles are on countless faces, and no excuse to be weird is necessary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can join workshops to help plan skits or create costumes beforehand. It\\u2019s open to all, in the spirit of a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.neworleans.com\\\/things-to-do\\\/music\\\/history-and-traditions\\\/second-lines\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Esecond-line parade\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E where onlookers become participants.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s so fun and it lets people express themselves,\\u201d says John Finkle, who has been involved with nearly every parade. \\u201c[It\\u2019s] super creative and really amps up everybody\\u2019s energy for celebrating our little window that is spring on the North Shore.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11060,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11066,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11089,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11041,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:11029,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:11035,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683888ee96650\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11064,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 61%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-05-29 16:18:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 61%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A whimsical parade scene with a person in a large, metallic silver fish costume adorned with a crown, surrounded by a festive crowd. Bright, sunny sky and an arched building in the background convey a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 61%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/DSC_0840-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/smelt-parade-duluth\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                \\u2018Silly Fish Parade\\u2019 Exalts Springtime, Cardboard, and the Smelt Queen\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              This annual smelt parade along Lake Superior reels back to a niche tradition of catching the small, silvery fish in the dark of night.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4626032,\"participants\":672475,\"grants\":278,\"communities\":225},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":9651,\"title\":\"Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne piece of paper may be all that\\u2019s standing between you and having your art seen. No editor, no publisher, no product number needed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis independence is a pillar of the world of zines\\u2014small scale stories, observations, or images often printed on plain copy paper. Any genre goes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9654,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf you make your own work and you\\u2019re putting it out yourself, you\\u2019re just eliminating that gatekeeping. You\\u2019re getting it out,\\u201d says \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lizmasonisawesome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLiz Mason\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, owner of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.quimbys.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eQuimby\\u2019s Bookstore in Chicago\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the birthplace city of zines.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe store sees non-Midwest waves of customers exclusively for its consigned zine collection.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe zine timeline likely started with science fiction fan writings, authored mostly by women, in the 1950s, Mason says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe first recorded was \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/research.dom.edu\\\/zines\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s sci-fi fanzine Comet\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, published by the Science Correspondence Club in 1930. Following that, artistic movements held zines up, namely punk and \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nytimes.com\\\/interactive\\\/2019\\\/05\\\/03\\\/arts\\\/music\\\/riot-grrrl-playlist.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eriot grrrl\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e waves.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMini zines and comics made (and still make) their appearances: The art form isn\\u2019t \\u201cback\\u201d\\u2014it never left.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee00fa3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-just-ink-and-paper\\u0022\\u003EJust Ink and Paper\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERural southern Illinois zinester \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nathanpearcephoto.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENathan Pearce\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has been making zines for the last 15 years. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe defines them as \\u201cany sort of self-published or DIY publication that can take a lot of forms,\\u201d including stapling pages together, self distributing, or photocopying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe photographer uses zines to distribute his art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s black-and-white works draw you into Midwest detail. Steady horizons hold you; everyday scenes soothe. And these images wouldn\\u2019t have the prevalence they have today if not for zines.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9656,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01134\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat made a big difference in my career,\\u201d Pearce says about self publishing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople started to pay attention more because I was able to distribute more printed things. Just waiting for someone to give me a show, give me an exhibition of my own didn\\u2019t necessarily make sense for me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe could come up with a project or book, then do a small print run (5-10, sometimes 20). People would buy them. And all it cost Pearce was ink and paper.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-prominence-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Prominence\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe Midwest is that kind of scrappy DIY can-do,\\u201d says Mason, who has been making zines for over two decades. The region holds a prominent spot in zine culture, with active communities even in smaller cities and towns.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPearce\\u2019s work wouldn\\u2019t exist without rural Illinois.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s sort of hard to put into words ... the quiet landscape ... there\\u2019s something both beautiful and maybe sometimes a little ominous,\\u201d Pearce says of the photos he takes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9655,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c0a0ee01184\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMason says there are all the reasons in the world to venture into this folk art world\\u2014either making or buying.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey\\u2019re less expensive than books, too. And zines = unparalleled community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you are a fan of a zine or a comic that you\\u2019ve bought, usually those people are very easy to contact, and you might end up developing a relationship with them,\\u201d Mason says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter this niche, and you\\u2019re likely to come out of it with a bestie\\u2014\\u003Cem\\u003Eand\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E an eight-page manifesto.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9658,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Consigning countless shelves of zines, from serious to silly, are a pillar of Quimby\\u0027s Bookstore in Chicago.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-05 16:01:05\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Countless zines on large bookshelves in a store.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/IMG_1168-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/illinois-zine-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Make a Zine, Take Part in a 95-Year-Old Midwest Movement\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The independently published mini-magazines have time-hallowed roots in Illinois. Meet the zinesters keeping the art form alive and well.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10104,\"title\":\"Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s no secret women are underrepresented in the music industry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough numbers are \\u003Cem\\u003Eslowly\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E trending upward. In 2023, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.billboard.com\\\/business\\\/business-news\\\/usc-annenberg-study-gender-equality-music-industry-1235591929\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E35% of artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end charts were women\\u2014a 12-year high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest is rich with historic music from artists like Aretha Franklin to Tracy Chapman. Here are the stories that have inspired a love for\\u0026nbsp;music, in small towns and big cities across the Midwest (if not the world).\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Peggy Lee (Singer-Songwriter, 1920-2002)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Hailing from Jamestown, North Dakota, Lee (who inspired Jim Henson\\u2019s Miss Piggy) was a singer-songwriter with a \\u201ccool, sultry voice,\\u201d says the North Dakota Music Hall of Fame. This signature singing style all started when a wild crowd wouldn\\u2019t quiet down during her performance\\u2014so she did.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Mary Osborne (Jazz Guitarist, 1921-1992)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Minot, North Dakota, the long-strumming jazz guitarist would come to work with Mel Torme, Art Tatum, and Dizzy Gillespie. As a teenager, she performed for chocolate bars before trailblazing as a female guitarist in a patriarchal music industry.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de06\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10115,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10121,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10118,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10111,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10124,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2de6b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Garden (Active in the 1970s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022The trio was the first all-women band to be inducted into the South Dakota Rock \\\\u0026amp; Rollers Hall of Fame. Based in Vermillion, South Dakota, Garden (Susan Osborn, Colleen Crangle, and Marilyn Wetzler Castilaw) was a concert-only, folk-rock group, playing guitar, piano, violin, and vibes in the mid-70s. They each maintained separate music careers after Garden wrapped up performances.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Musician, 1876-1938)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022A member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux, Zitk\\u00e1la-\\u0160\\u00e1 (Red Bird) learned violin while attending an Indian boarding school. The keen critic of assimilation would go on to study violin at the New England Conservatory of Music, co-write the first American Indian opera \\u201cSun Dance,\\u201d and teach violin.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Gwen Matthews (Singer, 1950-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Chicago, Matthews\\u2019 career took off in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she recorded jingles (for General Mills, Whirlpool, and a few insurance companies). Beyond singing on all sorts of national commercials for television and radio, she\\u2019s also a recording artist, songwriter, producer and teacher. Matthews has recorded with Stevie Wonder, Susanne DePasse, and members of Earth, Wind, \\\\u0026amp; Fire.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Jeanne Arland Peterson (Jazz Musician,1922-2013)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Arland Peterson is perhaps the most \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eMinnesota\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e on this list. The jazz pianist and singer was WCCO radio\\u2019s staff vocalist for two decades and played the organ for Minnesota Twins baseball games.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Continental Co-Ets\\u00a0(Active in the 1960s)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The 1960s high schoolers might\\u2019ve been the first girls-only garage rock group in the country, The Current says. Though from small-town (Fulda) Minnesota, the girls signed with an Iowa record label after learning their own instruments and touring Canada and the Upper Midwest. They were inducted to Iowa\\u0027s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tracie Spencer\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Singer-Songwriter, 1976-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Spencer was the youngest girl\\u00a0to sign a contract with Capitol Records for her R\\\\u0026amp;B music; by the time she graduated high school in the 90s, she\\u2019d already released four Billboard top-10 songs.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022The Chordettes (1946-1963)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022Sheboygan, Wisconsin college friends Dorothy Schwartz, Janet Ertel, Jinny Osborn, and Alice Mae Buschmann were behind the instantly recognizable tunes \\u201cMr. Sandman\\u201d and \\u201cLollipop.\\u201d In the 1950s and \\u201860s, the women\\u2019s songs broke into the Top 100 charts 13 times. They also appeared on the first ever episode of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eAmerican Bandstand\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a long-running entertainment show.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_6_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:7,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e170\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10153,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10150,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10160,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10159,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e1b2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Susan Halloway (Marching Band Director, 1953-2015)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022Halloway made waves as an inductee to the Wisconsin School Music Association\\u2019s Marching Band Hall of Fame. She taught at the same high school in Sauk Prairie for her whole career, where she started its competitive marching band program. The group excelled and even played for a 1992 presidential campaign rally for Bill Clinton and Al Gore.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnie Riperton (Soul Singer, 1947-1979)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Chicago, Illinois, actor Maya Rudolph\\u2019s mother had a soul sound that lasted far beyond her short life. Professionally singing since age 15, she would later drop out of college to pursue music (which included being a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder). The Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Patti Smith\\u00a0(Singer-Songwriter, 1946-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022The punk-rock-poetry pioneer from Chicago started busking in Paris in the late 1960s. It would grow into a prolific career that\\u2019s still ongoing\\u2014one that includes photography, acting, activism, and writing.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Martha and the Vandellas\\u00a0(1957-1972)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Adding to the Michigan-strong list of impressive musicians (Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Madonna, Anita Baker...) is Martha and the Vandellas. After winning a talent contest that a Motown staff member saw, a lucky series of events led to Martha Reeves working as a receptionist at the label and singing with Marvin Gaye. She started a trio with the other women singing on his tracks, and top singles ensued.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Aaliyah\\u00a0(R\\\\u0026B Artist, 1971-2001)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022The young R\\\\u0026amp;B star grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and created three albums before her tragic death at just 22. Aaliyah\\u2019s stuttering style spread to the hip-hop scene in the late 1990s. Her debut album quickly sold over a million copies.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:5,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e269\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10165,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10162,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e28f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Opal Brandt LaFollette (Country Singer, 1924-2022)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022From Lawrenceberg, Indiana, LaFollette was a vocalist and musician for over four decades. In her younger years, she had quit music because of its low pay but later became an inductee into the Southeastern Indiana Musician\\u2019s Hall of Fame in 2006, joining her two brothers.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Tiara Thomas (Singer, 1989-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022One of the youngest on the list, this 35-year-old R\\\\u0026amp;B singer is already making history. From Indianapolis, Indiana, she\\u2019s won a Grammy for co-writing 2021 Song of the Year \\u201cI Can\\u2019t Breathe,\\u201d and was nominated for a Golden Globe and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song \\u201cFight for You\\\\u0022 from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJudas and the Black Messiah\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Thomas\\u2019 career began when she met music gurus at a Wale concert, who she would later perform with.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Chrissie Hynde (Rock Musician, 1951-present)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Joining Ohio legend Tracy Chapman is Akron native Chrissie Hynde. The rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter joined a band with a member of Devo and later formed the band the Pretenders in the 1970s. She is still releasing music today in her 70s.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Doris Day (Singer and Actress, 1922-2019)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 1950s and \\u201860s Hollywood film star double dipped in big band singing, which led to her earning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. After getting in a car accident meant she couldn\\u2019t dance for a while, she began to sing. She would release music until almost age 90.\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:4,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e32f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/playlist\\\/3TrN404i7lBENc4Vl0c3R9?utm_source=generator\\\\u0026theme=0\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67ea6ccf2e357\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10108,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022461\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 20%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Born Norma Deloris Egstrom, Peggy Lee will be remembered for much, including writing songs at a time when original lyricism wasn\\u0027t common.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-27 20:53:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 27, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white image of a light-skinned woman singing into a microphone.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Peggy-Lee-GettyImages-74280346-768x461.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-women-whove-made-music-history\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Women Who\\u2019ve Made Music History\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Women have changed the course of rock n\\u2019 roll, jazz, and R\\u0026B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13550,\"title\":\"Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHow do we surprise and delight people?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat\\u2019s been the question swirling around the minds of Wisconsin-based duo Nicole Reis and Sarah Van Dyke. They own \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/joyvendingco\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EJoy Vending Co.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Madison.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir answer?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have a large, snack-size vending machine,\\u201d Van Dyke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s essentially the type of machine you\\u2019d normally see drinks and chips in. But instead, ours is packed with local art.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13545,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePartnering with 10 local makers, it\\u2019s stuffed with Wisconsin-themed watercolor art prints and polymer clay earrings shaped like Cheez-Its, or craft kits for kids.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStarting less than a year ago, the pair has also stuffed two, old-school temporary tattoo machines with mini art prints. Reis designs them and they\\u2019re printed locally. The \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.goodthingsvending.com\\\/locations\\\\u0022\\\\u003emachines spend a month or so at different locales\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e like breweries or boutiques (and, soon, weddings or other gatherings), tailored to the setting\\u2019s theme.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVan Dyke says it\\u2019s all about sharing moments of joy\\u2014hence the company name\\u2014and defining the area.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAnytime people are doing fun and creative things, you have the chance of catching the eye of others and being like, \\u2018OK, Madison isn\\u2019t so sleepy,\\u2019\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere are pockets of things happening.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. . . happening both in Madison, yes, but also in our lives\\u2014including surprise.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW21649030 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701cca\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think life can tend to be a bit of a slog sometimes,\\u201d she says. \\u201cAnd so I just love the idea of something that kind of jolts you out of that routine . . . It kind of just ignites your curiosity or your sense of playfulness, or it gives you something that you want to kind of nudge the person next to you and be like, \\u2018Wait a minute, look at that.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13549,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13546,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13555,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13543,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d0d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-is-fundamental-to-being-a-person-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Art is Fundamental to Being a Person\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver in Chicago, Illinois, Steph Krim says she\\u2019s part of this growing creative vending network. The Good Things Vending founder saved up $2,800 to buy her first machine; now she\\u2019s got nine (and counting) and an also-expanding crew alongside her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELocal muralists will paint the machines, stocked with \\u201ca rotating cast of local artist goods\\u201d and nostalgic items, Krim says. Everything is $20 or under.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI believe that art is fundamental to being a person. And I think that art spaces that are accessible is something that we always need more of,\\u201d she says, adding vending machine art is often a portrait of collective creativity. \\u201cThat\\u2019s just my favorite part of being a person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13541,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKrim says these machines are truly machines of community\\u2014they promote business traffic, artist visibility, and connection. And anyone can do it, she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI have a full-time job operating an art vending machine business. That\\u2019s a real job that I just feel like I made up for myself. And I think when people hear that, they\\u2019re like, \\u2018Can I do that too?\\u2019 And if there\\u2019s anything else I could say, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Yeah, you could.\\u2019\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68f1517701d34\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13548,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 45%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022It\\u0027s always been a deeply collaborative project,\\u0022 Good Things Vending owner Steph Krim says, nodding to the set-up crew, mechanics, artists, and community.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-16 15:54:07\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 16, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people hauling a vending machine into an arboretum.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 45%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/GPC_MoveIn-scaled-e1760629387920-2048x1362.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwest-art-vending-machines\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Midwest Vending Machines Offer Bite-Sized Local Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Forget chips and candy\\u2014these vending machines serve up delight and community connection in everyday spaces.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2073267,\"participants\":345107,\"grants\":184,\"communities\":139},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":12079,\"title\":\"Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJim Bolin\\u2019s house is adorned with wind chimes, a nod to his late grandmother. He was listening to their nostalgic rings one evening over a decade ago and thought: \\u201cI wonder what the world\\u2019s largest wind chime (is).\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBack then, the largest was 27 feet long, Bolin says. Now, the record-holder swings at an impressive 42 feet\\u2014and its maker? None other than the Casey, Illinois, businessman himself.\\u0026nbsp; \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12096,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12082,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12081,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d0041b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBeing a pipeline company, we have all kinds of used pipes,\\u201d says the creator, who also runs Bolin Enterprises. \\u201cWhen we had time, I started building this giant wind chime and we finished it . . . and got it in the Guinness Book as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.guinnessworldrecords.com\\\/world-records\\\/largest-wind-chime\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eworld\\u2019s largest wind chime\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen years later, Bolin is still building big. In Casey (pop. 2,400), he and his crew at the enterprise have constructed nearly 30 large-scale works out of repurposed material, scattered around town. There\\u2019s an enormous crochet hook\\u0026nbsp;and mailbox; a softball bat and a rocking chair.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe calls the project \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBig Things Small Town\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhenever the mood strikes or a new business comes to town, Bolin gets to work. He\\u2019ll find, say, a broken spring from an overhead door at his company. Bingo\\u2014it\\u2019s a massive mousetrap. Or the library will need a fundraising boost; Bolin\\u2019s there with a big ol\\u2019 bookworm.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJim was a visionary with this,\\u201d says Tom Daughhetee, economic development director with the city. \\u201cHe and his team are extremely skilled builders and they\\u2019re very clever. That creativity and the know-how to actually build them has just been fantastic. They should be considered art in many ways.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd many people do: Bolin says between 1,000 and 2,000 people probably stop in Casey each week, though it\\u2019s tough to know for sure. He quickly noticed out-of-state license plates driving by after he advertised on the nearby interstate (most of the sculptures are a four-minute detour off I-70). Daughhetee says he\\u2019s seen an increase in visitors both for Big Things and to check out what else the small city has to offer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12090,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12087,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12092,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12085,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12083,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00441\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBefore the big things, our downtown was completely empty,\\u201d Daughhetee says. \\u201c(Big Things Small Town) is a pretty good thing to be known for . . . and you just see all these people gawking and smiles on their faces and kids running around and getting their picture taken.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat collective joy is what keeps Bolin creating (he\\u2019s currently working on an oversized fishing pole.) Born and raised in Casey, it\\u2019s easy for him to recount what he loves about the town. He talks about the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/popcornfestival.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPopcorn Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.candycanesonmain.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECandy Canes on Main\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014\\u201cit\\u2019s like a Hallmark movie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not really the dirt under our feet. It\\u2019s the people,\\u201d Bolin says. \\u201cWhen you go uptown, everybody knows each other . . . I like the sports experience at our schools. I like the county experience with the festivals that we have.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat\\u2019s what brings people back multiple times,\\u201d he adds. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not the Big Things; it\\u2019s the human part of just enjoying life.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Colossal Casey\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eWorld\\u0027s Largest!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWind Chime, Golf Tee, Rocking Chair, Wooden Shoes, Pitchfork, Mailbox, Key, Gavel, Swizzle Spoon, Golf Driver, Barbershop Pole, Teeter Totter\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eOther Big Things in Town\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAntlers, Birdcage, and Bat\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnvil and Horseshoe\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBookworm and Nail Puzzle\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCactus, Ear of Corn, and WW\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKnitting Needles and Crochet Hook\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMouse Trap and Rocking Horse\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPokeball and Minion\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSpinning Top and Toy Glider\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTaco and Piggy Bank\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWooden Token and Pizza Slicer\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nYardstick and Pencil\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:12104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6880041d00472\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12086,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022509\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 24%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The World\\u0027s Largest Rocking Chair (which actually rocks!) took two years and ten people to create.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-22 20:28:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022678\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People sit on a large rocking chair.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/DSC_1851-2048x1356.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-things-small-town-casey-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Midwest Town on the \\u0027World\\u0027s Largest\\u0027 List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The city\\u2019s population isn\\u2019t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11567,\"title\":\"Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt seemed like a nice enough day for a boat trip along the Chicago River. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA bright pink, rented kayak in tow, local \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/aomusicrecords.com\\\/about-ao\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECindy Juhasz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;took to the water with her husband and friend last year. It\\u2019s something they did often, but this time was different.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe were on the river and we heard music, and we all got goosebumps and we\\u2019re like, \\u2018What\\u003Cem\\u003E is \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethis?\\u2019\\u201d Juhasz says. \\u201cWe literally followed the sound, and we couldn\\u0027t believe what we were seeing.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11578,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5af\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn front of them was a large \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wsdot.wa.gov\\\/publications\\\/manuals\\\/fulltext\\\/M3082\\\/650.pdf\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edolphin\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a floating, cement structure typically used for anchoring boats. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn top of the dolphin: a full band.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s about, I dunno, eight feet up? And then you get one guy in the boat, one guy on the ladder, one guy on top receiving, and then pass the gear up,\\u201d says dolphin-stage brainchild Ben Kinsinger. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11572,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u0027Just a Random Bridge\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger\\u0027s \\u201csad cowboy song\\u201d group, \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLawrence Tome\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, has been hosting what he calls \\u201csecret river shows\\u201d for several years. Discoverable by \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lawrencetome.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003elatitude and longitude coordinates\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the shows have grown from a few friend-fans to a venue of sorts where music acts across genres appear.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s pretty epic. It\\u2019s a whole crowd of folks that are 20, 30 feet out in front of you and there\\u2019s a body of water in between. At one of these shows, there\\u2019s probably 30-plus kayaker\\\/canoe people out on the water, and other bigger boats,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cAnd it\\u2019s surreal. It\\u2019s just a random bridge that nothing ever happens at, and suddenly it\\u2019s filled with hundreds of people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKinsinger happened upon the river-crossing bridge and underpass maybe four years ago and, like a true artist, thought: \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWhy not?\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-just-a-random-bridge-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca5fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe shows are collecting community with every gig, Chicagoan \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESara Geist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E says: All sorts of folks show up; an artist has painted a mural on the dolphin; even a barber makes the occasional appearance and offers haircuts (just don\\u2019t bob your head too much, OK?) \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think of it as sort of an important third space. You can kind of always count on there being a secret river show over any weekend in the summer now. And if you go, there are going to be friends there and cool bands ... it just feels like this really special part of the community that you can rely on now,\\u201d says Geist, who is gearing up to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/linktr.ee\\\/sarageist\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eperform\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at a July 5 show.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-creative-care-for-a-river-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ECreative Care for a River\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.wttw.com\\\/2019\\\/08\\\/09\\\/how-clean-chicago-river-new-project-wants-show-you-real-time\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOver a century ago\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Chicago used the river as a means of runoff. Around 1900, the river\\u2019s flow was actually \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nationalgeographic.com\\\/travel\\\/article\\\/what-to-do-along-the-chicago-river\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ereversed\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to mitigate environmental impacts. But Chicagoans \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cbsnews.com\\\/chicago\\\/news\\\/chicago-river-cleanup-sewer-overflow-climate-change-clean-water-act\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Estill battle runoff and pollution\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially during periods of rain.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIn the city, it\\u2019s like, \\u2018Don\\u2019t get in the river. It\\u2019s gross.\\u2019 But it\\u2019s not,\\u201d Kinsinger says. \\u201cI love the river ... It still has that desire, I feel, to be just a natural river and it has the possibility of doing it, if we can get people organized around caring.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11577,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11576,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11571,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:11570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-685d9236ca62b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENext month, Lawrence Tome will do that the way it knows best, but better: through a river band\\u0026nbsp;parade with a slew of performers, pontoons, and buoyant stages.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBecause if the river moves and changes, so can its future\\u2014with electric guitars and drum kits floating with it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11569,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Lawrence Tome performs on \\u0022a big cement thing that was there,\\u0022 band member Ben Kinsinger says, with a full sound system, amplifiers, instruments, and recording equipment.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-26 18:19:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 26, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022666\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A band on a raised platform in the middle of a river playing music.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085.jpg 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DJI_0085-768x511.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/secret-river-show-chicago-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Turning the Chicago River into a Floating Music Venue\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These \\u0027secret river shows\\u0027 are a floating, grassroots musician network atop the once-heavily polluted waterway.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9114,\"title\":\"Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBefore the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival (est. 2015), there was Redmoon Theater (est. 1990, also co-founded by festival artistic director Blair Thomas).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA\\u00a0 puppet-based company centered on spectacle and cross-arts collaboration, Redmoon drew a wide range of artists and performed in theaters and festivals, but most notably, on the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe festival grew out of that tradition, establishing the city as a puppet hub, and luring international puppet companies to Chicago every January.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9117,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe festival\\u2019s puppet design studio in the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fineartsbuilding.com\\\/history\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFine Arts Building\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is located in the very spot that the word \\u201cpuppeteer\\u201d \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.huffpost.com\\\/entry\\\/chicago-puppeteer-city_b_634493\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003emay have been coined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in 1912 by \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Ellen_Van_Volkenburg\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEllen Van Volkenburg\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, connecting it to a much longer theatrical history.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKnown as \\u201ca woman of strange and unique talents,\\u201d Van Volkenburg co-founded one of Chicago\\u2019s earliest and most influential peoples\\u2019 theater companies: The Chicago Little Theatre.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThough it ran for just five years, its impact endured as the impetus for the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Little_Theatre_Movement\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLittle Theatre Movement\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of the 1910\\u2019s and 20\\u2019s. Their DIY, non-commercial approach challenged preconceptions about theater being a high art form and set the stage for later theatrical concepts (improv, for example) that would be developed in Chicago.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe theatre\\u2019s motto was \\u201cCreate your own theater with the talent at hand.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThey produced works that were poetic, classical, experimental, often full of puppets. And above all, for the people. This is where Van Volkenburg founded the Chicago Little Theatre Marionettes. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f4723a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-pulling-on-traditions\\u0022\\u003EPulling on Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe last century has been full of fruitful theater years for Chicago\\u2014brimming with Broadway contenders, storefront experimental works, and institutions\\u0026nbsp;like Chicago Shakes, Steppenwolf, and Goodman.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to pioneers of Chicago theater who maintained the DIY aesthetic, including Van Volkenburg, a climate of exchange has persisted among artists who do voice work, actors who puppeteer, dancers who perform circus, and puppeteers who build sets.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis environment has given Chicago its reputation as a proving ground for great performances and versatile artists. It has also birthed innovative cross-discipline theater companies such as the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENeo-Futurists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and Manual Cinema.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s difficult to measure how many artists and art forms have been influenced over the decades by Chicago\\u2019s theater influence.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESarah Fornace, co-founder of Manual Cinema, says her company couldn\\u2019t have become what it was today anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9118,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472c4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EManual Cinema has performed around the world and across artistic disciplines\\u2014from adapting poetry and performing with contemporary classical musicians at the Poetry Foundation to renting a funeral home for a puppet show premiere with friends in experimental music.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFornace sees a direct line from the traditions of Van Volkenburg\\u2019s era to the current theater climate in Chicago, and recognizes their impact on Manual Cinema. \\u201cBlair Thomas [at Redmoon] gave me my first paying job as a puppeteer, and I still often think of basic principles of puppetry that I learned on that show.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat marionettes operated by women in a show in a tiny theater over a 100 years ago could somehow be part of a movement whose influence persists in theater today is not simply surprising, it\\u2019s potentially inspiring to a whole new generation of puppeteers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEllen Van Volkenburg would be proud to see her legacy carry on.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Chicago\\u0027s Puppet Community\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eChicago\\u2019s working-class ambition carried over to the arts. The creative landscape attracted performers, shows sprung up to entertain the masses, and artistic innovations (like Little Theatre and non-illusory theater) emerged.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eThe current puppet community in Chicago includes offshoots of these innovations, from regular puppet slams and workshops at Stop Motion Plant, Puppets in Progress, Agitator Gallery, Nasty, Brutish and Short, and PuppetQueers, to grassroots puppet-based companies like Rough House Theater, Shoestring Puppets, and Rabbit Foot Puppetry.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp\\\\u003eFor the puppet-curious, there are puppet performances on any given week in Chicago. January\\u2019s highlight is the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival, January 15-26, with multiple venues.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:9121,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022light-green\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67883c2f472fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9119,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"LaKecia Harris in Manual Cinema\\u0027s Christmas Carol.\",\"date\":\"2025-01-15 20:46:21\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 15, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":746,\"name\":\"Kimzyn Campbell\",\"slug\":\"kimzyn-campbell\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":746,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kimzyn Campbell\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A miniature stage set with a paper cutout of a figure and an actor\\u0026#039;s head posed beside it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Manual-Cinema_s-Christmas-Carol-LaKecia-Harris-photo-by-Liz-Lauren-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/puppetry-in-chicago\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Chicago\\u2019s Hidden History of Puppetry\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In 1912, in Chicago\\u2019s industrial hub by Lake Michigan, marionette mermaids performed Shakespeare\\u2019s works. 100 years later, puppets are still being made and performing there.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":265175,\"participants\":50779,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":15},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":13270,\"title\":\"Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWarsaw, Indiana might be best known as the \\u201corthopedic capital of the world.\\u0022 But over the last decade, this small city of 16,000 has been steadily adding another layer to its identity: a growing commitment to public art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe city\\u2019s journey began 10 years ago, when Warsaw applied for a state-funded community placemaking grant and lost. Though they were a finalist, they ultimately weren\\u2019t chosen due to \\u201ca lack of public art in the community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13302,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In response, then-mayor Joe Thallemer gathered a small group of volunteers and launched the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ArtFULLYWarsaw\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWarsaw Public Arts Commission\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. Their early experiments ranged from renting temporary statues to hosting a student sculpture competition downtown.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nEach project confirmed what many already suspected: art could activate public spaces and open up new conversations about what Warsaw could be. Still, the Commission wanted something more permanent that said \\u201cart belongs here.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat opportunity came through \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.in.gov\\\/arts\\\/programs-and-services\\\/training\\\/creative-convergence\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCreative Convergence\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a team-based workshop and funding program run by the Indiana Arts Commission. The initiative brings together community teams for hands-on learning in strategic planning, cultural development, and public art design, paired with coaching and seed funding to help ideas take root.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by what they\\u2019d learned through the program, the city put out a call for artists and selected Ohio mosaic artist Gail Christofferson of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.animalhouseglass.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAnimal House Glass\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b30\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-for-and-by-the-public\\u0022\\u003EArt For - and By - the Public\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EChristofferson\\u2019s sculpture concept invited neighbors into the making. She staged community workshops at the YMCA, Third Fridays, and Redbird Art Studio where residents placed pieces of colored glass onto panels that would later be assembled into the finished work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13277,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55b84\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe result is \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a 10 foot tall, open-sided pavilion now installed in Warsaw\\u2019s Central Park. Its angled glass panels scatter shifting patterns of light across the concrete. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut the piece is as much about community as aesthetics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople helped create it. They own part of this piece of public art,\\u201d says Christofferson.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Commission hasn\\u2019t stopped with one sculpture. Alongside \\u003Cem\\u003EReflection\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, they\\u2019ve launched \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitkosciuskocounty.org\\\/artworkswarsaw\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Works\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (a campaign spotlighting Warsaw\\u2019s creative makers), and nearly doubled their group in size to include artists, educators, city staff, and cultural supporters.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002244px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:44px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13276,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13280,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13278,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13279,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13282,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e6889d55bac\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECommission member Andrea Miller, an educator and metalsmith, says Warsaw\\u2019s commitment to public art has shifted her perspective on her home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I first moved here, I felt very isolated,\\u201d Miller says. \\u201cSeeing that there is interest in art, and there are people excited about it and trying to do things to either participate or make more opportunities happen, that makes me feel like this is a place that I could stay longer.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd hopefully, it opens new doors for others to get involved. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think public art gives people the opportunity to be exposed to art without it intimidating them,\\u201d says Christofferson. \\u201cHopefully it makes them realize that, oh, art is really beautiful, and I can connect to this, and I\\u0027m going to pay attention a little bit more in the future.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13272,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 62%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Warsaw, a city of 16,000 in northern Indiana, has infused energy and creativity into their community through public artworks by Midwest artists like Gail Christofferson (center).\",\"date\":\"2025-10-08 14:49:13\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people with light skin tone and sunglasses standing beneath large, brightly colored glass mosaics that form an open pavilion in a public park as daylight streams through the glass behind them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 62%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/5150-1304.jpg 1873w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/warsaw-indiana-public-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Sculpture as a Spark: This Small Indiana City is Betting on Public Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Warsaw\\u2019s Public Arts Commission is proving that even smaller places can use public art to build pride, participation, and possibility. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":13221,\"title\":\"Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of Jim Byerly\\u2019s coming-of-age in Indiana was traveling across the state.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m one of nine kids, and in order to keep their sanity, Mom and Dad would take us to the state parks on the weekends to a different historical location,\\u201d says Byerly. \\u201cAnd then once we ran out of things in Indiana, then we started traveling around, going further out as all of us got a little bit older.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13232,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022These days, it\\u2019s harder for Byerly, 65, to get out like he used to. He\\u2019s one of 30-some daily guests at \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stillwatersadc.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStill Waters Adult Day Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in Indianapolis, which welcomes folks with dementia and other disabilities.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut thanks to a grant from Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks, Byerly and others can still see, learn, and visit\\u2014in a way\\u2014art and historic destinations across Indiana. It\\u2019s in partnership with the Indiana State Museum.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cIt was just unbelievable,\\u201d Byerly says of a virtual visit to T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Nashville, Indiana. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/tcsteele.org\\\/portfolio\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eT.C. Steele\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was an impressionist painter in the late 1800s and early 1900s.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cBrown County is beautiful. And he was able to bring it to life so that even here in Indianapolis where you don\\u2019t get to see all of that beauty and surroundings, you could see it in his artwork.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d24e8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-seeing-sites-in-new-ways-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ESeeing Sites in New Ways\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDiana Keely is Still Waters\\u2019 executive director. She says the weekday center is there so elders can stay in their own homes or with family.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur seniors [should] have the programming they would have if they didn\\u2019t have dementia,\\u201d says Keely, who wrote this program grant. \\u201c[It] is very difficult [for] an individual with dementia to do some of these programmings . . . The drive is just too far for someone who has any type cognitive or physical limitations. Or when they get there, it is difficult for them to actually explore and walk the grounds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the grounds come to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13233,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68e3e2d8d255c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndiana State Museum staff present and explain historical artifacts\\u2014Keely recalls a horse brush being one.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd she would hold it up and she would talk, would get \\u2018em three scenarios that the horse brush would be used for, and they have to state what they think the horse brush was actually used for. So, it\\u2019s a really cool and engaging way to get the guests to think about old items around their house,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther sites are land-based and discoverable via video tours. Museum staff would stop in certain areas and give context: the who, what, and when.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly has been to all the sessions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWell, I\\u2019ll tell you: It was wonderful because they were able to take us without having to travel over there,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp; \\u201cIt was quite wonderful. It made you feel like you were actually there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EByerly says these tours have rekindled memories of when he\\u2019d traveled to these sites before.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt just reminded me of seeing it in person,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt was a wonderful thing to relive that and to see it again . . . It helps to renew and helps you to remember.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13234,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022529\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 41%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Remote site tours have included the T. 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Steele State Historic Site, the Limberlost State Historic Site, and Angel Mounds State Historic Site.\",\"date\":\"2025-10-02 16:00:16\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022705\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people passing around a black and white image while sitting dow.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 41%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1024x705.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-300x207.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-768x529.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-1536x1058.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/image-20250630-150903-14cf195c-1-2-2048x1411.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/bringing-art-history-and-memories-to-people-with-dementia\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Bringing Art, History, and Memories to People with Dementia\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              These Indiana day center guests can see, learn, and explore historic sites across the state\\u2014without having to leave the room.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11004,\"title\":\"Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI reached out, wrapped my hands tightly around the bar, swung out on the trapeze 25 feet in the air, threw a flip, and looked up for my catcher\\u2019s hands. I trusted they were there. Then relief and excitement. The audience erupted in applause!\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11005,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBorn and raised in Peru, Indiana, I did what kids only dream of. I was six when my mother took me to see my cousin perform at the circus. I knew then that I wanted to do it too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe \\u2018\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.perucircus.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGreatest Amateur Show on Earth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2019 showcases circus acts with 200+ kids every year and has been for 65 years. There are \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonly\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e 50 \\u201ccircus towns\\u201d\\u2014places with connections to circus performance and history\\u2014in the United States. Seeing the impact of circus in Peru (pop. 11,073), I wonder why.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAt age 11, I experienced drastic changes at home. I was moving, changing schools, leaving friends. Then spring came, and it was time for circus practice to start.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt took me away from the chaos at home. Having fun with people who cared about me got me through that time. When my family fell apart, without the circus, I could have fallen apart too.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMy former coach Bill Anderson performed and coached for five decades. Unaware of specific obstacles kids faced at home, he focused on building their confidence. \\u201cThe young performers learn that they are capable of doing much more than they think they can do,\\u201d he says.\\u00a0 \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAccording to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\\\/articles\\\/PMC10003779\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eresearch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, circus activities boost emotional well-being, self-esteem, social interactions, and academic achievement. With nearly 20% of children under 18 in Miami County (home to Peru) living in poverty, the local amateur circus has been an affordable and welcoming place for children from all walks of life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002234px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:34px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022[Spending] 10 years in the circus taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Debra Jo Myers\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2de\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-finding-growth-shaping-lives\\u0022\\u003EFinding Growth, Shaping Lives\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt 18, Jaxon Cole is a fourth-generation flyer in the circus. His great grandfather was the first catcher for flying trapeze in the early 1960s. His parents and grandparents performed professionally, too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWithout it, I wouldn\\u2019t have learned to trust people, like my catcher on the flying trapeze. Or to push myself harder every day\\u2026\\u201d says Jaxon. \\u201c My life wouldn\\u2019t be fun without circus!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaving spent 10 years in the circus, this resonates with me\\u2014it taught me to work with a team and have faith in myself. It also showed me the importance of giving to my community. Without hundreds of volunteers, there would be no circus in Peru, Indiana.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11013,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11012,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11009,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-683f349b8d2fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKnowing how to push through my fear to try new experiences has led me to encourage others to do the same. It led me to a career in management. It\\u2019s also filled my head and my heart with stories that gave me the drive to write. I would have taken a different path had I not been a circus kid.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I meet people, and they ask where I am from, I get to share stories of flying high on the trapeze. Even now, 50 years later, the voices of my circus family are always with me:\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBelieve in yourself! You can do it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd importantly, \\u201cMay all your days be circus days!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11010,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Record-breaking seven-person pyramid on High Wire, 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-03 15:49:58\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":757,\"name\":\"Debra Jo Myers\",\"slug\":\"debra-jo-myers\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":757,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Debra Jo Myers\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People holding long poles walking and balancing on wires.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/high-wire-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/peru-indiana-circus-debra-jo-myers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Finding Care, Community in the Circus Capital of the World (It\\u2019s in the Midwest!)\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Indiana resident Debra Jo Myers shares how she found a home in a local amateur circus program as a young child and how it continues to shape her life.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":209362,\"participants\":32819,\"grants\":18,\"communities\":16},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10505,\"title\":\"A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EInside a two-story, century-old brick fortress, sun shines through stained glass artworks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMusic serenades down the hall; a koi pond will soon reflect a kaleidoscope of oranges and whites. Magic happens here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut it isn\\u2019t a fairytale\\u2014this is Cedar Rapids, Iowa.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEastern Iowa Arts Academy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a nonprofit offering accessible arts education\\u2014recently purchased this historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.easterniowaartsacademy.org\\\/about\\\/arthur\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArthur Elementary school\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which was meant to be demolished. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s like a whole new place ... You can unwind. You can be creative. You can be exactly who you want to be here. It\\u2019s a safe place,\\u201d says Heather Wagner, the organization\\u2019s executive director. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10509,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181012\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building\\u2019s plans include a hallway gallery, open studio spaces, and a community room with a food pantry, clothing closet, and mental health support. Folks can rent out instruments; there\\u2019s a sensory room, and a kitchen and gym rental.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents can sign up for band practice, create in the community maker\\u2019s space, or record tracks at the studio.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10511,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-music-as-healing-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMusic as Healing\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nOne of those students, Zoe Wolrab, is a high school senior involved in three rock bands through the academy. She sings and plays bass guitar, covering artists from Carol King to Toto.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I was 14, I was kind of struggling a lot, just focusing in school and wanting to go to school in the first place. And I was also struggling a lot mentally,\\u201d Wolrab says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSo their mom suggested getting involved with music. Joining after-school sessions at Eastern Iowa Arts Academy perhaps saved their life, says Wolrab.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMusic is what I want in my life now. This kind of helped me find my career path in the first place. I just want to keep doing this forever.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f91810cf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe academy is open to students of all ages and abilities, who pay full or partial memberships up to $190 or so a year. By the next three years, organizers plan to have full ADA-accessible programming. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s for everybody\\u2014by everybody.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe whole community coming together is working ... on making this \\u003Cem\\u003Ethe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E arts hub for this area,\\u201d Wagner says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meeting-a-creative-need-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeeting a Creative Need\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen bringing folks back to the academy\\u2019s previous building after pandemic restrictions, the problem was clear: The demand was just too high.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey came back in droves,\\u201d Wagner says of the students. \\u201cThe need for expression in the arts was huge.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EClasses started racking up waiting lists and students wanted more private instrument lessons. The academy was running out of room. With the help of a cohort grant through the Iowa Arts Council, the team secured the school for $260K.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10515,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68094f9181149\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe building, though largely untouched save some painting, has transformed into an arts refuge. Wagner says people can come just as they are: There\\u2019s no need to put on a mask, empty your wallets, or be uncomfortable. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe just wants people to feel restored, much like the building\\u2019s newfound purpose.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArt can do what it\\u0027s supposed to do. People can kind of bury themselves in the art,\\u201d Wagner says. \\u201cYou can just heal. And that\\u2019s what it\\u2019s all about.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10514,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hundreds of people showed up for the open house of Eastern Iowa Art Academy\\u0027s new (old) building.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-21 17:20:20\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 21, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People walk into a school building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/487490888_1184248047037961_3376934020879429804_n.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/eastern-iowa-arts-academy-school\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A To-Be-Demolished School Is Now an Arts Refuge\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An Iowa community\\u2019s demand for art has surged in the last few years, prompting Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to shift programming to a 111-year-old elementary school. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9475,\"title\":\"This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA mammoth kite is strapped down to a truck; Interstate 35 is backed up with traffic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s one of the biggest weekends for small-town Clear Lake, Iowa: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/color-the-wind\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EColor the Wind Kite Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe event itself draws almost 20,000 people from all across the Midwest to see these kites in the sky,\\u201d says Stacy Doughan, president and CEO of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut they\\u2019re not \\u003Cem\\u003Ejust\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E kites\\u2014once a year, acres of frozen lake set the stage for flying cats, astronauts, Iron Man, and dinosaurs. Yes, even pigs fly (at least in Clear Lake).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9477,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78568\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe event inspired Iowa artist Andy Chenchar, who grew up visiting the city as a child. His \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/members.clearlakeiowa.com\\\/events\\\/details\\\/exhibition-constructs-from-the-printed-page-by-artist-andy-chenchar-739348\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enew exhibition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in town features collages depicting Color the Wind\\u2019s fantastic colors and shapes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s the color contrast against the sky that\\u2019s kind of grayish-blue,\\u201d Chenchar says. \\u201cThese things are huge sculptures in the air and the way they float and the tension between the ground and the sky ... They\\u2019re really colorful and sculptural and kinetic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe\\u2019ll connect scraps from magazines and paper, creating horizons and shapes to form what he calls an artistic puzzle. Chenchar\\u2019s piece \\u003Cem\\u003EKite Fest\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is informed by his frequent visits to the area and the festival.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9483,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e7859a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s incredible to watch \\u0027em go up and hang up there in the air,\\u201d he says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoughan says some kites, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. Several dozen fliers will hoist multiple kites at once, filling the chilly air with flowing reds and yellows.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\\\u0026feature=youtu.be \\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=M-KGO6iLM9Q\\u0026amp;feature=youtu.be \\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EColor the Wind started in 2005 with local kite pilots Larry and Kay Day, who traveled to similar festivals across the U.S. before deciding Clear Lake needed its own.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSummer is just a packed time here in Clear Lake, and so doing it in the middle of winter on the frozen lake was just appealing,\\u201d Doughan says. \\u201cBecause after a long, dark, dingy winter, it\\u0027s so nice to have the bright kites in the sky on top of the snow-covered lake.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/cards {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/cards\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022It\\u0027s Cold But We Still Art!\\u0022,\\u0022_title\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_title\\u0022,\\u0022intro\\u0022:\\u0022Read more stories about how Midwesterners creatively celebrate and embrace winter!\\u0022,\\u0022_intro\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_intro\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022stories\\u0022,\\u0022_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_type\\u0022,\\u0022stories\\u0022:[\\u00228942\\u0022,\\u00226492\\u0022,\\u00223518\\u0022],\\u0022_stories\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_stories\\u0022,\\u0022show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_show_number_of_posts_mobile\\u0022,\\u0022first_featured\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_first_featured\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_first_featured\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_button\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022multicolor\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022card_style\\u0022:\\u0022excerpt\\u0022,\\u0022_card_style\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_card_style\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_cards_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67aba01e78880\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9478,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 72%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Some kites in the fest, particularly the ones flown by semi-professional kite pilots, are the size of buses\\u2014hundreds at a time. \",\"date\":\"2025-02-11 19:08:14\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 11, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Large colorful kites fly across a frozen lake against a white sky.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 72%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                          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                (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/ezgif-1f9023a9d19f21.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kite-festival-color-the-wind-clear-lake-iowa-winter\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues \\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Iowa\\u2019s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":14090,\"title\":\"Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tamsie.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETamsie Ringler\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E moved to Dubuque, Iowa, five years ago.\\u0026nbsp;After years in Minnesota and Wisconsin, she was looking to retire somewhere she could afford a house, continue her art practice, and see her son finish school.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut before she relocated, Ringler spent decades teaching sculpture and foundry in colleges and leading iron pours across the country and internationally. At these live, high-heat casting events, artists melt scrap iron in a furnace and pour the glowing metal into molds to create sculptures.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14094,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667a9ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler has always loved the collective spirit that comes with iron casting and foundry,\\u0026nbsp; a passion she put into practice during a decade of organizing the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/franconiablog.wordpress.com\\\/2018\\\/02\\\/13\\\/2018-valentines-day-hot-metal-pour-part-2-life-as-a-professional-artist-working-in-cast-iron\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECommunity Collaboration Hot Metal Pour\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Minnesota\\u2019s Franconia Sculpture Park.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It\\u2019s] working together with a large group of people to make something happen and\\u0026nbsp;supporting\\u0026nbsp;the work of other people as well as your own,\\u201d the artist explains.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler is used to setting up foundries in non-traditional spaces including parking lots and sculpture gardens. \\u201cIt\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;a jump for me to be like, well, I can do that here in Dubuque,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cThere\\u0026nbsp;wasn\\u0027t\\u0026nbsp;anything like that going on here.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, in spring of 2025, Ringler debuted the Dubuque Iron Pour Project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14093,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eHeavy Metal Artistry\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor three weeks, eight local and regional artists (including sculptors, painters, metalsmiths, and landscapers) joined Ringler through the whole metal casting process\\u2014\\u201cfrom pattern to pour.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor participant \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/timolsonstudio.com\\\/paintings\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTim Olson\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, the technical parts of the workshop were a learning experience.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt took a while for it to all make sense,\\u201d says the artist who primarily works in painting and stained glass. He cast a miniature guard shack, incorporating stained glass as windows. \\u201cI picked a pretty difficult mold without really knowing what I was getting into.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLike Olson, most participants were new to metal casting. \\u201cIt was great\\u2014I got to meet artists\\u00a0[from Davenport, Iowa] I\\u0027d\\u00a0never met before\\u2026 We were all working together\\u00a0pretty closely\\u00a0because\\u00a0we had to help each other mix the material for the molds,\\u201d he adds.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlong the way, the group also helped Ringler make relief molds for the project\\u2019s outdoor community pours.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSupported by grants from the Iowa Arts Council, the Starseed Foundation, and local businesses, the Dubuque Iron Pour Project offered free workshops\\u2014including one at the Boys and Girls Club\\u2014and a public iron pour at the Dubuque Art Museum.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI didn\\u0027t really think of this type of work as being a kind of community project, you know, the way it turned out to be,\\u201d says Olson.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI definitely want to do it again.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; 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bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac13\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002239px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:39px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14105,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14097,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14101,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14102,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac7a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-casting-community\\u0022\\u003ECasting Community\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERingler kept the iron pour small this year, but hopes it can happen yearly.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2026, she hopes to host a conference centering art and climate, along with more public iron pours and workshops.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt takes a community of people to make [iron pours] happen.\\u0026nbsp;But I think\\u0026nbsp;we\\u0027re\\u0026nbsp;also all craving that, right? Because it\\u2019s difficult to get together in\\u0026nbsp;community,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to Ringler, that community is taking shape in Northern Iowa\\u2014one pour at a time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14104,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691e01667ac9d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14098,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Dubuque Iron Pour Project by Tamsie Ringler hosted a number of free workshops for small groups and community where participants learned the iron casting process\\u2014\\u0022from pattern to pour.\\u0022\",\"date\":\"2025-11-19 23:01:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in heavy iron casting protective gear pouring hot metal into molds that are resting on the ground.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336.jpg 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/DSC_1336-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/dubuque-iron-pour-project-tamsie-ringler\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Dubuque Iron Pour Project Brings New Heat to Iowa\\u2019s Creative Scene\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A series of molten-metal workshops are bringing artists and neighbors together in northeastern Iowa, sparked by newcomer Tamsie Ringler.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":246968,\"participants\":25033,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":12},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14000,\"title\":\"It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVickie Elmer will pick up litter on the side of the road. It\\u2019s not solely for humanitarian reasons, but for something a bit more creative.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe turns that trash into summer jobs\\u2014summer \\u003Cem\\u003Eart\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E jobs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EElmer is the co-founder and executive director of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMint Artist Guild\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E based in Detroit, Michigan. She leads the guild\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mintartistsguild.org\\\/programs\\\/summer-creative-jobs\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESummer Creative Jobs program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for teens and young adults.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur budget is small, but our aspirations are not,\\u201d Elmer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ec6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUsing donated secondhand material and hand-picked (literally) trash for several summers now, her employees will work for six weeks. The high school and college students are paid to create art, attend artist talks, or run crafting workshops; there\\u2019s a growing number of participants (up to 30 this year). Throughout the program, youth are compensated for their art and work\\u2014sometimes their pieces end up in galleries and exhibits, or are sold for fundraising.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d \\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RYN BENNING, 2024 INTERN\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d67ff5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERyn Benning was a 2024 intern, leading painting projects and artmaking all summer. A highlight was Trash to Treasure Day, a collaborative, speed-arting competition. The prize? Bragging rights.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe used a broken porcelain doll head, an arrow, an old painting and other knick-knacks to create an interactive piece,\\u201d Benning says, noting they added haiku and copious amounts of hot glue.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[I] got to test my craftsmanship in a set amount of time and learn more about my teammates,\\u201d Benning says. \\u201cParticipating in the event helped me build my collaboration skills. I also realized that I am very interested in thinking about how to make art as sustainable and waste-free as possible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:14006,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:14005,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:14007,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:14003,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d681a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14008,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Some of the art ends up in nearby exhibits, Elmer says, but it\\u2019s not about the end product.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u2019s so many nuanced lessons that they learn about being inventive and adaptive,\\u201d Elmer says. \\u201c[Repurposed art] frees [artists] from the constraints of having to have enough money to buy a big canvas or the best paint or whatever.\\u201d\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe sees that scrappiness across Detroit and has for years.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cRecycled and repurposed art . . . existed in Detroit for a long time, alongside fairly high rates of poverty in the city, and people who maybe don\\u2019t have an expectation that they\\u2019re ever going to spend time in a museum or an art gallery. So it\\u2019s sort of egalitarian,\\u201d Elmer says.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s available for everyone.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-690ce54d6826c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14004,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022326\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students apply for the creative summer jobs, which is often their first official job application.\",\"date\":\"2025-11-06 20:02:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 6, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022435\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People stand around a table with art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1024x435.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-300x127.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-768x326.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38-1536x653.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/image-38.png 1831w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-youth-art-summer-internship\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                It Pays to Be Creative: Detroit Teen Interns Turn Trash into Art\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Young adults follow a \\u201cwaste not, want not\\u201d principle at Mint Artist Guild\\u0027s annual six-week long internship in Detroit.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12747,\"title\":\"Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESeptember means the end of summer, the start of fall, and\\u2014in true Michigan tradition\\u2014the return of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArtPrize\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s one of the largest art competitions in the world, founded in 2009.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe two-plus-week festival spans across Grand Rapids (pop. 200,117) this year from September 18 to October 4. Galleries, breweries, and parks set the scene for open art crawls, renowned artist competitions, and creative events for the public. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis year, ArtPrize is awarding $600,000 in fundraising money to the winning artists, based on juried and community voting. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artprize.org\\\/faq\\u0022\\u003EThe nonprofit says\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E most of their budget comes from \\u201ccorporate giving, followed by foundations, individuals, and government grants.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 900 works will be on view, from artists across 39 states and 18 countries.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12774,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12749,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12757,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12754,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:12752,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:12751,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:12798,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:12799,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e27\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtPrize 2025 is run by the City of Grand Rapids, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s installation art, live performances, sculptural work, architectural design, fashion, digital art, and more. Any artist over 18 can submit one piece to ArtPrize, where applicants must collaborate with host sites to be in the running.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere are a couple of those artists involved, both from years past and upcoming.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-teresa-dunn-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ETeresa Dunn\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETeresa Dunn showed work at one of the very first ArtPrize competitions as well as last year. She says she\\u2019s first and foremost a Mexican American woman, before she\\u2019s a \\u201cvisual storyteller.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAnd that shapes a lot of who I am as an artist,\\u201d says Dunn, from East Lansing, Michigan. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDunn\\u2019s piece \\u201cBrown Girl Club,\\u201d depicting her daughter\\u2019s math and science teachers, will be up at the city hall during this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12750,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e58\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a rare occasion where a city dedicates this timeframe to the arts in this way and it\\u2019s become an international phenomenon that that\\u2019s really exciting to be a part of,\\u201d she says. \\u201cOftentimes, artists are making their work in isolation or in small groups . . . and you don\\u2019t know if it has impact or not until you get it out into the world.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Dunn, ArtPrize \\u201cis a community building; it\\u2019s a celebration of artistic and creative practice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCameron Stalheim\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nSioux Falls, South Dakota, sculptor Cameron Stalheim works to capture bodily emotion, spirituality, and positivity with his pieces.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHe was chosen to show one of his favorite sculptures \\u201cPersist\\u201d at Sixth Street Park for this year\\u2019s ArtPrize.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a large, bronze piece depicting a figure holding down a fabric that\\u2019s binding it, arm outreached. Stalheim is currently working on transporting this 700-pound figure across the Midwest for his first ArtPrize showing.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTo Stalheim\\u2014win or lose\\u2014ArtPrize shows the world how one artist can affect communities across the region and world.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u2019s just being able to step into one of the biggest conversations about art on an international level,\\u201d he says. \\u201cAnd we can do that, collectively, from the Midwest.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68c07ca5e6e81\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12770,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Since 2009, ArtPrize says it has given nearly $7 million to artists and garnered more than 4 million public votes. Pictured is the Closing Ceremony of 2024.\",\"date\":\"2025-09-04 21:46:27\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 4, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A crowd of people at night in front of a lit-up building.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/2024.09.27-ArtPrize-Closing-Ceremony-255-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/artprize-grand-rapids-michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Massive Art Competition Turns This City Into a 4.5-Square-Mile Gallery\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Over 1,100 artists from 18 countries will showcase their work at this year\\u2019s ArtPrize, Grand Rapids\\u2019 longstanding competition and celebration of all things creative. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11377,\"title\":\"The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen he was 27 years old, the hardware used to treat Nicholas Harrier\\u2019s childhood osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) became infected, necessitating an above-knee amputation. Upon receiving his prosthetic leg from Bay City, Michigan\\u2019s Oakland Orthopedic, however, Harrier put the unit through its paces\\u2014by, among other things, leaping down flights of stairs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOakland Orthopedic soon offered Harrier a job. Harrier has gone on to make an even bigger impact than the ones at the bottom of those staircases.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11381,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to his day-to-day work as a prosthetic technician, Harrier designs custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d: bespoke pieces of art, slipped over a patient\\u2019s artificial limb, in whatever form they so desire\\u2014be it dragon skin, body horror, or the iconic aesthetics of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/H._R._Giger\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eH.R. Giger\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. On Instagram, Harrier documents his work as \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/prostheticguy\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e@prostheticguy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cEvery prosthetic place should have a prosthetic guy. It shouldn\\u0027t just be me and a few companies doing it,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cThey need to up their game, because it\\u0027s not just about looks, and I\\u0027m so tired of hearing it reduced to that. We have empirical data that can disprove that.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHarrier cites a study out of University of Nevada that found that positive patient outcomes increase by as much as 70 percent, just by being offered a choice, and by being engaged in the design process of their new appendage.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u0027re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u0027re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u0027re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u0027t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cAnd I\\u0027ll die on that mountain.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOver the past decade, Harrier estimates that he\\u2019s crafted as many as 80 custom jackets. But he endeavors to test out new materials or techniques each time; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u0027s yours,\\u201d Harrier says. \\u201cIt\\u0027s not something that came off of a factory line. It doesn\\u0027t have some giant corporate logo on it. The mold is broken. And for some amputees, it\\u0027s not their first leg. But for a lot of them, it feels like it, because it\\u2019s the first one truly designed for them.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOne of Harrier\\u2019s clients, Cam Ayala, outlined the vision for his first cover via classic cinema: the 1991 Disney movie, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eThe Rocketeer\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; Matthew McConaughey\\u2019s spacesuit from \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eInterstellar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e; and blending both together via weathered, rusted steampunk.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5749e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf somebody loves their leg, they\\u2019re gonna wear it more. If they wear it more, they\\u2019re gonna be more mobile. If they\\u2019re more mobile, their quality of life goes up. This isn\\u2019t just a cosmetic piece. It correlates directly to mental and physical health.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NICHOLAS HARRIER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d57531\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11385,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNick has such a servant\\u0027s heart,\\u201d Ayala says. \\u201cThere\\u0027s not a lot of people who would lose their leg to cancer and then decide to get into the field of prosthetics\\u2014and then, adding this whole layer of custom aesthetic that really does get to the psyche of the patient. To empower them, to be proud. To not just feel like this is just a durable piece of medical equipment.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHarrier doesn\\u2019t simply hope that his work makes the world a more accessible, beautiful place. Rather, his art aims to challenge the paradigm of what disability can, or should, be: not as a marker of illness or tragedy, but as an emblem of pride and power.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere\\u0027s a great quote,\\u201d Harrier says, \\u201cand you can pretend like I knew the guy who said it: \\u2018We rise by lifting others.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6851a96d5755d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11384,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 15%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"With every custom jacket, Harrier endeavors to test out new materials or techniques; every creation is a one-off prototype that will never be repeated.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-17 17:41:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":758,\"name\":\"Jonathan Feakins\",\"slug\":\"jonathan-feakins\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":758,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jonathan Feakins\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A collection of prosthetic legs with decorative elements and themed designs\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-300x300.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-150x150.png 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10-768x768.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Harrier10.png 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-prosthetic-guy-artful-appendages\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The \\u2018Prosthetic Guy\\u2019 Who Crafts Artful Appendages to Empower Patients\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Nicholas Harrier, a childhood cancer survivor and above-knee amputee, creates custom, free-of-charge \\u201cjackets\\u201d to be slipped over patients\\u2019 artificial limbs. Study shows that this type of engaged process leads to positive outcomes.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":273165,\"participants\":44991,\"grants\":29,\"communities\":28},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":11750,\"title\":\"Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou go to cemeteries to grieve, to remember, or maybe just to take a lunch-break walk. At this Minneapolis, Minnesota, cemetery, you can add a more fertile reason to that list: for \\u003Cem\\u003Eart.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELakewood Cemetery\\u2019s very first \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eartist-in-residence program\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E kicked off this spring. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lakewoodcemetery.org\\\/artist-in-residence\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFour local artists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (selected through a public open call) host events and create work throughout the year at the 250-acre site. It\\u2019s believed to be the first of its kind in the Midwest; there are two on the east coast.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDeath is one of our few constants between everyone. We all will experience it at some point,\\u201d says Amanda Luke, the cemetery\\u2019s community engagement manager. \\u201cAnd I think it\\u2019s a no-brainer to utilize these spaces as community sites for conversations (and) artist workshops.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11755,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044546\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuke says over 70 artists applied for the residencies, which focus on remembrance, grief, and the cycle of life and death. While the residency is new this year, she says it\\u2019s hard not to imagine it becoming a staple. Art and cemeteries have long been allies\\u2014especially at Lakewood, which is more than 150 years old. There are sculptures and elegant gravestones throughout the cemetery, which \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.arbnet.org\\\/accreditation\\\/levels-accreditation\\\/level-ii-criteria\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edoubles as an arboretum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have beautiful art all across the grounds. It\\u2019s kind of hard to miss,\\u201d Luke says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s like a museum where you can actually gently touch the art . . .\\u0026nbsp; it gives you a new way to just think about these spaces as artistic spaces.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meet-the-artists-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EMeet the Artists\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of her residency, longtime visual artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.dianaeicher.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDiana Eicher\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E collects would-be composted, post-funeral flowers. With them, she hand-makes paper that people can take home. By next spring, she\\u2019ll have a collection of tree and floral artwork, inspired by the cemetery, printed on that petal paper.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11758,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6876883044569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOne of my motivations was . . . to also honor and memorialize the people whose loved ones are being buried and commemorated at Lakewood without actually attaching names to them,\\u201d Eicher says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother artist-in-residence is improvisational musician \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sarahmgreer.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESarah M. Greer.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E She leads song circles at the cemetery chapel by taking grief-adjacent sounds and distilling them into songs. She\\u2019ll then write that translation on a notecard for participants, like: \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u2018Sing a falling, two-note pattern for a relatively long period of time.\\u2019\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI got curious about if we could make music from the sounds that we use to express sorrow and in so doing, if the sounds themselves were part of how we digest and transmute sorrow,\\u201d the composer says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11760,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11761,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11756,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-687688304458d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe other artists in residence are \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.andrewgrumcarr.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAndrew Grum Carr\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, reflecting on loss through an essay and seasonal watercolor paintings; and RJ Kern, a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rjkern.com\\\/ethereal-echos\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EChromoskedasic photographer\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E creating abstract images of \\u201cimpermanence and rebirth.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn their own ways, these artists transform grief into a kind of wonder. A space to create\\u2014sometimes collectively\\u2014from a gaping hole. These life cycle-focused expressions let us sit with our big, heavy questions, especially if we do not have the answers. They invite some solace into bereavement\\u2019s blues, and its beauty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11762,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A community lantern release event in 2021. This year\\u0027s inaugural artist residency program is part of Lakewood Cemetery\\u0027s long art history.\",\"date\":\"2025-07-09 21:18:10\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 9, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A cemetery as the sun is setting with people and a stage lining a lakeshore.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/Lakewood-Cemetery-Lantern-Release-2021-Uncommon-Collaborative-111-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/lakewood-cemetery-artist-residency\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest\\u2019s First Cemetery Art Residency\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11152,\"title\":\"Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EScene: It\\u2019s December 2023. Reggie Holmes, 72, faces the audience at a choir concert. She\\u2019s been singing since she was a baby, but things have changed.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI turned around to apologize to the guy behind me. I said, \\u2018I just want to sing, but it will sound really bad,\\u2019\\u201d Holmes says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMy voice was lovely, but Parkinson\\u2019s stole that from me.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the past couple of years, she\\u2019s somewhat reclaimed that voice\\u2014in large part thanks to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.spoonsforthepeople.com\\\/parkinsong\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EParkinsong Choir\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in rural Washburn, Wisconsin. Last year, it sprouted from a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-network\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Enetwork\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of choral groups across the Midwest (and world) for folks with dementia and their caretakers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEyleen Braaten is the executive director of that parent network: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGiving Voice\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In it, she sings with her dad, who has dementia.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It] is an opportunity to have a human-centered approach to creating programs that really bring wellbeing to people that are often told that they don\\u2019t have too much to give,\\u201d Braaten says of Giving Voice, which offers \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/giving-voice-toolkit\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Efree toolkits\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for communities looking to start their own choirs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c01042\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGetting your song on is proven to boost \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.midwestmedicaledition.com\\\/articles\\\/music-amp-memory-sdfmc-program-explores-the-connection\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ememory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nccih.nih.gov\\\/health\\\/providers\\\/digest\\\/music-and-health-science\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eoverall health\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, especially in cases of dementia, Alzheimer\\u2019s and Parkinson\\u2019s. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganmedicine.org\\\/health-lab\\\/music-may-bring-health-benefits-older-adults\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPolls show\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E music (even just listening) is especially remedial with older adults. Music is social. Active. Even scientific.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s something Stephanie Johnson knows well. In 2009, the board-certified music therapist founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.musicspeakstherapy.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic Speaks\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and has worked with clients struggling with communication, memory, learning, early development, mental health ... the list goes on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf the brain is not operating in a way that it used to, due to a physical traumatic injury or a stroke or Parkinson\\u2019s or dementia, we can incorporate music and help pull the information from a healthy part of that brain back into processing, whether it be speech or motor or cognition,\\u201d Johnson says. She\\u2019s helped nonverbal clients sing, even when speech remains difficult.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010ba\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThink of the alphabet, she says: Would you have been able to memorize those 26 letters, in order, without that kindergarten-famous alphabet song?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJohnson\\u2019s team of music therapists works across the Midwest and beyond, adjusting song tempo and dynamics to meet client needs. But folks without this care access, a local choir, or even a diagnosis can still reap musical benefits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnyone can queue up a beat (may we suggest our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/playlist\\\/3s7v2uUtWL9QD5oRo6ubjH\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EEssential Midwest\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E playlist?) and let the brainwaves work their magic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMost often, the western world thinks of music as a song or a genre or an artist,\\u201d Johnson says. But what about music as healing? As identity, recovery?\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11170,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11166,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11168,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c010df\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinging, especially with Parkinsong Choir, is a source of joy, friendship, and belonging for Holmes: \\u201cMy voice is not what it used to be . . . It\\u2019s still kind of harsh and I have a vibrato you wouldn\\u2019t believe,\\u201d she says, laughing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut I can sing. And it\\u2019s beautiful.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-midwest-giving-voice-choirs\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Giving Voice choirs:\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Illinois\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundsgoodchoir.org\\\/goodmemories\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGood Memories Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Chicago\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.springfieldchoralsociety.org\\\/post\\\/scs-launches-sing-by-heart-a-dementia-friendly-chorus\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing By Heart\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Springfield\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Indiana\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/profile.php?id=100057589863575\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing For Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Bloomington\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.givingvoicechorus.org\\\/_files\\\/ugd\\\/138821_ac3e8acaa46940e28a16f76587443f49.docx?dn=Sandi%27s%20Closet%20Flyer.docx\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSandi\\u0027s Closet Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Columbus\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Iowa\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mercycare.org\\\/services\\\/family-caregivers-center\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTogether in Song\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Cedar Rapids, IA\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minnesota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/walkerwest.org\\\/amazing-grace-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmazing Grace Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | St. Paul\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.capiusa.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSuab Zoo Siab (Hmong Folk Choir)\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Brooklyn Center\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lahgranitefalls.org\\\/programs\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBuilding Bridges Choir\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Granite Falls\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/elevateotc.org\\\/elevating-voices\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eElevating Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Perham\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.resoundingvoices.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eResounding Voices\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Rochester\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singinghillschorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSinging Hills Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Mankato\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thevictorychorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVictory Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Duluth\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/VOJmusic\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVoices of Joy\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Benson\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.memorylanesingersmn.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Memory Lane Singers\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Coon Rapids\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/actonalz.org\\\/winona\\\\u0022\\\\u003eForget Me Notes Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Winona\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0| Minneapolis\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.macphail.org\\\/connecting-voices-chorus\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConnecting Voices Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Lino Lakes\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022North Dakota\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/singfromyourheartchorus.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSing From Your Heart Chorus\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e |\\u00a0Fargo\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/calvarygf.org\\\/unforgettables\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Unforgettables\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e | Grand Forks\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 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Washburn\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:6,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6848d40c013ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11167,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022671\\u0022 height=\\u0022417\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022We have that ability to use music and that powerful rhythm to help synchronize the brain and open up the brain\\u0027s ability to use more parts of their brain and more efficiently also,\\u0022 says Stephanie Johnson, founder of Music Speaks.\",\"date\":\"2025-06-10 21:14:54\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 10, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 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light-skinned people smile and hold open black binders.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13.png 671w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/image-13-300x186.png 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/choir-dementia-alzheimers-parkinsons\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Song a Day Keeping Doctors at Bay in Midwest Choirs\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From clef to coda, singers are reclaiming their voices\\u2014and so much more\\u2014while managing dementia, Parkinson\\u2019s, and Alzheimer\\u2019s. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":12700,\"title\":\"Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EWhat do you want to be when you grow up?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo be leaders, to show the right path,\\u201d Mike Laverdure hopes today\\u2019s teens will say\\u2014and he\\u2019s guiding them to that dream.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELaverdue, an architect and owner of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/team-members\\\/mike-laverdure\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDSJW\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/firstamericandesignstudio.com\\\/about\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFirst American Design Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, co-founded \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/indigenousdesigncamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It\\u2019s a free, week-long summer intensive for Native high school students. The volunteer-run camp, which is the first of its kind in the U.S., wrapped up its second year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout the week, the teenagers set up (day) camp at Dunwoody College of Technology\\u2019s architecture studios. They created projects and models using scale and measurements; they checked out the University of Minnesota\\u2019s architecture program and learned from Indigenous architecture; and Native designers visited and presented.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI was surprised how few Native architects there are. It made me want to change that.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PARTICIPANT, INDIGENOUS DESIGN CAMP\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194cc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12706,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b06783194ef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think a lot of us on reservations don\\u2019t get to see that. We only see a few different careers. . .we don\\u2019t see architects, we don\\u2019t see landscape architects, we don\\u2019t see interior designers. We don\\u2019t even run into a lot of engineers,\\u201d Laverdure says, noting there are only about two dozen Native architects in the whole country. \\u201cAnd 20 years from now, there\\u2019ll be hundreds.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe and the Indigenous Design Camp crew are starting small: Last year, around 10 kids participated. That\\u2019s just about doubled this summer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:12715,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCo-founder \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/design.umn.edu\\\/directory\\\/jessica-garcia-fritz\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJessica Garcia Fritz\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e is an assistant professor and an architectural educator. The citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe says the camp lets these students\\u2014and over a dozen architects\\u2014gather in community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI also see the camp as an alternative and a way to build a collective of Indigenous architects and designers who may view the environment, and certainly the built environment, in a different way\\u2014one that needs to be stewarded, taken care of,\\u201d she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStudents at the camp learn about \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dsgw.com\\\/respecting-the-tribe-the-7-principles-of-indigenous-engagement-in-the-design-process\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndigenous design principles\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. Garcia Fritz says they contrast western architecture\\u2019s often destructive and exclusive nature.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u2019s not looking at dominance over the land, dominance of relationships. I think that it\\u2019s\\u2014and this has always been a part of our cultures\\u2014looking at working with relationships, working with the land,\\u201d Garcia Fritz says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b067831967c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother co-founder and architect, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fullcircleplanning.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESam Olbekson\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of the White Earth Nation, says this camp helps students see themselves in not only architecture, but the architecture\\u003Cem\\u003E they \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ecreate. It\\u2019s about sovereignty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s my first time doing anything architectural\\u2014I\\u2019m excited to get that hands-on experience,\\u201d a participant from Elk River, Minnesota, shared on the camp\\u2019s website. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cTo design for themselves, to speak for themselves, to create the ideas and concepts,\\u201d Olbekson says. \\u201cThey don\\u2019t see boxes. They see the shapes, the colors, the patterns, the symbols when appropriate, or not. That makes them feel at home.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:12713,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:12714,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:12716,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:12726,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-68b0678319841\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndigenous Design Camp can be a major catalyst for many of these aspiring students, Laverdure says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBecause as Native architects and designers, we\\u2019re the ones who really are the change makers and the nation builders for our tribes,\\u201d he says. \\u201cSo to me, it is just kind of that first initial step into creating an environment where we take control of our own progress, our own generations, our own future.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":12704,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 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class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young people and an adult work together holding measuring tapes and blue tape to make a large square outline on the floor.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/PXL_20250721_155805150-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/indigenous-design-camp-future-architects\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Designing the Future: Camp Inspires Young Indigenous Architects\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":219484,\"participants\":43098,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":14},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":10242,\"title\":\"Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a good-weather-day, skylight windows illuminate Albert: A large, metal albatross frozen in flight.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough not a bald eagle, the seabird is the symbol of patriotism here.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe sculpture is on display in a two-story brick building in Grand Forks, North Dakota, nestled along the Red River across from Minnesota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10255,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb27b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe artist: Randi Goodoien. He, like many others in the space, is a veteran. He joined the Navy out of high school, spending four years as an aircraft mechanic.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong the way, he found art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI went into autobody work ... and it really interested me how I was able to make the metal move and be creative,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;he says. \\u201cThat\\u0027s when I realized I was an artist.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECue Arts for Vets, home to Albert\\u2014and a cache of studio artists, neighbors, and visitors sharing the locale.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was founded nearly a decade ago by artist Kimberly Forness Wilson, who comes from a family of veterans. It grew from four to over 100 people involved in one year and has had a brick-and-mortar spot for six years.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10244,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10250,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10254,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10245,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10246,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10247,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10248,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10253,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cArts for Vets is a veteran-initiated community arts entity. We do community arts in the physical\\u2014at our gallery\\u2014and we also bring community arts out,\\u201d Forness Wilson says, such as school visits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThirteen of Grand Forks\\u2019 50,000-some residents rent studios at the small business. Some teach, others sell their work; everyone creates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt should be called Arts by Vets, the way it\\u0027s evolved,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThe veteran teaches the community. It\\u0027s a way of serving.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-gathering-force-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EA Gathering Force\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets studio artist and volunteer Senta Grzadzielewski hasn\\u2019t found anything like it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s kind of cool to be around people who value people who have committed, at least some point of their life, to serving the country. So to me, that\\u0027s super important to be a part of,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;the Air Force officer says. \\u201cIt actually cemented me in the community, made me feel like I had a purpose and that I belonged here.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10249,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb2ee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrzadzielewski is an impressionist artist, focusing on landscapes in the Midwest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer creative output\\u2014vast skies, flowing hills, colors galore\\u2014is a stark contrast from the militarism she\\u2019s known for over 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI work in a lot of absolutes, a lot of black and whites ... My art has allowed me to escape from that and expand into more of an unknown,\\u201d Grzadzielewski says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-arts-for-well-everyone-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EArts for, Well, Everyone\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArts for Vets isn\\u2019t just for vets or even capital \\u201ca\\u201d Art, really.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10252,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Studio artists invite community members who maybe, say, create for fun or for cultural tradition. Anyone can come for classes, gallery openings, you name it.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThat\\u2019s intentional,\\u00a0Forness Wilson\\u00a0says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe feel a patriotic act to make sure that all can participate,\\\\u0022 she says. Everyone is invited to share their story, through art or practice.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cOnce they sit down and they\\u0027re part of the group, their creativity starts flowing and it\\u0027s like, \\u2018Wow, I didn\\u0027t think I could do this,\\u2019\\u201d Goodoien says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt builds a little more community, one brick at a time, one person at a time.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67f3e9f2cb45b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10251,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022601\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 81%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A Memorial Day art piece by Senta Grzadzielewski.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-08 14:52:43\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 8, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022802\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A painting of a soldier leaning down in a cemetery.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 81%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-1024x802.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta-768x601.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/artsvets5-senta.jpg 1096w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/arts-for-vets-grand-forks\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art and Veterans: A Welcoming Community Combo in Grand Forks\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Arts for Vets is a North Dakota initiative since 2016 offering community space for teaching, learning, and of course, creating.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9990,\"title\":\"Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENorth Dakota is calling: It wants you to break up with the notion that high-quality, professional art is only for the coasts\\u2014and the cities.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMJ McHugh wants you to, too. They\\u2019re the Education and Rural Arts Director at the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen I moved to North Dakota, I wasn\\u2019t expecting a crazy amount of arts. But when I got here, I was just absolutely shocked about how passionate the people of North Dakota are about art,\\u201d they say.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe museum\\u2019s Rural Arts Initiative goes beyond the bigger cities of Fargo or Bismarck and into the in-between spaces. Why?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany rural communities don\\u2019t have access to something like the Art Institute of Chicago or the Minneapolis Institute of Art,\\u201d they say. \\u201cThey just don\\u2019t always have that privilege and luxury to go see something.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, the \\u003Cem\\u003Esomething\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E comes to them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-not-empty-but-open\\u0022\\u003ENot Empty, but Open\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPoet and photographer Rebecca Norris Webb, along with partner Alex Webb (a photographer with 15 published books), is part of the program\\u2019s traveling exhibition across North Dakota.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlex\\u2019s work takes in North Dakota\\u2019s urban scenes, while Rebecca\\u2019s focuses on the spaces between them. She grew up in South Dakota and found solace in the landscape of the Dakotas when her brother unexpectedly passed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt seemed the only place I could breathe was the prairies and Badlands,\\u201d Rebecca says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10000,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7d7b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Cem\\u003EGreat Open\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E exhibition, now on view at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/longxarts.com\\\/art-gallery\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELong X Arts Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Watford City, was inspired by the late poet Tomas Transtr\\u00f6mer\\u2019s quote: \\u201cI am not empty, I am open.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERebecca says anyone who considers the Dakotas as \\u2018flyover states\\u2019 is at a loss. Her work for this project was rooted in the grasslands, the prairie, and the Badlands that stretch across both states.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESinking into this environment has helped to deepen her attention, she says. It\\u2019s mesmerizing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJust recently in the dead of winter, I was working near the South Dakota Badlands and was delighted to run across a series of Arctic migrants,\\u201d Rebecca says, recalling her experience watching the birds hopping across wintry grasses in search of food.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAll of a sudden, the flock lifted off, as if of one mind\\u2014a brown and white flash flitting as it vanished across the prairie.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-the-world-comes-to-north-dakota\\u0022\\u003EThe World Comes to North Dakota\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe educational outreach program works \\u201cto encourage and empower rural school students and their teachers to actively participate in learning through the arts.\\u201d It came about as a direct response to feedback from rural educators and families.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re always trying to bring international, global, regional, and local art to our museum,\\u201d McHugh says, especially from artists with state ties.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10002,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67dc38b5e7dd9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENot only do you have world-class artists displaying that beauty, but it\\u2019s accessible. The galleries traverse rural areas of the state; admission and programming are free.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo if you\\u2019re searching for that awe-inspiring gallery, perhaps look no further than your Midwest neighbors.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe doors are open\\u2014and not just from that North Dakota wind.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9994,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022527\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 56%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rebecca Norris Webb (right) teaches a student art workshop in Minot, North Dakota.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-19 17:58:49\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 19, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022702\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022White-skinned person leans over a table and points at pictures while another white-skinned person looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 56%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Webb-Workshops-04-1.jpg 1238w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-art-north-dakota-norris-web\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9734,\"title\":\"Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo spend time with one of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pieperbloomquist\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPieper Bloomquist\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s paintings is to be surprised and delighted. At first glance, you may think you\\u2019ve stumbled on a long-lost Nordic painting, full of muted egg tempera colors and folk-art figures. But looking closer, you\\u2019ll notice the figures are playing baseball, and the medieval script next to them is in modern English. It\\u2019s a moment that prompts a double take: \\u003Cem\\u003EWhat is going on here?\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9762,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBloomquist has dedicated her life to two traditional Swedish folk art painting practices, \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e. Along the way, she has found a way to blend these historic techniques with contemporary stories to create something all her own.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhat makes Swedish folk painting unique, Bloomquist explains, is its narrative quality. While the tradition of Norwegian \\\\u003cem\\\\u003erosemaling\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e focuses on decorative floral and scrollwork, Swedish styles incorporate storytelling, often showing Bible stories or other meaningful events.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn 18th-century Sweden, traveling artists painted scenes on cloth to decorate wooden farmhouses. These paintings weren\\u2019t just art\\u2014they were personal and functional, often marking important moments in people\\u2019s lives.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s the storytelling aspect of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003edalm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e and \\\\u003cem\\\\u003ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e that Bloomquist loves most. After working as an oncology nurse for years, she has spent much of her life listening to people\\u2019s stories and helping them through difficult times. Art became a way to manage stress and express her thoughts.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cp style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBlooomquist\\u2019s artistic journey was shaped by mentors Karen Jenson and Judith Kjenstad, two master folk artists known for their work in Norwegian and Swedish folk art traditions. They passed on the technical skills of the craft, inspiring Bloomquist to learn to make handmade paint, flour-based gesso, and stretched linen canvases.\\\\u003c\\\/p\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e57d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut Bloomquist\\u2019s work didn\\u2019t stop with tradition\\u2014it evolved to include modern narratives. Her paintings show scenes like elders sipping coffee at a local Cenex, children climbing apple trees, or a North Dakota community rallying to move a church. Each piece bridges the past and present.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI want the original paintings to be valued as tools that have allowed us to tell our stories,\\u201d Bloomquist explains. \\u201cBut I\\u0027m very careful not to romanticize those old paintings. I recognize this tradition needs to stay relevant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9767,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9764,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9766,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9765,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67c9195b2e653\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of her most meaningful projects involves working with elders in nursing homes to create community paintings. Bloomquist interviews residents to gather personal stories, sketches their stories onto a large canvas, and holds open painting sessions where participants contribute to the artwork. In the end, the finished piece reflects residents\\u2019 lives and hangs in their home\\u2014a lasting tribute to their stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBloomquist also shares the history of \\u003Cem\\u003Edalm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E and \\u003Cem\\u003Ebonadsm\\u00e5lning\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E through teaching, both in the United States and in Sweden. \\u201cI want people to know about this tradition. I\\u2019ve been vocal to make sure it\\u2019s not forgotten,\\u201d she explains.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThrough her work, Bloomquist ensures Swedish folk painting remains a living, evolving tradition\\u2014rooted in history but reflecting today\\u2019s world. \\u201cIf something I\\u2019ve done has touched someone,\\u201d she reflects, \\u201cthat\\u2019s my legacy.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/JRCibBGHau0?si=u_kxw4MHSPS_r1gI\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPieper Bloomquist is a 2024 recipient of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9760,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pieper in her home studio working a painting for the Hallson Church at Icelandic State Park in Cavalier, North Dakota, as part of the Partners for Sacred Places - Nordic Churches project.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-03 18:57:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 3, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone holding a shell containing paint and painting outlines of flowers in the painting\\u0026#039;s border.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Studio-with-shell-Pieper-Bloomquist-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-pieper-bloomquist-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Pieper Bloomquist, a Painter Bringing Swedish Folk Art to the People\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Pieper Bloomquist breathes new life into the traditions of dalm\\u00e5lning and bonadsm\\u00e5lning, mixing contemporary stories with historic Swedish iconography. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 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wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea took root in 2019, when the Ohio Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission was convened to mark 100 years of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/constitution.congress.gov\\\/constitution\\\/amendment-19\\u0022\\u003E19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E Amendment.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the group hosted events and shared history about the amendment that granted women the right to vote, they began to wonder how they could create something lasting.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe talked about how important this anniversary was and what permanent things we could do to commemorate it,\\u201d says Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt sparked the question: What if there was a monument commemorating Ohio women at the Statehouse?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut adding a new work of art to Capitol Square is no easy feat. A minimum five-year waiting period and multiple layers of review stood between the idea and installation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUndeterred, the Commission partnered with the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) and the Capitol Square Foundation to begin the long journey.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter a national artist search, the committee selected sculptor \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/councill.net\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBrenda Councill\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, known for blending classical forms with contemporary meanings.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002241px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:41px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:13809,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:13805,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:13816,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:13818,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:13825,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:13822,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:13808,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2998f1e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECouncill\\u0027s design features four granite columns encircled by rings engraved with the words Equality, Justice, and Liberation. Names of notable Ohio women will be etched into each pillar. Bronze figures of everyday women will stand atop three of the columns, while a fourth remains open to honor future generations. At ground level, a woman steps down from a pedestal and a child reaches upward.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe idea that consistently resonated with me was the depiction of women standing on columns,\\u201d says Councill. \\u201cIt\\u2019s a metaphor that both acknowledges and challenges longstanding traditions in American culture.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:13820,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In 2025, Councill relocated from her home in North Carolina to Zanesville, Ohio, taking up residency at the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio \\\\u0026amp; Gallery to sculpt each figure from clay before 3D scanning and casting them in bronze. The process to bring the monument to completion will include engineers, architects, and other craftspeople from across Ohio.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCreating a work like this really takes a team. And project management.\\u201d Councill says. \\u201cBronze casting takes a year. Granite fabrication is 10 months. It\\u2019s a lot.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBehind the scenes, philanthropy has powered the project. Nearly $1.7 million has already been raised toward a $2.5 million goal \\u2014 all from private and philanthropic sources, as taxpayer dollars cannot fund new Statehouse monuments.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSome of the funds raised will support the creation of educational exhibits and materials about the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument for the thousands of students who visit the Statehouse each year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFor Charley Moses, chair of the Capitol Square Foundation, that educational impact is one of the most meaningful aspects of the project.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe call the Statehouse \\u2018the people\\u2019s house,\\u2019\\u201d Moses says. \\u201cWe hope this monument will inspire students to be active citizens\\u2014to vote, to lead, to be involved in their communities.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument installation is slated for summer 2026, aligning with America\\u2019s 250th year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI hope that [the monument] is a representation of what women\\u0027s leadership makes possible,\\u201d says Collins. \\u201cAnd I hope little girls can point and say, I want to be her.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eFollow along as the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument comes to life through updates on the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/oac.ohio.gov\\\/home\\\/news-and-events\\\/all-news\\\/ohio-womens-monument\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOhio Arts Council\\u2019s blog\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69001d2999087\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":13819,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 43%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Artist Brenda Councill sculpts a figure for the Ohio Women\\u0027s Monument. The plinth to support the monument will be set into place in the spring of 2026. \",\"date\":\"2025-10-29 17:32:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptor carefully refines the facial features of a clay statue of a suffragist woman, adding detail with a small metal tool.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 43%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/10\\\/IMG_8100-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/ohios-next-landmark-honors-the-monumental-women-around-us\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Ohio\\u2019s Next Landmark Honors the Monumental Women Around Us\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              At the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Women\\u2019s Monument is taking shape. It\\u2019s a first-of-its-kind tribute\\u2014the result of years of partnership, policy work, private funding, and artistry. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":11175,\"title\":\"Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1942, Agnes de Mille\\u2014one of America\\u2019s most influential choreographers\\u2014premiered \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E (pronounced row-DAY-oh). It\\u2019s a ballet that explores love, identity, and the social norms of the 19\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century American Southwest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplays a pivotal part in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kennedy-center.org\\\/education\\\/resources-for-educators\\\/classroom-resources\\\/media-and-interactives\\\/media\\\/dance\\\/agnes-de-mille--rodeo\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eballet history\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. It helped define \\u201cAmerican ballet,\\u201d setting it apart from predominant Russian influences of the time. And de Mille\\u2019s choreography introduced what she called \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=vJPuk9dPJFI\\u0022\\u003Estorytelling dance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u201d which transformed everyday gestures like cowboys riding horses or ropers throwing lassos into dance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow 80+ years on, \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eis being reimagined by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dancingwheels.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the nation\\u2019s first physically integrated dance company. Founded in 1980 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, the international touring group consists of 10 full-time professional dancers, with and without disabilities, from diverse dance backgrounds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11180,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9ae6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMary Verdi-Fletcher, Dancing Wheels\\u2019 president and founding artistic director, says that she\\u2019s loved \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E ever since she first saw it staged by Cleveland Ballet in the \\u201980s. The vibrant movement and storyline, and de Mille\\u2019s approach to dance all resonated with her.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI really wanted to do \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E for years, but it wasn\\u0027t possible [for Dancing Wheels] to do the actual movement ... the choreography at the time. So, I thought, \\u201cWhy don\\u0027t we reimagine it, modernize it, put it in today\\u0027s mindset where inclusion is so important in dance,\\u201d she elaborates.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EVerdi-Fletcher says Dancing Wheel\\u2019s version of \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Erepresents a major milestone: It\\u2019s the first time a major ballet \\u201cmaster work\\u201d has been recreated to be physically integrated. \\u201cWe\\u2019re pretty noted for taking on bigger projects,\\u201d she shares.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:11181,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA Collaborative Transformation\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRodeo Reimagined\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e incorporates different genres of dance, all to meet the expertise and experience of sit-down dancers in wheelchairs and stand-up dancers. It\\u2019s also being reenvisioned in other ways: a reworked score, a slightly different storyline, new costumes, and fewer cast members than the original.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo pull it off, Dancing Wheels collaborated with Cleveland Jazz Orchestra\\u2019s Paul Ferguson for the score and leading New York-based choreographer and director Amy Hall Garner.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThis has been a different process for me because we are telling a story. So, I have to make sure that stays in the forefront of all the movement,\\u201d says Garner, whose recent works lean non-narrative or abstract. \\u201cIt\\u0027s really opening my creative voice in a different way and making sure that everything is clear and comfortable, and cohesive and precise.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b5b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:11184,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:11185,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:11183,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6841b23fc9b82\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd how long did they have to create \\u003Cem\\u003ERodeo Reimagined\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E? Just two weeks and three days of intensive in-person choreography with Garner, plus a handful of rehearsals!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe says her time with Dancing Wheels has been a gift \\u201cbecause you get so used to working in the vocabulary that you normally work in \\u2026 It really is cool for me to figure out new ways of moving and consideration.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis interpretation of the historic American ballet will \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.eventbrite.com\\\/e\\\/dancing-wheels-company-school-presents-rodeo-reimagined-tickets-1292733874819?aff=oddtdtcreator\\u0022\\u003Epremiere on June 14\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E at Dancing Wheels\\u2019 annual benefit gala.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EDancing Wheels\\u2019 production of Rodeo Reimagined is supported in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":11177,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 70%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Dancing Wheels is the nation\\u0027s first physically integrated professional dance company. There are only 50 other companies like theirs in the world. Pictured: Dancing Wheels dancers performing in \\u003Ci\\u003EThree 4 Ann \\u003C\\\/i\\u003E (2022) choreographed by Mark Tomasic. \",\"date\":\"2025-06-05 15:05:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 5, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":100,\"label\":\"GIG Fund\",\"slug\":\"gig-fund\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read updates, news, and stories about GIG Fund, a grant that supports creative events and activities taking place in Midwestern communities.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\",\"grant_page\":null}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers performing on stage with a moody lighting. Each dancer is in different pose with some sitting or lower to the ground, and two of them in wheelchairs.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/DancingWheels_8.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rodeo-reimagined-dancing-wheels-cleveland-ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Reimagining an Iconic American Ballet with Dancers of All Abilities\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The historic ballet Rodeo gets a bold new retelling from Cleveland\\u0027s Dancing Wheels, a physically integrated dance company reimagining inclusive artistry.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9470,\"title\":\"A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EQuilts. Sure, they\\u2019re bedcovers to keep you cozy over these long Midwestern nights\\u2014but they\\u2019re also art. Narratives. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.northwestern.edu\\\/stories\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/tracy-vaughn-manley-quilting-american-culture\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArchives of our past\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFitting all that into bits of fabric is Ohio-based \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/carolynlmazloomi.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECarolyn Mazloomi\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, whose middle name might as well be \\u201cMaster Quilter.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EForty years ago, she noticed a lack of community among artists like herself. So, she founded the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wcqn.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWomen of Color Quilters Network\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI founded the organization because I felt that, at the time, there needed to be a guild or an organization that would support African-American quilt makers,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThey were not members of regular quilt guilds, and it was because their work wasn\\u0027t so much accepted within the larger white quilt community.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMazloomi says she wanted to find a place\\u2014maybe\\u003Cem\\u003E the \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eplace\\u2014in American quilt history for Black makers.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThis history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CAROLYN MAZLOOMI, FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN OF COLOR QUILTERS NETWORK\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc8254\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cQuilts tell the stories of the struggles and the survival and the triumph of Black people, and they reflect the lived lives of their makers,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey serve as records of personal and collective history, Mazloomi says, from slavery to civil rights, race relations to simply day-to-day stories.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9488,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-nbsp-a-visual-voice-nbsp\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2018A Visual Voice\\u2019\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMazloomi says Black communities tend to utilize unique patterns: vibrant colors and improvisational styles.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSometimes this caused friction and criticism, if it was even looked at in the first place. But more than anything, the style became a community. A home.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThat gives us a sense of identity and solidarity and pride in our quilt-making. So quilt-making has long been a visual voice for marginalized people,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cAnd this, to me, is wonderful. And it\\u2019s very inspiring for future generations of Black quilt makers.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWomen in Mazloomi\\u2019s network skew older; the average member age is somewhere between 75 and 103, she says. Some teach youth around the country in an effort to reach younger folks.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd quilting remains relevant in visible spaces (see a \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.si.edu\\\/exhibitions\\\/we-gather-edge-contemporary-quilts-black-women-artists:event-exhib-6766\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecurrent exhibit\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e featuring works by Mazloomi\\u0027s quilters network at Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Art Museum). But like the quilting process itself, shifting demographics take time.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022It\\u2019s coming along slowly,\\u201d says Mazloomi.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83b5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-stitching-stories-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EStitching Stories\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.washingtonpost.com\\\/business\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/05\\\/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELess than half of Americans\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E identify as book readers. Luckily for us, we can glean stories in art, too, not just through vocabulary.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe are not a nation of readers. So I think it\\u2019s an easy fix to tell these visual stories because we\\u2019re basically visual learners,\\u201d Mazloomi says, adding dozens of states have limited African-American history in schools.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEnter story quilts, visible in Mazloomi\\u2019s work. They portray Black history\\u2014even (especially) the traumatic stuff.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9489,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67bddc2dc83e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a way to tell difficult stories visually in places that are safe, where you can have a safe conversation about these difficult topics and talk about them,\\u201d Mazloomi says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut these stories have to be preserved. This history has to be preserved. Even though it is difficult, they have to be preserved.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9472,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 44%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Carolyn Mazloomi founded the Women of Color Quilters Network in 1985. The national organization has grown from just nine women to over 1,500 at its peak.\\u00a0\",\"date\":\"2025-02-25 15:05:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dark-skinned woman smiles on a pile of quilts.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 44%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Carolyn-Mazloomi-Photo_Pich-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/carolyn-mazloomi-women-of-color-quilters-network\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A 40-Year-Old Quilting Community Creates a Patchwork of Stories\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Carolyn Mazloomi, now in her late 70s, has been quilting for decades. She calls the art both a passage and keepsake for stories\\u2014of struggle to survival and success.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":282406,\"participants\":58657,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":18},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":14170,\"title\":\"Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESpanning just 10 minutes is an escalating story of cats, church, betrayal, and murder\\u2014by snake.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s a short play\\u2014made in just five short days\\u2014in the small town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. New playwright Margaret Bolte brainchilded \\u003Cem\\u003ECleopatra the Cat\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E during a creative writing session in town.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI don\\u2019t know where [writing] comes from,\\u201d the retiree says. \\u201cYou just get these ideas and words on paper, and it all comes together.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14183,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b1fa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBolte and five others tried their hands at one-act playwriting for Belle Fourche Area Community Theater\\u2019s inaugural \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bellefourcheact.com\\\/shows\\\/center-of-the-nation-playwrighting-festival\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECenter of the Nation Playwriting Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The community theater has been putting on original plays for 15 years, but director Derek Olson wanted to try something new.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhy not? Who knows if this\\u2019ll work or not?\\u201d Olson says. And it did: \\u201cWe got six writers to do the workshops. They had never finished a play, and they [all] wrote a play. And to us, that\\u2019s a win.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-one-week-plenty-of-passion\\u0022\\u003EOne Week, Plenty of Passion\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEarlier this fall, for one week, writers gathered under the guidance of local Isabella Quijano, the festival director. Writers who responded to an open call\\u0026nbsp;completed workshops and exercises to find their play\\u2019s objective. Quijano worked with them on developing character voices and plots. Then the group read one another\\u2019s work and gave feedback.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14186,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b27a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was a lot of comradery and passion in one room at a time,\\u201d says Quijano, who recently graduated college with an English major. \\u201cIt was really special.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat special end product? Six, 10-minute plays performed by community members in front of an audience\\u2014including the writer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cTo actually hear these characters\\u2014characters I created for a story\\u2014come to life on the stage was absolutely surreal. It was just wonderful and performed perfectly.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Margaret Bolte, Center of the Nation Playwriting Festival participant\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b2ce\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe staged readings included props, set pieces, and a whole lot of enthusiasm.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt wasn\\u2019t just standing in a corner and reading awkwardly. They put their hearts and souls into this for a week and a half straight with almost no notice. So it was just a really big and wonderful thing that we made with so much love,\\u201d Quijano says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-yes-town\\u0022\\u003EA \\u2018Yes\\u2019 Town\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a town of 5,000-some people, that love ripples. There aren\\u2019t many opportunities to see plays around Belle Fourche, let alone learn how to write one. Thanks to a grant, festival tickets were low-cost and the workshops were free to encourage participation and creativity, no matter where folks live.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople don\\u2019t expect it. Belle Fourche is a very rural town,\\u201d Olson says of the area\\u2019s enthusiasm for the plays. \\u201cI think it shocks people, but I think it shows that . . . people need a creative outlet everywhere.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:14176,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-691f93087b335\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDirectors are hoping for a rerun next year (and then some). Belle Fourche, like many small Midwestern towns, is a great place to just say \\u201cyes,\\u201d Olson says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe say, \\u2018yes\\u2019 because . . . who knows, [Belle Fourche residents] could be the next people [who] are having their plays produced across the country.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":14173,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Community members support their local playwrights (and the dessert table) during the inaugural playwriting festival. \",\"date\":\"2025-11-20 22:15:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 20, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022People standing around a dessert table indoors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/Playwrite-27-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/small-town-small-plays-big-south-dakota-stories\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Small Town. Small Plays. Big South Dakota Stories.\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, a new, mini festival turned residents into first-time playwrights in just one week.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10196,\"title\":\"This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly two decades, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.livartfully.com\\\/about\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERachel Olivia Berg\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E has created large-scale artworks for companies. Think hotel lobbies or resort hallways.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough undoubtedly\\u0026nbsp;aesthetic, the works felt impersonal, branded, commercial.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou\\u2019re telling other people\\u2019s stories,\\u201d the artist says. In 2023, she moved away from projects like those and focused on stories and communities important to her. So when Berg, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, heard of a Rapid City, South Dakota, tribal health center looking for art, she dove in.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-oyate-health-center-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project\\u2019s arts selection committee received maybe half a dozen proposals from Berg\\u2014as well as submissions from dozens of creatives across the region.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s now a clinic-wide, permanent collection with over 100 pieces was two years in the making, from the open call to installation process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10206,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10208,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10209,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:10207,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:10231,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:10230,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:10229,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:10227,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c2dd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll the selected (and compensated) art pieces focus on culture-specific healing, made by 50-some enrolled tribal citizens from the Great Plains area, from professional artists to community creatives.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022[We] really focused on those visuals of healing and how we as Native people dissect that word\\u2014healing spiritual health as well as physical and mental health,\\u201d says committee member \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/heritagecenter.mahpiyaluta.org\\\/about\\\/staff\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAshley Pourier\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a museum curator and a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-our-own-visual-vocabulary-nbsp\\u0022\\u003E\\u2018Our Own Visual Vocabulary\\u2019\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatplainstribalhealth.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGreat Plains Tribal Health Board\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E spearheaded the project.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETaking over management and reconstruction, the former Indian Health Services Center-turned-\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.oyatehealth.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EOyate Health Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E became a brand-new building\\u2014with a brand new need for art. But not just \\u003Cem\\u003Eany\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the healthcare center is for Native American patients and staff, the art inside needed to be, too. Having Indigenous symbolism about has transformed the space, and what it means to heal inside it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s important for us, for Indigenous people, to have our own visual vocabulary, to have our own understanding. You can walk into hospitals across the country and there\\u0027s frequently flowers or things that are very universal,\\u201d Berg says of the more generic art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut what\\u0027s really nice about Oyate [Health Center] is that we were able to create art from our perspective, things we understand, things we relate to. It helps you feel like it\\u0027s your space; it helps you feel that you\\u0027re meant to be there.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe art collection, from photography to paintings to 3D work, touches on spiritual and cultural understanding. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBerg\\u2019s piece, \\u003Cem\\u003EEagle Buffalo Star\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, is an expansive wall relief artwork. Made of diamond-shaped resin tiles, it\\u2019s a lively, almost moving image of a buffalo and eagle connected by a star.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10202,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10203,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10199,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67eb12ab3c34f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe started with the idea of traditional beadwork and star quilting: Little pieces come together, creating meaning. Its oranges, yellows, browns and blues\\u2014colors of the sky and earth in the Black Hills\\u2014shine in the center\\u2019s new pediatric area.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe stars ... are hopeful and help us to think of the healing aspect of our connection, of how we\\u0027re not alone,\\u201d Berg says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a new and meaningful feeling of community in the space. Berg calls the health center a \\u201chub,\\u201d thanks to its art from people across her community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s literally a museum. It\\u2019s a collection,\\u201d Berg says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a building. It\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003Eour\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E building.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10218,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 33%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(From left to right): Pieces in Oyate Health Center\\u0027s building-wide gallery include: \\u0022Prairie Dog Painting\\u0022 by Bryan D. Parker, White Mountain Apache, Muscogee Creek, Mississippi Choctaw; \\u0022Deer Woman\\u0022 by Danielle Seewalker, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; \\u0022Tatanka\\u0022 by Anela Babby, Oglala Sioux Tribe; and \\u0022Wilmer Mesteth\\u0022 by Steven Paul Judd Community Artwork, Kiowa-Choctaw.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-02 14:14:09\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 2, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Four art pieces in a collage together, featuring vibrant colors.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 33%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/WordPress-Featured-Image-Collage-Banner.png 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/oyate-health-tribal-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Health Center\\u0027s Art Collection Is Medicine to Its Community\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Oyate Health Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, is just as much a place of healing as it is a place for connection, Native art, and rooting in place. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":10550,\"title\":\"Everyone Wins: Inside a Sioux Falls Gallery\\u2019s Art Lottery\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe next lucky number is 12. Twelve. Lucky Number 12.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENo, it\\u2019s not bingo night. That\\u2019s an announcement at an art gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their large windows display a painted sign that reads, in all caps: THE THUNDERDOME OF ARTS FUNDRAISERS.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELuckily, there are no steel cages or fight-to-death matches. Just lucky numbers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10564,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6df8d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe announcer at the microphone is Mike Hart, one of the founders of Ipso Gallery, started in 2009 by Hart, Liz Heeren, and Ted Heeren.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIpso Gallery\\u2019s biennial-ish arts fundraiser, Lucky Number, is a lottery style, one-night-only event, where art from local artists is divvied up among participants\\u2014by chance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s an arts fundraiser where everyone wins,\\u201d says Liz Heeren, Ipso\\u2019s director and curator. All artists get paid the same amount, sponsors buy in to win three artworks, and a local project or nonprofit receives funding.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDoing it this way was important to Liz, an artist and art educator. Over the years, she noticed that artists often lose at events like these\\u2014\\u201ctheir work doesn\\u2019t sell or get bid on.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10570,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022At the event, Liz advises attendees on artists and artworks hanging on the walls, while \\u201cLadder Boy\\u201d Ted hands the art out. Collectors holding numbered tokens eagerly wait for their lucky number to be called. If it is, they walk up to the gallery wall, pick their art, and then take it home that evening!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s exhilarating, nerve wracking, and sometimes tense, says the curator. There\\u2019s been \\\\u003cem\\\\u003esome \\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003eshouting.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSponsors come with a strategy, says Liz. \\u201cPeople are invested \\u2026 They\\u2019ve got their top 10 listed. They\\u2019re taking notes.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt\\u2019s a gamble\\u2014either you get first pick, wait your turn, or get called last.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMaybe in the end if they don\\u0027t get their number one choice, they\\u0027re getting an artist they don\\u0027t know as well, and might fall in love with that work and become a collector of that artist over time.\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLucky Number raises money to support local arts and culture. The 2025 proceeds will fund a site-specific public art installation. Over the last decade, the fundraiser has benefitted small arts organizations and artist-run creative projects.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e05f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:10566,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:10569,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:10567,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:10568,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e207\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as importantly, it connects the Sioux Falls community to art and artists.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019ve had some really strange shows over the years and really explored art in different ways. And that\\u2019s what gets us excited,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s getting people to do things that are uncomfortable, the transformation of the space, and the celebration of really weird ideas.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor those who enter Ipso, it\\u2019s a moment of \\u201cdelight in creativity.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Want to run your own Lucky Number event?\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e Here\\u0027s how Ipso Gallery does it!\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA sponsor buys in at $1,500 to \\u201cwin\\u201d three artworks (Ipso invites 15-20 local community members and businesses to sign up; a sponsor can be an individual or a group)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nAn artist submits three artworks and receives $900 (Ipso curates 15-20 regional artists; $750 is from the sponsorship and $150 from Ipso)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nA local organization or project receives $10,000-$15,000 (Ipso Gallery supports the growth of local arts and culture)\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003eAt the event, sponsors are given numbered tokens for three rounds of Lucky Number. When their number gets called, they pick an artwork from the first panel\\u2014and so on.\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:10555,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-680926ce6e3f0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting art.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"For the last decade, Ipso Gallery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has built an exciting fundraiser to contribute to local culture, pay artists, and encourage a new way of collecting...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-fundraiser-ipso-gallery-lucky-number\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10557,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. They are handing off an artwork from the wall to a person standing below them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0022Ladder Boy\\u0022 Ted Heeren hands an artwork to a Lucky Number participant.\",\"date\":\"2025-04-23 17:22:31\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 23, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/04\\\/4G7A2492-v01-FullSize-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person standing o a ladder next to a wall filled with artworks. 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The playwright who defined modern English, oddly enough, knew that words were only half the story.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWisconsin\\u2019s American Players Theatre (APT) has taken this sentiment to heart. Set in the hills of rural Spring Green, roughly an hour from Madison, the classical venue is creating performances, events, and audience experiences with and by deaf artists, reimagining how theatre tells everyone\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2023, APT produced \\u003Cem\\u003ERomeo \\u0026amp; Juliet\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, but with a twist: Actor Josh Castille played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers. \\u201cI only did Romeo \\u0026amp; Juliet that year,\\u201d says Castille, \\u201cand Brenda [DeVita] and I had a conversation\\u2014what would it mean to have me for a whole season?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10959,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfacd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd the gears started turning. In 2025, the repertory theatre will showcase the whole spectrum of deafness: Castille returns for \\u003Cem\\u003ETribes\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, a story of a deaf son in a hearing family, and to play Puck in \\u003Cem\\u003EA Midsummer Night\\u2019s Dream\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. It\\u2019s not theatre for deaf audiences, Castille clarifies\\u2014it\\u2019s theatre \\u003Cem\\u003Eincluding\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E deaf artists.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat, coincidentally, makes it more accessible to all: Shakespeare is dense for any theatre-goer, hearing or otherwise, and utilizing ASL (American Sign Language) helps with storytelling, making it both more multidimensional and more digestible.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEvery show, I\\u2019m used to finding the cracks in the story and slipping in justification for why this person is deaf,\\u201d says Castille. \\u201cWhat\\u2019s lovely about \\u003Cem\\u003EMidsummer\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is that we\\u2019re not justifying the deafness. We\\u2019re letting Puck be Puck, letting him just exist as this nuanced person, because everyone is that way.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003ci\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003ci\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e experience. But all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Brenda DeVita, Artistic Director, American Players Theatre\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfb38\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:10961,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT is also running an ASL immersion weekend, August 22-24, 2025. In addition to full ASL interpretation of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTribes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidsummer\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, pre-show talks with deaf translators will discuss adapting Shakespeare, and an open \\u201cASL Slam\\u201d stage call invites deaf audience members to perform at a partner venue.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor these shows, captioning services (via GalaPro) will be available, making the text available in real time, on any device, including smartphones. APT started utilizing the service in 2023, making performances accessible for the deaf or hard of hearing\\u2014or simply those who wish Shakespeare had subtitles.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAPT doesn\\u2019t have a term for what it is they\\u2019re doing. There was no plan to turn Shakespeare on its heels or break ground via accessibility work.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe used to say that it was our endeavor to create plays for \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eeveryone\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. That we\\u2019re touching on a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003euniversal\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e experience,\\u201d says Brenda DeVita, artistic director. \\u201cBut all the people looked like us and lived like us. We weren\\u2019t being proactive and insistent on our integrity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6835cc4bcfca2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESo, staff started seeking out new ways to tell the human story. \\u201cLuckily,\\u201d says DeVita, \\u201cour audience moves with us because they trust us, and the artists that come to work with us move with us because they trust us. We move at the speed of trust.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOf course, a widened perspective is only part of good storytelling. \\u201cThe reason we\\u2019re doing it,\\u201d says Sara Young, managing director, \\u201cis because it makes the stories better. It simply makes them richer for our audiences.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":10960,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Actor Josh Castille (right) played Romeo, and Robert Schleifer (left) played Friar Lawrence\\u2014both deaf performers\\u2014in \\u003Ci\\u003E Romeo \\u0026 Juliet\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E by American Players Theatre in 2023.\",\"date\":\"2025-05-22 14:04:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 22, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":666,\"name\":\"Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"slug\":\"jacqueline-kehoe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":666,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jacqueline Kehoe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two light-skinned people sign with their hands while standing in front of a wooden framed set.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/05\\\/RJ-6590-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-sign-is-transforming-a-wisconsin-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                How Sign is Transforming a Wisconsin Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Via deaf artists, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is redirecting the spotlight.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9782,\"title\":\"Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist-educator \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/marthabuche.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMartha Buche\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E calls herself a generalist. From drawing to felting, needlework to woodwork, mosaics to metallurgy, \\u201cI rarely meet a medium I don\\u2019t want to explore,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche finds a niche, however, in traditional copper bowl-making.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9960,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The tradition she draws from is her own Potawatomi ancestry\\u2014for centuries, Indigenous communities of the Great Lakes have cultivated rich artistic and toolmaking practices thanks to the region\\u2019s natural copper deposits. \\u201cWe are so blessed in the upper Midwest to have this beautiful vein of Lake Superior copper that is 99% pure,\\u201d says Buche. \\u201cThe Creator gives you what you need.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith copper so pure, no smelting is required. Beautiful bowls can be hammered out with stones found along the shores of the very same lake.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI love talking to people about the wonderful Indigenous wisdom of knowing millennia ago that copper is antibacterial and antimicrobial and purifies water,\\\\u0022 says Buche. \\\\u0022That\\u2019s why it\\u2019s used in our water ceremony.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBuche\\u2019s relationship to her Potawatomi heritage grew while working with the military, when she connected with Indigenous soldiers. When she returned from Germany, she took her children to powwows and handmade their dance costumes. From there, her artistry blossomed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI have always been an artist, and drawn to natural materials, so I found it a very natural transition,\\u201d she says. \\u201cI love metal\\u2014copper in particular\\u2014so when I discovered this traditional bowl-making practice using stone tools, I just fell in love.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5695ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow, Buche teaches at folk schools like the Driftless Folk School in Viroqua, Wisconsin, where her students range from middle schoolers to retirees. Some are Indigenous; many are not. Some travel from across the United States to make a copper bowl, and she\\u2019s since tripled the number of classes she offers. She starts each lesson with a greeting in the Potawatomi language before delving into the history, the process, and metallurgy.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cYou have to be in relationship with the copper,\\u201d she explains. \\u201cYou have to make sure you are listening when it speaks to you, that you\\u2019re paying attention to the relationship between you and how it\\u2019s changing with your interaction.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe reminds students to be kind to themselves. \\u201cEverybody goes through what I call the dark night of the bowl,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere can be a frustrating part in there because you\\u2019re using a new set of muscles and a new kind of tool. But I haven\\u2019t lost one yet. I believe everybody can make a bowl, and they do.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9958,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9962,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9963,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9964,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9965,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9967,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-67d85de5697c6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002245px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:45px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBuche was \\u201cflabbergasted\\u201d to receive the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMidwest Culture Bearers Award\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI have been an artist for fifty years. To be acknowledged as somebody worth taking a look at is amazing,\\u201d she says. And although teaching has been a cherished part of her career, she looks forward to dedicating more time to her own artmaking.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOften working with others inspires one\\u2019s own imagination, so it\\u2019s been a wonderful blessing,\\u201d she says. And, \\u201cI\\u2019m getting to the point now that I don\\u2019t have endless amounts of time. I should probably get to it!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EMartha Buche is a 2024 recipient of the Midwest Culture Bearers Award, which celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Midwest Culture Bearers Award is supported by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts for project management.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9966,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Martha Buche teaches copper bowl-making classes at the Driftless Folk School, to students of all ages.\",\"date\":\"2025-03-17 17:37:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 17, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":738,\"name\":\"Jennifer Vosters\",\"slug\":\"jennifer-vosters\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":738,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":18,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jennifer Vosters\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":{\"1\":{\"ID\":665,\"label\":\"Midwest Culture Bearers Award\",\"slug\":\"midwest-culture-bearers-award\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories and updates from this award that celebrates Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners and supports their future work.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\"}},\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium-light skin tone with silver hair showing an adult student a copper bowl.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/Martha-Buche-copper-bowls-2025_407_web.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-martha-buche-culture-bearers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/midwest-culture-bearers-award\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Midwest Culture Bearers Award\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":9288,\"title\":\"Understanding Milwaukee History Through a Miniature House\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen you think about miniatures, what comes to mind? Tiny dollhouses? Model trains? While they\\u2019re often seen as cute toys, what if miniatures contained something bigger\\u2014like the history of immigration in a neighborhood?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of their most recent exhibit, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mitchellstreet.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMitchell Street Arts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E created a miniature version of a real house in Milwaukee\\u2019s South Side neighborhood, as seen through two different eras of the home\\u2019s history. It\\u2019s meant to be a conversation starter about immigration, gentrification, cultural change, and what makes the South Side home.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the past 140 years, the area around Mitchell Street has welcomed waves of immigrants, including Germans, Poles, Norwegians, Soviet Jews, and, more recently, Hispanic and Middle Eastern families. What has stayed the same is the neighborhood\\u2019s houses\\u2013which led to the idea of making one in miniature. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think miniatures inspire a sense of wonder and awe in a way that is unique amongst a lot of other art forms,\\u201d says Rew Gordon, Executive Director of Mitchell Street Arts. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a perfect entry point into talking about the melting pot that is our city.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:9289,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Neighborhood-Wide Search\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nTo find the right house to recreate, Mitchell Street Arts partnered with Dr. Jill Lackey of Urban Anthropology Center. Dr. Lackey\\u2019s team ventured across the near South Side, canvassing over 30 blocks to find a house whose style, lot size, and window dimensions might capture the essence of the neighborhood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce they had a list of potential addresses, they dove deep into the history of these homes, using databases from the Milwaukee County Historical Society and Ancestry.com. They uncovered fascinating details like who lived there, where they came from, how many children they had, and what work they did.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd then, they started work to build a miniature version of a duplex located at 1512\\\/1514 S. 7th Street.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d84d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002252px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:52px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:9294,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:9293,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:9295,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:9296,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:9297,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:9292,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:9291,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-679a84d6d8554\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-two-families-connected-by-a-home\\u0022\\u003ETwo Families, Connected by a Home\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe lower level of the miniature represents the 1950s, when the Polish-American Golec family lived there. Catherine Golec, a widow, shared the home with three of her six children.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe upper level depicts the 1985 home of the Acevedos, a Mexican-American family who lived in the house until 2010. The floors are filled with miniature furniture, outfitted to match each family\\u2019s story.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell Street Arts hopes that the miniature home can be a connector. So far, it\\u2019s having the intended effect. One visitor, a current renter of the house, was moved to tears by the exhibit.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThese are different periods and different groups of people, but we all have more in common than we realize. We\\u0027re living in the same kinds of units and making them our own,\\u201d says Bella Biwer, a local architect who helped to construct the miniature house. \\u201cI hope that it gives people a sense of belonging and pride in their community and their homes.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe miniature house will be on display at Mitchell Street Arts through mid-March 2025, with additional programming around memory, community and documentation, including drop-in family photography sessions for neighbors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Milwaukee South Side Miniature Project was made possible in part by Arts Midwest\\u2019s\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/milwaukee-miniature-house\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":9290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two smiling people pose next to a miniature house in an art gallery\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 53%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Claire Tilton \\u0026 Bella Biwer pose by the miniature house that they built for the South Side Miniature Project\\n\",\"date\":\"2025-01-29 20:39:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 29, 2025\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. 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(min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/signal-2024-12-10-130132_003.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/milwaukee-miniature-house\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Understanding Milwaukee History Through a Miniature House\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An art project by Mitchell Street Arts captures Milwaukee\\u2019s immigration history in the form of a miniature home.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":242649,\"participants\":46787,\"grants\":19,\"communities\":13}},\"label\":\"2025\",\"query_var\":\"2025\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2025\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/12\\\/2025-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2025 Financials\",\"key\":0},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":6613,\"title\":\"A Gratitude-Inspired Mural Brought This Community Together\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom tiny bees and a corduroy couch to a barefoot woman in a gaudy dress and a baggie of dreadlocks found in a drawer, Ross Gay\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.poetryfoundation.org\\\/poems\\\/58762\\\/catalog-of-unabashed-gratitude\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECatalog of Unabashed Gratitude\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is a celebration of\\u2014and a meditation on\\u2014the transient nature of life on earth, guided by the lessons offered by gardens and orchards.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s this book of gratitude that anchored Hopkinsville, Kentucky\\u2019s ninth \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E last year. Inspired by the contents of Gay\\u2019s pages, a local artist and a cadre of youth arts campers created a mural on the side of the Hopkinsville Brewing Company. Artist Jennifer Bowman guided 15 or so local high school students through the process of creating a garden-inspired mural on a paint-smattered background overarched by a towering sunflower.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022 \\u201cI really love the fact that it has given the folks who live in the senior apartment building something aesthetically beautiful.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Jennifer Brown, co-founder and editor of the Hoptown Chronicle\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac683\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6621,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac6a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFor the last three or four summers, the Pennyroyal Arts Council has sponsored a summer camp to have local students paint a mural somewhere in town. It\\u2019s not always connected to the Big Read, but this year it seemed natural to illustrate [the book selection] because the cover is just beautiful and colorful,\\u201d explains Jennifer Brown, co-founder and editor of the \\u003Cem\\u003EHoptown Chronicle\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E and a Big Read committee member. \\u201cI really love the fact that it has given the folks who live in the senior apartment building [adjacent from the mural] something aesthetically beautiful to be the background of their little spot in downtown Hopkinsville.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6615,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOne of the most special elements of the mural was its September 7th dedication because Gay himself was present. It\\u2019s his presence and how touched he seemed to be by both the mural and the interest in his work that made the day stand out, says Brown. \\u201cOne thing I noticed was how genuinely touched he seemed to be by the use of his words incorporated into the mural,\\u201d she adds. \\u201cHe seemed really taken with it and it was so great to have him there. This was the first time we\\u2019ve ever had the author in person.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDozens of community members came together for both the mural dedication and a meet and greet with the author that followed at the Alhambra Theatre across the street. Free copies of Gay\\u2019s book were available to the first 100 attendees. Ten gratitude boards\\u2014blackboards on which community members were encouraged to inscribe their own words of gratitude\\u2014lingered in the lobby before being subsequently distributed around town after the event concluded. In total, roughly 500 copies of the book have been distributed throughout the community, including at events in local schools.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac6e2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter Gay read passages of his book, Francene Gilmer, executive director of the Christian County Literacy Council and a Big Read committee member, moderated a question-and-answer session between Gay and the audience. Delight is the lingering feeling Gilmer remembers from the evening. \\u201cHe read a couple of pieces from the book, and you could feel his emotion in it. You could see his delight with the people who asked questions. He was just a really down to earth person,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne audience member asked Gay if he had always wanted to be a poet. Perhaps surprisingly, his answer was that he had wanted to be a football player, describing himself as \\u201cnot a school kid\\u201d. Brown felt like that response endeared him to the crowd and helped questions flow from there.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6623,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6614,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6620,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6618,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6622,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac712\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002239px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:39px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e924ac726\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOne thing I was taken with was how I had a deeper understanding of the meaning of his words when he read them as opposed to when I read them myself from the book,\\u201d Brown says. \\u201cIt gave me much more of an appreciation. I went back and read more of his poetry afterwards, which I probably wouldn\\u2019t have done otherwise. I suspect that was true for others who were there that night.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn one way, the evening concluded with Gay signing books, staying until the very last one had been signed and having authentic conversations with every person along the way. But in another way, the experience hasn\\u2019t really ended at all: community members are still requesting copies of the book daily across Hopkinsville, garnering exactly the interest that Big Read is all about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=9HMh9FyU2Lw\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=9HMh9FyU2Lw\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-gratitude-inspired-mural-brought-this-community-together\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6616,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two students paint art on a wall outdoors\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students taking part in the Pennyroyal Arts Council Art Camp add to a mural inspired by  \\u201cA Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude\\u201d. \",\"date\":\"2024-04-16 14:45:15\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 16, 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1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/image_50783489-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-gratitude-inspired-mural-brought-this-community-together\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Gratitude-Inspired Mural Brought This Community Together\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Ross Gay\\u2019s poetry book Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude spurred murals, conversations, and connection in this small Kentucky city. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6769,\"title\":\"Shakespeare Saw These Actors Through Prison and Onto Center Stage\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was 2014, eight years into Pharaoh Brooks\\u2019 incarceration in the California prison system and he was determined to make the most of his time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6772,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022He had taken up composing poetry and writing children\\u2019s books when he came across a poster from Marin Shakespeare Company. It was advertising a production of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJulius Caesar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e taking place inside the prison\\u2019s walls, performed and produced entirely by and for the men incarcerated in Solano State Prison.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThinking that it would help advance his writing, Brooks signed up. After being enlisted to play the titular role in that first production, he went on to perform in six more plays before his release late last year.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, he\\u2019ll keep up the practice he picked up in prison when he performs in productions of \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eJulius Caesar\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e for local school groups this spring. \\u201cIt\\u2019s just been so much more than what I intended when I signed up for it,\\u201d Brooks says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nActing became Brooks\\u0027 way of escaping prison life. Even though some of his friends and acquaintances throughout the prison questioned his participation, he stuck with it.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhen we performed, we had incarcerated individuals watching. There were some guards there, too,\\u201d he recalls. \\u201cBut when you\\u2019re watching Shakespeare, everyone is just a human being watching something. It just made us people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nEventually CNN came to do \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cnn.com\\\/videos\\\/tv\\\/2017\\\/07\\\/09\\\/gbs-shakespeare-in-prison.great-big-story\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea story\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e on \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.marinshakespeare.org\\\/shakespeare-in-prison\\\/#:~:text=San%20Quentin%20State%20Prison%2C%20Marin\\\\u0026amp;text=We%20now%20have%20two%20Shakespeare,%E2%80%9CStories%20from%20San%20Quentin.%E2%80%9D\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShakespeare in Prison\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, the Marin Shakespeare Company effort supported in part by funding from \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShakespeare in American Communities\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. That\\u2019s when the sentiment really started to change.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cEven guards had seen it and were talking about it,\\u201d Brooks says, referring to the CNN piece. \\u201cIt definitely had an impact on the prison.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; 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bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f325\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f38f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002234px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:34px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDameion Brown, also previously incarcerated at Solano, performed in that first production of Julius Caesar, too. In fact, he recalls being the first to sign up. Brown was determined to spend his time in prison supporting his fellow incarcerees in hopes for a kind of karmic exchange in which his children would be well taken care of in his absence.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown liked to be the first person to sign up for new programs, including Shakespeare in Prison at Solano State Prison in 2014. That way, he thought, others would be more encouraged to follow suit seeing that someone else had already committed.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe found the first session to be disarming, entertaining, and enjoyable. Months of rehearsals came and went. As the debut neared, Brown got nervous. \\u201cAs we got closer, when the costumes came, I was even more nervous. I just wanted to get it over with,\\u201d he says. Brown expected nothing but heckles from the hardened crowd.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBut there was no heckling. Instead, it was something like admiration. They, even the guards, saw us in a different way than they had seen us all those years,\\u201d Brown recalls. \\u201cIt went off without a hitch and it was collective jubilation. It made a lot of people feel differently about acting in a really heavy way.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022When you\\u2019re watching Shakespeare, everyone is just a human being watching something. It just made us people.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PHARAOH BROOKS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f3ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6781,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f3c5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown\\u2019s incarceration ended the following year, but his passion for acting did not.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoon after he was out, Lesley Currier, Marin Shakespeare Company\\u2019s managing director who worked with Brown inside Solano, picked him up from the halfway house where he was staying and brought him to a performance of Henry IV, starring Danny Glover\\u2014an actor Brown grew up watching on TV. \\u201cHe was the first Black superhero on television. I have a lot of respect for him,\\u201d Brown recalls of that evening in 2015.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrown met Glover after the show. He still recalls the advice Glover gave him for the performances he\\u2019s continued acting in since. \\u201cWhat are your connectors?\\u201d Glover asked Brown about his upcoming portrayal of Othello, his first post-prison performance. \\u201cWas he not a prisoner? A slave? Was he not betrayed? Your task is to share the truth of those things.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite feeling out of his depth with professional actors, Brown stuck with the role that ultimately earned him a Best Lead Actor award from the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle in 2016. Looking back on his award-winning performance, Brown says that Shakespeare in Prison and Glover \\u201cgave me everything I did on that stage.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6780,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6632bbde3f4ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/shakespeare-saw-these-actors-through-prison-and-onto-center-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6777,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022498\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 29%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The cast of Macbeth at Solano State Prison in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2024-05-02 15:45:08\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 2, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":46,\"label\":\"National\",\"slug\":\"national\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":98,\"label\":\"Shakespeare in American Communities\",\"slug\":\"shakespeare-in-american-communities\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories and updates about communities participating in Shakespeare in American Communities across the country.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022664\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 29%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022664\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of men in various costumes cheering.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 29%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398.jpeg 1025w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-300x195.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Cast-Macbeth-at-Solano-2015-3398-768x498.jpeg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/shakespeare-saw-these-actors-through-prison-and-onto-center-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Shakespeare Saw These Actors Through Prison and Onto Center Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              For Pharaoh Brooks and Dameion Brown, acting in prison offered an escape from the monotonous minutiae of daily life and created a path through life beyond bars.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/national\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    National\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/shakespeare-in-american-communities\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Shakespeare in American Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6204,\"title\":\"Two Midwestern Artists Receive Nation\\u0027s Highest Honor in Folk and Traditional Arts\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe National Endowment for the Arts announced the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/honors\\\/heritage\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENEA National Heritage Fellows\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E today, and two artists from the Midwest have been recognized for their contributions to the field. Todd Goings, a skilled carousel carver and restoration expert, and Bril Barrett, a tap dancer, teacher, and historian, are among the 10 deserving recipients this year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince 1982, the NEA has been awarding this lifetime honor to recognize individuals committed to preserving and fostering diverse cultural traditions in our nation. Each fellow gets a $25,000 award, and they\\u0027ll be celebrated in Washington, DC, in the fall of 2024.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e670921b6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-meet-the-midwestern-awardees\\u0022\\u003EMeet the Midwestern Awardees\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003eBril Barrett, Tap Dancer from Chicago, Illinois\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nBril Barrett is a Chicago-based tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Born and raised in North Lawndale on the West Side and now based in the South Side\\u2019s Bronzeville, his four-decade career is rooted in place and crosses time.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTap was created by enslaved Black people who, when drums were made illegal due to the instrument\\u2019s role in resistance, communicated by making rhythms with their bodies instead. These rhythms were passed on in clandestine improvisation circles known as \\u201cshouts\\u201d or \\u201cring shout,\\u201d one of the few West African prayer practices to survive the Middle Passage. It is in this tradition that Barrett learns and teaches.\\\\r\\\\nBarrett fell in love with tap at age four thanks to a program offered by his first teacher, Carlton Smith. After the program ended, Barrett\\u2019s mother committed to continuing the lessons, riding with him two hours on the Red Line each way\\u2014where Barrett met his primary mentor, Ayrie \\u201cMr. Taps\\u201d King.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett joined a long line of dancers who came up \\u201cshedding wood\\u201d on street corners. After winning grand prize in 1988\\u2019s Search for Chicago\\u2019s Tap Dance Kid, he toured with companies such as Riverdance and Aaron Tolson\\u2019s Imagine Tap. During that time, he learned from several early 20th-century legends of tap, including Dr. Jimmy Slyde, Dr. Bunny Briggs, and Dr. Leonard Reed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett soon realized that many audiences didn\\u2019t know tap the way he had learned it. They might know Shirley Temple or Bill \\u201cBojangles\\u201d Robinson, but did they know Robinson\\u2019s teacher, Alice Whitman? Did they know about tap as resilience, or resistance? He began to include a history lesson in every class he taught, recounting stories given by his teachers in turn.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith co-founders Jumaane Taylor and Martin \\u2018Tre\\u2019 Dumas III, Barrett created the Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization (M.A.D.D. Rhythms) in 2001 to provide a place for young people to learn and grow. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is now a leading tap collective worldwide, developing a partnership with Bronzeville\\u2019s historic Harold Washington Cultural Center to provide affordable arts education and mentorship to Chicago youth.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn 2020, Barrett was awarded the Chicago Dancemakers Forum\\u2019s Lab Artist Fellowship, and in 2022 he received the Helen Coburn Meier and Tim Meier Foundation for the Arts Achievement Award. M.A.D.D. Rhythms is a part of the International Association of Blacks in Dance\\u2019s 2023-24 FRWD cohort, as well as the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project\\u2019s 2023-24 cohort.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBarrett\\u2019s pedagogy of shared improvisation for social-emotional learning shows his students that their lives and selves matter. His circles weave past, present, and future to pass on our history in the way it was created\\u2014in the rhythm of our breath, and bodies, and feet.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092250\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=yvlEQA1fSEo\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=yvlEQA1fSEo\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6199,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003eTodd Goings, Carousel Carver and Restorationist from Marion, Ohio\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMaster carousel carver and restorationist Todd Goings has worked for 35 years to keep the art of American carved wooden carousels alive. Built in a handful of master artisan workshops from the 1880s to the 1930s, wooden carousels are participatory folk-art environments that set whimsical carved animals to music and movement in custom-built mechanical frames. Of America\\u2019s several-thousand original wooden carousels, just 150 remain. Goings has worked on many of them, and, along the way, has revived the American carousel workshop for a new century.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRaised in the rural village of Caledonia in North Central Ohio, Goings came to carousels through an early passion for woodworking, with jobs in cabinetry, millwork, patternmaking, and eventually, woodcarving. By the 1980s, the sad state of America\\u2019s wooden carousels had sparked a revival of carousel conservation across America which, in turn, demanded a rebirth of traditional carousel arts. Goings\\u2019 wide-ranging woodworking training was destiny. \\u201cIt chose me,\\u201d he said. \\u201cEverything I personally learned, the only place it comes together is on carousels.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nGoings opened Carousels and Carvings\\u2014a full-service artisan carousel workshop\\u2014in Marion, Ohio, in the 1990s. A century separated from master carousel artists like W.H. Dentzel, Charles I.D. Looff, William F. Mangels, \\\\u0026amp; Marcus Illions, Goings trained himself as a carousel carver through years of restoring the masters\\u2019 work. Goings is quick to note that a carousel is more, however, than just a frame for carved menageries: it is an \\u201cinteractive, rideable piece of art\\u201d that keeps a century-old leisure experience alive.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarousels and Carvings is one of only a handful of shops in the country specializing in restoring and building whole carousels: from the carvings to the frame to custom-built mechanicals. Carousels and Carvings has restored dozens of carousels\\u2014including Philadelphia\\u2019s Woodside Park Carousel, Coney Island\\u2019s B\\\\u0026amp;B Carousel, the Memphis Grand Carousel, and the Hydro Oklahoma Carousel\\u2014alongside newly built carousels that expand and update tradition with unusual animals and wheelchair-accessible chariots. Like the past masters, Goings\\u2019 work takes years. The time is worth it, he said: \\u201cIn my career, I\\u2019ve never taken a carousel down that hasn\\u2019t gone back up.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarousels and Carvings provides training and livelihoods to artisans, craftspeople, engineers, and technicians from across North Central Ohio. But Goings\\u2019 work doesn\\u2019t stop in the shop: every spring, he and his team crisscross the country\\u2019s zoos, amusement parks, and fairgrounds for the annual pre-season carousel check-ups that earned him the nickname \\u201cthe carousel doctor.\\u201d For his tireless dedication to keeping carousel traditions alive, Goings\\u2019 peers have called him \\u201cgenius\\u201d and \\u201cthe best in the business.\\u201d But for Goings, the magic of the carousel\\u2014 what makes it all worthwhile\\u2014is in its use: it\\u2019s folk art you can ride\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e670922ab\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThrough their dedication to and generous stewardship of their traditions and cultures, these artists and culture bearers carry forward their knowledge and passion to future generations. They offer us the opportunity to see things from different perspectives, help us make sense of the world, and celebrate our rich collective heritage comprised of our diverse lived experiences.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Maria Rosario Jackson, NEA Chair \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022light\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092306\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6201,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6709231b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Know A Deserving Folk and Traditional Artist?\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2025 class of NEA National Heritage Fellows is Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website for more information and to submit a nomination.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:{\\u0022title\\u0022:\\u0022Submit a Nomination\\u0022,\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/honors\\\/heritage\\\/make-a-national-heritage-fellowship-nomination\\u0022,\\u0022target\\u0022:\\u0022_blank\\u0022},\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e67092333\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/two-midwestern-artists-receive-nations-highest-honor-in-folk-and-traditional-arts\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6202,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man hand carves an elaborate wooden warthog.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 8%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Todd Goings carves a warthog at Carousels \\u0026 Carvings, his soup-to-nuts carousel restoration \\u0026 production workshop. \",\"date\":\"2024-02-28 15:12:19\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 28, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man hand carves an elaborate wooden warthog.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 8%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/WorkSample_Todd-Goings_Todd-Carving-a-Warthog-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/two-midwestern-artists-receive-nations-highest-honor-in-folk-and-traditional-arts\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Two Midwestern Artists Receive Nation\\u0027s Highest Honor in Folk and Traditional Arts\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A master carousel carver and restorationist from Ohio and a tap dancer, teacher, and historian from Illinois are two of the latest NEA National Heritage Fellows.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4049839,\"participants\":591765,\"grants\":248,\"communities\":170},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7299,\"title\":\"It\\u0027s a Coffee Pot, It\\u0027s a Corn Cob\\u2014It\\u0027s the Midwest\\u0027s Iconic Water Towers!\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe United States is brimming with iconic architecture. From Baltimore\\u2019s row houses and San Francisco\\u2019s famously colorful Victorian homes to Chicago\\u2019s Willis (formerly Sears) Tower and New York\\u2019s Empire State Building, each segment of the country has emblematic architecture to offer. For some Midwestern cities, the quintessential architectural landmark tends toward the industrial: water towers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERising \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/people.howstuffworks.com\\\/water.htm\\u0022\\u003Ehundreds of feet\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E into the air, these feats of engineering can hold \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.waterworld.com\\\/drinking-water\\\/distribution\\\/article\\\/14287229\\\/what-is-the-purpose-of-water-towers\\u0022\\u003Eover 1,000,000 gallons\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of potable water while using gravity to create the pressure necessary for dispersing it to hundreds or \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.houstonchronicle.com\\\/neighborhood\\\/fort-bend\\\/article\\\/sugar-land-water-towers-tour-18445844.php\\u0022\\u003Eeven thousands\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of people in the surrounding area. However, across the Midwest, water towers do more than just supply water: They share \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.health.state.mn.us\\\/communities\\\/environment\\\/water\\\/waterline\\\/featurestories\\\/watertowers.html\\u0022\\u003Ea community\\u2019s identity\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and creativity while also signaling the emergence of upcoming towns to interstate and highway travelers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESome water towers offer bold proclamations, like Buhl, Minnesota\\u2019s that\\u2019s emblazoned with \\u201cFinest Water in America\\u201d in large, black block letters. Others\\u2014like Pequot Lakes, Minnesota\\u2019s water tower that\\u2019s painted to resemble a bright red and white \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/tip\\\/725\\u0022\\u003Efishing bobber\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014use art to speak to a community\\u2019s traditions and beloved activities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7300,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7301,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7303,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7302,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-667c1dcf1796d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-667c1dcf179bb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOthers are decidedly whimsical: One in Ashley, Indiana is painted bright yellow and adorned with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/story\\\/9193\\u0022\\u003Ea simple smiley face\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Another in Circleville, Ohio was painted to be \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.americansiloart.com\\\/circleville-ohio\\u0022\\u003Ea pumpkin\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. A water tower in Rochester, Minnesota has been transformed into an \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.experiencerochestermn.com\\\/blog\\\/post\\\/the-ear-of-corn-water-tower-the-history-of-rochesters-beloved-landmark\\\/\\u0022\\u003Eear of corn\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E while one in Stanton, Iowa has been transfigured into a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.roadsideamerica.com\\\/story\\\/6172\\u0022\\u003ESwedish-style coffee pot\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest\\u2019s water tower art can also be functional, says Stephen Dorsey, a freelance graphic and web designer now based in Rogers, Minnesota. Along with artist Jack Lunde, Dorsey has designed three water towers in the Moorhead, Minnesota area. Around 2015, the City of Moorhead annexed a nearby township. \\u201cThey wanted some artwork or some sort of branding on the [township\\u2019s] tower to show people that the area was now part of the City of Moorhead,\\u201d Dorsey recalls.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/1oAlHxoVilo?si=r313ln2IthpFJY0f\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/1oAlHxoVilo?si=r313ln2IthpFJY0f\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe water in the Dum-Dums tower in Bryan, Ohio, is the same water that is used to manufacture about 12 million Dum-Dums every day! Video courtesy of WBGU. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDorsey and Lunde\\u2019s proposal took a branding and logo design approach to reflect elements that spoke to the area and integrate community feedback. Their pitch centered the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.inforum.com\\\/newsmd\\\/elevated-art-moorhead-public-service-to-decide-on-oakport-water-tower-design\\u0022\\u003Ecity\\u2019s name and brought in graphic elements\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of trees, birds, a windmill, and crop rows on a golden yellow background\\u2014and the city selected it from nine other proposals.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDorsey and Lunde took a similar approach to the other two towers they designed, one of which\\u2014a bright blue, yellow, and green design that draws on agriculture themes for a tower on the city\\u2019s south side\\u2014beat out several hundred entries to earn the accolade of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/tnemec.com\\\/about\\\/news-press\\\/community-awarded-for-commitment-to-water-tank-excellence\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETank of the Year in 2021\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cWe\\u2019re pretty proud of that one,\\u201d he says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPride is perhaps the overarching theme and outcome of Midwest water towers and the art they hold. From Collinsville, Illinois\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Brooks_Catsup_Bottle_water_tower\\u0022\\u003Ecatsup bottle water tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to Niles, Illinois\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.vniles.com\\\/883\\\/Leaning-Tower-of-Niles\\u0022\\u003ELeaning Tower of Niles\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (which is technically a water storage facility) and much in between, these unusual yet iconic canvases are a distinctly Midwestern expression of artistry, creativity, and community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwestern-water-towers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7304,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the Northern Plains Botanic Garden in Fargo, North Dakota. Photograph from Carol M. Highsmith\\u0027s America Project in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-25 14:26:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 25, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"},{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A landscape view of a field with a line of trees in fall colors to one side and a red and white striped hot air balloon-inspired water tower at the other end.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/service-pnp-highsm-68800-68838v-768x512.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/midwestern-water-towers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                It\\u0027s a Coffee Pot, It\\u0027s a Corn Cob\\u2014It\\u0027s the Midwest\\u0027s Iconic Water Towers!\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7230,\"title\":\"Black Museums in the Midwest You Must Visit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvery history is political. Black Museums give black people agency to write their own history and present it from their own perspectives. They preserve artifacts and serve as institutions of learning when attacks on books and educational curriculum in schools and universities are part of the current political climate.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere are over 200 Black museums in the United States, each with their own individual mission, but united in telling the culture of people throughout the African diaspora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMuseums are critical to our understanding of the experiences and accounts of people of African descent in the new world and ensures that it becomes a part of the public discussion,\\u201d says Dr. Korieh Chima, head of the African American Studies Department at Marquette University, Wisconsin. \\u201cThe Black experience was critical to the making of early American history and culture and continues today.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7241,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAmerica\\u2019s Black Holocaust Museum (Wisconsin)\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmerica\\u2019s Black Holocaust Museum, located in Milwaukee, is unique in several ways, starting with its founder Dr. James Cameron, who is the only person recorded in history to have survived a lynching attempt as a teenager in Marion, Indiana. However, the ABHM attempts to not just tell the tragic story of slavery and lynching, but also get visitors to a place of healing in the present, according to Interim Executive Director Brad Pruitt.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFounded in 1988 after Cameron visited the Yad Vashem Memorial in Israel, ABHM is not only a physical structure, it is taking advantage of the Digital Age to expand its outreach by moving much of its exhibits \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.abhmuseum.org\\\/galleries\\\/self-guided-tours\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonline\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, where viewers have access to over 3,600 pages of content.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhile most museums use their websites to promote the activities at their site, we think we can do more by having a robust digital footprint full of material to go along with the programs we have here in our building,\\u201d Pruitt said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184e6a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cMuseums are critical to our understanding of the experiences and accounts of people of African descent in the new world and ensures that it becomes a part of the public discussion.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DR. KORIEH CHIMA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184eb4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184ec3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-evansville-african-american-museum-indiana\\u0022\\u003EEvansville African American Museum (Indiana)\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you travel to the southern tip of Indiana down US 41, you will come across the city of Evansville. The third largest city in the state has a proud African American history and one unique neighborhood that is pivotal in telling the story of public housing in the United States.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln Gardens was the second federal housing project opened under President Franklin D. Roosevelt\\u2019s New Deal in 1938. The 11-acre complex, with 16 apartment buildings, replaced dilapidated and hazardous housing that had no electricity or indoor plumbing. The apartment buildings at the time featured modern amenities that included a gas-powered refrigerator. Lincoln Gardens provided much needed housing to African Americans on moderate incomes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Evansville African American Museum, located at 579 S. Garvin St., now occupies the space where the last of the 16 buildings stood. The EAAM\\u2019s founder Sondra Matthews grew up in Lincoln Gardens and successfully lobbied the housing authority to save some of the buildings for the creation of the museum in 1997.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7239,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184ed8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThis area was \\u2018redlined\\u2019 and is where 60 percent of the black population lived,\\u201d the museum\\u2019s Executive Director Kori Miller explained. \\u201cSo much so, this area was coined \\u201cBaptist Town\\u201d by whites, a derogatory term that referred to Liberty Baptist Church, which was built by ex-slaves and is still going strong today. The church, which is over 100 years old, has gone through a number of renaissances just like this community.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe EAAM believes strongly in visitor interaction with the exhibits. Visitors can see for themselves just what it was like for residents to live in one of the apartments, which has been refurbished to the original conditions. It also has several opportunities where visitors can interact by drawing, wearing headphones and listening and\\\/or observing the history of the neighborhood and its people through video presentations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7236,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eHaitian American Museum of Chicago (Illinois)\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChicago is home to well-known world-class museums. But one unique museum on the city\\u2019s North Side tells the story of the city\\u2019s founder, Jean Baptise Pointe DuSable, and others of Haitian descent who have immigrated to the \\u201cWindy City.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Haitian American Museum of Chicago is where visitors can experience Haitian culture in an organic way. Quarterly art exhibits dominate the space inside the museum, but it is also used to host community events and serves as a conduit for new arrivals from Haiti looking to make Chicago their home by providing legal immigration programs.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe encourage visitors to immerse themselves into the rich history, cuisine (coffee) and tapestry of colors that embody Haitian culture, and the unique linguistics of Haitian creole,\\u201d said HAMOC\\u2019s Executive Director Carlos Bossard.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch3\\\\u003e\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h3\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-666b65e184f01\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/black-museums-in-the-midwest-you-must-visit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7242,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Lynchings were one of the main threats of violence black people had to worry about in the United States. It wasn\\u0027t until March 22, 2022 that the U.S. Congress passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which defined the act as a federal hate crime.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-13 19:27:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":659,\"name\":\"J. Coyden Palmer\",\"slug\":\"j-coyden-palmer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":659,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By J. Coyden Palmer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A museum display wall with text and photos. The title on the display wall reads \\u0026quot;a campaign of terror\\u0026quot; and has black and white archival photos.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/ABHM2-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/black-museums-in-the-midwest-you-must-visit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Black Museums in the Midwest You Must Visit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6665,\"title\":\"Art \\u0022Blooms\\u0022 in Museums Across the Midwest\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s nothing like spring in the Midwest after a long, cold winter. To celebrate, several museums across the region take inspiration from the turn of season with a show of ephemeral art: flowers. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think the simplest way to describe Art in Bloom is that it\\u0027s floral artistry that\\u0027s inspired by art,\\u201d says Ann M. Keeling, co-chair of Art in Bloom at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECincinnati Art Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Cincinnati Art Museum has been doing a bi-annual Art in Bloom event for 20 years. This year, over 60 flower arrangements inspired by art from the museum\\u2019s permanent collection are set to be displayed, paired with community events, lectures, and more.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It\\u0027s a whole different way to see the museum, through flowers.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Ann M. Keeling, co-chair of Art in Bloom at the Cincinnati Art Museum\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c42526e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6668,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c4252c0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA few states over, the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinneapolis Institute of Art\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (Mia) is hosting their 40\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E annual Art in Bloom. More than 100 individual and commercial florists participate in the event, which is expected to be seen by over 62,000 visitors this year.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c4252d4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u0027s a floral feast of the senses,\\u201d says Barb Champ, co-chair of Mia\\u2019s Art in Bloom and a volunteer with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/join-and-invest\\\/friends\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFriends of the Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI think there\\u0027s this huge need or urgency for spring in the Midwest. A lot of people will say Art in Bloom is the first rite of spring in Minneapolis.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6673,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c425312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDifferent museums run their Art in Bloom events differently. Cincinnati has a juried submission process, while Mia has a lottery system for floral artists.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut for both, it\\u2019s an essential way to raise awareness \\u2013 and money \\u2013 for these community institutions. The Cincinnati Art Museum and Mia both offer free admission, which is made possible in part by events like Art in Bloom.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt is a major awareness-building opportunity for the museum and is also a major fundraising event,\\u201d says Ann M. Keeling.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6671,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Behind the scenes, a lot needs to happen for an Art in Bloom to take place, starting with collaborations with museum staff.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe have to work with the curators for them to tell us what artworks are available for interpretation,\\u201d says Champ. \\u201cObviously, the artwork has to be up when we do Art in Bloom. And you can\\u0027t have too much going on in any single gallery\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThen, there are rules that the floral artists need to follow to keep the museum\\u2019s collection safe.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe criteria for the floral artists is very, very specific in a museum environment,\\u201d says Keeling. \\u201cThere are a lot of rules around water and around freshness of flowers and where the flowers come from so that there are no bugs.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAll told, over 200 volunteers may take part in pulling together a complex event like Art in Bloom, says Champ. \\u201cIt takes a lot of people to be involved, from a committee for Art in Bloom, to volunteers that support the events, to people that help guide our guests throughout the museum.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut it\\u2019s all worth it in the end. \\u201cIt is so exciting to just see the level of commitment, and the time, energy, and care the floral artists take,\\u201d Champ says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nKeeling agrees. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a whole different way to see the museum through flowers. 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Events are taking place \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eApril 26\\u201328, 2024\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org\\\/events-programs\\\/fundraisers\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis, MN) \\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Art in Bloom with a \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/art-in-bloom-2024\\\/guided-tours-for-art-in-bloom-2024\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003efree daily guided tour\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e specifically curated with a floral eye and extensive knowledge of each work of art.\\u00a0 Events are taking place April 25-28, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/new.artsmia.org\\\/art-in-bloom\\\/art-in-bloom-2024\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee, WI) \\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022Milwaukee Art Museum\\u2019s annual celebration of art, flowers\\u2014and spring - took place April 18\\u201321, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mam.org\\\/events\\\/bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_3_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Rockford Art Museum (Rockford, IL)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022Art in Bloom returns for the eighth year with an imaginative display of live florals and other organic materials. Due to ongoing construction, this year\\u2019s exhibition will happen at Union Event Space. Events are taking place June 13-16 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/rockfordartmuseum.org\\\/education\\\/in-bloom\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_4_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative (Bismarck, ND)\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022The Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative hosts a yearly collaborative exhibit with visual artists and floral designers. Events will take place July 9 - 27, 2024. Learn more \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bismarckdac.com\\\/exhibits\\\\u002d\\\\u002devents.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eat their website\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_5_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:6,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-662fe2c42545e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-blooms-in-museums-across-the-midwest\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6667,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful pop art painting and a floral arrangement interpreting it\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A view of Art in Bloom 2022, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Friends of the Institute at Minneapolis Institute of Art. Floral arrangements, installations, and interpretations appear throughout Mia galleries and building. \",\"date\":\"2024-04-23 14:25:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 23, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful pop art painting and a floral arrangement interpreting it\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/220428_mia360_0674.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-blooms-in-museums-across-the-midwest\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art \\u0022Blooms\\u0022 in Museums Across the Midwest\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              At Art in Bloom events, you\\u2019ll encounter colorful and fragrant displays of flower arrangements that take inspiration from art on the walls of museums. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2284240,\"participants\":297483,\"grants\":160,\"communities\":127},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7049,\"title\":\"The Beating Heart of This Southern Illinois Community Is Its High School Band\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn any given Friday night in the Township of O\\u2019Fallon, the loudest cheers do not come after a touchdown or a field goal. The real roaring begins the moment the final note of the halftime performance reverberates through the stadium.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn this Illinois suburb, music is the main event; specifically, the town\\u2019s beloved high school marching band. Across the town, band fan gear is sold in toddler sizes, lawns proudly proclaim that a \\u201cMarching Panther Lives Here,\\u201d and weekly marching practices often have cheering sections.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI believe the band is the identity of the town,\\u201d explains Beth Mueller, a former O\\u2019Fallon band member (1988-1992) and current band parent. \\u201cIt goes beyond just an activity that kids participate in; our band really plays an active role in the community and our community has a lot of pride and passion for the band program.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7073,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646a54\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe town\\u2019s passion was put to the test during the 2013-2014 school year, when district wide budget cuts threatened to silence the music program. Parents showed up in astounding numbers at town hall meetings saying cutting the music program would be \\u201ctaking away their foundation.\\u201d During a time when band programs were being cut throughout the Midwest, the O\\u2019Fallon community refused to let theirs go.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit called Lifelong Music in O\\u2019Fallon Schools, which helped explore grants and sought \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hub.yamaha.com\\\/music-educators\\\/learn-peers\\\/case-studies\\\/o-fallon-township-high-reinvention\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ecreative ways\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to save the music.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe community rallied around, and so did our school district, and we were able to kind of run it [the band program] through the Parks and Rec \\u2026 until we were able to bounce back the following year with funding,\\u201d recalls Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, performing arts department chair and director of bands for the O\\u2019Fallon Township High School. \\u201cIt was a one-year scare that we got through, and I would be really surprised if anything like that happened again.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7070,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7071,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7068,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7074,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646ce5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThanks to the organization and the band booster club, the band\\u2019s budget has never been stronger, and neither has the community\\u2019s support, cheering the band on as they bring back numerous national awards\\u2014including the coveted \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stlpr.org\\\/education\\\/2023-06-08\\\/ofallon-illinois-high-school-band-program-wins-prestigious-national-award\\u0022\\u003EJohn Philips Sousa Sudler Shield\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E award\\u2014and as they participate in some of the country\\u2019s most prestigious national events, like the Macy\\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re always looking for ways to highlight our students, because they are so great, but we also try to be humble within our community. \\u2026 we do try to find ways to showcase their talents and to reward them so the community and the nation know that we have something special,\\u201d says Gustafson-Hinds.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey provide opportunities for the musicians to volunteer around town, like offering free community performances and creating leadership groups to support annual events for the town\\u2019s veterans and local charities. \\u201cI think it\\u2019s important for our students to learn the importance of giving back,\\u201d she adds.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd in O\\u2019Fallon, Illinois, that strength is derived from altruism, both from the many talented young musicians and from the community that supports them.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6658c4d646d0d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-beating-heart-of-this-southern-illinois-community-is-its-high-school-band\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7069,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The color guard of the O\\u0027Fallon Township High School band at the Bands of America Competition.\",\"date\":\"2024-05-30 18:26:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 30, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":626,\"name\":\"Kristy Alpert\",\"slug\":\"kristy-alpert\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":626,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kristy Alpert\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Performers on a football field. They are wearing black dresses and have bright yellow umbrellas and flags as props.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/ColorGuard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-beating-heart-of-this-southern-illinois-community-is-its-high-school-band\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The Beating Heart of This Southern Illinois Community Is Its High School Band\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Along with the band director\\u2019s fearless advocacy, the community started a nonprofit, which helped explore grants and sought creative ways to save the music.\\u00a0\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6543,\"title\":\"Meet Joanne Aono: Her Illinois Farm Intertwines With Nature \\u2014 and Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAbout an hour\\u2019s drive southwest of Chicago, nestled in the Illinois River basin, is a ten-acre oasis called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.braygrovefarm.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBray Grove Farm\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe property stands out amongst the surrounding monocrop fields of \\u201cbig ag\\u201d farms. Half of it is a wild meadow where many species of wildlife congregate; the other half is home to a young fruit tree grove, vineyard, and row crops \\u2014 including squash, arugula, ochre, and traditional Japanese vegetables such as edamame and shiso \\u2014 that are planted amongst wild vegetation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a23e8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter spending most of her life in Chicago, artist Joanne Aono purchased the farm with her husband eleven years ago. The couple had long been involved in environmental and animal rights advocacy, but desired to become more \\u201chands-on\\u201d with their values. So, they decided to rescue a horse.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter researching, they found a horse living on a farm that was going to be euthanized. But instead of only buying the horse, \\u201cwe ended up buying that farm,\\u201d Aono said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince then, Aono has helped build a farm that is \\u201cextremely unique\\u201d \\u2014 even by the standards of most small organic farms. So gentle on the earth, it employs a pair of Belgian draft mules to pull farming equipment instead of using a fossil fuel powered tractor. Produce is sold in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, and a percentage of the harvest is donated to the local food pantry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a vocation, it\\u2019s a belief,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201c[Farming] is part of the lifestyle I want to live: giving to the earth, to people, to animals.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mqf9f9upugM\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mqf9f9upugM\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a vocation, it\\u2019s a belief. [Farming] is part of the lifestyle I want to live: giving to the earth, to people, to animals.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Joanne Aono\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a2459\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono says her interest in growing food isn\\u2019t only about cultivating a relationship with the earth; she links it back to her grandparents, who were agrarian workers and immigrated to the U.S. from Japan.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLike many immigrants coming to the United States, food was a vital part of their life and their culture,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201cThat\\u2019s become part of my art, the idea that growing food is a cultural thing.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono comes from a family of creatives; her identical twin sister is a prominent sculptor. She says much of her earliest work dealt with her personal history \\u2014 both her Japanese American heritage and identity as a twin.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFrom there, I went on to think about people\\u2019s pursuit of growing foods that become their comfort foods,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of Aono\\u2019s most recent series of works, \\u201cHarvesting Ethnic Roots,\\u201d is a large-scale installation of gauzy agricultural cloth on which Aono has drawn comfort foods from different cultural traditions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther recent pieces include installations of seed art, which she describes as a collaboration with the farm\\u2019s creatures and natural elements that inevitably rearrange the original designs.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6545,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66314216a247c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI relate farming a lot with art because \\u2026 oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u2019t anything that you planned on; [sometimes it] totally gets ruined, or sometimes it surprises you and something wonderful happens,\\u201d Aono said. \\u201cFarming is a lot of work, but so is being an artist.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cultivatorarts.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECultivator\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is another extension of Aono\\u2019s inclination to help everyone thrive. Nearly a decade ago, she began inviting other artists to exhibit their art on the farm \\u2014 many of whom had never installed work outside before. The property is open to the public twice a year when people come to gather, eat food, spend time with the animals, and immerse in original art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAono is passionate that Bray Grove is a connector\\u2014\\u201cI think it\\u2019s really important that the farm welcomes others.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022 \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-joanne-aono-midwest-makers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6544,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a maroon zip-up hoodie with the hood up kneels in a bed of leafy greens and places some in a bright yellow container.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Joanne Aono at work in the gardens of Bray Grove Farm.\",\"date\":\"2024-04-15 20:49:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 15, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":594,\"name\":\"Eric Scott Fisher\",\"slug\":\"eric-scott-fisher\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":594,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":588,\"name\":\"Lydia Moran\",\"slug\":\"lydia-moran\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":588,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":10,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Eric Scott Fisher and Lydia Moran\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a maroon zip-up hoodie with the hood up kneels in a bed of leafy greens and places some in a bright yellow container.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/04\\\/Sequence-01.00_01_39_23.Still003-Eric-Scott-Fisher.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-joanne-aono-midwest-makers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Joanne Aono: Her Illinois Farm Intertwines With Nature \\u2014 and Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artist Joanne Aono relates working on her farm to her art-making practice: \\u0022oftentimes what you end up having isn\\u0027t anything you planned on.\\u0022 \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":8093,\"title\":\"New Soul Food in Chicago\\u2019s South Shore: It\\u2019s a Green Thing\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMy maternal great-aunt was among the millions of Black Southerners who journeyed to the Midwest in a series of 20\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E-century Great Migrations. In addition to running a rooming house from her three-bedroom apartment, she worked as a domestic for local White families and operated soul food eateries on Chicago\\u2019s west side. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAunt Ceal and other migrants brought with them their music, forms of worship, speech patterns, and food culture. Smothered chicken, fried fish, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potatoes became mainstays of the new northern diet. With some modifications, soul food is still popular a century later.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8114,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1855\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8095,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eTsadakeeyah (sah-DAH-kee-yah) Ben Emmanuel, fondly referred to as Chef T, is the founder of Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine. He and his wife, Nasya run this 30-seat caf\\u00e9 on Chicago\\u2019s South Shore, with its tasteful touches of wood, chrome, and Africentric art. Majani is Swahili for \\u201cgreen,\\u201d a philosophy he has practiced all his life.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChef T grew up in northern Wisconsin in the Seventh-d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eay Adventist faith, with its emphasis on a plant-based diet rich in whole foods. In the 1980s he joined the Hebrew Israelite community and adopted a vegan diet. He dropped out of college, started working at restaurants, while \\u201clooking, watching, and learning from the sisters in Hebrew kitchens.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe notion of soul food as unhealthy is one Black food historians and culinary experts work hard to debunk. Traditional soul food sources greens and beans of all kinds, corn, peppers, watermelon, and other foodstuff consumed by enslaved Southerners and their descendants. Meat was used sparingly, mostly for flavoring. Crops like peanuts, okra, watermelon, rice, and black-eyed peas migrated from West Africa along with the captives.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eYet stereotypes about Black food culture persist. In the Hulu dramedy \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUnprisoned,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the teenage son of Kerry Washington\\u2019s character discovers soul food on a trip down South and promptly falls in love with it. His mother watches with increasing concern as he scarfs down cornbread, greens, and barbecue. \\u201cWould you like a side of hypertension with that?\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis stigma has discouraged some Black chefs, who prefer to call their fare \\u201cSouthern-style.\\u201d Yet Chef T refuses to distance himself from soul food. It\\u2019s not just a name, but a mission. Although he welcomes patrons from every race and walk of life, his New Soul Food menu is designed to address health issues in the African American community. \\u201cWe\\u2019re treading on sacred ground. I\\u2019m not going to shy away from that.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMajani serves well-seasoned vegan versions of classic soul food dishes. \\u201cOur fan favorites are barbecue, which is barbecued cauliflower. Oyster mushrooms are nature\\u2019s fried chicken, and we serve it as an entr\\u00e9e, a taco, or a wrap.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1a33\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8098,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1a64\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cb\\\\u003eFrom Majani\\u2019s kitchen to yours, here\\u2019s an easy recipe for black-eyed pea fritters.\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e Ingredients \\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n2 cups of soaked peas\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\u00bd carrot\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\u00bd zucchini\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nChopped onion\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMinced garlic\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nSalt and Old Bay seasoning to taste\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMix in a blender or food processor, shape into patties and fry.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_button\\u0022,\\u0022image\\u0022:8106,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image\\u0022,\\u0022background_color\\u0022:\\u0022white\\u0022,\\u0022_background_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_background_color\\u0022,\\u0022top_wing\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_top_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_top_wing\\u0022,\\u0022bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_bottom_wing\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_bottom_wing\\u0022,\\u0022image_position\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_image_position\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_position\\u0022,\\u0022image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_image_aspect_ratio\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1c1f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022In Praise of the Sweet Potato\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022In \\\\u003ci\\\\u003eHigh on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e (now adapted as a Netflix series), food historian Jessica B. Harris reminds us that most references to yams are misnomers. \\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nPerhaps the South American tuber distantly related to the common potato reminded enslaved people of the African yam. That particular staple of West African cookery is much larger and sturdier, with a taste like a starchy potato. Not so with the sweet potato, whose texture is smoother and its flavor sweeter.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nThough they come in yellow, speckled, and purple, the orange-skinned variety is a favorite in soul food recipes. Oven-roasted, casseroles, pones, and candied dishes are usually served alongside savory foods. People are finding new ways to enjoy them in quick breads, biscuits, muffins, stews, and even ice cream.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nMost popular by far is sweet potato pie, a heartier version of a holiday favorite, pumpkin pie. This custard-based pastry is made from cooked sweet potatoes, baked into a mixture of sugar, milk, butter, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Vegan and light-calorie versions may use brown sugar or honey, plant-based milk and butter, and egg substitutes.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nLoaded with fiber and rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and manganese, these beauties aren\\u2019t just tasty, they\\u2019re good for you, too. \\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022color\\u0022:\\u0022midnight\\u0022,\\u0022_color\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_color\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66eb2a2ff1c57\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-soul-food-in-chicagos-south-shore-its-a-green-thing\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8094,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The notion of soul food as unhealthy is one Black food historians and culinary experts work hard to debunk.\",\"date\":\"2024-09-24 15:16:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 24, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":722,\"name\":\"Cori Nakamura Lin\",\"slug\":\"cori-nakamura-lin\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":722,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":721,\"name\":\"Sandra Jackson-Opoku\",\"slug\":\"sandra-jackson-opoku\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":721,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cori Nakamura Lin and Sandra Jackson-Opoku\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A green background featuring three watercolor illustrations of soul food meals.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/Untitled-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-soul-food-in-chicagos-south-shore-its-a-green-thing\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                New Soul Food in Chicago\\u2019s South Shore: It\\u2019s a Green Thing\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The New Soul Food Movement satisfies the palates of a generation that prefers lighter, more elevated preparations, yet still enjoys soul food\\u2019s classic flavor profiles.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":286537,\"participants\":34773,\"grants\":22,\"communities\":12},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":8291,\"title\":\"Mexican Folk Dance Group Takes Indy by Storm\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani started in August 2018 with just six dancers. Now the Indianapolis, Indiana, based Mexican folk dance group boasts over 40 members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe group\\u2019s mission is to educate our people and their families, but also other people that are not Mexican through our dances, music and storytelling,\\u201d says founder Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn. With the popularity of the group, Verd\\u00edn teaches dance to children and adults three times a week.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2021, she founded Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Infantil Macehuani for children, with her friend Ana Rosa Hernandez.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8296,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f11d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8294,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDance at the Center\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBorn and raised in Durango, Mexico, Verd\\u00edn began her dance journey at six years old. Generations of her family were dancers, so it was natural calling.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVerd\\u00edn\\u2019s family emigrated to the United States when she was 14. \\u201cLeaving my friends, some family members, my passion for dancing, and belongings behind\\u2026the change was very drastic for me to the point that I fell into depression,\\u201d she says.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn November 2014, she and her family attended the El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the Indianapolis Art Center. That\\u2019s where she saw Ensemble Folklorico, a now-disbanded Mexican folk group in Indianapolis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I left Mexico I thought that I was never going to dance again in my life, and when I saw them performing I felt like there was hope for me,\\u201d she says. \\u201c\\u2026 It was like God was sending me another chance to continue to do what I love the most.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA few weeks later she joined the group.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f184\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-taking-chances\\u0022\\u003ETaking Chances\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEnsemble [Folklorico] helped me overcome my sadness,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThey saved me when it was most needed.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen the group disbanded many years later, Verd\\u00edn and her then husband founded a group which was very short-lived. Undaunted, her friends encouraged her to start another one: Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani.\\u201cI was unsure and doubtful but decided to give it a chance,\\u201d she says. Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani has since flourished.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir accomplishments include performing at half-time shows for the city\\u2019s professional sport teams including the Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and Indianapolis Indians, as well as in cities across the Midwest. They have performed with the famous Mexican folk band Los Tigres del Norte in Chicago.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:8298,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:8292,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:8295,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6708180c4f39c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn June 2024, Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani won the Adult Group category at Dancing in the Rockies, a prestigious national Mexican folk dance competition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOf the success, she says, \\u201cI do feel that there has been an evolution of acceptance within the community and nationwide.\\u201d When she moved to the country, she says, there were fewer Hispanic people in Indianapolis than now. \\u201cSlowly our culture and traditions are getting more and more accepted.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani has played a role in that.Sharing her passion for dance with students and audiences, \\u201c\\u2026has become a very important component of my life,\\u201d she says. It has also become a popular mainstay in Indianapolis\\u2019s cultural fabric under her direction.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mexican-folk-dance-group-takes-indy-by-storm\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8293,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022470\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers in colorful, traditional dresses performing, as a crowd looks on.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--300x184.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1536x941.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--2048x1254.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani performs at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Indiana. The group works with makers in Mexico for their clothing and adornments.\",\"date\":\"2024-10-10 18:08:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 10, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":131,\"name\":\"Mary Lee Pappas\",\"slug\":\"mary-lee-pappas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":131,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":8,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mary Lee Pappas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022627\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Dancers in colorful, traditional dresses performing, as a crowd looks on.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1024x627.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--300x184.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--768x470.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--1536x941.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Photo-by-Angelo-Martinez-GFM-perform-at-The-Jazz-Kitchen-September-2024.--2048x1254.png 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mexican-folk-dance-group-takes-indy-by-storm\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Mexican Folk Dance Group Takes Indy by Storm\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Grupo Folcl\\u00f3rico Macehuani, led by Carol Nu\\u00f1ez Verd\\u00edn, can be seen performing at Indiana Pacer games and regional cultural events.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5892,\"title\":\"Overcoming Addiction Sometimes Starts With a Meal and Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 in Griffith, Indiana, is a haven for many different types of visitors. From adults overcoming drug and alcohol addiction to survivors of trauma, there\\u2019s one thing they all have in common and why they return to Shine again and again: the need for genuine human connection in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 is the newest addition to the offerings that the nonprofit organization For the Love of the Arts provides, made possible through a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant from Arts Midwest. While For the Love of the Arts has focused mainly on children in the past, the recovery caf\\u00e9 is an opportunity to bring the arts and other necessary resources to the adults who need them most.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5894,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94f54\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Shine Recovery and For the Love of the Arts founder Sade\\u0027 Carasquillo, this mission is personal.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMy parents struggled with addiction, so that was real for me growing up,\\u201d she says. \\u201cSo I saw Shine Recovery Caf\\u00e9 as an opportunity to expand and work with adults. It\\u2019s just seeing the power the arts have, and being able to bring that into the type of community support and resource that Shine Recovery offers is really unique and so needed.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShine is part of a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/recoverycafenetwork.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003Enetwork of recovery caf\\u00e9s\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E nationwide that all follow a similar model. Patrons of the caf\\u00e9 can take part in classes\\u2014anything from art classes like bead-making, acrylic painting, and creative writing to professional development workshops on how to write resumes and find work\\u2014or just spend time in community with other people going through hardships.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESome people choose to talk about what they\\u2019re going through, and others come to escape their challenges, play board games, make art, and make friends. All members\\u2014patrons who come to the caf\\u00e9 more than three times\\u2014commit to an hour-long weekly meeting with their specific recovery group based on their recovery type.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94f9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5895,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022And true to its name, Shine Recovery Cafe provides coffee, tea, and a meal, all for free.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI thought I would just be serving meals, but you really connect to people,\\u201d says Milland Goldman, who has worked in Shine\\u2019s kitchen since day one. \\u201cYes, I serve a hot meal, but sometimes you have the opportunity to talk to someone, and they\\u2019ll open up to me who\\u2019s in the kitchen. I\\u2019m 55 years old, so I\\u2019ve had experiences with trauma and things in my life, so I\\u2019m able to share what worked for me, or how it happened for me, or be able to point them in the right direction with getting the resources they need.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cSo not only am I feeding them physically, sometimes you feed them spiritually and mentally,\\u201d she adds.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis model for supporting people who are struggling is called love-based recovery. It means everybody is welcome, no matter where they are in their recovery journey or the methods they use to recover. As long as people respect the space and don\\u2019t come to Shine Recovery while intoxicated, the doors are open.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019re not telling you this is the right way, and you have to subscribe to it. It\\u2019s come as you are and whatever is working for you, and let us be an asset to that,\\u201d Carasquillo says.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShine is especially needed in Indiana, which has a high rate of opioid overdoses. To address this, Indiana\\u2019s government has pushed funding for recovery caf\\u00e9s. There are currently 17 recovery caf\\u00e9s in Indiana and 67 in the U.S.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough Shine has only been open for a few months, membership is taking off. Within the first two months, Shine gained 30 members, and the caf\\u00e9 continues to steadily grow.\\u00a0\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cOnce you know you\\u2019re not being judged for having a problem and not being turned away because of what you\\u2019ve done, you\\u2019re quicker to ask for help. It makes all the difference in the world,\\u201d Goldman says.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94fd3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo make Shine even more accessible, Carasquillo added Shine Kids, a program that allows caf\\u00e9 patrons to bring their kids to Love of Arts Creativity Center while they\\u2019re at the caf\\u00e9. That breaks the barrier for those who don\\u2019t have childcare and provides support for the unique challenges children who have parents in recovery face.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNot only am I feeding them physically, sometimes you feed them spiritually and mentally,\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MILLAND GOLDMAN, SHINE RECOVERY CAF\\u00c9\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b94ff0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s so needed because my first experience with recovery was being a child of parents in recovery. You go through so much emotionally and developmentally that\\u2019s different than your peers, and we want people to know that while they\\u2019re getting support, their kids are getting support,\\u201d Carasquillo says. \\u201cWe have different learning and arts activities to give them that fun experience, and they get a meal just like at the caf\\u00e9. And it\\u2019s free because, as a mom, you need a break sometimes.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERunning For the Love of the Arts and Shine Recovery Cafe add up, so both are always seeking donations and community partnerships to allow them to continue their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Goldman says, \\u201cCome on in, and we\\u2019ll serve you a whole plate of love, acceptance, and inclusion!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5920,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5919,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5917,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec0b95007\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EFor the Love the the Arts is part of \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E, a program that supports communities in the creation of their own unique artist residency experiences, encouraging the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community context. We the Many is a project of Arts Midwest with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/overcoming-addiction-sometimes-starts-with-a-meal-and-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5918,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Several dozen people standing in front of a storefront in front of orange, yellow, and black balloons, with a person dressed in a sun costume kneeling in front.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"SHINE Team the day before opening August 14th, 2023.\\n\",\"date\":\"2024-01-22 22:20:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 22, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Several dozen people standing in front of a storefront in front of orange, yellow, and black balloons, with a person dressed in a sun costume kneeling in front.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/overcoming-addiction-sometimes-starts-with-a-meal-and-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Overcoming Addiction Sometimes Starts With a Meal and Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              How a community in Indiana is bringing creativity and other much-needed resources to adults in recovery, one meal and art class at a time. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6445,\"title\":\"Columbus, Indiana, Is a Haven for Architecture Enthusiasts\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Columbus, Indiana, was founded in 1820, no one could have predicted the city would become a must-see destination for art and architecture lovers. Just 40 miles south of Indianapolis, along the White River, the mid-sized city is known for its modernist buildings and plethora of public art, all crafted by some of the greatest design-minded thinkers of their time. Most buildings were built between 1942 and 1965, and seven have National Historic Landmark designations, as named by the National Park Service.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EModernist style and architecture came about around the same time as the midcentury modern aesthetic, growing in appreciation after Art Deco\\u2019s popularity declined. The hallmarks of modernist architecture are what, at the time, were new and innovative building materials, including steel beams, large plate glass windows with no leading, concrete, and drywall.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6450,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e776991e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPhilosophically, the movement was known for its practicality: minimalist design in which every aspect of the build had a clear purpose and function, with no unnecessary adornment. Furniture, such as sunken couches and window seats, was often built into the building, and large, open spaces were common. The belief was that these Modernist buildings would feel more welcoming and less intimidating to visitors than architectural movements of the past known for lavish ornamentation, such as Gothic, Baroque, and Beaux-Arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat makes the presence of so many Modernist buildings and public artworks so special is their sheer volume for a city of Columbus\\u2019 size and that the city hired architects from all over the world for the task. This decades-long undertaking was made possible by the Cummins Foundation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6447,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6448,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6449,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6459,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6457,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769924c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECummins, the engine and industrial materials design and manufacturing company, was founded in Columbus over a century ago and is still in business today. J. Irwin Miller, who held multiple positions at Cummins, including CEO, established the Cummins Foundation in 1954 and informed city leaders that the foundation would pay for the architect\\u2019s fees as long as it was for public buildings, and they commissioned up-and-coming engineers and architects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThose commissioned include the Finnish-American architect Eliel Saarinen; his more famous son, Eero Saarinen, perhaps best known for designing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei; Robert Venturi; Argentinian-American architect C\\u00e9sar Pelli; Richard Meier; Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts; and Harry Weese, among others. The diversity of architecture earned Columbus the nickname \\u201cAthens on the Prairie.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6452,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6453,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6455,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6461,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6460,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769926c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile there are more than 60 Modernist buildings in Columbus, seven of the most popular and well-known are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Harry Weese\\u2019s First Baptist Church, Eliel Saarinen\\u2019s First Christian Church, John Carl Warnecke\\u2019s Mabel McDowell Elementary School (now an adult education center), the firm Myron Goldsmith of Skidmore, Owings \\u0026amp; Merrill\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Republic\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E Newspaper Office, and three buildings by Eero Saarinen. The younger Saarinen\\u2019s contributions include the Irwin Union Bank, now the Irwin Conference Center; the hexagonal North Christian Church known for its towering spire; and the Miller House, one of the few private residences Saarinen designed and owned by J. Irwin Miller and his wife Xenia Simons Miller while they were alive, the house was donated to the Indianapolis Museum of Art upon Xenia\\u2019s passing since J. Irwin preceded her in death.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e77699279\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-captured-in-film\\u0022\\u003ECaptured in Film\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo get a taste of what Columbus offers, check out the film \\u003Cem\\u003EColumbus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. Starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson in the protagonist roles, the film follows Jin, a Korean man who travels to Columbus after his architect father arrives in the city to give a talk and has a health episode that leaves him in a coma. There, he meets local library worker and architecture enthusiast Casey, who has chosen to put her own architecture dreams on hold to care for her mother, who is in recovery from addiction to meth. Many of the buildings mentioned above are featured in the film.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EColumbus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E was created by filmmaker Kogonada, who was born in South Korea and raised in Indiana. He visited the city on a holiday break and was so moved by the architecture that he decided it had to be part of the first feature-length film he made. The film debuted at Sundance in 2017 and garnered a whopping 32 award nominations and 12 wins throughout its run on the film festival circuit.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6454,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6456,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6458,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e7769928e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe setting of Columbus and its many architectural wonders was in no small part a factor in the film\\u2019s success. As film critic Richard Brody wrote in his article in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.newyorker.com\\\/magazine\\\/2017\\\/06\\\/19\\\/the-precocious-genius-of-columbus\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe New Yorker\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cThose buildings provide an extraordinary premise for the drama, which is a visionary transformation of a familiar genre: a young adult\\u2019s coming-of-age story. For once, that trope doesn\\u2019t involve a sexual awakening or a family revelation; it\\u2019s the tale of an intellectual blossoming, thanks to a new friendship that arises amid troubled circumstances.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mOPsrKZyskg?si=m2pGF4Ehc-1wKgm5\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/mOPsrKZyskg?si=m2pGF4Ehc-1wKgm5\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile Columbus may be known for its Modernist buildings, the city continues to prioritize architecture and innovative design by commissioning more and more public art. In odd-numbered years, the city hosts Exhibit Columbus, a weekend exhibition of the latest artworks that includes many free events for the public. Experts and enthusiastic laypeople alike can attend talks with designers and architects, go on guided tours, and bask in all the inspiration Columbus has to offer.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EAll photos in this story courtesy \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/guides.loc.gov\\\/korab-architectural-photos\\u0022\\u003ELibrary of Congress, Prints \\u0026amp; Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Collection\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture lovers. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/columbus-indiana-is-a-haven-for-architecture-enthusiasts\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6451,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022526\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 55%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"North Christian Church, Columbus, Indiana (1959-64; Aerial view), designed by architect Eero Saarinen. Photo courtesy Library of Congress, Prints \\u0026 Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Collection, LC-DIG-krb-00804.  \",\"date\":\"2024-03-20 19:52:22\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 20, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022701\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022701\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a distinctly shaped building with a tall needle-like architectural feature emerging from its center.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/service-pnp-krb-00800-00804v-768x526.jpg 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/columbus-indiana-is-a-haven-for-architecture-enthusiasts\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Columbus, Indiana, Is a Haven for Architecture Enthusiasts\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Some of the best, most renowned architects and sculptural artists worldwide have buildings and public art in Columbus, Indiana. Learn how the mid-sized city became a must-see destination for architecture lovers. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":267612,\"participants\":32710,\"grants\":18,\"communities\":15},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7443,\"title\":\"Des Moines\\u0027 Puzzlepalooza Is Bringing People Together\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Annelise Tarnowski and Tony Tandeski met a few years ago volunteering for Drake University\\u2019s alumni board, they bonded over how hard it can be to meet people outside of everyday activities like work. They also discovered a shared love of games like Dungeons and Dragons.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoon after that they thought of starting a dedicated board game bar in Des Moines. The only problem: they didn\\u2019t know how to start said bar. What they did know how to do, however, was host events. And that\\u2019s how \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a board game pop-up, got started in early 2020.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith a focus on in-person events, the pandemic brought disruptions early on. But once it was safe to gather again, Tarnowski and Tandeski went right back to hosting their events, including Puzzlepalooza.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce13434d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002225px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:25px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe\\u2019ve heard from people who have gotten to be closer to their co-workers because they come as a co-worker team. We\\u2019ve heard of people who have gotten closer as a family because cousins get together during the holidays.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ANNELISE TARNOWSKI\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce134523\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7449,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce1345fe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea for the light-hearted competitions came from an early event attendee and their love of doing jigsaw puzzles in a room full of people. After brainstorming what such an event could look like, they came up with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/signature-events\\\/puzzlepalooza-classic-jigsaw-puzzle-competition\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPuzzlepalooza\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which revolves around racing to complete jigsaw puzzles.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKnowing that there are already jigsaw puzzle competitions out there, it became about figuring out how to make Puzzlepalooza different. Classic competitions feature teams of four racing to complete puzzles despite \\u201csabotages\\u201d\\u2014cards that teams can draw and dish out to other teams that might, for example, require a competing team member to wear mittens for 15 minutes. \\u201cIt makes the competition a little bit more intense, but still fun,\\u201d Tarnowski says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPuzzlepaloozas also include elite competition events where teams work on puzzles with more pieces and additional sabotage cards. There are also duel competitions that are head-to-head, bracket-style events.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7453,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7451,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7452,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7454,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce134781\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7450,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022What The Rook Room creates, however, is more than just opportunities to compete in game play. \\u201cWhat we\\u2019re really creating is a community,\\u201d says Tandeski.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ve heard from people who have gotten to be closer to their co-workers because they come as a co-worker team. We\\u2019ve heard of people who have gotten closer as a family because cousins get together during the holidays,\\u201d Tarnowski adds. \\u201cFor a year now we\\u2019ve had a team that\\u2019s been coming as a part of their mourning process. One of the people on the team lost their son very young and unexpectedly. [It\\u2019s been] a way to still get out of the house and do something that doesn\\u2019t require a lot of you.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Rook Room still trades in pop-up events, but they\\u2019re actively looking for a permanent home. They\\u2019re also in the final stages of completing a licensing agreement, so Puzzlepalooza may soon be coming to a city near you.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66972ce13480c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/des-moines-puzzlepalooza-is-bringing-people-together\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7448,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pints and puzzles are a great pair with many of The Rook Room\\u2019s Puzzlepalooza events taking place at one of Des Moines\\u2019 many breweries like Twisted Vine Brewing featured here.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-17 15:10:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 17, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon Janzer\",\"slug\":\"cinnamon-janzer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":586,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":15,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cinnamon Janzer\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A close up of hands working on a jigsaw puzzle on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/IMG_7525-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/des-moines-puzzlepalooza-is-bringing-people-together\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Des Moines\\u0027 Puzzlepalooza Is Bringing People Together\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6221,\"title\":\"Rural Iowa Monks Combine Craft and Ecology to Make Caskets\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENatural light floods through large windows lining nearly every wall of the Trappist Caskets production facility in northeast Iowa, wrapping it in view of New Melleray Abbey\\u2019s 3,400 acres, 1,200 of which are abundant in timber.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe storage racks at Trappist Caskets, designed and fabricated by master welder Brother Dennis, stretch six caskets tall between the concrete floor and the rafters that span the length of the shipping bay. This area manages the ebb and flow of production and shipping. The goal is to keep them full at all times. Today, there are several vacancies\\u2014demand has been very high.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt first glance, the racks are overwhelming for their enormity, and the realization that each space represents an individual awaiting preparation for burial adds more gravity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022From the production facility\\u2019s modest beginnings in the monks\\u2019 barns to the far reaching ties maintained through prayer and memorial tree plantings for those buried in Trappist Caskets and their families\\u2014the span of their work is remarkable.\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522e6c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6223,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522ee4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA wealth of midwestern natural resources, combined with the Trappist monks of New Melleray\\u2019s need to financially support themselves through their own labor and maintain a life steeped in prayer, inspired its entry into casket manufacturing in 1999.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f00\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEach casket crafted by monks and employees at this facility in Peosta, Iowa, captures unrepeatable characteristics in walnut, oak, cherry or pine grain. But one casket on the shipping bay\\u2019s floor this Tuesday stands out. Its design and far deeper red draw the eye quicker than all other cherry caskets in the shelving.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe lone casket served its owner first as a coffee table, its cherry wood aging in open air for 20 years. Rings left by glasses mark the lid\\u0027s finish. With upholstering completed this morning, and its lid newly reinforced, this old cherry casket is on its way to the funeral home so as to serve the priest in death who purchased it. He will be buried in it within the next few days. Paul Pankowski, Production Manager for Trappist Caskets, notes it isn\\u2019t uncommon for caskets to be purchased and turned into bookshelves, wine racks, and coffee tables, then for owners to eventually be buried in them.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe design for these have evolved since the cherry wood one was built. Recent interest in green burials necessitates biodegradable joinery and alternate handles, meaning designs continue to evolve.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6225,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f24\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPankowski oversees all aspects of production on the circuitous workshop floor, and can identify by eye where boards moving their way through originated. He points out lighter tones that range through black walnut of Wisconsin and Missouri. Iowa\\u2019s distinguishes itself from all others by richness of its depth, and the incomparable hardness of central Iowa\\u2019s oak dulls blades quicker than any other wood. The whiteness and clarity of pine harvested from the monks\\u0027 own land is easily recognizable in contrast to pine sourced from other areas.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Brother Joseph, it\\u2019s hard to believe the growth of this work. From the production facility\\u2019s modest beginnings in the monks\\u2019 barns to the far reaching ties maintained through prayer and memorial tree plantings for those buried in Trappist Caskets and their families\\u2014the span is remarkable.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6224,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6226,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6228,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6229,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6230,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f51\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrother Joseph, who began in those barns in 2006 and continues to work in varied roles from woodworking to upholstering in the new facility completed in 2007, recalls how cramped and dusty the barns were. He stresses how critical the employment of nearby community members is now \\u2014 to meet the high demand for their caskets and to ensure the monks\\u2019 freedom to maintain the rhythm of monastic life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe monks\\u0027 concern for land stewardship led Brother Joseph to pursue the hire of their full-time forester, John Schroeder, six years ago. Schroeder is initiating large scale prairie restoration and reforestation projects which prioritize the needs of New Melleray Abbey\\u2019s land and creeks lying on the cusp of Iowa\\u2019s Driftless region. It is an area spared by the grinding weight of glaciers moving out of the midwest around 12,000 years ago. This land\\u2019s delicate ecological balance and exceptionally rich soil are responsible for traits found in the trees that grow here.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6232,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6227,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6231,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec5522f73\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAmong the most grateful customers Trappist Caskets serves are parents who must bury their children. The monks offer these caskets free of charge. Funeral homes and hospitals are quick to connect families in these tragic circumstances to the monks. The Federal Trade Commission\\u2019s Funeral Rule ensures that consumers are not limited to caskets offered by funeral homes for purchase and use, and anyone is free to contact Trappist Caskets, whose staff is always ready to guide families through meeting needs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETrappist Caskets\\u2019 employees can relate to this devastating experience. Production Manager Paul Pankowski and his wife lost a premature baby, and his first-hand knowledge infuses compassion in every step of the production process. His three-decade long experience within strict quality parameters of the custom kitchen cabinetry business prior to working at Trappist Caskets also informs his approach to all he does.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the end goal of both industries is perfection, his purpose, as well as all who work at Trappist Caskets, is not to turn a profit, but rather offer an encounter with beauty and consolation during a time of grief.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-iowa-monks-combine-craft-and-ecology-to-make-caskets\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6222,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Each casket crafted by monks and employees at this facility in Peosta, Iowa, captures unrepeatable characteristics in walnut, oak, cherry or pine grain. \",\"date\":\"2024-03-05 19:12:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 5, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":584,\"name\":\"Ann Thomas\",\"slug\":\"ann-thomas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":584,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ann Thomas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of light skin tone wearing a black tshirt and jeans works on building a wooden casket in a woodshop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/surrounded-by-windows-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-iowa-monks-combine-craft-and-ecology-to-make-caskets\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rural Iowa Monks Combine Craft and Ecology to Make Caskets\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6026,\"title\":\"Tiny Town, Big Diversity: How One Rural Iowa Town is Celebrating Cultures\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EEsta historia est\\u00e1 disponible en espa\\u00f1ol. Para leer en espa\\u00f1ol, haga clic\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/#laluzespanol3\\u0022\\u003Eaqu\\u00ed\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAn hour and a half north of Des Moines, a small town with less than 5,000 people is tucked away in rural Iowa. What sets Hampton apart from its neighboring areas\\u2013\\u2013and many small towns throughout the region\\u2013\\u2013is its diversity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWithin our school district, we have a 40% Hispanic population,\\u201d says Kyle Whalen, Executive Director of La Luz Centro Cultural, a nonprofit that serves the Latino community in North Central Iowa. \\u201cThat\\u2019s an amazing thing to see.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHampton\\u2019s diversity is also what made the town ideal for a student cultural exchange event called Beyond Labels: Cultural Exchange. Funded in part by La Luz\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant and held at Hampton-Dumont High School, students who immigrated themselves, have immigrant families, or have more distant immigrant heritage showcased their culture in a community-wide event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6033,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ecf7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen we first had a lot of Hispanic immigrants coming to Hampton 25 to 30 years ago, most of them were from Mexico,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cThat\\u2019s diversified over the years. Now, we have a lot of people coming from Honduras, Guatemala, and other areas of Latin America.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn top of those students, Hampton-Dumont High School has hosted between one and five foreign exchange students from around the world for the past decade.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIn addition to being a teacher at Hampton-Dumont, I also work part-time for Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS), so I help coordinate some of our exchange students who are here,\\u201d says Alexis Vosburg, who helped to coordinate the event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6029,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The students Vosburg helps bring to Hampton are part of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange \\\\u0026 Study (YES) program through the U.S. Department of State.  \\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe [Kennedy-Lugar] program was actually created after 9\\\/11 to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations and create more people-to-people cultural diversity, so our students are predominantly from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The purpose of them coming here is not only to share their culture, but to learn about a different culture and establish some of those people-to-people relationships. That way when world events happen it\\u2019s not just a place on a map. You\\u2019re connected in ways you weren\\u2019t before. I think that\\u2019s super important in breaking down barriers and misunderstandings.\\u201d \\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA neighboring school also took part in the Beyond Labels event, bringing students from Thailand, Kosovo, and South Africa. Between Hampton\\u2019s existing Hispanic population and foreign exchange students, the event was a veritable melting pot. \\\\r\\\\n\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed4d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents were invited to share their culture however they wanted. Some worked in groups and others worked individually. Some brought currency and cultural artifacts important to them and their families. Many brought photos and PowerPoints, and some even brought jerseys from beloved national sports teams.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople were just super excited that they were able to showcase their country. Some brought food and drinks, decorated poster boards, dresses and regalia\\u2026 I\\u2019m Native American, and my daughter is Native American and Mexican, and other heritages as well, and we got to show off just how much diversity there is within our family. So, imagine how much diversity there is within this community as a whole,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cWe wanted to figure out how to unite the community even more and help people understand the different cultures in this community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6037,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed7c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond Labels was such a success that they\\u2019re already planning to make it an annual event. Teachers at the high school are excitedly encouraging students to participate.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cA lot of the kids really came out of their shells,\\u201d Vosburg adds. \\u201cThis wasn\\u2019t a school project they had to do. They chose to do this\\u2026 You could really see their excitement and how proud they were to show off their culture. The kids would also take a break between people coming through so they could also check out the other stations. A couple of them don\\u2019t speak the same language, but they\\u2019d show each other pictures, so they found a way to communicate. It was cool to see them so excited.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat began as an idea and passion project for Whalen is now set to become a mainstay in Hampton. Beyond Labels is an important event showcasing the town\\u0027s best parts: the people who make Hampton home, whether for an academic year or a lifetime.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s always been important to break cultural barriers,\\u201d says Whalen. \\u201cI like when people are able to embrace who they are.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed89\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We wanted to figure out how to unite the community even more and help people understand the different cultures in this community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Kyle Whalen, Executive Director of La Luz Centro Cultural\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022light\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250ed9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6027,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250edb2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/text-cta {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/text-cta\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022header\\u0022:\\u0022Ciudad Peque\\u00f1a, Gran Diversidad: C\\u00f3mo una Ciudad Rural de Iowa Celebra las Culturas\\u0022,\\u0022_header\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_header\\u0022,\\u0022content\\u0022:\\u0022J\\u00f3venes en Hampton, Iowa, hogar de inmigrantes latinos y estudiantes de intercambio de todo el mundo, organizaron un evento \\u00fanico para celebrar la diversidad, diferencias y cultura.\\u0022,\\u0022_content\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_content\\u0022,\\u0022primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_primary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_primary_button\\u0022,\\u0022secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_secondary_button\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_secondary_button\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022laluzespanol3\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_text_cta_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e9250edc8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA hora y media al norte de Des Moines, una peque\\u00f1a ciudad con menos de 5.000 habitantes se esconde en la zona rural de Iowa. Lo que separa a Hampton de sus \\u00e1reas vecinas \\u2013\\u2013 y de muchas otras ciudades peque\\u00f1as de la regi\\u00f3n \\u2013\\u2013 es su diversidad.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDentro de muestro distrito escolar tenemos una poblaci\\u00f3n hispana del 40%\\u201d, dice Kyle Whalen, Director Executivo de La Luz Centro Cultural, una organizaci\\u00f3n sin fines de lucro que sirve a la comunidad latina en el centro norte de Iowa. \\u201cVer eso es incre\\u00edble\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELa diversidad de Hampton fue tambi\\u00e9n lo que permiti\\u00f3 que la ciudad fuese el marco ideal para un evento de intercambio cultural estudiantil llamado \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels: Cultural Exchange\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E [M\\u00e1s all\\u00e1 de las etiquetas: Intercambio Cultural]. Financiado en parte por la subvenci\\u00f3n \\u003Cem\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E obtenida por La Luz, tanto estudiantes inmigrantes, aquellos con familias inmigrantes, y quienes tienen una herencia inmigrante m\\u00e1s distante, mostraron su cultura en un evento comunitario que se llev\\u00f3 a cabo en la Escuela Secundaria Hampton-Dumont.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLa mayor\\u00eda de los primeros inmigrantes hispanos que llegaron a Hampton 25 a 30 a\\u00f1os atr\\u00e1s, proven\\u00edan de M\\u00e9xico\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cEso se ha diversificado con los a\\u00f1os. Ahora, hay mucha gente proveniente de Honduras, Guatemala, y otras zonas de Latinoam\\u00e9rica\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAdem\\u00e1s de aquellos estudiantes, la Escuela Secundaria Hampton-Dumont ha acogido entre uno a cinco estudiantes de intercambio de todo el mundo durante la \\u00faltima d\\u00e9cada.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAdem\\u00e1s de ser maestra en Hampton-Dumont, tambi\\u00e9n trabajo a medio tiempo para \\u003Cem\\u003EIowa Resource for International Service\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E (IRIS), donde ayudo a coordinar algunos de nuestros estudiantes de intercambio que est\\u00e1n aqu\\u00ed\\u201d, dice Alexis Vosburg, quien ayud\\u00f3 a coordinar el evento.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELos estudiantes que Vosburg ayuda a traer a Hampton forman parte del programa \\u003Cem\\u003EYouth Exchange \\u0026amp; Study\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E [Intercambio y Estudio Juvenil] (YES, por sus siglas en ingl\\u00e9s) de Kennedy-Lugar por medio del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de EE.UU.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEl programa [Kennedy-Lugar] fue creado despu\\u00e9s del 9\\\/11 para fortalecer las relaciones entre cristianos y musulmanes y para crear una diversidad cultural m\\u00e1s personal; por lo tanto, nuestros estudiantes provienen predominantemente del Sudeste de Asia, el Medio Oriente y \\u00c1frica. El prop\\u00f3sito de su estad\\u00eda aqu\\u00ed no es s\\u00f3lo para compartir su cultura, pero tambi\\u00e9n aprender de una cultura diferente y establecer algunas de estas relaciones personales. De esa manera, cuando ocurran eventos mundiales, no son s\\u00f3lo un lugar en el mapa. Est\\u00e1s conectado de una manera que antes no lo estabas. Creo que eso es s\\u00faper importante para romper barreras y malentendidos\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUna escuela vecina tambi\\u00e9n form\\u00f3 parte del evento \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, llevando a estudiantes de Tailandia, Kosovo y Sud\\u00e1frica. Entre la poblaci\\u00f3n hispana existente en Hampton y los estudiantes extranjeros de intercambio, el evento fue un aut\\u00e9ntico crisol de culturas.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESe invit\\u00f3 a que los estudiantes compartieran sobre su cultura como quisieran. Algunos trabajaron en grupos, mientras que otros trabajaron individualmente. Algunos trajeron monedas y artefactos culturales importantes para ellos y sus familias. Muchos mostraron fotograf\\u00edas y presentaciones en PowerPoint, y otros, incluso, llevaron camisetas de sus equipos deportivos nacionales favoritos.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cLa gente estaba muy entusiasmada de que ellos pudieron exhibir su propio pa\\u00eds. Algunos trajeron comidas y bebidas, decoraron posters, vestidos e insignias \\u2026 Soy americano nativo, y mi hija es americana nativa y mexicana, adem\\u00e1s de otras herencias, y pudimos mostrar cuanta diversidad existe en nuestra familia. Entonces, imagina cuanta diversidad existe dentro de esta comunidad en su totalidad\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cQuer\\u00edamos encontrar la manera de unir a\\u00fan m\\u00e1s a esta comunidad y ayudar a que la gente entendiese las distintas culturas que existen en esta comunidad\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E fue tan exitoso que planean hacer de \\u00e9ste, un evento anual. Los maestros de la escuela secundaria est\\u00e1n motivando con mucho entusiasmo a que los estudiantes participen.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMuchos chicos realmente salieron de su caparaz\\u00f3n\\u201d, agrega Vosburg. \\u201cEsto no era un proyecto escolar que deb\\u00edan realizar. Ellos escogieron hacer esto \\u2026 Realmente pod\\u00edas ver su entusiasmo y lo orgulloso que estaban de mostrar su cultura. Los chicos tambi\\u00e9n se tomaban un descanso entre las visitas a sus estaciones para poder visitar las estaciones de sus compa\\u00f1eros. Un par de ellos no hablaban el mismo idioma, pero se mostraban fotos encontrando maneras de comunicarse. Fue genial verlos tan entusiasmados\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELo que comenz\\u00f3 como una idea y un proyecto apasionante para Whalen, ahora se convertir\\u00e1 en un pilar en Hampton. \\u003Cem\\u003EBeyond Labels\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E es un evento importante que exhibe las mejores partes de la ciudad: la gente que hace de Hampton su hogar, ya sea por un a\\u00f1o acad\\u00e9mico o para toda la vida.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSiempre ha sido importante romper barreras culturales\\u201d, dice Whalen. \\u201cMe gusta cuando las personas son capaces de aceptar qui\\u00e9nes son\\u201d.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETranslated by Pia Hovenga \\\/ Traducido por P\\u00eda Hovenga\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.  \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6034,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A display of objects from Guatemala, including a soccer jersey, handbag, and money.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Students and La Luz Centro Cultural board treasurer\\\/High School staff prepare for student cultural exchange event in Hampton, Iowa in November 2023.\\u00a0\",\"date\":\"2024-02-14 15:11:30\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 14, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A display of objects from Guatemala, including a soccer jersey, handbag, and money.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/La-Luz-Cultural-Exchange-Event-Photo-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/tiny-town-big-diversity\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Tiny Town, Big Diversity: How One Rural Iowa Town is Celebrating Cultures\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Young people in Hampton, Iowa, home to Latino immigrants and exchange students from around the world, hosted a unique event to celebrate diversity, difference, and culture.  \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":179534,\"participants\":12838,\"grants\":10,\"communities\":8},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7949,\"title\":\"Treaty Fish Co. Sustains Anishinaabe Traditions and Community Spirit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7956,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family, weekdays at the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.greatlakesfisheriestrail.org\\\/place.asp?ait=av\\\\u0026amp;aid=83\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArthur Duhamel Marina\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Peshawbestown (Grand Traverse Reservation, within the borders of Michigan) mean catching, processing, and smoking fish. They run \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/p\\\/Ed-Cindi-John-Treaty-Fish-Co-100063452418054\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTreaty Fish Co.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, so named for the treaty fishing rights they exercise as members of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eProprietors Ed and Cindi John started the business in 1989. Ed learned to fish and hand tie nets from the marina\\u2019s namesake. Cindi learned to prepare smoked fish in traditional Anishinaabe ways from her uncle Jeeboo Sands, using local sugar maple wood to achieve their desired flavor.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Grand Traverse Bay, the sought-after catches are lake trout and whitefish. In an industry that is heavily regulated by federal, state, and tribal governments, Ed and Cindi use their business as a vessel for family and community togetherness, an expression of Anishinaabe identity, and a way to connect with the water they love so deeply.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Family Practice\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe main crew of their 1940s fishing tug, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLinda Sue\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, is Captain Ed, Cindi, their daughter Ruby, nephew Cameron Schocko, and family friend Shahbaht Anderson. The team leaves around 10:30 am with country and bluegrass music blasting. Cindi completes the calculations for net placement using GPS equipment, radar, and her knowledge of fish migrations patterns and the various depths and ridges that lie below the surface of Lake Michigan.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859dda\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI do this all so I can be on the water. Can\\u2019t you smell it? Can\\u2019t you feel it? It\\u2019s special.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CINDI JOHN, TREATY FISH CO.\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e4a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7950,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e63\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWe headed to what Cindi calls \\u201cWhitefish Acres\\u201d off Old Mission Peninsula. Anderson and Schocko pulled the anchor into the boat, and the net emerged from the depths. As it came aboard, Cindi stood near the edge with a dip net to catch any falling fish.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAll told, they pulled 900 feet of net, yielding 200 pounds of fish. Some days they catch as much as 700 pounds. Everyone paused in the glittering sunshine of the bay to carefully and quietly remove the fish from the nets. Ruby\\u0026nbsp; drove the boat toward the marina and said she\\u2019d love to captain a vessel someday, with a solid crew like the people behind her.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOnce ashore, each member of the family has a specific job. Schocko guts trout while Ed filets whitefish. Ruby removes the pin bones and prepares fish patties. Cindi handles \\u201cchunking\\u201d (portioning trout for the smoker), brining, and running the smoker. She also tends their weekly market stall at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/dda.downtowntc.com\\\/farmers-market\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESara Hardy Farmers Market\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Traverse City. Nephew Daniel Genereaux untangles the nets and prepares them to be reset while Anderson and Schocko replace worn out netting and sew in new mesh. Other nephews gather during the week to clean the fish processing area and sanitize coolers and equipment.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c21859e70\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7957,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7954,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7959,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7952,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7958,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:7963,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c2185a02e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7955,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-a-special-connection\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA Special Connection\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nTreaty Fish Co. is a community hub\\u2014a result of the quality of their product and the spirit of the family. While I was there, at least three different people came looking for fish even though it wasn\\u2019t a day they were actively selling. Cindi told an elder, who was letting his dog swim at the marina, to grab a cooler to take home some fish.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCindi\\u2019s passion for community and creativity shine through. She designs the packaging, working with FDA officials to both adhere to regulations and to ensure the finest product possible. In fact, the new marina fish processing facilities were designed based on the camping trailer Cindi had retrofitted, using her knowledge of federal health regulations as well as smooth division of labor.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eRecently, the fishery joined the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/gsgp.org\\\/projects\\\/100-great-lakes-fish\\\/100-great-lakes-fish-news\\\/treaty-fish-co-joins-100-great-lakes-fish-pledge\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e100% Fish Great Lakes Pledge\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which commits them to using 100% of their product in zero-waste ways. Cindi showed me some sunflowers she was growing next to the fish processing building (where she poured leftover fish juice); they were four times the size of those a friend was growing.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhen asked what they love most about their work, both Cindi John and Cameron Schocko said it was being in the bay. Cindi said, \\u201cI do this all so I can be on the water. Can\\u2019t you smell it? Can\\u2019t you feel it? It\\u2019s special.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66d9c2185a09d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/treaty-fish-co-sustains-anishinaabe-traditions-and-community-spirit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7953,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(Left to right) Cameron Schocko, Shahbhat Anderson and Captain Ed John removing fish from the nets on the return to the marina.\",\"date\":\"2024-09-05 21:24:43\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 5, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":713,\"name\":\"Micah Ling\",\"slug\":\"micah-ling\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":713,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":714,\"name\":\"Minnie Wabanimkee\",\"slug\":\"minnie-wabanimkee\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":714,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Micah Ling and Minnie Wabanimkee\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three people in rubber overalls on a boat removing fish from nets.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/IMG_2092-scaled.jpg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/treaty-fish-co-sustains-anishinaabe-traditions-and-community-spirit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Treaty Fish Co. Sustains Anishinaabe Traditions and Community Spirit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Spending time with the John\\\/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7420,\"title\":\"Detroit Neighborhood Plagued by Air Pollution Uses Art to Reclaim Space\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA waft of what smells like fresh cut grass and burnt oil hangs in the air of Detroit\\u2019s East Canfield neighborhood. The eerie smell comes from the nearby Stellantis Mack Assembly Plant, which has received \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganpublic.org\\\/health\\\/2023-05-11\\\/stellantis-mack-assembly-plant-hit-with-sixth-odor-violation-in-less-than-2-years\\u0022\\u003Erepeated air quality violations for paint and solvent odors\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E over the last several years. In March, Stellantis agreed to pay a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wdet.org\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/13\\\/stellantis-agrees-to-pay-84k-for-air-quality-violations-at-jefferson-north-plant\\\/\\u0022\\u003E$84,420 fine\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for air quality violations for one of its plants in the same neighborhood. This neighborhood has one of\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michigan.gov\\\/-\\\/media\\\/Project\\\/Websites\\\/mdhhs\\\/Folder50\\\/Folder3\\\/Detroit-AsthmaBurden-2021_Update.pdf?rev=187419566778478fa169dfb8bb7791b1\\u0022\\u003E the highest rates of asthma hospitalization\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E of children under 18.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite its foreboding presence, residents like sisters Kim and Rhonda Theus are finding intentional ways to erect beauty. They run the nonprofit \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.canfieldconsortium.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECanfield Consortium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which repurposes vacant lots for things like community gardens and public art. They\\u2019re even renovating a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bridgedetroit.com\\\/sisters-to-revive-former-neighborhood-hub-on-east-canfield\\\/#:~:text=But%20the%20Theus%20sisters%2C%20who,a%20nod%20to%20its%20history.\\u0026amp;text=They%20plan%20to%20turn%20it,a%20gathering%20spot%20for%20neighbors.\\u0022\\u003Eformer corner store into a coffee shop and art gallery\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and carving out a future bike path.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7425,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01cf7b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-honoring-place-and-people\\u0022\\u003EHonoring Place and People\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir latest project is the Detroit Remediation Forest, a forest bathing installation located in the East Canfield Art Park that they hope will help mitigate air pollution from the Stellantis complex. The forest is anchored by a gold sculpture called \\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones\\u0027\\u0027 by New York-based artist and activist Jordan Weber. The piece has an air quality monitor that tells residents the particulate matter levels in the air.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s shaped like two crowns, as an ode to Queen Idia of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) and Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar who fought colonization. The crowns also honor Kim and Rhonda as modern-day queens.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a strong symbolic representation of the African diasporic experience and the trauma that\\u2019s in the land in both Africa and the U.S.,\\u201d Weber said. \\u201cThere\\u2019s the 2008 housing crisis where you see what happened to the legacy of Black homeownership in Detroit, for example. Queen Ranavalona was exiled from Madagascar and forced to live in Europe for the remainder of her life, and that\\u2019s no different to me than us being displaced in our communities where we have [generations] of families who literally sweat and bled to get that land.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7427,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01cfcc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWeber\\u2019s sculpture was unveiled to the public in May. A second phase of the forest installation will include planting air-purifying conifers like white pine and fir in partnership with the Greening of Detroit, and installing an elevated walkway. It will also host outdoor programming for the Barack Obama Leadership Academy across the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones,\\u201d is the newest addition to the East Canfield Art Park, which the Theus sisters opened in 2021 on a vacant corner. Kim and Rhonda wanted to leverage the power of art to spark conversations on environmental issues, gentrification, and Black representation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first art piece in the park was a bronze sculpture by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.metrotimes.com\\\/detroit-guides\\\/inside-detroit-sculptor-austen-brantleys-studio-34118990\\u0022\\u003EDetroit sculptor Austen Brantley\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E called \\u201cBoy Holds Flower.\\u201d In that piece, a young Black boy sits cross legged as he gazes in admiration at a flower he\\u2019s just picked. It\\u2019s important for the children attending the Barack Obama Leadership Academy to have this image of joyful Black boyhood. The park also includes a \\u201cHood Closed to Gentrifiers\\u201d sign by artist Bryce Detroit.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7430,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d00c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7426,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eGuided by Purpose and Legacy\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKim and Rhonda remember when the neighborhood was a bustling, Black middle class area \\u2014 before the Stellantis plant expanded its footprint and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bridgedetroit.com\\\/detroits-cost-for-automotive-growth-generational-displacement\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003edisplaced their neighbors\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and before \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.metrotimes.com\\\/news\\\/detroit-illegally-overtaxed-homeowners-600m-theyre-still-waiting-to-be-compensated-29800877#:~:text=The%20city%20of%20Detroit%20made,losing%20their%20homes%20to%20foreclosure.\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDetroit\\u2019s foreclosure crisis caused families to lose their homes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThere was a middle school that we went to, a [recreation] center, playgrounds, and all those things are gone,\\u201d said Kim \\u201cPeople who are building families won\\u0027t move to a neighborhood where they don\\u0027t have those types of amenities, so a lot of the work that we\\u0027re doing at Canfield Consortium is addressing things like that.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeber was selected as an artist-in-residence by \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sidewalkdetroit.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSidewalk Detroit\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a place-keeping organization championing public art and urban greenspace. Sidewalk Detroit Director and Founder Ryan Myers-Johnson said that during planning meetings, East Canfield residents stressed that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of beautification.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe started to really understand the problem with Stellantis and the air quality issues and how [the plant] is touted as bringing in jobs and not something that is actually destroying health and the fabric of this neighborhood,\\u201d Myers-Johnson said. \\u201cSo, we needed somebody rooted in understanding spatial trauma and environmental justice issues.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d09e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-669681a01d0c0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EReclaiming their neighborhood is Kim and Rhonda\\u2019s way of preserving the legacy of families like theirs who moved to Detroit to escape the Jim Crow South.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur parents were born and raised in Tennessee \\u2026 The only jobs they could get there were either domestic work or sharecropping. They wanted to buy a home and build a family, so they left everything they knew in Tennessee to move to Detroit and bought a house in East Canfield Village,\\u201d Rhonda said. \\u201cThe majority of people that live here come from the same situation\\u2026 so these houses have a powerful legacy.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-neighborhood-plagued-by-air-pollution-uses-art-to-reclaim-space\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7428,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jordan Weber\\u2019s sculpture \\u201cNew Forest, Ancient Thrones\\u0022 at the East Canfield Art Park in Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-16 14:20:16\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 16, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":668,\"name\":\"Randiah Camille Green\",\"slug\":\"randiah-camille-green\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":668,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Randiah Camille Green\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculptural artwork at a park that looks like a large gold crown.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-1536x1026.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/4.-New-Forest-Ancient-Thrones-2048x1368.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-neighborhood-plagued-by-air-pollution-uses-art-to-reclaim-space\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Detroit Neighborhood Plagued by Air Pollution Uses Art to Reclaim Space\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Residents of East Canfield stress that any art brought to their neighborhood should address issues they are facing instead of just beautification.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6203,\"title\":\"In Rural Eastern Michigan, the Barn Is an Art Form\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPart rural rejuvenation and part public art project, a series of barns around Port Austin, Michigan, at the topmost tip of the mitten-shaped state\\u2019s \\u201cthumb,\\u201d have been repurposed and revived into massive art installations. Ranging from architectural interventions to large-scale murals, they feature work by artists that provoke joy in the unexpected.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJim Boyle, founder of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.public-pool.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPublic Pool\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a cooperative art space in the Detroit suburb of Hamtramck, also catalyzed an initiative called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.53northart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003E53 North\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which references Michigan state highway 53 that connects Detroit to the Lake Huron town of Port Austin. Boyle was born in Detroit, then lived in Port Austin for 18 years.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6208,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5136\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHe then returned to Detroit, where he currently lives, and continued to drive the route regularly to visit family. \\u201cI became struck both by the number of early twentieth-century barns in decline in the Thumb and their eerie similarity to the abandoned industrial remnants of the economic wrecking ball that hit Detroit,\\u201d he said in an article for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.detroitresearch.org\\\/vol-3-farmland-as-sculpture-park-53-north-jim-boyle\\\/\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EDetroit Research\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoyle was struck by the parallel economic impacts on both agriculture and manufacturing over several decades, starting in the mid-20th century, which took a toll on local communities and the physical environment. While industrial buildings were shuttered in Detroit, farm buildings gradually fell into disrepair around the countryside. But all of these disused barns gave him an idea: \\u201cIn Detroit, I loved how artists were responding to economic parallels in urban areas, and thought it would be interesting to do the same in the Thumb.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002246px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:46px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e515e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-constructing-new-views-of-rural-michigan\\u0022\\u003EConstructing New Views of Rural Michigan\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EConceived by 53 North in collaboration with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.portaustinart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGreater Port Austin Art \\u0026amp; Placemaking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the Barn Art project reimagines the iconic American farm structure into striking works of art. So far, three projects have been completed, each with a unique, site-specific take on its surroundings.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6209,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn 2013, Boyle invited Steve and Dorota Coy, who work as \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hdlcorp.io\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Hygienic Dress League\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e (HDL), to paint a monumental mural called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArt in the Public Realm\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e on two sides of a barn on Mark Ziel\\u2019s dairy farm. Unlike the other two structures that have been transformed during the course of this project, this barn is still used to store hay and equipment, and its view from the road regularly draws visitors who pass by it on their way into town.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cEvery once in a while I\\u2019ll stop by and talk to the people who take pictures of it,\\u201d Ziel said during a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3T1RWAgYry4?si=nToIs4E-BqYS9zSk\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003econversation with the artists\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201cThey say, boy, that\\u2019s fading a little bit, is there anything you can do to redo that?\\u201d He takes pride in the artwork\\u2019s ability to spark conversation and consider pressing issues for rural communities and farmers.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHDL takes the form of a conceptual corporation, which \\u201cproudly provides no products or services,\\u201d they wrote in a statement about the project. The status of the corporation is used as an art medium to critique contemporary society and its contradictions, and in this case, it considers how big business often presents big challenges for America\\u2019s farmers. One side of the piece, titled \\u201cWalden,\\u201d portrays a giant pigeon with the HDL logo, and the other, \\u201cAmerican Gothic,\\u201d spoofs Grant Wood\\u2019s seminal 1930 painting of the same name, featuring two figures wearing gas masks and holding a pitchfork.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5197\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIn Detroit, I loved how artists were responding to economic parallels in urban areas, and thought it would be interesting to do the same in the Thumb.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JIM BOYLE, PUBLIC POOL \\\\u0026 53 NORTH\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6213,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6211,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6212,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51d9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-architectural-interventions\\u0022\\u003EArchitectural Interventions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next two installations tapped into the materials and architectural features of the barns themselves. The project in 2015 took a reconstructive approach, which began by first completely demolishing a barn donated by local residents Bill and Lorraine Goretski. \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.scotthocking.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EScott Hocking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E described his long-time desire to deconstruct a barn, turn it upside down, and build what he initially conceived of as an ark out of its original materials,\\u201d Boyle says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECelestial Ship of the North (Emergency Ark)\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, also known as the \\u201cBarnboat,\\u201d was built over the course of three months, utilizing the beams and boards of the collapsing 1890s building. The form was inspired by archaic sea vessels and myths of deluge and destruction, standing sentry in a family farm where consistent winds, weather, and time will eventually continue its decay.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThe original barn, a recognizable and nostalgic form in the landscape, was left unattended but cherished as an old building familiar to the area ... As it was, it needed structural maintenance and attention to save it from crumbling in the near future.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CATIE NEWELL, ARTIST, ALIBI STUDIO\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e51f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6215,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6216,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6217,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6218,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6214,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebd7e5207\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen, in 2019, Catie Newell of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.cathlynnewell.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAlibi Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E and a team of more than two dozen construction professionals and volunteers collaborated to turn a barn donated by Michael Schoenhals into an artwork titled \\u003Cem\\u003ESecret Sky. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003ESimilar to \\u003Cem\\u003ECelestial Ship, \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethe piece painstakingly incorporates original materials that were patiently reworked and replaced by hand. \\u201cThe original barn, a recognizable and nostalgic form in the landscape, was left unattended but cherished as an old building familiar to the area,\\u201d Newell says. \\u201cAs it was, it needed structural maintenance and attention to save it from crumbling in the near future.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/TqmsSHZKkgw?si=lFtibCDS6F_gZGGg\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/TqmsSHZKkgw?si=lFtibCDS6F_gZGGg\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EVideo courtesy of Catie Newell of Alibi Studio.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs if carved cleanly with a knife, a carefully cut passageway slices through one corner of the barn, allowing light and space through an unexpected aperture. Passersby can view the split from afar or walk through the opening, and at night, the structure is transformed into a giant lantern using solar energy collected throughout the day. After a few years, the roof began to deteriorate, and a recent fundraiser to repair it was successful thanks to generous donations from local residents, matching donors, and a grant from the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.michiganbusiness.org\\\/industries\\\/macc\\\/macc-grants\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMichigan Arts and Culture Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECurrently, planning for a fourth barn is in the works, and all of the existing installations are visible from the road. You can locate them on a map on the 53 North \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.53northart.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ewebsite\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rural-eastern-michigan-the-barn-is-an-art-form\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6207,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022513\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A silhouette of a barn with the sun setting behind it. There is a triangle shaped passage cut into the barn.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 55%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"In 2019, Catie Newell of Alibi Studio and a team of construction professionals and volunteers collaborated to turn a barn into an artwork titled Secret Sky. Photo courtesy of the artist, 53 North, and Greater Port Austin Art \\u0026 Placemaking.\",\"date\":\"2024-02-29 15:54:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 29, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022684\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A silhouette of a barn with the sun setting behind it. 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There is a triangle shaped passage cut into the barn.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 55%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/Newell_SecretSky11-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rural-eastern-michigan-the-barn-is-an-art-form\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Rural Eastern Michigan, the Barn Is an Art Form\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Rustic farm buildings around Port Austin transform into public artworks as part of a collaborative project between the community and Michigan-based artists.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":366336,\"participants\":39367,\"grants\":28,\"communities\":23},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7577,\"title\":\"Slovenian Iron Rangers Maintain Cultural Roots through Potica\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a cold July morning in Ely, Minnesota, Jim Lah, 59, radiates a boyish energy as he prepares his potica. Pronounced \\u003Cem\\u003Epoh-teet-zah\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, this dense pastry of alternating dough and filling has become an ancestral emblem for Slovenian Americans. Lah is making four loaves today: two classics filled with ground walnuts and honey, and two loaves with sweet tarragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the early 1900s, Ely\\u2019s Pioneer Mine was one of the largest underground mines in the world. Slovenians came in waves to work in the iron mine and help create the surrounding community, forming what Lah calls a \\u201ccritical mass of people to keep a culture alive,\\u201d especially through food. Cabbage rolls and slivovitz are widely available on the Iron Range, but neither match the presence of potica. Lah says, \\u201cWalnut potica is used for every wedding, all funerals \\u2026 graduations.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the president of the Slovenian Union of America\\u2019s (SUA) branch 23, Lah takes his potica baking seriously. From mixing to pulling the final loaves from the oven, the process takes about four hours. Lah beams, \\u201cIf you can make boxed macaroni and cheese, you know, you can do that to say you love someone,\\u201d but for him, that falls short. His love is revealed through his labor on the loaves.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7580,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7581,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7582,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7583,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7584,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e48761d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7579,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLah grins when he says, \\u201cI have everything Slovenian I can,\\u201d and it\\u2019s hard to argue with that. He is mixing Slovenian honey using a wooden spoon he bought in Slovenia. He is wearing a Slovenian kerchief to keep any stray hairs pinned down. While rolling the dough, he plays the same melancholic Slovenian folk song on repeat: \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eN\\u2019mau Cez Izaro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. The rolled loaves need time to breathe under a wool cloth before baking, and Lah uses his Slovenian uncle\\u2019s tattered Pendleton shirt.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHe got the recipe for the dough from his mother, and the recipe for the walnut filling belonged to his aunt. For him, making potica is a solitary act in that he typically wants to be the only person in the kitchen, needing lots of space to pull the dough to translucently thin, but his family and culture are always present for Lah too. He is baking these loaves for a family trip to their cabin, and he pauses several times to feel the presence of his ancestors in the room.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLah says, \\u201cWhen you leave Slovenia, an image of it freezes in time,\\u201d and maybe that explains why the potica of the Iron Range is different from the \\u201cbreadier\\u201d stuff found in Europe. It could be that immigrants have preserved an idea of the food that no longer exists in its home country. Slovenian potica is also baked in a round tin with a hollow center, like a donut, while its American counterpart is typically baked in a straight tin. Lah suggests maybe the immigrants just didn\\u2019t own round tins. The result is a quintessential Midwestern dessert that can be found in grocery stores, bakeries, and bread drawers across the Iron Range.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e48781a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66bba1e487847\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/slovenian-iron-rangers-maintain-cultural-roots-through-potica\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7578,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jim Lah chops the tarragon fresh from his garden to add to his potica.\",\"date\":\"2024-08-13 17:45:35\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 13, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":671,\"name\":\"Alec Osthoff\",\"slug\":\"alec-osthoff\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":671,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alec Osthoff\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A large flat stretched dough with chopped green herb on top. At a distance, there is a person using a knife to chop green leaves on a wooden cutting board.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/DSC_0313-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/slovenian-iron-rangers-maintain-cultural-roots-through-potica\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Slovenian Iron Rangers Maintain Cultural Roots through Potica\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The dessert can be found anywhere on the Minnesota Iron Range, but it takes time, dedication and craft to prepare.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6492,\"title\":\"Surf\\u2019s Up: Minnesotans Hit the Waves on Lake Superior\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EShe pulls on a wetsuit, thick and hooded, stashing gloves and booties in a bag. The temperature outside is cold; A storm has blown in from the west. Up in the sky, a flat, gray layer of nimbostratus clouds create a blanket. Giant, white flakes swirl in the early spring air, blowing in a wind that sweeps across Lake Superior. Driving north of Duluth on Scenic Highway 61, her car skids on ice and snow. Glancing at the lake, her heart thumps. She is ready. As she pulls onto Stoney Point Drive, tall waves crash on a rocky shore. There are others in wetsuits, carrying boards to the shoreline. It is time to go surfing.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cbr\\u003ESurfing has been around for centuries, dating back to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sportsfoundation.org\\\/surfing-history\\\/\\u0022\\u003Epremodern times\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E when Polynesians practiced it as a religious art form. In the United States, surfing became popular in the mid 1900s, including a handful of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.surfertoday.com\\\/surfing\\\/the-ultimate-guide-to-surfing-the-great-lakes\\u0022\\u003Eearly surfers on the Great Lakes\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Today, lake surfing is increasingly popular for Midwesterners, like the hearty population of surfers who brave the cold waters of Lake Superior. Peak season runs fall through winter. While surfing is still active during summer, it is the coldest seasons that offer the tallest waves.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Duluth, Minnesota, surfing on Superior has become a regular pastime for some locals, a course taught at the University of Minnesota Duluth (yes, college credit is available), and a photo op for North Shore artists.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELearning to surf is not a simple task. Carly Weiss, a Sauna Guide in Duluth, moved to the area from Wisconsin in 2017. She saw pictures of surfers in Superior and thought it seemed unattainable for herself. When she befriended some local surfers, all male, she began getting onto the lake to try surfing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI would describe surfers on Lake Superior to be very strategic ... [We] pay attention to the weather, almost to a fault ...\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RANDY CARLSON, COORDINATOR FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS OUTDOOR PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee774e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6499,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee779f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI was really excited the first time. It was more difficult than I thought. I went in with a lot of confidence but definitely was humbled, the lake wasn\\u2019t making it easy to paddle out [to] catch a wave ... it was cold, and it was stormy,\\u201d said Weiss, who didn\\u2019t get up on her board that first time surfing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy her fourth attempt, Weiss was able to get up on her board. With very few female surfers on the scene when she began surfing, she kept rocking the waves and has been joined by an increasing number of female surfers on Superior.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDeveloping a style is where surfing becomes an artform. Some people have a lot of grace to their method, while others present a more powerful and aggressive form. The body moves in ways that are distinctive to everyone.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWeiss\\u2019 fellow surfing buddy, Ian Lundborg, is a carpenter and freelance artist. His interest in surfing came out of a childhood passion for board sports\\u2014snowboarding and skateboarding. Lundborg loves the surfing culture, adrenaline rush, the look of the early morning lake with sea smoke hanging on its surface, and the spiritual connectedness he feels on a wave.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAny activity on nature while it\\u2019s moving, you\\u2019re just riding it,\\u201d he said. \\u201c[You have to] read a wave when it\\u2019s coming, know how you want to ride it ... visualizing yourself on a wave before it\\u2019s even there.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002249px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:49px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee77b7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6505,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eSurfing has become so popular in the Duluth area there is a block of courses teaching the sport at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Randy Carlson, Coordinator for Recreational Sports Outdoor Program, and Cora Seroogy, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAquatics and Risk Management Coordinator, work at the college teaching the skills it takes to surf successfully and safely. They are both avid surfers who have surfed warmer waters like Costa Rica and the Gulf of Mexico.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe surfing courses at UMD are based in a pool that has a current and strong flowing water. There is no wave to ride, but a board can be used to do a variety of surfing skills including balancing and turning. Surfing on Lake Superior deals with a lot of current and learning to manage that is as important as learning to ride a wave. Some courses include live surfing on Lake Superior, though not during the tumultuous winter months, which can be a dangerous time to surf. Both Carlson and Seroogy surf Superior year-round, including the winter months.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee77de\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI would describe surfers on Lake Superior to be very strategic,\\u201d said Carlson. \\u201c[We] pay attention to the weather, almost to a fault ... I know where the low pressure is in Colorado right now and how it will evolve and impact Lake Superior in two days. I\\u2019m predicting what\\u2019s going to happen by looking at what\\u2019s happening west. Winter surfing is the best because we get cold air pushing on cold water for the largest distances ... a northeast wind will blow on the water of Lake Superior for [hundreds of] miles. That\\u2019s a great fetch.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFetch is the distance wind travels over open water. When there is great fetch, there are great waves. That makes for great surfing. But the waters of a lake as big as Superior aren\\u2019t warm\\u2014ever. That makes surfing, especially during prime winter and spring seasons, a sport for the hearty.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESeroogy laughs and sighs as she describes the urge to surf during a cold-weather storm, \\u201c[You have] a ton of adrenaline. It\\u2019s cold, surreal. It\\u2019s just like this feeling that you have to go ... it doesn\\u2019t matter what\\u2019s going on ... nothing else matters,\\u201d she said, adding, \\u201cThe first wipeout is the worst. It\\u2019s just shock of the cold water and [thinking], \\u003Cem\\u003Edamn\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E ... then you\\u2019re like, \\u003Cem\\u003Elet\\u2019s do it again\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarlson added, \\u201cIf you\\u2019re not as hard on yourself the first time you crash, that cold moment is temporary ... [but] if the lake is really wild, you need to have an exit strategy. It\\u2019s always easier to get into the lake than it is to get out of the lake. You\\u2019ve got to be honest with yourself with where your mental and physical state [are] ... if you\\u2019re cold you need to get out of the lake ... That\\u2019s a crucial thing to understand.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6501,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6500,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6503,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7800\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs unique as it is to teach surfing in northern Minnesota, the North Shore surfers share something in common with surfers across the globe \\u2014 their distinct styles and the beauty of surfers on water. It is this juxtaposition of human-made sport (balancing on a board) mixed with nature-made wonder (water and waves) that provides an opportunity for art to be captured by artists, a.k.a. photographers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA Minnesota native, Ryan Rumpca became interested in surfing through the lens of his camera. He sometimes wears a wetsuit to photograph surfers, placing his camera in water housing (which keeps it dry). While he has tried surfing, he prefers to capture others as an outsider looking in, creating art in picture form.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6502,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7814\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cEveryone has their own style. It is [artistic when] everyone is in black, especially in a snowstorm ... you can kind of see who the people are because of how they surf,\\u201d said Rumpca, describing the variation in surfing style from person to person.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt is this intriguing contrast and composition of a photograph that makes for a great work of art. Distinctive. Brave. Flowing. Balancing in a chaotic environment. These are the surfers of Lake Superior.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tpt.org\\\/freshwater\\\/\\u0022\\u003EVide\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tpt.org\\\/freshwater\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E courtesy of Twin Cities PBS.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cdiv class=\\\\u0022pbs-viral-player-wrapper\\\\u0022 style=\\\\u0022position: relative; padding-top: calc(56.25% + 43px);\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ciframe src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/player.pbs.org\\\/viralplayer\\\/3078752915\\\/\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen allow=\\\\u0022encrypted-media\\\\u0022 style=\\\\u0022position: absolute; top: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e57ee7829\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/surfs-up-minnesotans-hit-the-waves-on-lake-superior\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6504,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022577\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two surfers trudging through thick snow in their wet suits, holding their boards; there are tall evergreen trees around them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 70%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Surfers brave the snow in northern Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2024-03-26 16:35:48\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 26, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":590,\"name\":\"Darla Mae Swanson\",\"slug\":\"darla-mae-swanson\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":590,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Darla Mae Swanson\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022769\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two surfers trudging through thick snow in their wet suits, holding their boards; 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there are tall evergreen trees around them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 70%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/RyanRumpcaStudio_Surf_Swanson00030-e1711476250313-2048x1538.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/surfs-up-minnesotans-hit-the-waves-on-lake-superior\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Surf\\u2019s Up: Minnesotans Hit the Waves on Lake Superior\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A growing community of Minnesota-based surfers and artists are diving into the sport and finding inspiration and excitement in the cool waters of the Great Lake.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":8555,\"title\":\"Game Time: Reviving the Ojibwe Way\\u00a0with Dice and Cards\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk any six-year-old and they\\u2019ll tell you just how to play the classic game of Go Fish: Get a handful of cards. Try to get four that match. Repeat as attention spans allow.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut swap out the fish for owls and say \\u201cgookooko\\u2019oo\\u201d instead of \\u201cgo fish,\\u201d and you have \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nashke.com\\\/shop\\\/p\\\/bineshiiyag-owl-card-game\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBineshiiyag:\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E one of several new amusements in the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nashke.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENashke Native Games\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/carlsonschool.umn.edu\\\/mncupdivisionwinners\\\/2024\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eaward-winning\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E line.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELaunching a year and a half ago, the three-person business is trying to bolster Ojibwe language and culture in the Midwest\\u2014in a fun, accessible (not to mention, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.sciencedirect.com\\\/science\\\/article\\\/abs\\\/pii\\\/S074756322030145X\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eeffective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E) way.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8567,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cOur mission is to increase awareness and the power of learning through gameplay. And boy, we just see it come to fruition every day,\\u201d says founder and CEO Tony Drews \\\\u0022Chi-Noodin\\\\u0022 (Big Wind).\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLanguage learners, teachers, families, and curious board-gamers alike can purchase the games, ranging from modern takes on traditionals (like Bagese: The Bowl Game) to fast-paced fur trade-simulation kits with puzzles and tile matching challenges (like Mii Gwech).\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe games are an avenue for discovery; they can be played in Ojibwe or English (Dakota expansion packs coming soon!) Here, words are intentionally \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003enot \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eforgotten.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDrews says there are \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ojibwe.lib.umn.edu\\\/about-ojibwe-language\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eless than 700 first-language Ojibwe speakers in the U.S.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAnd if we don\\u2019t do something, we\\u2019re gonna become known as the people who were the Ojibwe,\\u201d he says. \\u201cNative history is Minnesota history. And without a spark, our youth aren\\u0027t gonna learn it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDrews\\u2019s great-grandmother only spoke Ojibwe. Her daughter was sent to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/religionsmn.carleton.edu\\\/exhibits\\\/show\\\/pipestone\\\/pipestonehistory\\\/the-pipestone-indian-training-\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePipestone Indian Training School\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and now, Drews\\u2019s father doesn\\u2019t know more than four words in Ojibwe. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt took one generation to strip my family of its culture, its language and the millennium of our culture,\\u201d Drews says. \\u201cWe can\\u2019t talk about language and culture separately. They\\u2019re intertwined.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTake the word \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003emindimooyenh. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSomebody who holds the family together. A term of high respect for an elderly woman.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u0022If you call someone an \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eold woman\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in English, that\\u0027s a dig, right? So if we lose that word,\\u00a0we lose the cultural perspective of how we truly look at elderly women,\\u201d Drews says. \\u201cAnd the same with elders. We call our elders\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e gichi-aya\\u0027aa\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e:\\u00a0\\u2018the Great Beings.\\u2019\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;134233117\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;134233118\\\\u0026quot;:false,\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335551550\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335551620\\\\u0026quot;:1,\\\\u0026quot;335559685\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559737\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:240,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:279}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba497650be\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:8564,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba49765155\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESecond-grade teacher Lisa Schussman\\u2019s students have played Ginebig: The Snake Game, Makizinataagewin: The Moccasin Game, and Bineshiiyag in her Lincoln Elementary classroom.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe\\u0026nbsp;loans out take-home kits at the Bemidji, Minnesota, school where many Native students attend; the area is surrounded by the Leech Lake (Ojibwe), Red Lake (Chippewa), and White Earth reservations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:8556,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:8557,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:8561,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:8563,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:8560,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:8558,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-673ba49765171\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just find it such a valuable way to get ... excited about the language and about their culture and respect too,\\u201d Schussman says, overhearing\\u0026nbsp;students using words learned in the games.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think that a lot of times we get nervous to try or we don\\u2019t want to do something wrong, so then we don\\u2019t. But I\\u2019ve found that through the games, you\\u2019re a lot more willing when it\\u2019s in a fun, laughing atmosphere to just try.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGoji\\u2019ewizi: Just \\u003Cem\\u003Etry\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/nashke-native-games\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":8559,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221022\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Hands with pink nails holding a deck of cards over a white table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n.jpg 1052w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A player holds a hand of a Nashke Native Games deck during gameplay.\",\"date\":\"2024-11-19 13:06:42\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 19, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":739,\"name\":\"Amy \\u0022Frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"slug\":\"amy-frankie-felegy\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":739,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":74,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Amy \\u0022frankie\\u0022 Felegy\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022769\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Hands with pink nails holding a deck of cards over a white table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n-768x1022.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/429661268_316503304755173_1599914248164264975_n.jpg 1052w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/nashke-native-games\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Game Time: Reviving the Ojibwe Way\\u00a0with Dice and Cards\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Minnesota-based Nashke Native Games is breathing new life into dying languages, in the classroom and beyond.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":252997,\"participants\":62714,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":14},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":6382,\"title\":\"Across the Upper Midwest, Communities Converge Around Norway\\u2019s Hardanger Fiddle\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Norway, the \\u003Cem\\u003Ehardingfele, \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eor the Hardanger fiddle, is deeply woven into the nation\\u2019s cultural tapestry. From the earliest known iteration made in 1651 by Ole Jonsen Jaastad, the instrument originates from its namesake region, the western district of Hardanger, where it was traditionally used to play wedding music, dances, and other songs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA Hardanger fiddle looks at first glance like an intricately ornamented violin, with a fingerboard and tailpiece often inlaid with mother-of-pearl, ebony, or bone. It is more lightweight, however, with four slimmer strings, ink decorations on the wooden body, and the scroll at the end often carved into the likeness of a dragon or wild animal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6422,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee670\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee6bb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother key element of a Hardanger fiddle is the addition of sympathetic strings, which sit in a layer below those that the bow touches, vibrating when the instrument is played and adding a richness to the sound. \\u201cYou are playing, generally, two notes at once whenever you play a Hardanger fiddle,\\u201d says luthier Robert \\u201cBud\\u201d Larsen, a side effect of the instrument\\u2019s flat bridge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELarsen, who is based in Brainerd, Minnesota, was introduced to the art of fiddle-making and restoration with the help of local violin-maker Gunnar Helland. Helland had emigrated to the U.S. from Norway in 1901. After stints in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis, he established a shop in Fargo, North Dakota, to carry on his family\\u2019s craft tradition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cOur family moved into the same building where Gunnar had his shop,\\u201d Larsen says. \\u201cWe hung out a lot, and I was very interested in what he was building. When I was in the seventh grade, he gave me an old violin and helped me through the process of restoring it.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELarsen\\u2019s lifelong love for the instrument was born. Over the next several decades, he would build at least 40 Hardanger fiddles and restore more than twice that many.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-preserving-and-evolving-tradition\\u0022\\u003EPreserving, and Evolving, Tradition\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETroyd Geist, state folklorist of North Dakota, is a big fan of traditional culture and history. He focuses not only on the heritage of traditional arts but also sees the potential for craft to contribute to health and a sense of wellbeing. He heads an apprenticeship program where a master artist is paired with a younger person in order to pass along knowledge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6424,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Geist is fascinated by how U.S. makers have gradually evolved the Hardanger fiddle over time. Though the instruments have maintained many of their recognizable features, their designs have become distinctly American.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cFor instance, the fiddles in Norway would have different rosemaling designs and different flowers that they really focus on,\\u201d Geist says. \\u201cAnd the head above the fret is often carved, in Norway, like a lion or a dragon. They do that here, too, but they also carve, instead of a lion or a dog head on the end of it, a buffalo head.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLarsen and others in the community who are passionate about the Hardanger fiddle liken the craft to being similar to language.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe know that a language that is not willing to change will soon die,\\u201d says Larsen, who was a linguist in Papua New Guinea for more than 20 years before turning to fiddle making. \\u201cIf people say a language should be prescriptive and you should write it the way the dictionary tells you to, and speak it that way, then the language will die out because it can\\u0027t change. And that\\u0027s the same with Hardanger fiddle music. Because new music is being written, and it\\u0027s being used in different genres as well, it will stay with us for a long time because the music has learned to adapt to people\\u0027s interests and cultures.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee6e7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Geist and Larsen agree that it\\u2019s important to continue to teach others how to make the fiddles, which can sometimes take a novice apprentice up to two years to complete. Some makers seek to protect their secrets, but \\u201cif you\\u0027re not willing to share broadly and freely, the tradition is going to die,\\u201d Geist says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022[The music] is a symbol of Norwegian culture and heritage, and even more than that, it\\u0027s a symbol of Midwest culture.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MARKUS KRUEGER, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SOCIETY OF CLAY COUNTY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee70a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-generational-history-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EA Generational History\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFirst comes the making of a fiddle and then, of course, comes the playing. Arts Midwest\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E recently supported an event at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hcscconline.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistorical and Cultural Society of Clay County\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (HCS) where more than 220 people attended a concert performed by the Fargo Spelemannslag.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA \\u003Cem\\u003Espelemannslag\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E is a group of folk musicians, often dominated by fiddles.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe wintertime concert featured a song written two centuries ago by Eirik Med\\u00e5s. \\u201cEirik\\u0027s direct descendant, a high school student named Elsa Ruth Pryor, played a new song that she wrote herself, on a Hardanger Fiddle that she made herself,\\u201d says Markus Krueger, programming director of HCS.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6423,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ebcaee71f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMinnesota and North Dakota are the two most Norwegian states in America. For a lot of people in our community, this is the music of their childhood that they remember their parents and grandparents playing,\\u201d Krueger says, reflecting on the significance of the event. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a symbol of Norwegian culture and heritage, and even more than that, it\\u0027s a symbol of Midwest culture.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe concert featured performances by Bud Larsen and Loretta Kelley, the president of the Hardanger Fiddle Association of America. It was a meaningful showcase of a living tradition, passed down through generations.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe immigrants brought their fiddles with them, and they kept playing them in America, says Krueger. \\u201cThey kept making them in America. We still make them and play them today.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ELoretta Kelley\\u2019s performance at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County was made possible in part by the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGIG Fund\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe GIG Fund is a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/across-the-upper-midwest-communities-converge-around-norways-hardanger-fiddle\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6383,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person wearing a white and red blouse, playing fiddle in front of a dark background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hardanger Fiddle Association of America President Loretta Kelley who came in from Maryland for the concert.\",\"date\":\"2024-04-04 17:08:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 4, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":{\"1\":{\"ID\":100,\"label\":\"GIG Fund\",\"slug\":\"gig-fund\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read updates, news, and stories about GIG Fund, a grant that supports creative events and activities taking place in Midwestern communities.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\",\"grant_page\":null}},\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg 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                                   calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/IMG_2609-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/across-the-upper-midwest-communities-converge-around-norways-hardanger-fiddle\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Across the Upper Midwest, Communities Converge Around Norway\\u2019s Hardanger Fiddle\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In North Dakota and Minnesota, a new generation continues a centuries-old tradition.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/gig-fund\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    GIG Fund\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5934,\"title\":\"Rethinking Tourism in North Dakota, with Native Nations at the Helm\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHundreds of students, teachers, and community members listen intently to Charlie Moran as he explains the cultural significance behind each powwow dance and the regalia worn by the dancers who are citizens of the Three Affiliated Tribes, also known as the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara (MHA) Nation, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in central North Dakota. \\u201cThis is the jingle dance. Each jingle represents a prayer,\\u201d he says. He goes on to share the story of how the jingle dress dance was created.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMoran is one of several storytellers and culture bearers at the first annual Native American Heritage Month celebration created by the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\u0022\\u003ENorth Dakota Native Tourism Alliance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (NDNTA), the MHA Nation and the State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND). Sessions were offered throughout the day at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck for local schools and community members to witness this event highlighting one of the five Native Nations within North Dakota borders. Over the next several years, they plan to co-host cultural events with each of the tribal nations during Native American Heritage Month.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022NDNTA is unique in that it is the first of its kind to form partnerships with all five Native Nations\\u2014working together to promote, build and enhance sustainable economies through tourism.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Stacey LaCompte (Standing Rock), Executive Director of NDNTA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb87523f7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5936,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb875241b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-taking-back-the-narrative\\u0022\\u003ETaking Back the Narrative\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe NDNTA, founded in 2016, is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting, preserving, promoting, and educating the world about the culture, history, and environment of the five Native Nations: the Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNDNTA is unique in that it is the first of its kind to form partnerships with all five Native Nations\\u2014working together to promote, build and enhance sustainable economies through tourism,\\u201d says NDNTA Executive Director Stacey LaCompte (Standing Rock).\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2022, the organization was awarded the North Dakota Governor\\u2019s Trailblazer Award for Tourism Innovation. That year it also received a Bush Foundation Community Innovation grant to develop and test a new model of tourism that creates tour packages specific to and created by Native Nations within the state\\u2019s borders. The award-winning model aims to combat a history of colonizing narratives and practices within the tourism industry.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn North Dakota, it is non-Native entities driving the narrative and in more cases than not, they own the sites most frequently encountered within tourism experiences. NDNTA\\u2019s work is driven by a desire to reclaim Native narratives of history and culture and allow Indigenous people to tell their own stories, in their own words.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752427\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5937,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe cities of Bismarck and Mandan lie on the ancestral lands of the MHA Nation that spans across the Missouri River basin, from present day North Dakota through western Montana and Wyoming. Double Ditch Indian Village and Chief Looking\\u0027s Village in Bismarck\\u2014sites that are sacred and historical to the MHA Nation\\u2014are currently run by the state historical society and Bismarck Parks and Recreation, respectively. The NDNTA wants to change such narratives by supporting Indigenous nations to tell their own stories through the use of interpretive centers and cultural events that benefit visitors and the tribal communities alike.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTourism events like the one in partnership with NDNTA are helping to sustain a healthy economy. \\u201cEvents like this educate the community about who we are,\\u201d LaCompte says. \\u201cThey (the MHA Nation) reached out to their storytellers to tell their creation stories\\u2026They (the tribes) bring culture, art and food, as well as entrepreneurs who sell their handmade goods. It keeps people in their community employed by showing their culture.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEach tribe is responsible for developing their tourism office, designing their own itineraries, employing storytellers, dancers, artists and other staff. Each tribe works at their own pace, and it is anticipated that all tribes will be online and their tours will be ready to book within the next few years.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752452\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-breaking-down-barriers\\u0022\\u003EBreaking Down Barriers\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe NDNTA is made up of two citizens from each tribal nation serving as voluntary board members. Darian Morsette (MHA) serves as the board\\u2019s president and also as the Tourism Director for the MHA Nation. He says offering Native American cultural learning and tourism opportunities are crucial for educating non-Native communities. \\u201cBringing in schools, having them see the history first hand, they see that they can engage with us. The more we are educating, the more we are telling our stories, and the more visible and impactful that will be on the non-Native community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENDNTA Vice President Les Thomas (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) says that the nonprofit is breaking down several misconceptions of Indigenous peoples. One of those being, that all tribes are the same. \\u201cEvery tribe has its own history to tell, its own language and its own culture to share. With the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance, we have the opportunity to use our own voices to tell our stories, which isn\\u0027t something you will find in textbooks.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5941,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5939,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5938,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5940,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb8752472\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother common misconception about Native tourism is that many non-Native people believe that they aren\\u0027t allowed in reservations. Thomas says this simply isn\\u0027t true. The organization wants to encourage the public \\u201cto come to the reservation and experience these immersive and educational tours for themselves.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-indigenous-tourism-in-demand\\u0022\\u003EIndigenous Tourism in Demand\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMorsette says there is a demand to learn about Indigenous cultures from the U.S. \\u201cOur partners are seeing that we are moving forward and are seeing the steps we are taking to get noticed. That\\u0027s paying off for attaining international clients. There are training sessions for us to learn how to market and price our tours. Native Country is in demand in European countries, as well as Asia and Australia.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5942,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe NDNTA has been working closely with each tribe over the last several years, even through the pandemic. They have accomplished a lot, and as Executive Director Stacey LaCompte says, their work is finally getting recognized. \\u201cWe are building collaborations within tribal nations by having all five nations on board, understanding the benefits of developing sustainable economies through tourism. NDNTA is a hub, the center to bridge all tribes with the common goal of building economies.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Morsette, it\\u2019s been important to build relationships with entities who have supported the organization and believed in the idea of \\u2018Native tourism.\\u2019 He says that George Washington University has provided them technical assistance, guidance and expertise, \\u201cas well as North Dakota Tourism, tour operators and local convention and visitors bureaus. We are now using what we have learned to start making waves and get noticed around the state.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo learn more about the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNDNTA\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, visit \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehttps:\\\/\\\/www.ndnta.com\\\/who-we-are\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, reach out to NDNTA Executive Director Stacey LaCompte at 605-280-8588, or call the MHA Tourism office at 701-627-2243. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb875249d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build economies through tourism.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rethinking-tourism-in-north-dakota-with-native-nations-at-the-helm\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5935,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022530\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Tourists at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve Overlook in the Spirt Lake Nation. The tour was organized by members of the North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance.\",\"date\":\"2024-01-25 16:38:28\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 25, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022706\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022706\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people stand on an overlook and listen to a person talking and gesturing. The background of the image is a river with trees at a distance.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/Tourists-at-White-Horse-Hill-National-Game-Preserve-Overlook-on-the-Spirt-Lake-Nation.-Gordon-Treetop-Photographer-2048x1413.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rethinking-tourism-in-north-dakota-with-native-nations-at-the-helm\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rethinking Tourism in North Dakota, with Native Nations at the Helm\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The North Dakota Native Tourism Alliance comprises members of the five Native Nations within the borders of the state, and aims to reclaim the narrative of Indigenous communities and build economies through tourism.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6307,\"title\":\"Inspired By a Book, These Artists Made a Planetarium Their Screen\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EImagine that one man and one girl have found themselves as the last two people on earth. Time moves forward as it does, unencumbered in the slightest by the human story. The man endeavors to teach the young girl what she needs to know to survive in the world they are inhabiting, which he\\u2019ll most certainly depart before she does. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWithout giving any spoilers, this is the premise of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.andrewkrivak.com\\\/book\\\/the-bear\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EAndrew Krivak\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA group of four artists read \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E as a part of Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota\\u0027s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E What stood out to them was the enduring, omnipresent role that sky and land held throughout. So they set out to create an homage to the terrestrial and celestial characters in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith support from \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.spiritroom.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Spirit Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Fargo-based community arts nonprofit, the group created two art films, each roughly 15 minutes long. One centered on the sky while another focused on the land, but both were shown on an unexpected screen: \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/msumplanetarium?lang=en\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinnesota State University Moorhead\\u2019s Planetarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6320,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ebaf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAstrophotographer Mike Abramyan and Doug Harbin, a composer and assistant professor at Moorhead\\u2019s Concordia College, teamed up to tackle the sky portion of the book\\u2019s interpretation. \\u201cOne of the things Mike and I talked about while we were working was how it would feel if you were the last people on earth, how there wouldn\\u2019t be all these distractions that we think of today. We really wanted to create a sense of isolation and solitude,\\u201d Harbin explains.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAbramyan\\u2019s work naturally lends itself well to the task. He travels the world taking long-exposure images of the night sky. \\u201cWith time lapses like this, one night of shooting takes about 12 hours and ends up only being a minute or two of footage, so I had to shoot quite a bit to fill this project,\\u201d Abramyan says. He sent Harbin footage of the time lapses he was taking as he developed them to inspire the musical component.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom there, Harbin sourced sound inspiration from NASA\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nasa.gov\\\/archives\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epublic archives\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that host, among other content, sounds recorded from a region of the Milky Way called Cygnus. He paired that with recordings that Abramyan shared with him from his desolate locations. In the end, \\u201call of the sounds I used were generated from source material from the NASA website,\\u201d Harbin says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6310,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec00\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec14\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOnce their work was complete, their film\\u2014alongside the land-based one created by Gabrielle Cerberville and Carter Rice that focused on imagery of nature taking over man-made structures\\u2014was shown at the planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays across September and October of last year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe tricky thing was that we knew it would be projected on the [planetarium\\u2019s] dome, but that it would also be shown on regular, rectangular screens as well. So while the time lapses were shot in 360, in the end we did a rectangular, 16 x 9 film,\\u201d Abramyan says. \\u201cStill, it was really wide when people were in there experiencing it, so it was extremely immersive. It was a really special kind of unplugging from the rest of the world.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn the final October 8th showing, the planetarium hosted an artist talk with all four artists sandwiched by two showings of their work. \\u201cIt was cool to sit there with people who had just seen the film and see their initial reactions. They also had great, specific questions about how it was shot and the artistic process,\\u201d Abramyan adds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany of the audience members had read the book, so they had really insightful questions about how the work related to it,\\u201d Harbin recalls. It was a full-circle moment for him, too. \\u201cFor me, having childhood memories of going to the planetarium as a kid, filled with excitement from sitting through one of those shows as a kid\\u2026 I hope that\\u2019s what we encapsulated with this project.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6314,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6315,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6313,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6319,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec31\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We really wanted to create a sense of isolation and solitude. How would it feel if you were the last people on earth?\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Doug Harbin, Composer\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea118ec48\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002253px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:53px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-about-the-bear\\u0022\\u003EAbout The Bear \\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Bear\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E by author Andrew Krivak is a post-apocalyptic fable by New England author Andrew Krivak about a father and daughter, the last two people on Earth, who live off the land at the foot of a mountain. When the daughter finds herself lost and alone, a bear appears to lead her back home.\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/#\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=dxzwjFJPvAo\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=dxzwjFJPvAo\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-about-the-nea-big-read\\u0022\\u003EAbout the NEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Spirt Room\\u0027s collaboration with the Minnesota State University Moorhead\\u2019s Planetarium. was made possible in part by the the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.arts.gov\\\/initiatives\\\/nea-big-read\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis national program helps communities realize the benefits of reading together. Each year, grants are given to about 75 community reading programs around the country to create events and opportunities for their community to read and discuss one book together. Since 2006, more than 1,600\\u0026nbsp;NEA\\u0026nbsp;Big Read programs have taken place in every U.S. state.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The Bear. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1536x863.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-2048x1151.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A still from Cygnus with Title, an art film by Mike Abramyan and Doug Harbin that was screened at a Fargo planetarium. \",\"date\":\"2024-03-11 14:57:14\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 11, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":586,\"name\":\"Cinnamon 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-1536x863.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Screen-Shot-2024-03-07-at-2.23.10-PM-2048x1151.png 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/inspired-by-a-book-these-artists-made-a-planetarium-their-screen\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Inspired By a Book, These Artists Made a Planetarium Their Screen\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Two art films, one focused on land and another an homage to the sky, were inspired by Andrew Krivak\\u2019s The Bear. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":200098,\"participants\":13495,\"grants\":7,\"communities\":8},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7091,\"title\":\"Once the \\u2018Jazz Corridor of the Midwest,\\u2019 Akron is Cementing Its Place in Jazz Culture\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAkron, Ohio has been a hotbed for jazz in the Midwest since the 1930s. Its central location between bigger cities like New York and Chicago made it a perfect stop for traveling musicians. Many renowned artists, including Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, performed in Akron as they passed through; but there was also a thriving local scene, the roots of which can still be felt today.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor much of the 20\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century, Akron was an industrial powerhouse. People flocked to the \\u201cRubber Capital of the World\\u201d in search of jobs causing the population to jump, growing from 70,000 in 1910 to nearly 210,000 by 1920. Akron\\u2019s Black population increased eightfold in that time, and many of them settled along Howard Street between Downtown and West Akron.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-where-it-all-began\\u0022\\u003EWhere It All Began\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis neighborhood \\u2013 dubbed \\u201cLittle Harlem\\u201d \\u2013 became the center of the business and entertainment district along Howard Street, with Black-owned hotels, restaurants, clubs, barbershops, and beauty salons that served the tight knit community. According to the \\u003Cem\\u003EOhio Informer\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, Akron\\u2019s short lived Black newspaper, there was always music and dancing at the clubs down \\u201cRhythm Row\\u201d from the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/locations\\\/cosmopolitan\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECosmopolitan\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, to the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/locations\\\/hi-hat-cafe\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHi-Hat Club\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, to Benny Rivers, just to name a few.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7092,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e600b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy the late 1960s the rubber industry was dwindling and much of Howard Street, like the rest of Akron, was in decline. A 1968 \\u201curban renewal\\u201d project to build a highway spur linking Akron to the larger interstate network would seal the fate of Howard Street. Construction on the Innerbelt began in 1970, resulting in the destruction of the predominantly Black neighborhood within the decade. Adding salt to the proverbial wound, the project was never fully completed and is now mostly abandoned. In 2023, the City of Akron issued an \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.akronohio.gov\\\/news_detail_T17_R56.php\\u0022\\u003Eapology\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for the lasting harm the project caused for generations of Akronites.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe loss of the Howard Street neighborhood was devastating but it was not the end of the jazz scene. It lived on in small clubs and church basements, and through the people who continued to play anywhere they could.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7097,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7096,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7095,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e6060\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-where-it-lives-on\\u0022\\u003EWhere It Lives On\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Justin Tibbs, a local saxophonist and composer, was a teenager in the 2000s his mom snuck him into a blues bar where he met local legends Jim Noel, Waymon \\u201cPunchy\\u201d Atkinson, and Donald Stembridge.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cGrowing up, I always had to ask one of the legendary guys, \\u2018where\\u2019s the jam session at?\\u2019, and it would be in some church somewhere. We would go there and play tunes and watch \\u2018em all play. I didn\\u2019t know how big they were,\\u201d Tibbs said of his early experiences. This exposure led Tibbs to enroll in The University of Akron in 2006, later joining the Jazz Studies program.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7093,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The University of Akron Jazz Ensemble has a direct link to Howard Street. It began in 1978, under the direction of Roland Paolucci, a jazz pianist who played on Howard Street in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He led the program for 22 years before Jack Schantz, a UA graduate and jazz trumpeter, took over for the next 20 years.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe program continues today, co-chaired by Theron Brown, a jazz pianist and two-time UA graduate. Brown moved from Zanesville, Ohio in 2005, unaware of Akron\\u2019s jazz history and Howard Street until about 2009, \\u201cThat\\u2019s when I just \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eheard\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e of the names like Punchy Atkinson and Jimmy Noel.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBrown was part of a Howard Street tribute concert in 2019 at BLU Jazz+, one of Akron\\u2019s premier live jazz venues. He played with 91-year-old Jimmy Noel for the first time, only months before his death. Brown reflected, \\u201cThat\\u2019s when I really woke up... There is literally nobody else that can tell the story. We need to go out and find out ... there\\u2019s a spirit in the air for this music, there\\u2019s a vibe, you can call it whatever you want.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt was similar for Tibbs, who grew up in Akron, \\u201cI would talk with them, and they would tell me stories\\u2026 And I wish I would have had an iPhone at that time to record everything because it\\u2019s gone to history... It\\u2019s sad that history is gone, but I feel like I\\u0027m a part of it in a way because I know their story.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e608b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-jazz-for-the-future\\u0022\\u003EJazz for the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis sentiment has been shared in recent years as more attention than ever is being paid to this era of history. In 2016, Brown started the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival to celebrate Akron\\u2019s musical legacy. Now in its ninth year, it has grown into a cultural festival featuring dance, performance art, digital art, and a celebration of Black musical traditions.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-665f58e9e60b4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents at The University of Akron are now further documenting this history with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greenbookcleveland.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGreen Book Cleveland Project\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, started by Mark Souther of Cleveland State University with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in 2021. The restorative history project is rooted in the \\u201cNegro Motorist Greenbook\\u201d published between 1936 and 1966 for Black travelers and documents the entertainment, leisure, and recreation sites available at the time.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to his Jazz Studies courses, Brown recently co-taught a project-based class with Dr. Hillary Nunn, called \\u201c\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sites.google.com\\\/zips.uakron.edu\\\/round-howard-street\\\/home\\u0022\\u003ERound Howard Street: Telling the Story of Akron Jazz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u201d in which students studied jazz culture in connection with the City of Akron to bring about a fuller understanding of its Black History.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Brown and Tibbs credit The University of Akron for fostering an environment for young musicians to meet and play together. \\u201cI wouldn\\u2019t know any of my buddies that play if it wasn\\u2019t for that. It centralized the community in a space even though Howard [Street] didn\\u2019t exist,\\u201d Brown said. Tibbs similarly reflected, \\u201cIt\\u2019s a whole new generation of musicians... that play original music\\u201d. Brown and Tibbs are just two of many musicians playing in the area, all of whom will tell you that Akron still has a unique sound.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/once-the-jazz-corridor-of-the-midwest-akron-is-cementing-its-place-in-jazz-culture\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7098,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022618\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pete Diggs Band at the Cosmopolitan, c. 1945, The Horace and Evelyn Stewart Photograph Collection, The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-04 13:58:08\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 4, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":627,\"name\":\"Rose Vance-Grom\",\"slug\":\"rose-vance-grom\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":627,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Rose Vance-Grom\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022824\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022824\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An archival black and white photo of an all-Black band on stage with the musicians playing different instruments.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-1024x824.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage-768x618.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/2-Cosmo-stage.jpg 1280w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/once-the-jazz-corridor-of-the-midwest-akron-is-cementing-its-place-in-jazz-culture\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Once the \\u2018Jazz Corridor of the Midwest,\\u2019 Akron is Cementing Its Place in Jazz Culture\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              After the impacts of dwindling industry and a failed highway project, jazz is seeing a revival with help from local musicians, students and university.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6152,\"title\":\"This Ohio Studio Makes Iconic Letterpress Prints for Renowned Musicians\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers lies historic Marietta, Ohio. In the southeastern part of the state, it\\u2019s one of the few parts of the Midwest that intersects with Appalachia; making the city a confluence of cultures, too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the heart of Marietta\\u2019s riverfront downtown is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.justajar.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EJustAJar Design Press\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a letterpress studio run by husband and wife team Sara and Bobby Rosenstock. Together, they create event posters, greeting cards, fine art prints, and more by pairing 150+-year-old wood and metal type with intricate hand-carved wood blocks made in-house. Every print run is signed and numbered, and when they\\u2019re gone, they\\u2019re gone\\u2014the couple makes artistic trays, furniture, and other useful items from the wood blocks they no longer print from.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIt\\u2019s not like a Photoshop filter that you click to make things look worn. \\u2026 It\\u2019s worn because this piece of type was in a print shop somewhere in Ohio in the mid-1800s.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BOBBY ROSENSTOCK, JUSTAJAR DESIGN PRESS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf16440\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6179,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf16498\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6180,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBobby is a classically trained artist who first sketches out the designs in pencil, then follows the lines on tracing paper so he can reverse the design (necessary for printing) and apply the design to the birch plywood he uses for carving. If the print requires type, JustAJar has nearly 200 cases of wood and metal type ranging from small 8-point height to letters six inches tall. Each color has to have its own separate woodcut, so given the level of detail, most people would limit the color palette to two or three at most. Bobby is known for using at least four and sometimes going up to seven. Depending on the number of colors used and how much hand-carved detail is needed, a print run could take 40 hours or as many as 100 hours to finish.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to co-running JustAJar, Sara is also a professor of graphic design at Marietta College and uses her technical skills to apply the designs to the digital sphere. With her expertise, JustAJar\\u2019s designs go beyond paper and can be seen on t-shirts, product packaging, websites, and more. Besides being married, the two are perfectly paired in the business\\u2014blending the artistic printing techniques of the past with the demands of an increasingly digital world.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJustAJar\\u2019s artistry has become such an iconic style, particularly in the world of show posters, that musicians from around the country regularly seek out their services. They\\u2019ve made concert posters for Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Soundgarden, Shovels and Rope, and many more, as well as posters for music festivals. That includes the famous Nelsonville Music Festival, which takes place just an hour west of the shop.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164c7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6181,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6182,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6183,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6184,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:6185,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164e7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you happen to stop by on a day they\\u2019re printing, you might just get to see their Vandercook SP20 Proof Press from the 1960s or their Chandler \\u0026amp; Price foot pedal-operated press from the 1880s in action. (Even the paper cutter is from the 1890s.) While these machines\\u2014mostly solid cast iron and, in the case of the Vandercook, weighing nearly a ton\\u2014certainly make reproductions easier, they\\u2019re still largely manual. They\\u2019re direct descendants of the Gutenberg printing press invented around 1440 and still require feeding the paper into the machine by hand and hand cranking the gears to make the press function.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile working with such old machines has its challenges, it also lends JustAJar its iconic aesthetic that can\\u2019t simply be replicated by digital means. As Bobby told Woodcraft Supply, one of the oldest businesses in the U.S. selling woodworking tools, on their \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.woodcraft.com\\\/blog_entries\\\/21st-century-printing-with-age-old-art-forms\\u0022\\u003Eblog\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cIt\\u2019s not like a Photoshop filter that you click to make things look worn. \\u2026 It\\u2019s worn because this piece of type was in a print shop somewhere in Ohio in the mid-1800s.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3YbsLgLVydE?si=rJmfPeWA6dAYQzY6\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/3YbsLgLVydE?si=rJmfPeWA6dAYQzY6\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe making of the poster for Billy Strings in June 2023. A seven-color woodcut poster, printed on a Vandercook SP20. Video courtesy Bobby Rosenstock\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShops that blend fine art and commercial printing like JustAJar are few and far between. The equipment is rare since much of it hasn\\u2019t been manufactured for the better part of a century. The massive and heavy equipment requires space and the means to move it. Should the equipment break down, it\\u2019s not uncommon to have to hire a machinist if you can\\u2019t figure out the problem yourself and even have the needed parts that are no longer made specially fabricated. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd that\\u2019s to say nothing of the immense amount of patience and technical skills required to be able to make a high-quality print. If a piece of type is even a fraction of a centimeter too short, the ink won\\u2019t reach it and won\\u2019t transfer to the paper. If the design isn\\u2019t locked in tightly, the blocks could shift and throw off the entire print.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENowadays, most printing shops screenprint or work almost entirely with digital tools, so letterpress shops like JustAJar keep this traditional art alive and inspire generations to come to do the same. As Bobby says on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.justajar.com\\\/about-bobby\\u0022\\u003EJustAJar\\u0027s website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cWe don\\u2019t teach formal workshops, but if someone walks in the door and wants to learn to print, I invite them in, and we make a print together. It happens often.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633e6cf164f9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-ohio-studio-makes-iconic-letterpress-prints-for-renowned-musicians\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6176,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 15%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Sara and Bobby Rosenstock of JustAJar Design Press in Marietta, Ohio, manually print using hand-carved wood blocks and hand-set type on their antique printing presses.\",\"date\":\"2024-02-27 18:59:39\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 27, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall full of letterpress posters. They are colorful, have bold lettering, and some depict animals. There is a table in front of the wall with stationary and other tools.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 15%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/02\\\/IMG_0129-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-ohio-studio-makes-iconic-letterpress-prints-for-renowned-musicians\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Ohio Studio Makes Iconic Letterpress Prints for Renowned Musicians\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              JustAJar Design Press in Marietta keeps the art of letterpress alive by making event posters, greeting cards, and fine art prints using a centuries-old art form.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7273,\"title\":\"Visiting Ohio\\u2019s Otherworld is a Road Trip to Another Dimension\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHave you ever wanted to star in a sci-fi adventure, meeting creatures from outside the bounds of imagination? Have you ever wanted to touch the artwork in a museum? Did you imagine it would respond when you did so? Nine miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio\\u2014in a surreally reimagined corner of an abandoned shopping mall\\u2014you can do all of this, and more. Welcome to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.otherworld.com\\\/main\\\/home-ohio\\u0022\\u003EOtherworld\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFive years ago, Otherworld\\u2019s Ohio-raised founder Jordan Renda took the skills he\\u2019d learned from designing haunted houses and escape rooms, and converted a former Office Max store into an experience unlike any other. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a place where people can interact with art,\\u201d Otherworld\\u2019s General Manager Jon Stewart says. \\u201cNot just looking at it; they can touch, feel, and play with it.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s kind of like a \\u003Cem\\u003Echoose your own adventure\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E art exhibit,\\u201d Otherworld\\u2019s Lead Props and Scenic Fabricator Ira Tecson explains.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cIf you follow parts of the storyline, you\\u0027re a beta tester going into a sleep study. And then you\\u2019re traveling from one experience to the next.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JON STEWART, GENERAL MANAGER, OTHERWORLD\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c84a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7278,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8501\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 40 artists worked to turn the 32,000 square-foot space into an immersive\\u2014and evolving\\u2014 experience, designed to delight kids and adults in equal measures, with a story slowly unfurling through nearly 50 unique rooms.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you follow parts of the storyline, you\\u0027re a beta tester going into a sleep study. And then you\\u2019re traveling from one experience to the next,\\u201d Stewart explains. Whether visitors decide to begin by walking through a science lab, or studying clues in a janitor\\u2019s closet, they become part of an expansive tale. Throughout their visit, guests encounter puzzles and places that Stewart says \\u201cmakes the art interact with you.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8510\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7276,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidwest creatives have played a crucial role in the space from its inception. Tecson uses the skills she obtained studying sculpture at The Ohio State University to build the exhibition\\u2019s fantastical scenes, including a giant tree that anchors its center. Stewart\\u2014an Indiana native\\u2014joined the team after a stint working on cruise ships. And other local artists help keep the space dynamic, frequently refreshing and redesigning rooms. Tecson says that sometimes, \\u201can artist will have an idea, and then we help them kind of execute their vision.\\u201d Area muralists have painted interior walls, and Columbus DJs have been invited to play music during special events.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis unique redevelopment could be an innovative model for \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Dead_mall\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eghost malls\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e nationwide. A 2023 study published in the blog of financial company IPX1031 notes that \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ipx1031.com\\\/americas-abandoned-malls-data-2023\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e68% of Americans live within an hour of a dead mall\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and other experts predict \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.businessinsider.com\\\/american-mall-decline-150-left-10-years-how-many-2022-10\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe nation could have just 150 malls left by the early 2030s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn contrast, Otherworld\\u2019s popularity is having a positive impact on local businesses, with a new indoor bounce playground opening up in another corner of the old shopping center, and a nearby seafood restaurant offering discounts to Otherworld\\u2019s customers.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c8542\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA second location opened last summer in Philadelphia, and the team hints that there\\u2019s more to come, though they\\u2019re coy about the plans\\u2014not surprising for a group that\\u2019s mastered the art of the unexpected. In the meantime, a visit to the original Columbus location is well worth a drive this summer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7280,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7277,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7279,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7275,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7281,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66747b49c856a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/visiting-ohios-otherworld-is-a-road-trip-to-another-dimension\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7274,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022521\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An art installation depicting a room with glow-in-dark decorative accents and light fixtures. There is a walkway through a tree stump-like work.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1536x1041.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-2048x1389.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Forest, an installation experience at Otherworld located near Columbus, Ohio.\",\"date\":\"2024-06-20 15:56:13\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 20, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":662,\"name\":\"Linda Lee Baird\",\"slug\":\"linda-lee-baird\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":662,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Linda Lee Baird\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022694\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An art installation depicting a room with glow-in-dark decorative accents and light fixtures. 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There is a walkway through a tree stump-like work.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1024x694.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-768x521.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-1536x1041.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/06\\\/OTHERWORLD-Sept2022-23-1-2048x1389.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/visiting-ohios-otherworld-is-a-road-trip-to-another-dimension\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Visiting Ohio\\u2019s Otherworld is a Road Trip to Another Dimension\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artists have turned an abandoned 32,000 square-feet retail space into an immersive, playful experience like no other.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":336058,\"participants\":66718,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":16},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":7547,\"title\":\"Rewriting an Art Form for Indigenous Youth in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn the five-acre campus of the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lakotayouth.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECheyenne River Youth Project\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (CRYP), a unique, community-wide graffiti art event\\u2014the first and only in Indian Country\\u2014aims for more than just the walls. Located in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Reservation (one of nine Native Nations in the state), the organization has focused on providing youth with opportunities to get creative, develop healthy habits, work together, and learn new skills since its inception in 1988.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExecutive Director Julie Garreau, who has been with CRYP since the beginning, is no stranger to balancing numerous aspects of the program. On the day Garreau spoke to me from her office, she and the CRYP team were preparing to welcome artists from around the nation\\u2014and this year, New Zealand\\u2014to kick off the tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201c[RedCan Graffiti Jam] a risky kind of project to initiate, but I feel like with CRYP we really understand kids, and you\\u0027ve got to take some risks sometimes to keep them interested and motivated and you have to do things very differently.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JULIE GARREAU\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2886\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:7549,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:7551,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:7555,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:7557,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:7556,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:7553,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:6,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2905\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFar more than just an art showcase, RedCan promotes collaboration and community initiatives through pairing artists with teen interns of a CRYP Lakota Art Fellow. \\u201cCRYP created the Lakota Art Fellowship in 2019 so it could provide opportunities for teens on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation who have an interest in pursuing careers in the arts, and who have completed multiple internships through the nonprofit youth project\\u2019s dedicated art institute,\\u201d says communications director Heather Steinberger.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAn Evolving Event\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nGarreau remembers RedCan as \\u201ca risky kind of project to initiate, but I feel like with CRYP we really understand kids, and you\\u0027ve got to take some risks sometimes to keep them interested and motivated and you have to do things very differently.\\\\u0022\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nStarting with the evening they arrive, the artists enjoy a traditional Lakota meal of buffalo soup, wojapi (a berry sauce), and fry bread. The four-day event, which\\u00a0 includes performances, skateboard painting, music, and community meals, serves to not only engage but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ekeep\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e kids\\u2019 attention while celebrating Lakota identity and culture.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, buildings in the mural lineup included the animal shelter, veterans building, radio station, and food pantry. Garreau takes time to discuss with the artists what the buildings are used for and their history within the community. Murals are also installed in the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park, an open-air space where a series of wooden panels, shipping containers, and walls host constantly revolving graffiti compositions.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022 data-testid=\\\\u0022notifications-container\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2a67\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EReturning artists include, among many others: East, an artist of Cherokee descent from Denver; CYFI, a Yaqui and Azteca artist from Minneapolis; and Natasha Martinez, a.k.a. Rezmo, a Din\\u00e9 and Mexic\\u00e1 artist currently living in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona. New to the event this year are M\\u0101ori artists Phat1 and Lady Diva, from Aotearoa (New Zealand); Midwestern artist Brady Scott; and Kansas-born Ponca artist Amp.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7550,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2a98\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-celebrating-connections\\u0022\\u003ECelebrating Connections\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/rezmoski\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERezmo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E had just arrived in Eagle Butte when in an email she wrote, \\u201cWhat I look forward to the most this year is painting in the community and making connections with the community members that come out and talk to us throughout the week.\\u201d At home in Arizona, she works in youth services and teaches art to kids ranging from pre-K age to teens, so partnering up with interns and young artists at RedCan sparks her energy. \\u201cIt makes me happy to teach them and share what I know,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-69b0f1cbe2aa4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGarreau relates a story she heard from artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hokaskenandore.com\\\/home.html\\u0022\\u003EHoka Skenandore\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Lakota artist who painted a mural spelling \\u201cLakota\\u201d in both the Lakota language and in sign language, depicting each letter in hands of varying skin tones. \\u201cHe said, this little boy came up to him and was watching him for a while,\\u201d Garreau shares. \\u201cThen the little boy went up to the mural and put his hand on the wall. And he said, \\u2018Huh, just like me.\\u2019 That\\u0027s the other part of this, right? Seeing yourself in these spaces and knowing that you are part of this, you know that this is for you\\u2014for us.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/944666762\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/944666762\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rewriting-an-art-form-for-indigenous-youth-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7554,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Kids of varying ages hold spray paint cans and add to graffiti art on a wall in front of them.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1.jpg 2000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Children participate in mural painting in the Waniyetu Wowapi Art Park, where they\\u2019re taught how to use spray cans and given freedom to express themselves on the walls.\",\"date\":\"2024-08-01 15:51:57\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 1, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Kids of varying ages hold spray paint cans and add to graffiti art on a wall in front of them.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Kids-1.jpg 2000w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rewriting-an-art-form-for-indigenous-youth-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rewriting an Art Form for Indigenous Youth in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The tenth annual RedCan Graffiti Jam invites national and international artists to the Cheyenne River Reservation.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6978,\"title\":\"Rural Libraries Connect the Heartland, One Book Chat at a Time\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn a Saturday morning in late January, a group of rural South Dakotans had a conversation that spanned generations. From memories of an era of farm foreclosures to what it takes to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and abuse, the Zoom conversation between three Britton, South Dakota community members and two librarians \\u2014 one from Britton and one from the larger town of Aberdeen \\u2014 covered a wide stretch of uncommon ground, all sparked by a book.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ea96\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAberdeen\\u2019s K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library used their \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E grant funding to facilitate conversations about the thorny terrain covered in Sarah Smarsh\\u2019s 2018 memoir \\u003Cem\\u003EHeartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Eacross rural communities that resemble those of the author\\u2019s childhood. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom the perch of childhood, Smarsh\\u2019s memoir takes place across a backdrop of farm foreclosures that swept the Midwest during the \\u201880s and \\u201890s. \\u201cShe talked a lot about the challenges of poverty and her mom being in and out of abusive relationships. That\\u2019s pretty typical of rural America. A lot of women stay with their husbands because they don\\u2019t know where else to go. It really resonated with some of our participants,\\u201d says Sonya Lang, director of Britton Public Library.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere are more people in abusive relationships than I think people realize. It\\u2019s come to the forefront more in society, but it\\u2019s discussed more on the eastern and western costs than it is in the Midwest. We\\u2019re a very stoic people. We don\\u2019t share our problems,\\u201d Lang adds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy setting up a sign about the Big Read and offering interested community members access to 10 copies of Heartland, the library facilitated rare but moving conversations. \\u201cThis book brought up a lot of discussion about differences between the generations,\\u201d Lang adds. \\u201cWe talked a lot about educational opportunities. In rural America, we just don\\u2019t have the same opportunities that they do in bigger schools, even those in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. It\\u2019s difficult to find teachers and paraprofessionals.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBritton was just one of the five communities that held discussions about Heartland in collaboration with Aberdeen\\u2019s library.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn February, the Faulk County Library in Faulkton, South Dakota had a similarly illuminating conversation about the book.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a very small, older community. A lot of our residents have lived their entire lives here,\\u201d explains Holly Demery, director of Faulk County Library. Places like Faulkton are exactly the kinds of places Smarsh wrote about in her book, which is perhaps why the discussions cut across generations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It was a very down to earth, honest discussion of what people\\u2019s thoughts and ideas were on the book.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022HOLLY DEMERY, FAULK COUNTY LIBRARY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ec64\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6980,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6981,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6982,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-664ce2a57ee58\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002244px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:44px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFaulk County\\u2019s Big Read conversation included Demery, who is in her 30s, a community member in their late 50s, and another in their late 60s. \\u201cWe had three different generations in one room discussing the same material,\\u201d Demery says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAcross both discussions, not everyone loved the book. But that, Demery says, is exactly why the discussions were so important. Conversations that traverse politics, economics, and abuse can be polarizing, but instead the trio had a lovely and deeply civil conversation created by cross-generational perspectives. \\u201cIt was a very down to earth, honest discussion of what people\\u2019s thoughts and ideas were on the book,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd that \\u2014 no matter where you are, from big coastal cities to small rural towns \\u2014 just doesn\\u2019t happen every day.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-libraries-connect-the-heartland-one-book-chat-at-a-time\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6979,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022633\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A woman sitting on top of a vintage desk in a well-lit room.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, 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5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1536x1267.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022845\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A woman sitting on top of a vintage desk in a well-lit room.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 8%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1024x845.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-300x247.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-768x633.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh-1536x1267.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/05\\\/Sarah-Smarsh.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-libraries-connect-the-heartland-one-book-chat-at-a-time\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rural Libraries Connect the Heartland, One Book Chat at a Time\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sarah Smarsh\\u0027s 2018 memoir Heartland, a book about rural issues, was discussed in rural communities across South Dakota.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5845,\"title\":\"Meet South Dakotan Baxter Badure, A Handmade Saddle-Maker\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBaxter Badure says that making saddles was a craft born of necessity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m not a good bronc rider but I\\u2019ve rode enough of \\u2018em,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThe right saddle can really make a difference.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure was a young hand working on the Triangle ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills when he purchased a saddle built by famed South Dakota saddle-maker Jerry Croft. It cost him $3,000, and, he said, \\u201cI only made about $6,000 a year in those days.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Triangle used only horses for all of their cattle work and would run a wagon for spring brandings and fall roundup. \\u201cWe were way out there in the middle of nowhere,\\u201d Badure said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDrawing pictures and doing leatherwork laid a foundation for the ornately tooled\\u2014with intricate designs made by hand\\u2014saddles Badure is now known for making.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022If you build your own saddle, you can get just what you want. It may not be perfect the first time, but you can always take it apart and rebuild it.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BAXTER BADURE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba14c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5851,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5849,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5848,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5846,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5850,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba19e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E \\u201cWhen I spent the evening in the bunkhouse I laid on my bedroll and drew pictures of bronc riders and stuff, we didn\\u2019t have TV,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cI always could draw a little bit. I like to make my saddles heavily tooled.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EInspired by the saddle he bought from Croft, Badure started building saddles on his own. He took apart saddles to see how they were put together, read books, studied saddles in museums, and looked at other people\\u2019s work.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cJerry Croft helped me out a lot when I started,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cHe gave me a list of stuff I needed.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECroft learned his trade from R.C. \\u201cBob\\u201d Fox after purchasing Fox Saddlery in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, in 1975. He went on to build over 1,000 saddles, including saddles for Tom Selleck\\u2019s westerns, starting with \\u003Cem\\u003EQuigley Down Under\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5847,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBadure\\u2019s saddles are built for riding in rough country, designed to make long hours in the saddle comfortable and safe for horse and rider. Aspects of historic Miles City, Hamley and Visalia saddles as well as Croft\\u2019s saddles have all been incorporated into Badure\\u2019s design.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhen I built my first saddle I didn\\u2019t know a nice seat wrap from a bad one but it rode good,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI have used whatever I find eye appealing from other saddlemakers and blended pieces of their styles together into my own. Over time you get your own style.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHe is happy to customize the seat for each customer, but he said that he sticks to ranch saddles.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI build a saddle that will function out on the ranch,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThis is the style I\\u2019ve always used, and the kind of saddle that the people around me ride. In this country, when we take off in the morning, we might trot a horse for 30 miles in the day. We might need to rope a bull. We need a saddle that won\\u2019t gall a horse and one that will withstand the strain of holding that bull.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBadure says that it may take him three years to build a saddle. He has his workshop set up in the basement, and works on projects after putting in a full day of ranch work.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI\\u2019m pretty slow,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI don\\u2019t have a sewing machine either, so I\\u2019m limited to what I can do with my hand tools.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba1d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECurrently ranching near Belvidere, South Dakota, Badure has made 90-some saddles since he started, mostly for friends and neighbors. He has also built a special saddle every year since 2000, commissioned by the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA)\\u2014a non-profit organization that represents U.S. cattle and sheep producers on domestic and international trade and marketing issues. R-CALF USA\\u2019s membership consists primarily of cow-calf producers, cattle backgrounders, and feeders, many of whom spend time in the saddle on a regular basis.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBaxter\\u2019s commitment and dedication is a real blessing; it is unprecedented to have one person who has been that devoted and committed to this organization in such a meaningful, artful way,\\u201d said Bill Bullard, R-CALF CEO. \\u201cHe\\u2019s a true artist, and his contribution to us is priceless.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5852,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba1f6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure is still finding new challenges with each project, and says, \\u201cYou learn things as you go. Every time I tool another flower, I try to make it turn out better than the last one.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure also builds various other cowboy leather gear, including batwing chaps and old style bridles. He looked at historical photographs to build himself a pair of Angora chaps to wear when he rides in the winter. He has also built buckskin gauntlets, which his wife decorated with beadwork.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStill, he says, building saddles is a nice little hobby.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you build your own saddle, you can get just what you want,\\u201d Badure said. \\u201cIt may not be perfect the first time, but you can always take it apart and rebuild it.\\u201d He does feel that it\\u2019s important to be able to criticize his own work, and says, \\u201cI show people where I screwed up.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBadure said that he had an incredible response to pictures of last year\\u2019s R-CALF saddle that his daughter shared online. He knows there\\u2019s a market out there for his saddles if he chose to spend more time building them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor now, he prefers to stay in the saddle.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI\\u2019m not so old and decrepit yet that I need to build saddles full time,\\u201d he said. \\u201cI\\u2019ll keep chasing cows for a while.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ec55ba201\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-south-dakotan-baxter-badure-a-handmade-saddle-maker\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5848,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022953\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An ornately designed leather saddle with hand-carved patterns of flowers and a drawing of a rider on a horse.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-242x300.jpg 242w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg 825w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-1238x1536.jpg 1238w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n.jpg 1650w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Badure\\u2019s saddles are built for riding in rough country, designed to make long hours in the saddle comfortable and safe for horse and rider. \",\"date\":\"2024-01-18 16:37:48\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 18, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":529,\"name\":\"Ruth Wiechmann\",\"slug\":\"ruth-wiechmann\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":529,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ruth Wiechmann\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022825\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An ornately designed leather saddle with hand-carved patterns of flowers and a drawing of a rider on a horse.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-825x1024.jpg 825w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-242x300.jpg 242w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-768x953.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n-1238x1536.jpg 1238w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/370228478_1023968542210579_4802596304814906073_n.jpg 1650w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-south-dakotan-baxter-badure-a-handmade-saddle-maker\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet South Dakotan Baxter Badure, A Handmade Saddle-Maker\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Inspired as a young ranch hand, Baxter considers saddle-making a \\u201cnice little hobby\\u201d as he spends evenings after full days of ranching to craft distinct hand-tooled saddles. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":173684,\"participants\":11170,\"grants\":8,\"communities\":12},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5959,\"title\":\"In Wisconsin, Glimpse Into Artist-Built Environments From Around the World\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI recently drove to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to visit one of two world-class art museums there. Even if you\\u2019ve never heard of Sheboygan, you probably know its neighboring town, Kohler\\u2014if only because you\\u2019ve washed your hands in a sink made there. A short drive north of Milwaukee, Sheboygan is home to around 50,000 residents and also happens to be an incredible location for a couple of phenomenal art destinations: the John Michael Kohler Art Center (JMKAC) and its new \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/art-preserve\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Preserve\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a one-of-a-kind museum.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Art Preserve opened in June 2021 as a permanent home for a very special kind of collection: art environments. An art environment may be defined as many things, from studios to living spaces that artists transform into immersive experiences. This museum houses diverse pieces by self-taught artists, from large-scale, kinetic sculptures built from old farm implements to hundreds of miniature wooden animals in tiny boxes to an entire house coated top-to-bottom in glitter and garland by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/bowlin-loy\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Rhinestone Cowboy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5962,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9b9fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe preservation of arts environments, including local artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/mary-nohl\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMary Nohl\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, was long championed by art collector and supporter Ruth DeYoung Kohler II (1941-2020). The director of the JMKAC from 1972 to 2016, Kohler grew the arts center from a local destination into an internationally-recognized institution for contemporary art, the work of vernacular artists, and art-environment builders.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cRuth saw the arts as a driver of positive social change, upholding the pillars of diversity, inclusiveness, and community involvement,\\u201d reads a tribute in the art center\\u2019s magazine. She knew that stewarding and preserving the work of underrepresented artists was paramount to furthering that broader mission and promoting inquiry and experimentation.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9ba3f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-commune-with-immortal-beings-or-be-transported-in-the-healing-machine\\u0022\\u003ECommune with Immortal Beings or Be Transported in \\u2018The Healing Machine\\u2019\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow that the Art Preserve\\u2019s spaces are filled with eclectic, revolving, and sometimes mind-bogglingly expansive displays, visitors can explore work by artists with diverse backgrounds, motivations, and inspirations, primarily from the U.S. and as far as Chandigarh, India\\u2014the concrete \\u201cimmortal beings\\u201d of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/chand-nek\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENek Chand\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E are phenomenal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe magic of this museum is that, in an age of digitally-simulated, immersive experiences and Tik Tok-savvy participatory venues, there\\u2019s something ultimately so refreshing about immersing oneself in the utterly analog. It\\u2019s a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes\\u2014and whose collections would have been dismantled or entirely destroyed if not for this kind of initiative.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5964,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5965,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5966,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5967,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5968,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:5969,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:5970,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:7,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9ba63\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of the installations I\\u2019m consistently drawn to, no matter how many times I\\u2019ve seen pieces of it installed at the main JMKAC location, is\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/blagdon-emery\\\/\\u0022\\u003E Emery Blagdon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EHealing Machine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, an installation originally built in a rural outbuilding on Blagdon\\u2019s property in Garfield Table, Nebraska.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Blagdon was young, he went through a painful period during which he witnessed both of his parents suffer from terminal cancer. In response to that experience, for 30 years, Blagdon was occupied with creating a spiritual place that could channel the healing properties of minerals, electrical fields, and magnetic currents. The sculptures, most of which are suspended from the ceiling, are utterly mesmerizing, as everyday materials like wire and tinfoil twist in the air and reflect the light. Walking through the space, one feels totally transported.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5971,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeading outdoors, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCounterculture, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eone of the season\\u2019s temporary installations that consists of seven cast-concrete figures by\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/exhibition\\\/rose-b-simpson-counterculture\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRose B. Simpson\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, is described in museum literature as a series of \\u201cwitnesses\\u2014reminders that the natural world is continuously watching humanity.\\u201d Part of the JMKAC\\u2019s theme \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/exhibition-theme\\\/considering-kin\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eConsidering Kin\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe sculptures currently stand in wild, wintry field on the art center\\u2019s grounds, not only inhabiting the land but beckoning visitors to move closer, connect with the surroundings, and commune with one another.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe work was created for and originally installed on the ancestral lands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians, in what is now Williamstown, Massachusetts. \\u201cThe sculptures\\u2019 move to Wisconsin traces the path of forced removal experienced by the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, which today is located on their reservation in northeastern Wisconsin, with members also living in other parts of Wisconsin, the United States, and the world.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Museum About Artful Spaces\\u2014Including Museums\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn addition to the artwork itself, as a student of art history and bonafide museum nerd, I admire the Art Preserve\\u2019s ability to bring the viewer into its collections by designing the space as an inside-out museum. Within each exhibition space, flat files and sliding racks chock full of paintings comprise the display units. Not only are we invited into the story of each artist, we\\u2019re invited into the story of how a museum builds and cares for its collection, literally a preserve of art.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9bab2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne significant element that has struck me on both my visits to the space is the architecture of the building. The entryway of large, vertical timber beams is designed to mimic a forest one walks through in order to enter the lobby, hinting at the type of transportative experiences that await within. And the interior is open, spacious, and flexible to accommodate permanent exhibits in addition to rotating presentations that are sometimes very large in scale.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of these temporary installations is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jmkac.org\\\/artist\\\/smith-dr-charles\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Smith\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s vast array of Black figures hand-sculpted from concrete. His figures explore Black experience in the South, where in his home city of New Orleans he experienced childhood incidents of race-based violence, which instilled strong feelings about racism and inequality.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022Within each exhibition space, flat files and sliding racks chock full of paintings comprise the display units. Not only are we invited into the story of each artist, we\\u2019re invited into the story of how a museum builds and cares for its collection, literally a preserve of art.\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9baee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5963,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eb2a9bb02\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter serving in the Vietnam War, Smith purchased a small property in Aurora, Illinois, which became a locus for a burgeoning artistic practice. He first created a concrete archway commemorating the 7,226 African-American soldiers who died during the war, and then gradually covered the entire front of the house and yard with hundreds of memorializing sculptures, naming the site \\u003Cem\\u003EThe African-American Heritage Museum + Black Veterans Archive. \\u003C\\\/em\\u003EWhen Smith decided to relocate the project to Hammond, Louisiana, the Kohler Foundation conserved hundreds of the sculptures, placing many of them in other museum collections.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI\\u2019m such a huge fan of ambitious projects and initiatives in places outside of major urban centers. And especially when they are obviously well-loved, funded, and tended, you feel like you\\u2019re entering a secret place. There\\u2019s an inherent magic of discovery in the experience that is nearly impossible for institutions to pull out of thin air, even with the most compelling artwork or the very best architect signed on. When you layer those things into a unique landscape or community context\\u2014one that both complements and responds to its surroundings\\u2014something really special happens.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-wisconsin-glimpse-into-artist-built-environments-from-around-the-world\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5961,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022510\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 65%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u0027Rhinestone Cowboy\\u0027 Loy Bowlin\\u0027s \\u0027Beautiful Holy Jewel Home\\u0027 (installation detail, view from bedroom toward living room), c. 1985\\u20131990, is part of the artist-built environments collection of the Art Preserve in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.\",\"date\":\"2024-01-30 15:48:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 30, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022681\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A room embellished, ceiling to floor, with multicolor rhinestone in varying patterns. A door leads to another room with similar aesthetics and a wooden box television.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/01\\\/2001_012_0001_v0007-2048x1361.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-wisconsin-glimpse-into-artist-built-environments-from-around-the-world\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Wisconsin, Glimpse Into Artist-Built Environments From Around the World\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sheboygan\\u2019s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":7489,\"title\":\"Building an Indigenous Language Learning Community in Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELanguage is the center-point of any culture. For Indigenous people, keeping and carrying forward their language becomes a decolonial act \\u2014 a reclamation of space.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis has been Laura C. Red Eagle\\u2019s journey. A writer and language enthusiast, Red Eagle is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, whose traditional territories include land in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cLearning the language in a judgment-free zone opens doors into learning about history, the ways of thinking, and being, and what is important, and so much more.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022LAURA RED EAGLE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba79bd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:7491,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRed Eagle grew up in rural Wisconsin with her non-native mother, away from her Ho-chunk communities in the area.\\u00a0During this time, she had trouble navigating her identity, culture, and community. Her father\\u2019s family were fluent Ho-chunk speakers, but they spoke to her in English when they shared space. In high school, Red Eagle decided to start learning her traditional language. She joined a language camp offered by the Ho-chunk community in Black River Falls. This lit the fire to her language-learning journey.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOver the years, she noticed a deep yearning to create community around language learning. Post-secondary education didn\\u2019t offer what she was hoping for. Determined, she decided to gather her own resources.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThese resources were few and far between \\u2014 common for many Indigenous languages. As oral languages, resources weren\\u2019t created until colonial contact. Made by non-speakers, non-native individuals and organizations, complications arose around the control of translations and learning methods, and access to these materials.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eA Space to Share\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRed Eagle tracked down a tape that offered Ho-chunk for colors, numbers, and animals, but she craved to dive deeper.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThen, a timely interaction set the stage for her next chapter of language-learning. At her father\\u2019s funeral, she heard Jon Greendeer (current president of Ho-Chunk Nation) speak in Ho-Chunk. After a conversation, he offered resources and other community members to connect with around the language. The importance of community learning spaces kept surfacing for Red Eagle.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cLearning the language in a judgment-free zone opens doors into learning about history, the ways of thinking, and being, and what is important, and so much more,\\u201d she says.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHer perseverance led to the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/illuminatingdiscovery.wisc.edu\\\/indigenous-language-table\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndigenous Language Table\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) in Madison. It\\u2019s a space for active language practice beyond the classroom. The Indigenous Language Table is a communal gathering that meets once a week. It emphasizes the importance of using the language in everyday conversations.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba7c5a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66a9521ba7c91\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo young Indigenous people and new language learners, Red Eagle says: find a class, build a community, and create spaces for language use.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERed Eagle remains steadfast in creating a supportive community for language learners, even with the struggles of language revitalization work. \\u201cLanguage is ultimately about connecting as human beings and creating a sense of belonging,\\u201d she says. She envisions more Indigenous Language Tables across Wisconsin and beyond. Her story is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to revive and sustain Indigenous languages. Her efforts with the Indigenous Language Table offer a blueprint for creating vibrant language communities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-an-indigenous-language-learning-community-in-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":7492,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people sit around tables and smile as they all face on direction. There are cups with beverages on the tables.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2.jpeg 2016w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"In Madison, Wisconsin, the Indigenous Language Table meets weekly to practice their skills and support each other.\",\"date\":\"2024-07-26 14:20:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 26, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of people sit around tables and smile as they all face on direction. 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There are cups with beverages on the tables.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/07\\\/Language-table-2.jpeg 2016w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-an-indigenous-language-learning-community-in-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building an Indigenous Language Learning Community in Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Laura Red Eagle created the Indigenous Language Table to offer a judgment-free gathering space for active language practice beyond the classroom. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":6277,\"title\":\"Did You Know About Barbie\\u2019s Midwestern Roots?\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca id=\\u0022_msocom_1\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIf you saw a movie in theaters this summer, it\\u2019s more likely than not that you saw Barbie.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 2023 Greta Gerwig film shattered several box office records, including highest-grossing film by a solo female director. It had a truly unprecedented impact on theater attendance by women across the country during its theatrical run, reflected by its win of the inaugural Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the film itself was undoubtedly a great time, the cultural moment surrounding this summer\\u2019s \\u201cBarbiemania\\u201d had everything to do with Barbie\\u2019s place in the homes and hearts of millions of American families over the past fifty years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut did you know that Barbie herself has Midwestern roots, dating back to her earliest origins in the 1950s?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-barbie-in-the-badger-state\\u0022\\u003EBarbie in the Badger State\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYes, you heard that right\\u2014the one and only Barbie is canonically a native Wisconsinite!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAccording to the original Barbie lore, both Barbie and Ken are from the fictional town of Willows, Wisconsin.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough this was later retconned in the 2010s to state that Barbie moved from Willows to Malibu at age 8, where she later met Ken, her origins as a Wisconsinite are so important to her all-American image and cultural significance.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:6286,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a1fb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a256\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBarbie\\u2019s creator, Ruth Handler, wanted to create a doll that let girls see themselves as adults and imagine the possibilities for their future,\\u201d says Abbie Norderhaug, State Archivist and Director of Acquisitions for the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wisconsinhistory.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWisconsin Historical Society\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cI believe, that to allow girls to see themselves and their future in Barbie it was important to give Barbie a relatable origin and backstory.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Wisconsin Historical Society maintains a curated collection of Barbie dolls spanning decades, with a somewhat unique focus: rather than trying to collect dolls in pristine condition like the average collector, the Society\\u2019s collection focuses on well-loved toys that tell the stories of Wisconsin families over the years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf you look at our 1961 Barbie, for example, you can see that Beth Fox, the doll\\u2019s original owner gave the doll a French braid, changing the original ponytail style,\\u201d says Norderhaug. \\u201cCollecting items that have been used, rather than boxed toys gives insight into how these items were thought of and used in their owners\\u0027 daily lives.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe town of Willows, and Wisconsin as a whole, are referenced at various points in Barbie\\u2019s history spanning decades\\u2014not only in TV shows and movies, but also in several dolls themselves.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of Norderhaug\\u2019s favorite dolls in the Wisconsin Historical Society collection is the University of Wisconsin cheerleader doll, from the \\u201890s \\u201cUniversity Barbie\\u201d collection.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[It\\u2019s] the most interesting to me, mainly because it connects back to Barbie\\u2019s Wisconsin roots,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt also seems to me like it\\u2019s a story that would feel relatable to lots of people who played with Barbies as children who may have grown up in small communities and attend a large state school for college.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Willows, WI Collection line of dolls featured Homecoming Queen, Soda Shop, and Cherry Pie Picnic dolls inspired not only by the fictional Midwestern town, but by things ubiquitous in American culture as a whole.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6287,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6290,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a272\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cComing from a small Midwestern town makes Barbie relatable to so many people. It reinforces Ruth Handler\\u2019s wish to let girls see themselves as anything; if a girl from a small Wisconsin town can go on to become an astronaut, anyone can.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ABBIE NORDERHAUG, WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a28c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-barbiemania-and-midwestern-barbie-pride\\u0022\\u003EBarbiemania and Midwestern Barbie Pride\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the 2023 \\u0022Barbiemania\\u0022 started as hype around the record-setting film, it quickly became so much more than that.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENot only could you reliably see \\u003Cem\\u003EBarbie\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E at even the smallest of theaters across the country and region, but the Midwest had no shortage of incredible ways to engage even more beyond the film.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Wisconsin itself, you could (and can still!) stay in a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.fox9.com\\\/news\\\/pretty-in-pink-hudson-wis-short-term-rental-owner-creates-real-life-barbie-dreamhouse\\u0022\\u003Eone-of-a-kind real life Barbie Dreamhouse\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The \\u201cBarbiecore Castle\\u201d is one of Brooke Fleetwood\\u2019s several \\u201cPink Castle\\u201d rentals in downtown Hudson, WI, complete with pink walls, plenty of glitz and glam, and of course, lots of Barbie decorations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Minneapolis and Chicago, you could step right into Barbie\\u2019s world at the Malibu Barbie Caf\\u00e9 pop-ups, where Barbies and Kens alike could roller skate the day away and indulge in treats like a colorful and fresh cauliflower bowl or a perfectly pink beet hummus.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:6280,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:6281,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:6306,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:6295,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ea500a2a2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002275px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:75px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESomething really unique about 2023\\u2019s Barbie cultural phenomenon was its universal accessibility. It was something special and communal that audiences of women across the country could participate in. It wasn\\u2019t about just going to see a movie, it was about celebrating community and joy and girlhood with the women in your life.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnd perhaps most importantly, it was about a Midwesterner teaching a new generation of girls that you can be anything you want.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBarbie has held over 200 careers, from her first as a teen fashion model to service in the armed forces to rock star to presidential candidate,\\u201d says Abbie Norderhaug. \\u201cI think she has shown children over the years that it\\u2019s important to dream big about their futures and that there are lots of possibilities open to them.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/barbies-midwestern-roots\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":6301,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 75% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2024-03-07 17:10:34\",\"pretty_date\":\"March 7, 2024\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022641\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022641\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Margot Robbie as Barbie with a cheesehead hat photoshopped on, in front of a stock photo of a Wisconsin landscape.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-1536x961.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/03\\\/Cheesehead-Barbie-2048x1281.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/barbies-midwestern-roots\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Did You Know About Barbie\\u2019s Midwestern Roots?\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Meet the Wisconsinite leading one of 2023\\u2019s biggest blockbusters.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":221384,\"participants\":23698,\"grants\":20,\"communities\":19}},\"label\":\"2024\",\"query_var\":\"2024\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2024\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"See Complete 2024 Financials\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/12\\\/2024-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"_blank\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2024 Financials\",\"key\":1},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3252,\"title\":\"These Old Buildings Got a New, Artful Life\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAcross the Midwest, people are giving new purpose to old buildings in their communities and turning them into art spaces. Long-standing structures are becoming museums, galleries, community centers, and artist studios. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Neighborly Restoration Project\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3258,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e01\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHave you ever dreamed of owning an abandoned opera house with 160 of your neighbors? The community of Maddock, North Dakota (population of 381 in 2021), did just that! They rolled up their sleeves and got to work, using no outside contractors, just community members sharing their skills (and learning new ones), to restore the Harriman Building on Main Street, built in 1906. Their member-owned nonprofit of dedicated volunteers put in time, funds, and labor to give the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.maddockoperahouse.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EMaddock Opera House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E a new lease on life. After a successful community-led fundraiser, the building is now home to a community library, coffee shop, restaurant and bar, and offers meeting rooms and the ballroom for community gathering and programming.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Restoring Community History\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022They bought the building from the city for a dollar in 2009. \\u201cThere was a lot of skepticism. I think a lot of people thought we were crazy,\\u201d said one of the first member-owners. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mydakotan.com\\\/2022\\\/01\\\/restoring-community-history\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via The Dakotan.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Renovated Maddock Opera House Now Center of Activity\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022In its heyday, the upper floor was used for events including stage productions, vaudeville performances and as a gymnasium. People also roller skated there. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thepiercecountytribune.com\\\/news\\\/local-news\\\/2017\\\/09\\\/08\\\/renovated-maddock-opera-house-now-center-of-activity\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the Pierce County Tribune.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e66\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3259,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a45e8c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Sanctuary for Live Performance\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA couple in Chicago, Illinois, saw that the historic church they got married in was up for sale in their West Loop neighborhood. Guided by the spirit of congregation, they developed it into a cultural hub to bring people together for performing arts. The former historic Church of the Epiphany (built in 1885) is now the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/epiphanychi.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEpiphany Center for the Arts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2014a 42,000-square-foot gathering space for dance, theater, literary arts, comedy and magic, and a special live performance venue with charming acoustics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-0\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Epiphany Center for the Arts has a Mission to Bring All of Chicago Together\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022During the civil rights movement, it was \\u201cThe People\\u2019s Church,\\u201d hosting regular meetings of the Black Panthers. In 1969, slain Black Panther Party leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark were memorialized there. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/chicago.suntimes.com\\\/columnists\\\/2021\\\/6\\\/19\\\/22540490\\\/epiphany-center-for-the-arts-music-arts-venue-reopening-laura-washington\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the Chicago Sun Times.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Chicago\\u2019s Newest Music Venue, Epiphany Center for the Arts, is Staging Live, Social-Distanced Indoor Shows\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022At the sprawling campus, patrons enter a lounge area with a long bar and seating made from the pews that once lined the church. From there, guests can enter the largest venue on the property called Epiphany Hall, which can hold just under 1,000 people in non-pandemic times. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/blockclubchicago.org\\\/2021\\\/03\\\/15\\\/chicagos-newest-music-venue-epiphany-center-for-the-arts-is-staging-live-social-distanced-indoor-shows\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Block Club Chicago.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a460ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46123\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Vacant Industrial Building to an Artist-Run Space\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt can\\u2019t get more tubular than this! Indianapolis-based art and design nonprofit, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigcar.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBig Car Collaborative\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, believes that \\u201cartists can and should support life in neighborhoods through culture, creativity, and community.\\u201d In the last few years, they have been working on revitalizing the Garfield Park area, with artists and art at the center of the work. In 2016, they opened \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.tubefactory.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ETube Factory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. Once an empty 12,000-square-foot manufacturing building, it is now an artist-run \\u201chybrid between an art museum and community center.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/174736682\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/174736682\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022How Big Car Collective is Walking the Tightrope in Garfield Park\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022In Garfield Park, Big Car has been trying to answer a question that has vexed community developers for decades: How can a neighborhood make a comeback while keeping its artistic community and lower-income residents? \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indianapolismonthly.com\\\/longform\\\/how-big-car-collective-is-walking-the-tightrope-in-garfield-park\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Indianapolis Monthly.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Big Car Opens Garfield Park Headquarters\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022The project, which blends creativity, engineering, residential development and contemporary art, is an example of \\u201cguerrilla city planning,\\u201d said Big Car co-founder Shauta Marsh. That\\u2019s because Big Car\\u2019s mantra centers around \\u201cplacemaking\\u201d and examining how people interact with public spaces. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indystar.com\\\/story\\\/entertainment\\\/2016\\\/05\\\/09\\\/big-car-opens-garfield-park-headquarters\\\/84029664\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via the IndyStar.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46155\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-corn-crib-to-a-three-story-art-house\\u0022\\u003EA Corn Crib to a Three-Story Art House\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECorn crib is basically what you think it means\\u2014a home for corn. More specifically, a space to dry and store corn. In 2012, when artist Joe Luggle Lacina moved back to his hometown of Grinnell, Iowa, he quickly realized the positive impact space and quiet had on his art practice. With a passion for built environments and wood working, he recently started renovating a three-story corn crib (built in 1938) on his family farm north of Grinnell to be an art space.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.grincupola.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EGrin Cupola\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;is an \\u201cunhurried art gallery\\u201d where the third floor is the \\u201ccupola outlook\\u201d with a 180-degree view of surrounding farmlands and the town.\\u0026nbsp;The space opens this spring.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3256,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46172\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-1\\u0022\\u003ERead more:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ol\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Grinnell Artist Finds Meaning in the Making\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022While he was still in school, he brought some friends back home during the summer of 2006 to enjoy the fresh air and make some art. They exhibited \\u2014 and sold \\u2014 a lot of their work at the end of their stay, kick-starting the successful artist-in-residence program known as the Grin City Collective. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/medium.com\\\/iowa-arts-council\\\/grinnell-artist-finds-meaning-in-the-making-ed3f8407f651\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Iowa Arts Council.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Grin Cupola\\u2019s 2023 Exhibitions Call For Entry\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Grin Cupola is seeking applications for its 2023 Web\\\/Virtual exhibitions, consisting of three-five artists, selected works will be on view at\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.grincupola.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003ewww.grincupola.com\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e for the duration of one year. Additionally, Web\\\/virtual exhibitions will be displayed in the physical space via projections and curated screens. \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artist.callforentry.org\\\/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=10922\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRead more via Grin Cupola.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a46198\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3260,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a461b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EAn Arts Live\\\/Work Space Brimming with Creativity\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat\\u2019s better than demolishing a 90,000-square-foot decommissioned junior high school building? Forming a citizen\\u2019s committee to find a smarter, artful use for it. Community members in Brainerd, Minnesota, worked with the Twin Cities-based nonprofit Artspace to open the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/franklinartscenter.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EFranklin Arts Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2008. Since then, it has become the focal point for art and creativity in this city of 14,000 people. This thriving, collaborative ecosystem is home to artists and their families in the building\\u2019s 25-unit live\\\/work apartment section and has over 37,000 square feet of artist studios and space for arts organizations and creative businesses. Its two gymnasiums and auditorium are operated as community spaces by the school district.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-read-more-2\\u0022\\u003ERead More:\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Art at the Heart of Franklin Art Center\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022These days, a full 44 tenants operate within the commercial wing, ranging from architectural designers to composers to painters. Sixteen years after its birth, the vision of a community space dedicated to the arts is thriving, tenants say, buoyed by boundless reinvention. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.brainerddispatch.com\\\/news\\\/local\\\/progress-edition-2022-art-at-the-heart-of-franklin-arts-center\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eRead more via the Brainerd Dispatch.\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Franklin Arts Center Keeps Historic Building In Bloom\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022Art is loosely defined and all inclusive in the Franklin Arts Center showcasing numerous mediums such as painting, pottery, sewing, photography, theatrical art, musical art, and a cast of others. This creates a well-rounded establishment that enhances the art community. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.brainerddispatch.com\\\/news\\\/brainerd-history-week-franklin-arts-center-keeps-historic-building-in-bloom\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eRead more via the Brainerd Dispatch.\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:2,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f42a461d6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThese are only a few of the many incredible adaptive reuse projects taking place in cities and towns across the Midwest. Maybe they will inspire something in your community? After all, some of the most creative, innovative things happen when we look at existing resources with a fresh lens. Did this piece remind you of people and spaces who are doing similar work in your community? We would love to hear about it if so! \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.tfaforms.net\\\/388221\\u0022\\u003ETell us all about it by submitting a pitch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/these-old-buildings-got-a-new-artful-life\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3261,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022The cathedral, which was formerly the Church of the Epiphany, with 50-foot tall ceiling with arched trusses. An ornate altar and organ surround the room with walls painted in blue and peach.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Epiphany Hall is one of the performance venues at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago, Illinois. The space has an ornate altar and organ manufactured in 1892 with 2,517 pipes. \",\"date\":\"2023-04-04 14:17:38\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 4, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. 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An ornate altar and organ surround the room with walls painted in blue and peach.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022The cathedral, which was formerly the Church of the Epiphany, with 50-foot tall ceiling with arched trusses. 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/321491144_883757536006776_4989970249991794447_n-2.jpg 2013w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/these-old-buildings-got-a-new-artful-life\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                These Old Buildings Got a New, Artful Life\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From a 138-year-old historic church to a vacant tube manufacturing building, these projects across the Midwest are staking out space for creativity to shine. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5376,\"title\":\"Check-In at These Midwest Hotels Where Art Takes Center Stage\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArt collections are often as eclectic and wide-ranging as the artists they comprise\\u2014and the collectors themselves. Often, though, private collections remain out of the public eye, locked behind closed doors until they are bequeathed to a museum or go up for auction. Unless, that is, they go on exhibit in the kind of place that invites you to not only visit but spend the night!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA slew of boutique hotels across the Midwest celebrates art\\u2019s power to create memorable travel experiences. A new generation of collectors are discovering exciting ways to merge contemporary art and hospitality, and a stay at any of these 10 hotels will inspire creativity as much as a good night\\u2019s sleep.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5382,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5386,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5385,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5416,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c309a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5378,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e21C Hotel, Chicago and Cincinnati\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWith a flagship hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, architectural preservationists and art collectors \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLaura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson wanted to take an active role in downtown revitalization while at the same time celebrating how vital art can be to daily life. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.21cmuseumhotels.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e21C Museum Hotels\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e began as an idea for one hotel and evolved into a family of eight, including Cincinnati, Chicago, and the newest location in St. Louis. Whether a guest or not, visitors can wander the hotel\\u2019s galleries any time of day\\u2014and interact with the growing flock of colorful four-foot \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.21cmuseumhotels.com\\\/blog\\\/2019\\\/the-history-of-our-penguins\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eplastic penguins\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIf you\\u2019re perusing arty places to snooze in Chicago, take a peek at \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theblackstonehotel.com\\\/about\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Blackstone\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, too.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c309e1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5381,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eSaint Kate - The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEvery aspect of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/saintkatearts.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSaint Kate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Milwaukee\\u2019s Theater District is inspired by painting, music, sculpture, and design. Public exhibition areas present work by artists based locally and further afield, and four spaces designated as \\u201cThe Canvas\\u201d invite guests to immerse themselves in a floor-to-ceiling artworks, with proceeds from each stay benefiting local and Wisconsin-wide arts initiatives. Every room includes work by local artists, a record player, and a ukulele!\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIf you\\u2019re looking for a historic place to crash in Milwaukee, you might also want to check out \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thepfisterhotel.com\\\/artist-in-residence\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Pfister\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which has been operating since 1893 and hosting artists-in-residence since 2009.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a39\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5383,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThe Conrad, Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePart hotel and part gallery, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hilton.com\\\/en\\\/hotels\\\/indcici-conrad-indianapolis\\\/art-stays-here\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Conrad\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e has a permanent collection and a commercial gallery\\u2014curated by local \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.longsharpgallery.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLong-Sharp Gallery\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014featuring rotating shows. The public spaces on the entire second floor are dedicated to pieces made by Indiana artists, and you can even book a guided tour of current exhibitions with one of the hotel\\u2019s Art Ambassadors. Feeling more Surrealist or Pop? You can also book a room based on your favorite artistic movements.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeaded to Indianapolis? Another spot you might like is \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thealexander.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Alexander\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a \\u201chaven of art\\u201d in the downtown CityWay area.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cbr style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022 \\\/\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a60\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-more-to-check-out\\u0022\\u003EMore to Check Out\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA historic experience awaits at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ihg.com\\\/hotelindigo\\\/hotels\\\/us\\\/en\\\/madison\\\/msnms\\\/hoteldetail\\u0022\\u003EHotel Indigo\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Madison, Wisconsin, a contemporary hotel in the former Mautz Paint factory. Quotes and images from 20th-century painting legend Georgia O\\u2019Keeffe\\u2014who grew up in neighboring Sun Prairie\\u2014illuminate installations in the lobby and hallways.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBook a room to match how you feel at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.angadartshotel.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngad Arts Hotel\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in St. Louis, Missouri, where four different color options for passion, rejuvenation, happiness, and tranquility complement a robust program of art exhibition and events.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHeaded to Michigan? Birmingham might be the spot, where the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/daxtonhotel.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDaxton Hotel\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E offers accommodations chock full of art along with collaborative art-fueled events with the local community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5387,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6555285c30a79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/check-in-to-these-midwest-hotels-where-art-takes-center-stage\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5380,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022520\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculpture of a white bird in front of a richly colored backdrop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-300x203.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"An installation by Ebony G. Patterson at a 21C Museum Hotel.\",\"date\":\"2023-11-13 20:25:36\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"},{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022693\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A sculpture of a white bird in front of a richly colored backdrop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-300x203.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson-768x520.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Ebony-G.-Patterson.png 1224w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/check-in-to-these-midwest-hotels-where-art-takes-center-stage\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Check-In at These Midwest Hotels Where Art Takes Center Stage\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From galleries to historic paint factories, these hotels bring creativity to hospitality and showcase local artists.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5701,\"title\":\"How Ohio Funk Changed the World of Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBasim Blunt grew up in Jersey City, then moved to Dayton, Ohio for a radio job in the 1990s. At first, Blunt admitted, \\u0022I wasn\\u0027t impressed. This is a small town.\\u0022\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen one day, he was in a United Dairy Farmers store when in walked funk legend Roger Troutman \\u0022to buy some orange juice, dressed to the nines,\\u0022 Blunt recounted. \\u0022I almost fainted.\\u0022\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBlunt remains in Ohio to this day, working as a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/basimblunt.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Emedia producer and radio host\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E who is among those carrying the torch for an influential musical movement that took root in the Buckeye State a half-century ago.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022At its heyday, Dayton had almost 20 different venues for weekend entertainment that had live bands, not jukeboxes.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022BASIM BLUNT, MUSIC PRODUCER AND RADIO HOST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f5ff\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5711,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022I always call it a Great Migration of music,\\\\u0022 said David Webb, founder of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.thefunkcenter.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe Funk Music Hall of Fame \\\\u0026amp; Exhibition Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\\\u0022When people came to the north for jobs, they brought this southern funk, the gospel, the rock and roll, the blues, from the south to the north.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Great Migration, which saw millions of Black Americans move north during the early to mid-20th century, led to a flowering of musical movements across the Midwest. It led to Chicago blues (think Muddy Waters) and the Minneapolis Sound (think Prince).\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn Ohio, there was funk: insistently rhythmic, flamboyantly fun, and forward-looking in its use of audio effects. Artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, Lakeside, Faze-O, Sun, and Slave came out of the Dayton area and hit airwaves across the country in the 1970s and \\u002780s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022It makes you want to dance even when you don\\u0027t want to dance,\\\\u0022 said Blunt, crediting a member of Ohio Players for that insight. Marshall \\\\u0022Rock\\\\u0022 Jones, bass player for that band, once told Blunt that when the group was paying its dues on the Chitlin\\u0027 Circuit, the musicians would look for nightclub patrons who were leaning against the wall or nodding off.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Marshall said, \\u0027Those were the people that we wanted to play so good and so funky [for], that you would see them nodding their heads and next thing you know, they\\u0027re on the dance floor,\\u0027\\\\u0022 Blunt recounted.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 id=\\\\u0022h-sounds-worth-sampling\\\\u0022 class=\\\\u0022wp-block-heading\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSounds Worth Sampling\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOhio funk built on the groundwork laid by James Brown, maintaining his band\\u2019s complex interplay of bass and percussion while expanding the genre\\u2019s sonic palette with sleek flourishes and catchy melodies that would appeal to broad audiences. The artists\\u2019 bright costumes and contagious sense of fun brought funk into the MTV era.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAmong the innovations embraced by Ohio funk stars, the most iconic was the talkbox: a device that combines vocals with amplified instruments to make it sound like the instruments themselves are talking. In songs like \\u201cComputer Love,\\u201d Roger Troutman of Zapp helped shape the sound of \\u201880s music, delivering warm human emotions with a splash of space-age artifice.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f678\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5712,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5713,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5715,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5716,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5717,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6aa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6bf\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFunk musicians from Ohio also helped introduce hip-hop to the dance floor. With their 1980 hit \\u201cFantastic Voyage,\\u201d Lakeside produced the first R\\u0026amp;B song to feature a rap performance. The blending of hip-hop with R\\u0026amp;B would take hold in a massive way in the 1990s, becoming fundamental to the sound of 21\\u003Csup\\u003Est\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E century popular music.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs hip-hop moved west, producers brought their crates of Ohio funk records. G-funk, the sound of Dr. Dre\\u2019s game-changing 1992 album \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Chronic\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, took inspiration and often direct samples from tracks like Ohio Players\\u2019 \\u201cFunky Worm.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDayton, Ohio is the most sampled city,\\u0022 said Webb. Ohio Players alone have been sampled by the Notorious B.I.G., De La Soul, N.W.A., A Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige, Salt-N-Pepa, OutKast, Snoop Dogg, and D\\u0027Angelo among \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.whosampled.com\\\/Ohio-Players\\\/\\u0022\\u003Emany others\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/-1YjmXSyHa8?si=oqXzSmZlYIvdfhXZ\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/-1YjmXSyHa8?si=oqXzSmZlYIvdfhXZ\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5714,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDayton Comes Alive\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nWhy did this transformative, irresistible music come out of Ohio specifically? Blunt credits the combination of economic opportunity and a commitment to music education.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Dayton, Ohio was a working-class town \\u2026 you could get a good factory job and buy a house,\\\\u0022 Blunt said. \\\\u0022For a lot of African Americans, what they did with the extra money was buy their kids instruments so they can take music classes at school. There began a fierce rivalry of the different high schools in Dayton: whose band was the best?\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce those students graduated, they had no shortage of stages to take their talent to the next level. \\\\u0022At its heyday, Dayton had almost 20 different venues for weekend entertainment that had live bands, not jukeboxes,\\\\u0022 Blunt continued.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nToday, the legacy of Ohio funk lives on in bands playing classic sounds, like the members of the Dayton Funk All-Stars. Beyond Ohio, the music\\u0027s influence continues to spread. \\\\u0022All of Bruno Mars\\u0027s stuff goes back to the \\u002770s style,\\\\u0022 said Webb. \\\\u0022You have people who are in gospel doing funk music.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWebb\\u0027s organization is currently fundraising for a brick-and-mortar center to celebrate classic Ohio funk. In the meantime, Webb is celebrating the sound through projects like a radio show and podcast called \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCyQAGdz9epJaNipeCl5v0CQ\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u0022The Dayton Scene.\\\\u0022\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e Ultimately, Webb hopes, the Funk Music Hall of Fame \\\\u0026amp; Exhibition Center will be a site not only to remember past Ohio greats but to provide music education for the next generation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe place of southwestern Ohio in funk history, and the music\\u0027s future, is assured. \\\\u0022There\\u0027s five rivers surrounding the Dayton metro,\\\\u0022 Blunt pointed out. \\\\u0022The famous saying in Dayton is, there\\u0027s something in the water here.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f6ef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/playlist\\\/676ggFO4FHjeDjvaqoJ4pa?utm_source=generator\\\\u0026theme=0\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0659f732\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-ohio-funk-changed-the-world-of-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5727,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 27%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Ohio Players, in a promotional photo from their maturity.\",\"date\":\"2023-12-19 15:22:24\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 19, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 27%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A black and white photo of six people standing close to each other, posing for their band photo. They are wearing different styles of suits and have different hairstyles. One of them, centered in the photo, is a little hunched over, gesturing with their hand over their mouth and grinning.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 27%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/ms458-Funk-groups_Ohio-Players_003-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/how-ohio-funk-changed-the-world-of-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                How Ohio Funk Changed the World of Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In the 1970s and \\u002780s, artists like Ohio Players, Zapp, and Lakeside came out of the Buckeye State and brought funk into the mainstream of American music. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":3876582,\"participants\":656572,\"grants\":485,\"communities\":160},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5048,\"title\":\"This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvocative of bold \\u201cwanted\\u201d posters and theater show-bills, wood type transformed the way people communicated in the 19th century. It initiated a paradigm shift in the printing industry, its popularity in large part due to the manufacturing process itself, which involved using a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Pantograph\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epantograph\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to scale the same style up or down as desired. That\\u2019s where we meet industrialist James Edward Hamilton from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, who founded the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in 1880. Fast-forward nearly 150 years later, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E takes a 21st-century approach to preserving a historic craft.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUnlike many museum collections, Hamilton\\u2019s doesn\\u2019t just sit in an archive. Its 1.5 million\\u2014and growing\\u2014pieces of dazzling wood type spill from cases or \\u201csorts;\\u201d dozens of printing presses fill the 40,000-square-foot exhibition space; and a large, communal studio area invites workshop participants and artists to learn how to print.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5051,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b2a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a working museum,\\u201d says Assistant Director Stephanie Carpenter. \\u201cThat\\u2019s a huge part of it for us, that we can teach letterpress printing with original Hamilton type.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarpenter was introduced to Hamilton while in a graduate program at Indiana University, regularly making the seven-hour drive up to Two Rivers to help Master Printer and then-Director Jim Moran on weekends. She joined the museum formally in 2011, when it was still located in the original Hamilton factory building, which has since been demolished. In 2012, the team were told they had six months to vacate, and an extraordinary effort from community members and volunteers helped move 27 semi-loads of type and equipment to the current space, another former factory building. The museum celebrates its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/history\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E25\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E anniversary\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E next year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b69\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5053,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePressing On\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeekly, type carvers at the museum produce new blocks as part of the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wood-type-legacy-project\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eType Legacy Project\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, creating new sets that can be added to institutional collections. \\u201cIt\\u2019s crazy that people in the 21st century are designing for wood type,\\u201d Carpenter says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s also available digitally, so students will use it through the Adobe program to design with it, and if their school has the wood type, they can then move into the press room and print using their digital mock-ups. That\\u0027s one of our programs that I absolutely adore, because it means that it\\u0027s also hands-on and it\\u0027s bringing that history forward.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRecently, Hamilton welcomed artists \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/beingblount\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMelissa Blount\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/jenngraves\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJenn Graves\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/printmakingasresistance\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDesiree Aspiras\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the first BIWOC\\u2014Black, Indigenous and Women of Color\\u2014Summit. Carpenter helped to organize a week-long residency in the print room, which evolved from a conversation with Blount and Graves about the representation of women of color in the letterpress community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11ba9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey said, \\u2018You need Black women represented here, on your walls, doing things,\\u2019\\u201d Carpenter says. While the gathering was initially intended to include a large number of participants, three were able to make the trip, but that put no damper on the enthusiasm. \\u201cThat energy that three people brought to that space! Blown away. It was so dynamic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHamilton offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, ranging from printing basics to collaborations with local artists who share special techniques. Every week at the local farmer\\u2019s market, the museum sets up shop to invite community members to make prints they can take home with them. Every year, the museum hosts \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wayzgoose\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWayzgoose\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an annual conference for type- and print-lovers, and biannually they celebrate \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/really-big-prints\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EReally Big Prints\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, inviting local artists to think extra big and use steam rollers to make large-scale pieces.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5052,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5055,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5056,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5058,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5059,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11bde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe definitely talk about our multiple communities,\\u201d says Carpenter. \\u201cWe have locals who might know the history of the factory, or they might just be interested in taking art classes. And then there is an amazing letterpress community. They\\u0027re all around the country, all around the world. I think being interconnected with that community, both for me as a person and as part of the Hamilton team, is so rewarding.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5054,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A person chooses from vintage cuts and blocks in a museum workshop.  \",\"date\":\"2023-09-26 17:26:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 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768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4283,\"title\":\"Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECecilia Steele, a 10-year-old member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has always enjoyed listening to music and singing along. \\u201cBut ever since I started playing music at Rock The Rez,\\u201d she said, \\u201cnow I love playing instruments.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn summer 2023, Steele learned to play bass guitar at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rocktherez.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERock The Rez\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: a program aiming \\u201cto empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth to build self-esteem and find their voices through unique programming.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the camp includes a range of activities, it centers on rocking out. \\u201cIt\\u2019s about art in general,\\u201d said executive director April Matson. \\u201cMusic and instruments are like the river that flows through and holds us all together for the week.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It is really important that we are creating a space that is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022APRIL MATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROCK THE REZ\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267a3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4285,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe South Dakota program currently conducts a week-long camp for Rosebud each summer and dedicates another week to the nearby Pine Ridge reservation community. It\\u2019s part of an international movement sparked in 2001 by Oregon\\u2019s Rock \\u2018n\\u2019 Roll Camp for Girls.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe resonance of 2023\\u2019s \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBarbie\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a satirical film in which Ken magnanimously invites Barbie to listen while he plays guitar \\u201cat\\u201d her, demonstrated the ongoing reality that \\u201cthere\\u0027s a big space for men to be very entitled to arts,\\u201d said Matson.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt is really important that we are creating a space,\\u201d Matson continued, \\u201cthat is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMatson, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and the Athabaskan Tribe of Alaska who identifies as two-spirit, hopes that Rock The Rez will lead to broader Indigenous representation on music stages.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhat I want to see is not only these Indigenous youth in Pine Ridge and Rosebud forming bands and playing for their community,\\u201d said Matson, \\u201cbut also going outside of their community to Rapid City and Sioux Falls and Minnesota and Omaha and performing.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt was pretty challenging for me\\u201d at first, said Steele about learning bass. \\u201cBut once they started teaching me, I got used to it and they started teaching me new techniques.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the end of the camp, Steele was performing live \\u2014 and on camera. Her family came to watch her play, she said, and \\u201cI quite enjoyed it! I thought I was going to be on every social media app because there [were] all kinds of people recording me, so I just played my best and then I had fun.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2682e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program was founded in 2016 as Girls Rock Pine Ridge, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/girlsrockpineridge\\\/posts\\\/pfbid0Vz8LCX2KuWnVuwpJKVs4wbLHMbAyH212fLQSyEL6gfq82AsRXB1hBsSnnZ2wDYKgl\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etaking the name\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E Rock The Rez in 2020 \\u201cin an effort to be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA2+ community.\\u201d Matson has been involved since 2019, initially participating as a volunteer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just had the best, most genuine experience with the other volunteers,\\u201d said Matson. \\u201cBeing able to interact with the campers on a level that is very beginner, which is where I was at with the instruments that we were teaching, and then seeing them create a whole song just from those rudimentary skills was incredible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program also ensures that campers connect with musical role models within their own communities. \\u201cWe try to invite one local Indigenous band per day of camp for a lunchtime performer,\\u201d explained Matson. \\u201cThe campers are always really excited to meet them, and then you say, \\u2018This person lives here, lives in this place where you live.\\u2019\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26857\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4284,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4286,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4291,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2686f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want everyone to feel like they have a safe space to create, [to feel] like their voice is heard. We want them to feel really proud of who they are,\\u201d Rock The Rez resource coordinator Maureen O\\u0027Brien told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/watch\\\/live\\\/?ref=watch_permalink\\u0026amp;v=215084450177646\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethe Cave Collective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2021. \\u201cWe want to make sure that they are like, \\u2018We see representation, so that\\u2019s permission.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESteele said it was \\u201creal fun to watch\\u201d the experienced musicians at camp. \\u201cThey were really nice and supportive of my music,\\u201d she said about the adults she encountered. \\u201cThey\\u2019re really kind.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe ended up deciding to spend as much time at camp as possible. \\u201cI was planning to go for a couple of days, but the first day I went there I loved it,\\u201d said Steele. \\u201cSo I went there all week!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStaff are constantly working to build awareness of their free program, a nonprofit enterprise funded largely by grants and donations. Despite repeated pitches to local media, in past years the program has received little news coverage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI heard, one year, \\u2018We don\\u0027t know what the story is here,\\u2019\\u201d recalled Matson. \\u201cI\\u2019m like, are you kidding? This is amazing! Look at these kids. They\\u2019re awesome.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4292,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26884\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022573\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rock The Rez participants practice the song their band wrote for their showcase at the end of the week-long music camp.\",\"date\":\"2023-08-29 16:18:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 29, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler and Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022764\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4337,\"title\":\"Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk Lee Zieke how long it takes to complete one of her handwoven willow baskets, and she\\u2019s likely to reply with a riddle:\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen do I get to say I started?\\u201d she says with a grin. \\u201cWas it when I planted those willows? When I harvested? Was it when I graded them to size? Let them dry? Re-soaked them?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor visitors to Willowglen, the answer is clear. This verdant acreage outside of Decorah, Iowa, offers ample evidence that the pieces grown and crafted here come from a lifetime of skill-building and tending the land. Willow patches and prairie flowers sway in the breeze just steps from a barn-like workshop that is filled with handicrafts, tools, and produce recently harvested from the garden. Zieke and her husband, Lindsay Lee, have lived and worked here for more than four decades, in a partnership as interwoven as any basketry they create.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4340,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCultivating Meaningful Materials\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple, who met as high schoolers in Cedar Rapids, named the place Willowglen long before Zieke had what she calls her \\u201cawakening\\u201d to the plant. They bought the property in the early 1980s, turning a former cornfield into a destination flower nursery. As naturalists, landscapers, and artisans, they could make their living in a way that complemented their lifestyle. Driftless-area gardeners turned to Zieke and Lee for growing advice and inspiration along with the allium, verbascum, and other perennials they offered for sale.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple began to cultivate various species of willow to use and sell to other weavers after Zieke attended a basket-making workshop in the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/amanacolonies.com\\\/visitors-guide\\\/history-of-the-seven-villages\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmana Colonies\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e under the acclaimed folk artist Joanna Schanz.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I first started weaving, I would go hunt wild willow for material,\\u201d Zieke says. She was instantly enamored with the art form. \\u201cIf you\\u0027re a serious basket maker, you\\u0027re gonna go find a way to grow willow. It\\u0027s the only way to get it in any quantity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by European willow farms, they use traditional coppicing methods. Cutting branches near the base encourages shoots as tall as six feet to regenerate each year. This makes willow one of the original dimensional building materials and an attractive renewable choice for today\\u2019s sustainability-minded crafters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCoppice is fascinating to me because it predates the saw,\\u201d Lee says. \\u201cPrior to the Iron Age, you could take a sharp stone and hack off the plant and six stems would come up the following year.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough they\\u2019re winding down their commercial operation, Zieke and Lee\\u2019s commitment to craftsmanship and bond with the willow-working community keeps them growing.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422674\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022The closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JESSA FROST, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee84226e9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4338,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422702\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-carrying-cultural-traditions\\u0022\\u003ECarrying Cultural Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter closing the nursery in 2010, Zieke and Lee were able to dedicate more time to taking and teaching classes at folk schools across the Midwest. They team up to teach at places like the nearby \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vesterheim.org\\\/folk-art-school\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVesterheim Folk Art School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/northhouse.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENorth House Folk School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Grand Marais, Minnesota. North House Folk School program director Jessa Frost says the full spectrum understanding Lee and Lindsay have of their materials creates a unique opportunity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience,\\u201d Frost says. \\u201c[Lee and Lindsay] are able to infuse that knowledge into their basketry classes in a way that is really special for students. Not to mention the fact that Lee has such extensive knowledge of European willow basketry styles, and she has worked with the best willow basket makers in the world.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee842270d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4339,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4341,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4342,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4343,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422724\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond sharing the step-by-step handiwork methods, the couple says they are motivated to pass along knowledge that was essential in the daily lives of our ancestors. Lee likes to weave ancient fishing vessels called coracles and is experimenting with a canoe design featuring lashed willow branches, whereas Zieke is most often working on handled and wearable pieces that could be used to haul in a harvest or hold special household items.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe tell people\\u202fthat, even if they never make another basket, they will never look at a basket the same way,\\u201d Zieke says. \\u201cI want them to make something that\\u0027s significant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4344,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The willow-woven canoe that Lindsay Lee is creating draws inspiration from both basketry methods and ancient boat-building techniques that still yield beauty through simplicity. \\u201cYou start with this pile of sticks and it becomes a vessel that\\u0027s out there on the water,\\u201d Lee says.\",\"date\":\"2023-09-06 19:32:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":140,\"name\":\"Brianne Sanchez\",\"slug\":\"brianne-sanchez\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":140,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":141,\"name\":\"Robert Modersohn\",\"slug\":\"robert-modersohn\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":141,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brianne Sanchez and Robert Modersohn\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":2876389,\"participants\":354262,\"grants\":259,\"communities\":140},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5363,\"title\":\"ACRE Bridges Urban and Rural Creativity in Illinois and Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlong a stretch of the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area stands the magnificently rustic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/motherearthgreencenter.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESteuben Lodge\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a multi-use accommodation space constructed from reclaimed timber. Each summer since 2010, it has served as a locus of creativity for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.acreresidency.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EACRE\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Chicago-based non-profit organization with a mission \\u201cto support emerging artists develop, discuss, and present their artistic practices.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cArtists I have met at ACRE continue to be some of the more genuine connections I have made in my art life.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022RICKI DWYER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d05f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5364,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022ACRE, which stands for Artists\\u2019 Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions, is unique in its ties across state lines to both an urban center\\u2014its office and year-round programming center in Chicago\\u2014and a series of summertime residencies a little over 200 miles to the northwest in the rural Wisconsin village of Steuben. The residencies aim to connect people and ideas, focused on providing artists with time, intellectual exchange, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the area, which is known for its organic farms.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cACRE has an almost mythological reputation,\\u201d says artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.ricki.website\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRicki Dwyer\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, who splits their time between San Francisco and Brooklyn and has participated in multiple residencies and projects with the organization. \\u201cI am generally not someone who is attracted by residencies which are social in nature, but ACRE changed my perspective on that. Being run by artists, there wasn\\u0027t the \\u2018fancy guest\\u2019 feeling of engaging with an institution. Everyone there was a visitor, an artist, and a potential collaborator.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d091\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EAn Ever-Expanding Creative Community\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEach year, three 14-day sessions invite dozens of artists to Steuben who work in a range of disciplines, like visual art, sound and music, performance, writing, curating, science, and culinary arts. Engagement and cross-pollination between practices is central to an environment of flourishing ideas, and participants have access to communal work spaces, a screenprinting studio, an outdoor wood shop, an art and tech facility, and studios for fiber, sound, and ceramics.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5365,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0ad\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to the summer program, ACRE presents events and exhibitions of residents\\u2019 work in collaboration with venues in Chicago. Ranging from music gigs to fundraising events to gallery shows, the team strives to create diverse opportunities to celebrate showcase artwork.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cParticipating in an ACRE-affiliated gallery exhibition years after I attended as a resident artist meant getting to deepen the relationships I\\u0027d made,\\u201d Dwyer explains. In 2021, they curated a show at Southern Exposure in San Francisco, which included three ACRE artists, and another two-person show in 2021 with an artist who Dwyer also first met in Steuben. \\u201cArtists I have met at ACRE continue to be some of the more genuine connections I have made in my art life.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0c1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-collectively-shaping-the-future\\u0022\\u003ECollectively Shaping the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith \\u201ccooperative\\u201d right in their name, ACRE actively involves artists to help determine a future roadmap. The 2023 residency took a forward-thinking approach, inviting its 100 participants to \\u201ctake part in learning, reflection, and discussion about how we want to shape our future as an organization,\\u201d says Development Director Erin Nixon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5367,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5368,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5371,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5370,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5369,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f37c8d0d8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis fall, ACRE embarks on a new initiative in collaboration with \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/supera.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EJohn Supera\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, whose real estate company gives back to the Chicago community by supporting initiatives that impact homelessness, hunger, social services, and social justice initiatives. ACRE and Supera will launch a satellite studio residency and pop-up space in the Lincoln Park neighborhood later this fall, granting a Chicago-based artist an opportunity to work and exhibit in the city.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat dynamic of \\u2018take it back to real life\\u2019 is something particularly special about ACRE,\\u201d says Dwyer. \\u201cIt\\u0027s not just a space you visit, it\\u0027s definitely a community you join.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EApplications are currently open for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.acreresidency.org\\\/application\\u0022\\u003ESummer 2024 residencies\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Steuben. The deadline to apply is November 20, with an early-bird fee discount for applications received on or before November 10.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/acre-bridges-urban-and-rural-creativity-in-illinois-and-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5366,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"ACRE participants have access to communal work spaces, a screenprinting studio, an outdoor wood shop, an art and tech facility, and studios for fiber, sound, and ceramics. \",\"date\":\"2023-11-06 17:00:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in protective gear pour hot melted metal into a mold.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/High-Fire-Workshop-Photo-by-Levi-Shand.jpg 1500w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/acre-bridges-urban-and-rural-creativity-in-illinois-and-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                ACRE Bridges Urban and Rural Creativity in Illinois and Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The non-profit organizes residencies and exhibitions that connect emerging artists in Chicago and the village of Steuben in Wisconsin.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5218,\"title\":\"Chicago\\u2019s Neo-Futurists Celebrate 35 Years of Experimental Theatre\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince 1988, the Chicago experimental theater troupe, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/neofuturists.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Neo-Futurists\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, has been pushing the boundaries of the theatrical arts and connecting with audiences in new ways that never cease to surprise and delight. Thoughtfully scripted but with the directness and spontaneity of improv, Neo-Futurist shows are postmodern experiential whirlwinds of emotion that defy expectations.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETrue to their name, The Neo-Futurists abide by the principles of neo-futurism, which is a type of multi-faceted theatre that, according to their website, is \\u201cbuilt on a belief in truthful, direct communication between the performer and the audience.\\u201d\\u202f Actors \\u201cperform honest, immediate theatre grounded in their personal experiences and perspectives\\u2026 [a] fusion of sport, poetry and living-newspaper.\\u201d The work the troupe performs is not aimed \\u201cto \\u2018suspend the audience\\u2019s disbelief,\\u2019 but to create a world where the stage is a continuation of daily life.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s part surrealism, part absurdism, and all topical and timely.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5219,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0ca4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheatre reviewer Emma Durbin provided an ideal example of the cast\\u2019s neo-futurist work in an article in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/rescripted.org\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/18\\\/the-neo-futurists-sell-out\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERescripted\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: \\u201cMy favorite skit of all time was by Ensemble Member Leah Urzendowski, who kicked, punched, and stomped on a diagram of a vulva; a disturbingly accurate depiction of what it felt like to bike the gravel section of Clark Street between Foster and Montrose when it was under construction pre-pandemic. I have never laughed so hard in my life.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe best example of The Neo-Futurists\\u2019 combined work is their ensemble performance, \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/neofuturists.org\\\/events\\\/theinfinitewrench\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Infinite Wrench\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, where audiences see 30 original two-minute plays written by the cast within 60 minutes\\u2014and the plays change every week to address current events and personal developments in (almost) real-time. And because each performance engages audience feedback by calling out random numbers, which determines which of the mini-plays will be performed at that moment, no two performances are alike. When the timer goes off, the cast moves quickly to the next play, which may be a very different genre than the last.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0cf3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5220,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s easy to imagine \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eThe Infinite Wrench\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e is so named because of all the \\u201cwrenches\\u201d being thrown in the performance. The mini-plays are funny, heartrending, political, and sometimes downright bizarre, yet the emotional connection with the audience is so sincere in each that even when genres and subjects are switched abruptly from one play to the next, they flow more seamlessly than one might expect.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe show is performed in a small theatre where the audience seating encompasses the stage on three sides and there\\u2019s practically no separation between the audience and the cast. Viewers are warned that choosing to sit in the first two rows is consenting to potentially participating in the skits. Only those seated in the back get the spectator-only experience and even then you\\u2019re still close enough to make direct eye contact with the cast, which adds to the intimacy of the storytelling experience.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0d1d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5221,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5dcf0d3b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven after seeing a show, it\\u2019s a struggle for me to articulate the experience to someone who wasn\\u2019t there. The easiest way for me to describe it is to say the feeling is similar to watching the 2022 sci-fi adventure indie hit \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/a24films.com\\\/films\\\/everything-everywhere-all-at-once\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EEverything Everywhere All at Once\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, where a Chinese-American woman simply wants to do the business taxes for the laundromat she and her husband own but keeps getting pulled into alternate realities. Like the film, there are moments in Neo-Futurist shows where you\\u2019re shocked and moments where you\\u2019re deeply confused, but the overall effect is one of emotional vulnerability and necessity; something that gets to the core of the human experience in a way that goes largely untouched in the world at large.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile there are offshoots of The Neo-Futurists in San Francisco, New York City, and London, the Chicago branch is the originator, making this Italian Futurist-inspired type of theatre as distinctly Midwestern as Italian beef.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5222,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Neo-Futurist Theatre is part surrealism, part absurdism, and all topical and timely.\\u202f \",\"date\":\"2023-10-17 14:42:40\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 17, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of performers on stage dancing and gesturing with their arms. They are lit by blue and amber lights.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/joe-mazza-brave-lux-chicago-01061-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/chicagos-neo-futurists-celebrate-35-years-of-experimental-theatre\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Chicago\\u2019s Neo-Futurists Celebrate 35 Years of Experimental Theatre\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Their dedication to astonishment and awe has kept audiences coming back to see more than 12,000 plays since 1988.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":2971,\"title\":\"MdW Assembly: Shared Vision and Collective Action\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072aa6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExuberant and teeming with good ideas, artists and cultural producers Brandon Alvendia and Nicholas Wylie are kindred spirits. The two are co-conspirators in producing MdW (pronounced \\u201cMidway\\u201d), along with a dedicated team at Public Media Institute in Chicago, and bolstered by a collective of artist organizers in seven Midwestern states. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Alvendia and Wylie have brilliant minds; their wealth of experiences ranges from managing artist residency programs and artist-run spaces in Chicago to publishing initiatives, exhibitions, and everything in between. Armed with these myriad experiences, the pair was well-equipped to handle nearly any situation such as inaccurate wall dimensions, an unexpected power outage, or mobilizing hundreds of people for a shared meal. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAside from these logistical details, both of them work in an artist-centered way, where the needs of artists are of utmost importance and this generosity is evident in their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2979,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072ad8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHow would one organize an artist assembly covering seven Midwestern states? The first iteration of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2012 consisted primarily of Chicago\\u2019s artist-run spaces with a handful of other spaces represented. In the initial planning for the 2022 MdW iteration, Alvendia and Wylie conceived of a broader geographic footprint: all the central Midwestern states touching Illinois. This consortium would include Illinois (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/publicmediainstitute.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Media Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Indiana (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigcar.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBig Car Collaborative\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Iowa (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Space One\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Michigan (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/bulk-space.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBULK Space)\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Minnesota (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.confluence-studio.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EConfluence Studio\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), Missouri (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/charlottestreet.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECharlotte Street\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E), and Wisconsin (\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wormfarminstitute.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWormfarm Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E).\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe larger research inquiry of connectivity across the Midwest, in regard to artist-run spaces, developed from Alvendia\\u2019s curatorial research from 2015 to the present. Through the support of an Independent Curators International (ICI) Research Fellowship, he was embarking on short road trips in the region to explore and learn from artist-run spaces and other DIY initiatives \\u201calong the Mississippi River and its tributaries, mapping an archipelago of art worlds in the middle of the United States.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlvendia\\u2019s extensive mapping of these spaces, and more importantly, the individuals who run the art spaces, illuminates the value of person-to-person relationships.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002247px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:47px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cMdW puts the vision of the artist first.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CESAR LOPEZ, ARTIST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072af7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2974,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe interpersonal relationships with artists formed during the countless \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMidwest road\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e trips. On an early trek to Kansas \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein February 2022, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlvendia\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e reached out to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.curiouserkc.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCuriouser \\\\u0026amp; Curiouser\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, an active DIY space in Kansas City, where he met with artists Samantha \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Cesar Lopez. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Lopez curate exhibitions for Curiouser, and each has a robust artistic practice on their own. Additionally, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethey\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e serve on the curatorial board of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.plug.gallery\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePLUG\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, another artist-run space that participated in \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the 2012 edition. They were already aware of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e from archiving the history of PLUG. When speaking to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHaan\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLopez in a recent interview, they expressed that they had an interest in participating in an art fair and the opportunity of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was accessible. Most established art fairs require a booth fee, along with the steep costs of travel, art shipping, and accommodations; in contrast, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMdW\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e Assembly was free to participate, and Charlotte Street Foundation provided a travel stipend for the participating Kansas City spaces.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW195326716 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072c94\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDescribed as an alternative (to an) art fair, MdW\\u2019s overarching goal was \\u201cbringing together multiple hyperlocal scenes from across the Midwest\\u201d and to \\u201cfacilitate opportunities to work together to build pathways for lasting coalitions of purposeful, artist-led action.\\u201d Haan and Lopez spoke about what makes MdW different from the traditional model of an art fair. Lopez noted succinctly that it \\u201cputs the vision of the artist first.\\u201d For instance, he mentioned a standout booth as the Chicago-based Mayfield space. Artist Maria Burundarena wrapped the entirety of the installation area and furniture, using reflective emergency blankets. Organizers Alberto Aguilar and Madeleine Aguilar supported and facilitated the vision of the artist for their space. In contrast, for a mainstream art fair, the gallery\\u2019s point of view is often prominent, given the financial investment in the booth fee and intention to sell artworks.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAnother key facet of MdW\\u2019s alternative model is its sustained engagement over time. In a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/badatsports.com\\\/2022\\\/episode-822-mdw-assembly-and-public-space-one\\\/\\u0022\\u003Epodcast interview with \\u003Cem\\u003EBad at Sports\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, Alvendia articulates the way that MdW subverts the conventional art fair model, which usually takes place over one weekend as a spectacle; visitors fly in internationally and descend upon the art fair as a surge of social interactions, commerce, and parties. For MdW, he describes the \\u201cattempt to draw it out over a few months with the Atlas and the Drifts\\u201d using a multi-layered approach.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2975,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2976,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2978,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2980,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:2981,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072cde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002270px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:70px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/atlas\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW Atlas\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E functioned as an online publishing platform, where each state partner chose an editor and contributing writers to post daily over two months. The \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.mdwfair.com\\\/drifts\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMdW Drifts\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E served as road trip itineraries with an interactive, crowd-sourced map to explore the cultural landscapes of the central Midwest. Instead of the frantic pace of an art fair crammed into a weekend, the multiple access points for MdW initiatives necessitate a longer span of time and attention from the participants. This sustained notion of time also mirrors the way in which Alvendia was building relationships over time, meeting people one by one and reinforcing meaningful, long-term connections.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist and curator Anna Wehrwein noticed this personal tone in the \\u003Cem\\u003EMdW Participant Guidebook\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. This sourcebook for the artists and organizers presented in-depth information on installation notes and other logistics. She mentioned that the written communications from MdW had a casual, affable tone. This detail, though seemingly insignificant, accentuates the person-to-person interactions and signifies the horizontal structure of MdW at large. Despite the varying scales, missions, and models for the artist-run spaces, the presentation of the booths implied a sense of equity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBased in Columbia, Missouri, Wehrwein is the co-founder and director for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stop-gap-projects.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Estop-gap projects\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an artist-run gallery and project space. stop-gap acts as the only artist-run space in the city of Columbia. Because of the relative isolation of running a contemporary art space in central Missouri, Wehrwein felt energized and excited after returning home from Chicago. As an arts organizer, she recalled that the most successful moments were \\u201cconversations\\u2026 there were a lot of friend-to-friend moments that happened. The making of Kansas City friends was probably the most important thing that happened for us.\\u201d \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn terms of Kansas City acquaintances, Wehrwein had discussed a potential collaboration with Cesar Lopez, prior to MdW. During the time in Chicago, they re-connected in person and then mounted a traveling exhibition called \\u003Cem\\u003ELa Onda\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E at stop-gap projects (December 2, 2022-January 6, 2023), featuring artists based in Kansas City and Columbia. The tapping into each other\\u2019s networks and creating a group exhibition together encapsulates the mission of MdW: facilitating ways to work together.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2973,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The shared organizing efforts between Columbia and Kansas City proved to be fertile ground for collaboration. While Kansas City has a density of artist-run spaces that have some mutual concerns, stop-gap projects operates in solitude. Wehrwein observed that \\u201cour role here being the beacon of experimental contemporary art\\u2026it\\u2019s important, but it\\u2019s lonely.\\u201d The gathering of urban and rural artist-run efforts at MdW aimed to coalesce these spaces. Wormfarm Institute, for example, operates in the rural context of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, whereas BULK Space exists in Detroit, the largest city in the state of Michigan. In a recent conversation with Alvendia, he articulated that the binary of the \\u201curban-rural divide\\u201d is not entirely accurate, as there are so many nuances and the concept of urban to rural is a spectrum. The relationships between urban and rural communities are often complicated and fraught, especially considering the public ways that contemporary art projects manifest in these decentralized spaces. By bringing these spaces together, Alvendia expressed that the \\u201chope is that these gulfs continue to be made smaller.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f64072d02\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite some variance in cultural contexts and geographic locations for the artist-run spaces, the MdW Assembly touched on a common value that drives the work of these artist organizers. Artist Samantha Haan spoke about the \\u201cwillingness to work hard.\\u201d\\u003Csup\\u003E8\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E The organizers of these DIY spaces have a constant hustle of part-time jobs, side projects, as well as balancing an artistic practice, and sometimes parenthood. All of these pressures are met with a sincere effort to make things happen. At first, when Brandon Alvendia and Nick Wylie envisioned an assembly of artist-run spaces across seven Midwestern states, it seemed like a Herculean task. Nevertheless, with frequent Zoom meetings, local partners, and a shared vision, the larger connectivity of all these organizers became a reality. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter several years of exhibition-making and ambitious projects, the key often comes down to something simple: trusting your instincts and experiences, and letting the vision of the artist guide the way.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2018 page and contact our Managing Editor,\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mdw-assembly-shared-vision-and-collective-action\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2977,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 75% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"stop-gap projects\\u0027 booth with an installation by artist Dorian Dean during MdW at Mana Contemporary Chicago from September 9-11, 2022. Image by Amanda Middaugh.\",\"date\":\"2023-01-24 15:20:45\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":106,\"name\":\"Kimi Kitada\",\"slug\":\"kimi-kitada\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":106,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kimi Kitada\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people standing and talking to each other across from a long table with printed art and publications for display. In the background, there is an art installation framed by a red cube with people standing around it.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 75% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/5_stop-gap-projects-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/mdw-assembly-shared-vision-and-collective-action\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                MdW Assembly: Shared Vision and Collective Action\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What happens when Midwestern artists and collectives come together? MdW Assembly\\u2014an alternative (to an) art fair.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":276670,\"participants\":44616,\"grants\":35,\"communities\":19},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5572,\"title\":\"An Arab Indy Cultural Tour with Historian Edward Curtis IV\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/edward-curtis.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEdward Curtis IV\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E wants you to know there are Arab communities in the Midwest outside of Detroit\\\/Dearborn. While the area has the largest and most diverse population of Arabs in the U.S. and Dearborn is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/time.com\\\/6272959\\\/us-dearborn-michigan-eid\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ea majority Arab city\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, there are many enclaves of Arab life throughout the Midwest that deserve to be celebrated too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c[Detroit and Dearborn] are wonderful, so they seem to suck all the oxygen out of the room in terms of Arab spaces in the Midwest,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so vital that we rediscover and take time to get to know other Arab-American communities.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5592,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat\\u2019s why Curtis has dedicated his career to helping people do just that. Based in Indianapolis, where his Syrian ancestors settled when they immigrated to the U.S., Curtis is a public historian and scholar of Arab-American life in the region who has written 14 books about Muslim, Arab, and Black life.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHis two most recent books focus exclusively on the Midwest. The first, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nyupress.org\\\/9781479812561\\\/muslims-of-the-heartland\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuslims of the Heartland: How Syrian Immigrants Made a Home in the American Midwest\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e was awarded the 2023 Evelyn Shakir Non-Fiction Arab American Book Award by the Arab American National Museum, and the second, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/beltpublishing.com\\\/products\\\/arab-indianapolis\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArab Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, spawned a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/arabindianapolis.com\\\/the-documentary\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003edocumentary\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of the same name which Curtis wrote and produced, which earned him two Emmys. Additionally, Curtis created an Arab Indianapolis \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/arabindianapolis.com\\\/heritage-trail\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeritage Trail app\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e that allows users to take themselves on a self-guided tour of locales\\u2014some still in existence and some not\\u2014that were important to the early Arab immigrants to the area.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCurtis\\u2019s work is a testament to the impact Arab peoples have had on Indianapolis, shaping the city into what it is today. From luminaries like Helen Corey, who was the first Arab-American elected to office in Indiana in 1964 and the author of the popular cookbook The Art of Syrian Cookery, to dozens of grocery stores and countless other shops, and so much more, Curtis highlights the many Arabs who have shaped Indianapolis. That began with an initial wave of Syrian immigrants in the 1890s who built an entire Arab-speaking neighborhood on what is now the area around Lucas Oil Stadium. Now, there\\u2019s a new generation of Arab-Americans who are leaving their mark on the city\\u2014and Curtis has plenty of recommendations on where visitors can experience their food and culture around town.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c11144a0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5578,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5590,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5591,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5593,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c11144d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut first, a note to non-Arabs: \\u201cIt is helpful if one speaks Arabic or if one has connections in the area because some of the richest Arab cultural activities in Indianapolis happen in Arab-majority or Arab-only spaces. They provide safety and a sense of being able to let one\\u2019s hair down, so to speak,\\u201d Curtis says. \\u201cThere\\u2019s stuff that\\u2019s public and some great public-facing Arab events, but there are certain things you\\u2019re not going to have access to if you\\u2019re not a part of the community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis is true of many marginalized peoples, though there are still a number of spaces and experiences where the Arab community is inviting the larger public in. The most common are restaurants and markets.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-good-arab-eats-in-the-city\\u0022\\u003EGood Arab Eats in the City\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/rich-list {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/rich-list\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022list_type\\u0022:\\u0022ul\\u0022,\\u0022_list_type\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_list_type\\u0022,\\u0022hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_hide_bullet\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_hide_bullet\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022International Marketplace\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eVariety is the spice of life, so begin on the west side of Indianapolis where you\\u2019ll find the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/imcoalition.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Marketplace\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and inside is Rayan, a Yemeni restaurant and one of Curtis\\u2019s favorite dining spots.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u2019s our most well-known Yemeni restaurant. On the one hand, they serve typically Levantine food\\u2014Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian\\u2014so you can get your tabbouleh and hummus, but you can also get classic Yemeni dishes like Yemenite soup and mendi lamb.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAnother of Curtis\\u2019s favorites in the International Marketplace is Taste of Dubai, which has kebabs galore, as well as other dishes like fahsa [Yemeni lamb stew], shawarma, falafel, golden pompano fish, and more.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_0_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022AIM Mart\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOn the north side of the city is the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indystar.com\\\/story\\\/news\\\/local\\\/indianapolis\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/06\\\/american-international-market-open-at-86th-and-ditch-indianapolis\\\/69689984007\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmerican International Market\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014or AIM Mart to those in the know\\u2014where there\\u2019s even more to delight in.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen you enter, there\\u2019s a whole row of all the knickknacks you\\u2019d find at any Middle Eastern bazaar, from perfumes to hijabs to honey to a whole row of oriental carpets. There\\u2019s every kind of olive oil from every part of the Arabic-speaking world, plus bulk spices,\\u201d Curtis says.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTo those who haven\\u2019t yet experienced the wonders of an Arab market, the bulk spices are an olfactory treasure, especially aromatic spice blends like za\\u2019atar and baharat. In Arabic, baharat is simply the word for \\u201cspices\\u201d and denotes a spice blend that can vary by country and region, but typically contains cardamom, pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, and cloves.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThere\\u2019s a restaurant inside [AIM Mart] and the people who run it are from Zarqa, Jordan, and they\\u2019re Palestinian. So they offer all the typical Palestinian-Jordanian food from mansaf [lamb cooked in fermented yogurt and served over rice] to falafel,\\u201d Curtis says. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_1_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022Broad Ripple Neighborhood\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_heading\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_heading\\u0022,\\u0022items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNext, head to the Broad Ripple neighborhood\\u2014a hip area for Butler University students, which makes it a happening place on Friday and Saturday nights\\u2014for the hookah bars. There are several to choose from, including a traditional Egyptian hookah establishment, as well as the sleek, modern, electronic music-playing Lava, which Curtis described as \\u201clike something out of a shopping mall in the Arabian Gulf.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile the hookah bars typically serve food, there are Arab restaurants to enjoy in Broad Ripple as well.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cOne is a Jordanian restaurant called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.saharaindy.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSahara\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and one is called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.canal-bistro.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCanal Bistro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and it\\u2019s right on the old canal. Indianapolis has a canal system that was built in the 1800s, so this is a particularly nice place to go if you want to sit outside. It\\u2019s owned by a Christian Egyptian-Lebanese couple and while they serve some non-Arab food, the heart of the place is Arab food,\\u201d says Curtis.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_items_2_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items_text\\u0022,\\u0022items\\u0022:3,\\u0022_items\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_items\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_rich_list_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c1114534\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.google.com\\\/maps\\\/d\\\/u\\\/1\\\/embed?mid=1TPVRHRukncTIbUW_k1rLC2x2dmdxdKU\\\\u0026ehbc=2E312F\\\\u0026noprof=1\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022640\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022480\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c111455c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-arab-cultural-festivals-in-indianapolis\\u0022\\u003EArab Cultural Festivals in Indianapolis\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile so much of culture revolves around food, there are many more aspects of Arab culture to experience. If you visit Indianapolis at the right time, you can attend Arab cultural and religious festivals.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5595,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe historically Arab \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.stgindy.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSt. George Orthodox Christian Church\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e in Fishers, Indiana, puts on an annual Middle East festival, where they honor the Arab-speaking Syrian and Lebanese founders of the church,\\u201d Curtis says. \\u201cDuring this festival, they\\u2019re dancing dabke [the traditional folk dance of Palestine], they\\u2019re serving kebab and hummus, falafel, playing the oud [a Middle Eastern stringed instrument similar to a lute], and celebrating the cultures of their founders.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile there are non-Arab Muslims, Arabs contribute their cultural traditions to events that happen around the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha).\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cAlso in Fishers is \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/alhudafoundation.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlhuda Mosque\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which has festivals that are open to the public, you\\u2019ll meet Arab people from Morocco to Iraq, see Arab clothing, and hear Arab music,\\u201d says Curtis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-65667c111457a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest is and has always been diverse, and people from throughout the Arab world have helped make it so for more than a century. Indianapolis is no exception, and these Arab businesses and cultural events are a part of this long tradition of Arab excellence in the city.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/an-arab-indy-cultural-tour-with-historian-edward-curtis-iv\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5594,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 20%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Congregants and visitors alike marvel at the colorful icons inside St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, established by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in the early 1900s.\",\"date\":\"2023-11-28 21:38:17\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 28, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A beautiful mural of saints on the domed ceiling of a church\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 20%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/IMG_2115-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/an-arab-indy-cultural-tour-with-historian-edward-curtis-iv\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                An Arab Indy Cultural Tour with Historian Edward Curtis IV\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              There\\u2019s a century-old history of Arab life and culture in Indianapolis. The author shares some of the city\\u2019s rich Arab history, and its cultural and culinary treasures.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5205,\"title\":\"With Patience and Sincerity, Indiana Artist Pursues a 6,000-Year-Old Art Form\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENhat Tran guesses there are fewer than 10 artists in the United States making works in Urushi, a 6,000-year-old traditional Japanese art form of using lacquer. Born in Vietnam and living in Indianapolis, Indiana, she is among that celebrated few. \\u201cIt\\u2019s not well-known especially in the US. It\\u2019s really rare, so it\\u2019s an important mission for me to introduce it to people,\\u201d she says.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUrushi is named after the Asian tree species, where the sap for the lacquer is derived. For millennia in Japan, it\\u0027s been used on an array of utilitarian and decorative objects like furniture, food bowls, Buddhist sculptures, and more because it\\u0027s water-tight, lightweight, insulates, and is durable lasting hundreds of years. Tran explains of the dark, translucent material, \\u201cthe Japanese (historically) will put it on wood to make it shiny, protect it, make it more beautiful.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAn artist her whole life, Tran\\u2019s curiosity with Urushi became her calling about 25 years ago when she received grants from the Indianapolis Arts Council to study in Japan with master artists. \\u201cI have tried many things. Urushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d she explains of her immersion into the art form.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb2ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5206,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAdhering to refined, time-honored methods, she creates abstract sculptural and 2D pieces reflecting 21st century aesthetics. Of her approach she says, \\u201cI can never follow instruction, so I create my own to be suitable for my personality.\\u201d She continues, \\u201cThis gives me joy. I like the spontaneity and discovery of the process.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePatience Drives the Process\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat process is laborious. Fifteen to 40 layers of lacquer compose a single artwork resulting in tight formations of electric, pulsating surfaces rich with depth and vibrant colors. Even still, they are calm, peaceful, enrapturing visual meditations. One layer can take weeks to set, with a piece taking months to over a year to complete. Within those layers, she incorporates traditional materials utilized for hundreds of years: eggshells, metallic powders, and plant fibers.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cMy technique is to mix those with color pigment\\u2026layers, layers, and layers,\\u201d she says of creating luxuriously dense surfaces. \\u201cThen I sand it out, see where I will go, how a pattern emerges. I never know what the result will be.\\u201d Layers are applied with special brushes specific for Urushi, of which she has a vast amount.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAfter each is applied, the piece goes into a humidity and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003etemperature-controlled\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e chamber called a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003emuro\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. The unique challenge to a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUrushi\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e artist in Indianapolis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eis the dramatically fluctuating seasonal weather making \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethe hardening process \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eunpredictable. It \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003enecessitates\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e adaptation, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eit\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e part of the natural evolution distinguishing Tran\\u2019s practice as her own\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003emodern, yet ancient all at once. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW239576100 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e part of her genius.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor the Love of Lacquer\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLacquer is a tedious, expensive art form. A Urushi tree must be at least 10 years old before sap can be extracted. \\u201cIt\\u2019s why it\\u2019s expensive,\\u201d Tran explains. \\u201cBuying sap is not simple. You have to get the good stuff to do this work,\\u201d she stresses. \\u201cEveryone purifies lacquer differently, so quality varies greatly. It\\u2019s expensive and not created equal.\\u201d For example, she says, \\u201cVietnamese lacquer is flammable.\\u201d Also, sap can irritate skin as Urushi\\u2019s American cousin is poison ivy.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb38c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI can never follow instruction, so I create my own to be suitable for my personality. This gives me joy. I like the spontaneity and discovery of the process.\\u201d \\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NHAT TRAN, ARTIST\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb3d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMasterful at her uncommon art, Tran laments, \\u201cMy work poses some difficulty. People don\\u2019t know what Urushi is, so they aren\\u2019t willing to buy. Exposure is limited. Then, the sap is so ridiculously expensive.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENiche Urushi collectors aren\\u2019t out there and Tran isn\\u2019t commercially successful, but that\\u2019s not her desire.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI really have simple, modest goals,\\u201d she says. \\u201cTo see people smile and enjoy my artwork is my deepest reward. To have a chance to promote Urushi,\\u201d and, she muses, \\u201cTo be able to pay my art expense bill.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5209,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5210,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5211,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ecbcdb3eb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESuccess has been rewarded through great recognition. \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.urushi-artist.com\\\/home\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHer work\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is collected by museums including the Smithsonian. In the 2002 international touring exhibition, \\u003Cem\\u003ETrue Colors: Meditations on the American Spirit\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, her work hung alongside American greats, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, and Wyeth.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2004, the Indianapolis International Airport commissioned a large Urushi mural from her which prominently hangs in the departures terminal. Notably, Tran says it\\u2019s the only Urushi public art piece in the US. \\u201cThey took a risk. It\\u2019s a huge honor. I give them credit for promoting something you don\\u2019t see anywhere,\\u201d she says.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUrushi is Tran\\u2019s destiny. \\u201cMy artwork never seeks to convey a specific moral, social or political message,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s sincere\\u2014sharing my emotions, feelings, experience, and progress as a being.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"\\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"\\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/with-patience-and-sincerity-indiana-artist-pursues-a-6000-year-old-art-form\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5212,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022525\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"According to artist Nhat Tran, her commissioned mural at the Indianapolis International Airport is the only Urushi public art piece in the US. \",\"date\":\"2023-10-12 17:23:44\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 12, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":131,\"name\":\"Mary Lee Pappas\",\"slug\":\"mary-lee-pappas\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":131,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":8,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mary Lee Pappas\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022700\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022700\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A wall with an assortment of three-dimensional works of varying sizes. They have abstract patterns made of a range of colors from yellows, greens, blues, and browns.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1024x700.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-768x525.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-1536x1049.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/IMG_6702-2-2048x1399.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/with-patience-and-sincerity-indiana-artist-pursues-a-6000-year-old-art-form\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                With Patience and Sincerity, Indiana Artist Pursues a 6,000-Year-Old Art Form\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              \\u201cUrushi is most close to who I am,\\u201d says Indianapolis-based artist Nhat Tran, who has been creating abstract sculptural and 2D pieces with lacquer over the past two decades. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4226,\"title\":\"\\u0022Butter\\u0022 Get Ready: An Indianapolis Art Fair by, of and for Black Artists\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304db59\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor the past few years, downtown Indianapolis has welcomed Black visual artists across Indiana and beyond for \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/butterartfair.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBUTTER: The Fine Art Fair\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. With the goal of elevating Black excellence and creativity through equitable events and opportunities, the fair charges no booth fees, so 100% of the money made goes to the artists. And with over 8,000 people in attendance last year spending more than $250,000 on art, that\\u2019s a nice chunk of change flowing into the Black arts community.\\u202f\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe size and scale of BUTTER make it a driver of economic justice for contemporary Black artists. As generations of Black people have voiced and as studies have shown, many Black communities don\\u2019t have the generational wealth afforded white communities, so reparations are necessary. Because BUTTER ensures all the money made over the course of the fair, it\\u2019s an inspiring way to work toward reparations in the arts.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut BUTTER\\u0027s impact doesn\\u2019t end there. Last year, the artists who exhibited got so much attention as a result of the fair that \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ganggangculture.com\\\/projects\\\/butter-2\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethey made an additional $210,000\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E after the event as well.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022BUTTER is quickly becoming the blueprint for elevating and caring for artists of color.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MALINA SIMONE BACON, GANGGANG \\\\u0026 BUTTER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304dbdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4229,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef304dbfc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe fair is organized by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/ganggangculture.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGANGGANG\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Black-owned and operated firm specializing in cultural development and creative advocacy. Their tagline \\u201cCulture. Equity. Beauty.\\u201d speaks to all the elements present in BUTTER. The firm is a startup focusing on the economic viability of the arts in communities of color, so each project they collaborate on\\u2014whether art fairs or concert series\\u2014is brought to life through that lens.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBUTTER is quickly becoming the blueprint for elevating and caring for artists of color,\\u201d said Malina Simone Bacon, Executive Director of GANGGANG and one of BUTTER\\u2019s founders. \\u201cBUTTER seeks an equitable and reparational process designed to benefit the economic viability of the artists. As such, we do not require a fee for participation, nor do we take a commission on the sale of the work.\\u201d\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first BUTTER took place in 2021 and has grown exponentially since then. Last year, 1,000 adult attendees were expected, then were gratified to see more than 3,400 adult tickets sold.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow, BUTTER is back for 2023 and has a full schedule of fun for Labor Day weekend:\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cul\\u003E\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003EFriday, September 1: Opening Day and Night, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.\\u202f\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003ESaturday, September 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the (aptly titled) MELT dance party 9 p.m. to midnight\\u202f\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:list-item --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cli\\u003ESunday, September 3: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus Testimony Service at 2 p.m.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list-item --\\u003E\\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:list --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe fair is taking place at The Stutz, located downtown at 1060 N Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204, where the work of more than 50 Black artists will be on view and on sale. Additionally, there will be artist talks, live music by Deckademics and DJ Grapevine, dance, BUTTER-themed food, and walking tours in the Indiana Avenue Cultural District.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cBUTTER is a living art fair, curated with intention and with a thoughtful approach,\\u201d said Deonna Craig, the first full-time BUTTER Fine Art Fair Director. \\u201cAs a past exhibiting BUTTER artist, I have witnessed the benefits of bringing together collectors, creatives, and community. This is the gap BUTTER was designed to fill. It\\u2019s an honor to help GANGGANG push boundaries and elevate Black artists in the national conversation.\\u201d\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGeneral admission \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/eventbrite.com\\\/e\\\/butter-fine-art-fair-tickets-665651841577(opens in a new tab)\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etickets to BUTTER\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which includes all events and activities over the three-day festival, are $40. Those 18 and younger are welcome for free. However, if you really want first dibs while art shopping, consider opting for Preview Night on Thursday, August 31, for $175.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/butter-get-ready-an-indianapolis-art-fair-by-of-and-for-black-artists\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4227,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The first BUTTER took place in 2021 and has grown exponentially since then. Last year, 1,000 adult attendees were expected, then were gratified to see more than 3,400 adult tickets sold.\\u202f \",\"date\":\"2023-08-15 19:05:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 15, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A gallery space filled with people. Some are chatting and in small groups, while others look at artworks on the gallery walls.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/N09A6951-resize-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/butter-get-ready-an-indianapolis-art-fair-by-of-and-for-black-artists\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                \\u0022Butter\\u0022 Get Ready: An Indianapolis Art Fair by, of and for Black Artists\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              BUTTER blends art, economic justice, and reparations together for an unforgettable weekend of Black excellence and Black joy.\\u202f\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":401772,\"participants\":66346,\"grants\":27,\"communities\":14},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4337,\"title\":\"Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAsk Lee Zieke how long it takes to complete one of her handwoven willow baskets, and she\\u2019s likely to reply with a riddle:\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen do I get to say I started?\\u201d she says with a grin. \\u201cWas it when I planted those willows? When I harvested? Was it when I graded them to size? Let them dry? Re-soaked them?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor visitors to Willowglen, the answer is clear. This verdant acreage outside of Decorah, Iowa, offers ample evidence that the pieces grown and crafted here come from a lifetime of skill-building and tending the land. Willow patches and prairie flowers sway in the breeze just steps from a barn-like workshop that is filled with handicrafts, tools, and produce recently harvested from the garden. Zieke and her husband, Lindsay Lee, have lived and worked here for more than four decades, in a partnership as interwoven as any basketry they create.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4340,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCultivating Meaningful Materials\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple, who met as high schoolers in Cedar Rapids, named the place Willowglen long before Zieke had what she calls her \\u201cawakening\\u201d to the plant. They bought the property in the early 1980s, turning a former cornfield into a destination flower nursery. As naturalists, landscapers, and artisans, they could make their living in a way that complemented their lifestyle. Driftless-area gardeners turned to Zieke and Lee for growing advice and inspiration along with the allium, verbascum, and other perennials they offered for sale.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe couple began to cultivate various species of willow to use and sell to other weavers after Zieke attended a basket-making workshop in the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/amanacolonies.com\\\/visitors-guide\\\/history-of-the-seven-villages\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAmana Colonies\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e under the acclaimed folk artist Joanna Schanz.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWhen I first started weaving, I would go hunt wild willow for material,\\u201d Zieke says. She was instantly enamored with the art form. \\u201cIf you\\u0027re a serious basket maker, you\\u0027re gonna go find a way to grow willow. It\\u0027s the only way to get it in any quantity.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nInspired by European willow farms, they use traditional coppicing methods. Cutting branches near the base encourages shoots as tall as six feet to regenerate each year. This makes willow one of the original dimensional building materials and an attractive renewable choice for today\\u2019s sustainability-minded crafters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cCoppice is fascinating to me because it predates the saw,\\u201d Lee says. \\u201cPrior to the Iron Age, you could take a sharp stone and hack off the plant and six stems would come up the following year.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlthough they\\u2019re winding down their commercial operation, Zieke and Lee\\u2019s commitment to craftsmanship and bond with the willow-working community keeps them growing.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422674\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022The closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022JESSA FROST, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT NORTH HOUSE FOLK SCHOOL\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee84226e9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4338,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422702\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-carrying-cultural-traditions\\u0022\\u003ECarrying Cultural Traditions\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter closing the nursery in 2010, Zieke and Lee were able to dedicate more time to taking and teaching classes at folk schools across the Midwest. They team up to teach at places like the nearby \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vesterheim.org\\\/folk-art-school\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVesterheim Folk Art School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/northhouse.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ENorth House Folk School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Grand Marais, Minnesota. North House Folk School program director Jessa Frost says the full spectrum understanding Lee and Lindsay have of their materials creates a unique opportunity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe closer you can get to those resources you need to make the craft, the more holistic and, I think, meaningful and authentic the experience,\\u201d Frost says. \\u201c[Lee and Lindsay] are able to infuse that knowledge into their basketry classes in a way that is really special for students. Not to mention the fact that Lee has such extensive knowledge of European willow basketry styles, and she has worked with the best willow basket makers in the world.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee842270d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4339,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4341,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4342,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4343,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee8422724\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond sharing the step-by-step handiwork methods, the couple says they are motivated to pass along knowledge that was essential in the daily lives of our ancestors. Lee likes to weave ancient fishing vessels called coracles and is experimenting with a canoe design featuring lashed willow branches, whereas Zieke is most often working on handled and wearable pieces that could be used to haul in a harvest or hold special household items.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe tell people\\u202fthat, even if they never make another basket, they will never look at a basket the same way,\\u201d Zieke says. \\u201cI want them to make something that\\u0027s significant.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4344,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 60%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The willow-woven canoe that Lindsay Lee is creating draws inspiration from both basketry methods and ancient boat-building techniques that still yield beauty through simplicity. \\u201cYou start with this pile of sticks and it becomes a vessel that\\u0027s out there on the water,\\u201d Lee says.\",\"date\":\"2023-09-06 19:32:53\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 6, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":140,\"name\":\"Brianne Sanchez\",\"slug\":\"brianne-sanchez\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":140,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":141,\"name\":\"Robert Modersohn\",\"slug\":\"robert-modersohn\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":141,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brianne Sanchez and Robert Modersohn\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A hand of a light skin-toned person rests on a collection of woven willow branches that are part of a handmade canoe frame.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 60%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/11.P1490167-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/folk-art-takes-root-among-rural-iowa-willow-weavers\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Folk Art Takes Root Among Rural Iowa Willow Weavers\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From growing their materials to teaching others the craft, Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee\\u2019s artistic practices are creatively interwoven with their lives.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3814,\"title\":\"Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop: \\u201cA Magnet\\u201d for America\\u2019s Most Brilliant Wordsmiths\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhat do John Irving, Rita Dove, Jane Smiley, Jenny Zhang, Raymond Carver, Sandra Cisneros, Flannery O\\u2019Connor, Leslie Jamison, W.P. Kinsella, and Yaa Gyasi have in common?\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThey\\u2019re just a few among generations of acclaimed writers who have honed their craft at the Iowa Writers\\u0027 Workshop. It\\u0027s not only the most prestigious program of its kind, it virtually defined the graduate study of creative writing as practiced today.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe two-year workshop is a program of the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, and bestows a Master of Fine Arts degree on students who complete the training. Founded in 1936, the program marked a new model of education in the arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cThere is something delightful in watching a Pulitzer winner giggle at a play-on-words, or muse about Faulkner, or eat ice cream and just be human.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DINA NAYERI, NOVELIST AND IOWA WRITERS\\u0027 WORKSHOP ALUM\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72993\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea that a university can and should accept creative writing \\u2014 like a novel, or a collection of poetry \\u2014 as the basis of an academic degree is now commonplace, but it wasn\\u2019t always so. The fact that America\\u2019s first M.F.A. program in creative writing took root in Iowa is testament to the Midwest\\u2019s longstanding commitment to the arts.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3815,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/writersworkshop.uiowa.edu\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, which has inspired hundreds of similar programs, is based in Dey House, just a few hundred feet from the Iowa River. There, students meet for weekly roundtable discussions of one another\\u2019s work, led by faculty members prominent in their field.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThere is something delightful in watching a Pulitzer winner giggle at a play-on-words, or muse about Faulkner, or eat ice cream and just be human,\\u201d wrote workshop alum Dina Nayeri in \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.writersdigest.com\\\/whats-new\\\/5-unexpected-lessons-from-inside-the-iowa-writers-workshop\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWriter\\u2019s Digest\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\u201cIt makes everything seem possible, that is worth two years of being here in person.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile participants disagree as to whether there\\u2019s such a thing as an \\u201cIowa style\\u201d of writing, historically the workshop has helped to shape the American literary voice: specific, personal, realistic. The program has spawned well over a dozen Pulitzer winners and several U.S. Poets Laureate.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe program acts as a magnet,\\u201d former workshop director Frank Conroy told the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.neh.gov\\\/about\\\/awards\\\/national-humanities-medals\\\/iowa-writers-workshop\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNational Endowment for the Humanities\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. Students are eager to join one of the most esteemed, enthusiastic writing groups in the world.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72a4c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef5b72a81\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThere\\u2019s no distraction; it\\u2019s a close community,\\u201d Conroy continued. \\u201cThey call each other at two o\\u2019clock in the morning to say, \\u2018You\\u2019ve got to hear this stanza I just wrote.\\u2019\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe literary life in Iowa City extends far beyond the walls of Dey House. The city is home to numerous literary presses, bookstores such as Prairie Lights, and multiple writing festivals each year. It was the first city in the Americas to be named a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.unesco.org\\\/creative-cities\\\/iowa-city\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EUNESCO City of Literature\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite the supportive surroundings, the workshop\\u2019s official philosophy is that its graduates\\u2019 success has more to do with their own talents than with anything they can learn from two years in Iowa.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe continue to look for the most promising talent in the country,\\u201d the program\\u2019s administrators \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/writersworkshop.uiowa.edu\\\/about\\\/about-workshop\\\/philosophy\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Edeclare\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, \\u201cin our conviction that writing cannot be taught but that writers can be encouraged.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/iowa-writers-workshop-a-magnet-for-americas-most-brilliant-wordsmiths\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3816,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022511\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 70% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop is based in Dey House at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, just a few hundred feet from the Iowa River.\",\"date\":\"2023-06-13 14:34:50\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 70% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people sitting by the door of a white house with green accents.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 70% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/2016_09_13-Iowa-Writers-Workshop-jatorner-01251-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/iowa-writers-workshop-a-magnet-for-americas-most-brilliant-wordsmiths\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Iowa Writers\\u2019 Workshop: \\u201cA Magnet\\u201d for America\\u2019s Most Brilliant Wordsmiths\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The prestigious program, which shaped the course of creative writing in the United States, helped make Iowa City one of UNESCO\\u2019s first designated Cities of Literature. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3594,\"title\":\"Murals\\u2019 Towering Representations of Black Life Enrich Des Moines\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI have often felt either exposed or invisible in my own hometown.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn classrooms, workplaces and even driving along city streets, I\\u2019ve felt the duality of being surveilled as a Black woman and also disregarded because of it.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBlack people make up 11.3% of Des Moines\\u2019 population and 4% of Iowa\\u2019s. We have built lives in cities that are ranked among the worst places in the nation for Black people to live. Part of our lived experience as Black Iowans is loving ourselves in spite of our fellow Iowans\\u2019 efforts to marginalize us.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3595,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in 2020, my husband and I would drive around the city, and I would take photos of the Black Lives Matter signs displayed prominently in residents\\u2019 lawns. From economically challenged neighborhoods to wealthier ones across town, it felt affirming to know people of all hues could coalesce around us. A temporary salve however, as many of the signs no longer remain.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDuring one of the drives we took to flee the stress of the Coronavirus pandemic, which harmed Black Iowans disproportionately, we drove along University Avenue. As we crossed the busy intersection at Sixth Avenue, north of downtown, I heard my husband gasp.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eThat\\u2019s when I first caught a glimpse of \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFuture\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e by artist Jill Wells. I turned our SUV around and sped over to the mural, thinking: Who painted Black people on the side of a building? In Des Moines.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe mural by Wells and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.hernandesignco.com\\\/links\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMarissa Hernandez\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, both Drake University alumnae, is a permanent installation commissioned by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The mural is located along the north side of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, an organization that has programs to fight poverty and help small business owners.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe took in the mural\\u2019s scenes. A Black woman and man conversed on the steps of a home. Sticky notes became graduation confetti as a graduate held a child. A group of people \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eembraced\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW101882113 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. A Black couple glanced lovingly at their children, tie-clad and briefcase in tow. The mural is inspirational. One of its central themes depicts the American dream of home ownership, which remains elusive for many Black Iowans.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cul\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n \\\\t\\\\u003cli\\\\u003e70% of Black Iowans are renters, compared with 28% of all Iowans, according to state data.\\\\u003c\\\/li\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n \\\\t\\\\u003cli\\\\u003eAbout 22% of Black Iowans over the age of 25 are college graduates, compared with 30.5% of all Iowans, according to a 2023 fact sheet by the State Data Center of Iowa and the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans.\\\\u003c\\\/li\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list-item \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/ul\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:list \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7f04\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3597,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fb2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fcd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI\\u2019ve wondered for years whether the city reflects our history and culture. What Black landmarks or large scale works of art exist? I could think of my favorite piece by artist Kerry Marshall, \\u003Cem\\u003EA Monumental Journey\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, located downtown, which marks the founding of the National Bar Association in Des Moines in 1925 by 12 Black lawyers.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen came murals by Wells, and others, who centered representation at the core of her work. Her murals felt like a revolutionary act. The pandemic isolated us. Politics divided us. Suddenly, she and other artists transformed unremarkable buildings into glowing, towering and positive representations of Black life.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA little over a mile away from the \\u003Cem\\u003EFuture\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E mural sits \\u003Cem\\u003EBlack Renaissance\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, which debuted last October. The mural is located just south of 24th Street and University Avenue at xBk Live. In the mural, a young Black singer is flanked by moody flowers, clutching a microphone, long braids trailing behind her. Hair braiding is such an integral part of Black culture. Many Black girls and women have worn their hair just like the singer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Seeing such a nuanced depiction of Black woman joy on the side of a building in the center of Des Moines subtly changed my perception of the city.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DANA JAMES, WRITER \\\\u0026 FOUNDER, BLACK IOWA NEWS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b7fef\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3602,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3601,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3603,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b8010\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3604,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWells said: \\\\u0022The Lotus flowers and foliage symbolize resilience, the black butterflies symbolize transition and renewal and the mural\\u2019s moody ombre color palette of blue, black, purple and pink speak of royalty and dignity. The mural\\u0027s design captures the spirit of music, Black entrepreneurship and community success.\\\\u0022\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBlack Renaissance\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e captured the joy I\\u2019ve felt getting my hair braided and even braiding other Black women\\u2019s hair. Seeing such a nuanced depiction of Black woman joy on the side of a building in the center of Des Moines subtly changed my perception of the city.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBraids and baby hair. Representation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nYoung Black children in Des Moines will grow up seeing themselves reflected in the murals\\u2019 themes. Might they, in our city divided by imaginary red lines, feel seen in a way that I never quite have? Wells\\u2019 soaring murals across the state have the power to revolutionize how we see ourselves and maybe how others see us as well.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWells is correct. Representation matters.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f1a2b804a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-towering-representations-of-black-life-enrich-des-moines\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3598,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A mural depicting people with dark skin tones. One has their back to the viewer, an arm raised pasting colorful post-it notes. These notes trail to become confetti for a scene depicting a joyful adult in a graduation gown embracing a young child.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 30%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"From plans to accomplishments. A section from artists Jill Wells and Marissa Hernandez\\u0027s mural, Future, in Des Moines, Iowa.\",\"date\":\"2023-05-22 16:54:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 22, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":122,\"name\":\"Dana James\",\"slug\":\"dana-james\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":122,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Dana James\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A mural depicting people with dark skin tones. 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These notes trail to become confetti for a scene depicting a joyful adult in a graduation gown embracing a young child.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 30%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/IMG_7706.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-towering-representations-of-black-life-enrich-des-moines\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Murals\\u2019 Towering Representations of Black Life Enrich Des Moines\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Artist Jill Wells\\u2019 murals transform ordinary buildings, uplifting Black culture. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":370160,\"participants\":24731,\"grants\":19,\"communities\":12},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5332,\"title\":\"Kayla Powers Embraces the Possibilities of Detroit\\u2019s Local Botanicals\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFor me, natural dyeing has always been about place and local color,\\u201d says artist Kayla Powers, whose multidisciplinary works stitch together her passions for gardening, foraging, textiles, and exploring her local environment. A connection to the land and its natural bounty lays the framework for her quilt-like compositions, inspired by stained glass, textile traditions, and dyes derived from regional plants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBased in Detroit, Michigan, where she has lived for the past seven years and recently graduated from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Powers has honed her interest in plants and botanical materials that she finds near her home and gardens on a small plot in her backyard. \\u0022I have been gardening and foraging in Detroit for the past seven years, so I feel familiar with the plant life in this city, and I continue to learn about it constantly,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cDetroit is so unique for a city, in that there is a lot of open land. And sometimes you hear it called \\u2018vacant land,\\u2019 but I have found it to be the exact opposite. There is such a variety of plant and animal life that thrives in these open spaces.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KAYLA POWERS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542cf9f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5333,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542cff8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen she moved to the city in 2017, she was surprised to find on her regular walks through the neighborhood that natural dye plants grow abundantly in many of the uninhabited lots. \\u201cForaging for plants in the city is a great way to get to know a place,\\u201d Powers says. \\u201cDetroit is so unique for a city, in that there is a lot of open land. And sometimes you hear it called \\u2018vacant land,\\u2019 but I have found it to be the exact opposite. There is such a variety of plant and animal life that thrives in these open spaces.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPowers\\u2019 knowledge of plants developed throughout her travels and work experience in places like a permaculture farm in Colombia, a biodynamic farm in Upstate New York, and a ginger farm in Hawaii. During a six-month Textile Internship at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/wildcraftstudioschool.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWildCraft Studio School\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Portland, Oregon, she was introduced to natural dyes, which were used to color wool processed from locally-raised sheep.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542d00f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5334,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eImmersing in material, place, and time\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn her most recent \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/kaylapowers.studio\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecreative explorations\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, Powers has begun working with sheer or transparent fabrics, sometimes filled with seeds or embellished with the silhouettes of leaves and flowers. \\u201cI was looking at quilts and stained glass windows and thinking about light and how that impacts our experience of a place,\\u201d she says. She has begun incorporating \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kew.org\\\/read-and-watch\\\/cyanotype-photography\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ecyanotypes\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, a camera-less photographic process that relies on the sun and a solution of iron salts to imprint an image onto a surface.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePowers enjoys weaving together notions of medium, place, and passing time. \\u201cI was writing out my materials lists and thinking, okay, I used cotton fabric that I dyed with marigolds\\u2014for example\\u2014and I grew the marigolds with soil, water, and sunlight, and it felt like this poetic moment to me, that the quality and quantity of light in a place determines the color in a certain plant.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA new technique in Powers\\u2019 repertoire includes mixing pigment with milk-based paint to create patterns she calls \\u201cseed stitches.\\u201d She says, \\u201cI love the parallels between gardening and quilting\\u2014sowing seeds and sewing fabric\\u2014so these little marks I\\u2019m making directly on the wall are kind of an homage to both.\\u201d This summer, she also rented a space at a local ceramics studio and began experimenting with clay. \\u201cI love to let the process guide me,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThat way, I can stay open to the possibilities.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4542d042\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel 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\\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kayla-powers-embraces-the-possibilities-of-detroits-local-botanicals\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5341,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-scaled.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 25%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Kayla Powers extracts pigments from plants she finds close to her home or from ones that grow in her garden in the North End of Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-31 16:36:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 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src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An assortment of tools used in extracting color pigment from plants laid out on a table.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 25%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/ACS_1642-scaled.jpeg 1920w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/kayla-powers-embraces-the-possibilities-of-detroits-local-botanicals\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Kayla Powers Embraces the Possibilities of Detroit\\u2019s Local Botanicals\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              This Detroit-based artist uses foraged plants from uninhabited lots to create natural dyes, pigments, quilts, and more. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3683,\"title\":\"Micro Moments of Magic is Counting Connections in Ann Arbor\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f04202966\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe set up is simple. On any given summer night, you may stumble upon Jeremy Mulder and Adam Hess in Ann Arbor\\u0027s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.atlasobscura.com\\\/places\\\/graffiti-alley-ann-arbor\\u0022\\u003EGraffiti Alley\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, wielding sharpies. They stand beside two large pieces of paper, one titled \\u0022Smiles\\u0022 and the other \\u0022Eye Contact.\\u0022 The space below each title is adorned with tally marks, each representing a micro moment of connection.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs passersby walk past the alley, Mulder and Hess make tally marks for every smile and instance of eye contact they witness.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u0022I saw that, thank you for playing,\\u0022 Mulder says to a group of students who make eye contact while passing by. As the students respond with smiles of recognition, Hess chimes in: \\u0022Right? Nice! See! That\\u0027s great. Two? Mark that down. Three? Yes!\\u0022 Laughter fills the alley as the tally marks multiply.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3685,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0420298d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMulder and Hess call their project Micro Moments of Magic. The idea sprouted during the winter of 2023, which was particularly brutal across the Upper Midwest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe had a pandemic\\u2019s worth of not connecting, and a Midwest winter\\u2019s worth of not connecting, and so the thought was, we could feel that people needed a reason to connect,\\u201d said Mulder.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn their busiest day so far, Mulder and Hess collected 1818 smiles and 1784 instances of eye contact. But contrary to what many people ask, it\\u2019s not for a study.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re in a college town, so many people ask, \\u201cIs this a sociology study?\\u201d said Mulder. \\u201cWe\\u2019ve agreed that says more about them. They\\u2019re usually sociology majors.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhen people come up and ask us what this is about, we\\u2019ve said many different things for the sake of creativity,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cBut it\\u2019s really just fun engagement.\\u201d \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3688,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMulder and Hess have been visiting the alley 2-3 times a week to do Micro Moments of Magic, mostly because, as Hess says, \\u201cIt feels delightful.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThere is something special in the energy created by the project. As people pass by the duo for their second time in the evening, they cheer seeing how many more tallies have been added. \\u201cThere\\u2019s a lot of frequent fliers. Because it feels good!\\u201d says Hess.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPassersby request to take photos with the paper or even take turns adding tallies themselves. The smiles become contagious.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe poach smiles too. If they\\u2019re already smiling, we\\u2019ll count it too, whether it was us or not,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cWe\\u2019re not taking credit, we\\u2019re just saying that they\\u2019re smiling.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f042029c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt feels remarkable to see how small yet intentional connections can bring about a big change in people\\u0027s days. However, Mulder and Hess are not surprised.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think in the Midwest, there\\u2019s a lot of \\u0027elevator culture,\\u0027\\u201d says Mulder. \\u201cPut your head down, look at your feet, that kind of thing. Even something as simple as writing \\u0027eye contact\\u0027 or \\u0027smile\\u0027 at the top of a piece of paper gives people permission to come out of their shell.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHess, who recently made a transition out of a career as a nurse, enjoys finding a way to continue to help people in some form.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re collecting all these smiles. They happened, when maybe they wouldn\\u2019t have before,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cIf we made a million extra smiles, would that have an effect on the culture? I don\\u2019t know. Maybe! Especially if we had other people on other posts!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the sun sets, the duo runs out of space on their paper. They preserve each sheet, marking them with the date and time, creating a collection of connections.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf one person says, \\u2018That was great,\\u2019 then I feel like we\\u2019re doing it all for the right reason,\\u201d says Hess. \\u201cBecause we did it so that one person who needed something, got it. But what did we do, really?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPerhaps they\\u0027re making magic, one micro connection at a time.  \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EConnect with Micro Moments of Magic on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/micromomentsofmagic\\u0022\\u003EInstagram\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3687,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f04202a10\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/counting-connections-the-heartfelt-art-of-micro-moments-of-magic\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3686,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 28%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jeremy Mulder of Micro Moments of Magic stands in Ann Arbor\\u0027s Graffiti Alley next to a sheet tallying up eye contact. \",\"date\":\"2023-06-01 16:46:45\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 1, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 28%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A man holding a bunch of white balloons stands against a background of graffiti and a paper that says eye contact and has tally marks.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 28%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/341808270_1446844856121841_110798493146617870_n.jpg 1080w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/counting-connections-the-heartfelt-art-of-micro-moments-of-magic\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Micro Moments of Magic is Counting Connections in Ann Arbor\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              In an alleyway in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Micro Moments of Magic is spreading joy, one tally mark at a time. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4094,\"title\":\"Detroit Public Theatre Brings Plays to the Neighborhood\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter spending their first five years in-residence at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Public Theatre moved to a more permanent home at 3960 Third Ave last September. Just a few miles away from the city\\u2019s other historic art institutions including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and the Detroit Opera House.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe wanted to stay in the cultural center and in the cultural district. We wanted to be with the big kids,\\u201d says Courtney Burkett, founder and producing artistic director at The Detroit Public Theatre.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENestled between other Cass Corridor attractions in a building that had been vacant for many years, its striking facade emblazoned with the theatre\\u2019s logo signals a new era for performing art entertainment in the city.\\u0026nbsp; The Detroit Public Theatre\\u2019s new building ushered in the 2022\\\/2023 season. The black box theatre boasts a box office, bookshop, rehearsal studio, and a bar. It comfortably accommodates 200 people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4096,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f6aa\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe wanted to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre in Detroit.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo be in conversation with our city and to create work that people of our city can come and see and see their own lives reflected in, so they don\\u2019t have to travel to Chicago or Stratford of New York to see quality professional theatre, but they can see their theatre here in their own city,\\u201d says Burkett.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe first show featured in the new space was Dominique Morriseau\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EMud Row \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ewhich tells an intergenerational story of one family in Detroit grappling with gentrification and growing pains. Morriseau, a Detroit native and world-renowned playwright, is also a member of the theatre\\u2019s artistic leadership team.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f6fb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4097,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4098,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f716\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPassing Strange\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E written by singer-songwriter and playwright Stew is the final show of their current season. The play follows a young musician on his journey away from organized religion and into a bohemian lifestyle fueled by rock n\\u2019 roll. It\\u2019s the biggest show to date with a seven-person cast and a four-person band.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe theatre provides a range of community programs including Shakespeare in Prison, Detroit \\u201867 in Schools and Communities, DPT\\u2019s T.A.G. (Third Avenue Garage) Residencies, Detroit Dialogues Post-Show Forums, and Pick-Your-Price Tickets.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Detroit Public Theatre\\u2019s next season begins in late September with Jennifer Maisel\\u2019s \\u003Cem\\u003EEight Nights\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E. Previews will be September 27 and 28, then opening night is September 29.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4099,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4100,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633efb45f72f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe built it for you. We built it for the citizens of Detroit to see their own lives reflected. We want people to be able to communicate not only with the work that\\u2019s on the stage, but also with each other,\\u201d says Burkett.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhether they\\u2019re portraying prominent civil rights leaders, revisiting important cultural moments or delving into the rich interior lives of generations of Detroiters, Detroit Public Theatre excels in telling stories that you can\\u2019t find anywhere else in the city and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-public-theatre-brings-plays-to-the-neighborhood\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4095,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Detroit Public Theatre\\u0027s new home at 3960 Third Ave in Detroit, Michigan.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-25 15:13:02\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 25, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":36,\"name\":\"Imani Mixon\",\"slug\":\"imani-mixon\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":36,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Imani Mixon was born and raised at the magnetic center of the world\\u2019s cultural compass \\u2014 Detroit, Michigan. She is a long-form storyteller who is inspired by everyday griots who bear witness to their surroundings and report it back out. Equal parts urgent and essential, her multimedia work centers the experiences of Black women and independent artists.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Imani Mixon\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A facade of a one-story beige-colored building with lettering that reads \\u0026quot;Third Ave Garage\\u0026quot; under a stylistic logo of the Detroit Public Theatre. The photo was taken during night time, so lights are shining through the building\\u0026#039;s large square windows, and cars are trailing the foreground of the image.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/Opening-3960-by-Lumumba-Leon-Reynolds-II-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/detroit-public-theatre-brings-plays-to-the-neighborhood\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Detroit Public Theatre Brings Plays to the Neighborhood\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Now in a new permanent space, the black box theatre wants to create a cultural anchor institution for professional theatre for Detroiters.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":319440,\"participants\":50163,\"grants\":45,\"communities\":30},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3518,\"title\":\"Making the Most of a Frozen Lake: Minnesota\\u0027s Art Shanty Projects\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0f921f1a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe word \\u201cshanty\\u201d doesn\\u2019t evoke a lot of positive associations \\u2014 unless, that is, you\\u2019re living in a place where bodies of water regularly freeze over. Across the Upper Midwest, wintertime sees ice shanties pop up on lakes\\u2019 solid surfaces to shelter people as they auger holes and drop fishing lines.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEmbracing that spirit of ephemerality, Minnesota\\u2019s \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artshantyprojects.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Shanty Projects\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E invite people out onto the ice each winter to experience pop-up villages of creative whimsy.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn recent years, Art Shanties have included a Chapsicle of Love, with a Universal Life Minister standing by to perform ceremonies that could be legally binding or just for fun. Inside a Rock Box shanty, DJs and live performers created a cool soundtrack. (\\u201cDoors 10 a.m. \\u2014 all ages show!\\u201d) One shanty used consumer plastic waste as sculptural material to \\u201cinvoke the aquatic life\\u201d below.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe annual Art Shanty experiences aren\\u2019t just about what\\u2019s inside the boxes, though: the shanty towns are month-long community gathering places hosting the likes of theatrical performances, environmental education programs, jazz dance on ice skates, and all-around silliness.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe projects\\u2019 genesis was in 2004, when artists David Pitman and Peter Haakon Thompson created a single shanty just west of Minneapolis on Medicine Lake. By the following year, the project had grown to 11 shanties \\u2014 then, the next year, 25. Ultimately, the projects settled on Lake Harriet in the heart of South Minneapolis. Partnering with various arts organizations and funders, each year\\u2019s organizers curate a mix of physical installations and creative programming.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3524,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3521,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3522,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:3523,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f0f921f76\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s nothing else quite like the Art Shanty Projects, which epitomize Midwesterners\\u2019 determination to make the most of a strongly seasonal climate. One artist \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artshantyprojects.org\\\/2022-asp\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Esaid\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that the 2022 project \\u201cwas like a group polar plunge while wearing glitter tutus; a slightly insane and dazzling experiment in thickening communal connections as collective immunity against the harshness of winter and the real insanity of our shared pandemic\\\/climate crisis reality.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s no escaping that reality, even on a lake that\\u2019s frozen \\u2014 or, that should be. Organizers have a \\u201cPlan Beach\\u201d to execute when ice conditions are unsafe, which is \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.pca.state.mn.us\\\/news-and-stories\\\/mpca-dnr-minnesotas-lake-ice-season-decreased-by-up-to-14-days-due-to-climate-change\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eincreasingly a problem\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E as winters gradually warm. The Art Shanties have confronted global warming head-on, with projects like one in which a group of \\u201cfashion disasters\\u201d paraded across the ice in outfits evoking different climate catastrophes.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDawn Bentley, who led the projects from 2014 to 2017, wrote a 2019 op-ed in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.minnpost.com\\\/community-voices\\\/2019\\\/02\\\/climate-change-the-arts-can-help-tell-the-story-of-our-time-and-provoke-us-to-act\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMinnPost\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, recounting her struggles to sustain the project amidst unreliable ice conditions. \\u201cThe arts are telling us a story about this particular time,\\u201d she wrote, \\u201cone that we must listen to.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity and community. Since then, the Art Shanty Projects have been coming to terms with climate change. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/making-the-most-of-a-frozen-lake-minnesotas-art-shanty-projects\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3519,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The 2022 Art Shanty Village near the shore of Bd\\u00e9 Um\\u00e1\\u014b, Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2023-05-24 17:47:49\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An aerial view of a frozen lake dotted with small, colorful, handmade shelters and small groups of people. There is a line of people walking towards it dressed in winter gear, holding car-shaped costumes around their hips.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/304733010_10160574701803799_5261104216868239524_n-2.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/making-the-most-of-a-frozen-lake-minnesotas-art-shanty-projects\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Making the Most of a Frozen Lake: Minnesota\\u0027s Art Shanty Projects\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Frozen lakes dotted with ice fishing shanties are a familiar sight during Midwest winters. In 2004, two Minnesota artists decided to use the milieu as a jumping-off point for creativity and community. Since then, the Art Shanty Projects have been coming to terms with climate change. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3937,\"title\":\"Friendship and Family at the Heart of\\u00a0This Native Regalia Supply Store\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis have been friends for eight years. Their interest in sewing and regalia-making brought them together. They met through the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee at\\u0026nbsp;their children\\u2019s school and the district\\u2019s regalia-making classes. Last February, they opened \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/firemountainfabrics.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFire Mountain Fabrics and Supply\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Colorful bolts of fabric line the shelves, and items not easily found in one store\\u2014appliqu\\u00e9 pieces, ribbons in every color and width, jingle for jingle dresses, fringe for shawls, and a rainbow of thread\\u2014are readily available. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3940,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c708f8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cShe was the pro. I was coming in not knowing how to even thread my machine, but I was determined to make regalia,\\u201d said Travis when asked about her friend. Fairbanks learned to sew from her mother and grandmother, and finished her first hand-sewn quilt when she was 10.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETheir inspiration for opening a one-stop shop for regalia-making was to provide\\u0026nbsp;materials needed for this practice in an accessible and convenient way as well as have\\u0026nbsp;a place to sew and create for themselves. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERegalia is clothing and adornments made by or for\\u00a0pow-wow dancers that express their identity and culture. Regalia-making is often a family activity, and sometimes pieces in regalia carry stories or familial themes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70918\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3948,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3946,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3949,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:3950,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70932\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn less than six months, Fairbanks and Travis have seen orders from all over the state as well as the country. The duo work full-time jobs in addition to running the store\\u2014Fairbanks is a registered nurse and Travis is a finance manager\\u2014so the hours for the store are different each week. But the growing online following of Fire Mountain Fabrics and Supply has helped widened their reach. Fairbanks said that they hear customers say, \\u201cWe\\u2019re so thankful you\\u2019re here!\\u201d on a daily basis. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3943,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3944,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3945,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c7094b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cNo more putting life on hold.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022ARLENE FAIRBANKS, CO-OWNER OF FIRE MOUNTAIN FABRIC AND SUPPLY\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70962\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the summer of 2022, she was diagnosed stage 4 ovarian cancer. Travis shared that after the diagnosis \\u201cthere was this urgency almost [to open the store together], like, \\u2018what are we waiting for?\\u2019\\u201d Fairbanks had her second round of treatment on a Thursday and by the weekend they had filed for all the paperwork. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe was able to recognize the pattern of her good days during treatment and that\\u2019s when they put work into opening their store. Fairbanks shared, \\u201cI knew I get one [good] day after chemo and after that I couldn\\u2019t do anything. So that\\u2019s why I did chemo on Thursday, so I could work on Friday then recover over the weekend.\\u201d Now after treatment, she says there are no visible signs of cancer in her body.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3947,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e [the store]\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e gave us something else to focus on\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e instead of the dread of cancer. That was heavy. It gave us something to look forward to, to talk about, to enjoy, and that was healing in itself\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\u201d said Travis.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGetting the business going and watching it grow was a positive thing for us to experience together\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFairbanks\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e still has routine check\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e-\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eups\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTravis\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ejoins her for almost every \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eappointment\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW130054522 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTheir families play a big role\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein supporting Fire Mountain Fabrics and Supply, and have grown even closer over the last few years\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW168263499 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c70998\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cInitially when we got the store, it was like \\u2018how are we going to fill it out\\u2019 and now it\\u2019s like \\u2018oh my gosh, we don\\u2019t have enough room,\\u2019\\u201d said Travis. Their store opening\\u0026nbsp;announcement going\\u0026nbsp;viral on the internet led to an increase in their online following, and now the pair\\u0026nbsp;are trying their hand at TikTok with the help of their teenagers.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3952,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3951,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3953,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ef9c709c5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s been a lot \\u003Cem\\u003Ebigger \\u003C\\\/em\\u003Ethan we anticipated,\\u201d said Fairbanks as she reflected on the past few months. Recently at her day job, she was recognized as the \\u201cFabric Lady\\u201d and the co-owner of Fire Mountain Fabric and Supply.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/friendship-and-family-at-the-heart-of-this-native-regalia-supply-store\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3942,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 60% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis pack an order of ribbons at their regalia-making and sewing supply store, Fire Mountain Fabric and Supply, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-31 16:59:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":132,\"name\":\"Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"slug\":\"jaida-grey-eagle\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":132,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 60% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person folds a collection of ribbons, in hues of blues, greens and deep red, on top of a cutting table. Their hands are in focus in the photo as another set of hands helps them with the task. There are a set of ribbon spools far in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 60% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/UI084-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/friendship-and-family-at-the-heart-of-this-native-regalia-supply-store\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Friendship and Family at the Heart of\\u00a0This Native Regalia Supply Store\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Arlene Fairbanks and Jessica Travis opened a one-stop shop to support sewing and regalia-making, an important cultural and creative practice for Native Americans.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3061,\"title\":\"A\\u00a0Second Home: Fanana Banana and Soomaal House\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3064,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThey didn\\u2019t take the conventional route of opening a gallery and waiting for visitors to drop in. They made the decision to bring art to their communities.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKaamil Haider and Khadija Muse, along with Mohamud Mumin, founded \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.soomaalhouse.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSoomaal House of Art\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Haider\\u2019s background is in graphic design, but his work now focuses on archival work and Muse is a visual artist with a background in installation-based work. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graphic designer-artists Amal Azzam and Nayfa Naji founded \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/fananamke.wixsite.com\\\/fananamke\\\/about\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFanana Banana\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e in 2018 and held their first event in April 2019.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eBoth organizations focus on uplifting artists who share their cultural backgrounds. Soomaal House is an artist collective that focuses on platforming Somali visual artists in Minnesota and Fanana Banana has spotlighted the works of Muslim and MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) artists in the Milwaukee area. Their name is derived from the Arabic word for artist, \\u201cfanaan,\\u201d and banana was added on to \\u201cmake it catchy,\\u201d according to Azzam.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe realized that we were dealing with similar struggles of just lack of representation,\\u201d Azzam said recalling a conversation with Naji. \\u201cWe didn\\u0027t know other artists in our own community and then thinking of that on a larger scale, we realized \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ci\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewe\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/i\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e needed to do something about this because people aren\\u0027t going to do that for you.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3095fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-art-shows-in-unconventional-spaces\\u0022\\u003EArt shows in unconventional spaces\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMuse recalled the early years of Soomaal House\\u2019s programming where the collective relied on community connections and support. They curated the work of local and global artists in yoga studios, mosques, and community rooms located in apartment buildings.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a30966e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe kind of started with this attitude that \\u003Cem\\u003Ewe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E were going to do it. So, we are not waiting for a ton of money or a big art institution to provide that space,\\u201d Muse said. \\u201cFortunately, even though it seems like we\\u2019re a small organization, which we are, but we have a lot of support.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe initial years for Fanana Banana were very similar\\u2014receiving support from friends and community members to host their shows.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cOur first show was literally in the back room of a Hookah Lounge,\\u201d Azzam said of the show that included over a dozen local Muslim artists. \\u201cThe guy already had artwork all over his walls, but he had this back room that he was renting out to local organizers and artists.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough they had no plans to host another event, Azzam and Naji were approached by attendees of their first show asking about the next one.\\u0026nbsp;With this excitement and momentum, the two made a list of all the known artists in their community in hopes of including them in their next event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cWe just literally sat like two Arab moms figuring out people\\u2019s names and where they\\u2019re from and what their IG [Instagram] handles are,\\u201d Azzam said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESoomaal House held its first event at a mosque in St. Paul called Dar Uloom. The mosque owned the school building next door with space for artists to show their works in multiple rooms and speak with visitors. For Haider, this was the collective\\u2019s way of bringing the art to the community where they were.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We realized that we were dealing with similar struggles of just lack of representation.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022AMAL AZZAM, CO-FOUNDER OF FANANA BANANA\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a30968e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3065,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096a4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EConversations and Reflections\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoth Soomaal House and Fanana Banana utilized the lived realities of their communities to inform the curation of art and conversations in their galleries. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaider believes that through art Somalis can document their lived experience in Minnesota and reflect on their lives as a diaspora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u201cComing here to Minnesota in the early 2000s there wasn\\u0027t a whole lot of visual culture,\\u201d he said. \\u201cThe majority of the art forms that we were really used by the community were oral poetry, which allowed for our community to exist for centuries.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeing in Milwaukee, Azzam and Naji saw Fanana Banana as a platform to organize around events in their city and offer artists opportunities to reflect on recent experiences related to the pandemic and instances of police brutality.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cDuring Covid, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, we hosted a public mural in the making. So, we had some artists and there was a lot of research and pre-sketch going on to what the initial design would be,\\u201d Naji said. \\u201cIt was a free and open space in the specific community that we did it in\\u2014to spark conversations, to heal, and to gather and unite as a community.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cstrong\\u003EE\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003Exhibits curated by Soomaal House are rooted in the Somali identity\\u2014with artists often exploring topics such as adulthood, motherhood, and Somali history.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHaider\\u2019s last exhibit \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.soomaalhouse.com\\\/kaana-xusuuso-kanna-xus\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaana Xusuuso, Kanna Xus (Remember That One, and Commemorate This One): Orality, Visuality and the Colonial Archive of Somalia\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019 grappled with the reality of colonialism in Somalia through the poetry and songs of the last two centuries that opposed the colonial rule.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWith Kaamil\\u2019s exhibit, he was trying to find the visuals of that colonial time from a Somali lens and it\\u0027s something that\\u0027s missing,\\u201d Muse said. \\u201cSo then, when we come across images and visuals taken by the colonizers, how do we interact with that and what does that tell us?\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3066,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:3067,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:3068,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096ba\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe exhibit created an opportunity for a younger generation to understand Somalia\\u2019s nuanced history and witness images of British colonial officers and Catholic priests occupying Somalia, a homogeneous country known for its Islamic roots.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think a lot of time when we tell Somali history we kind of go through that process really fast\\u2014like it was short-term then we won independence, and that\\u2019s how we tell it,\\u201d she said.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor many Muslims in the United States, the events of 9\\\/11 have reverberated through their lives and have shaped their identity through media depictions of Muslims and the unfortunate marginalization and surveillance of Muslim and Arab youth. Azzam and Naji saw this reality as something worth tackling through art to give Muslim artists a platform to explore their Muslim American identities.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe recently had a three-month-long exhibition at a gallery space called, \\u2018Reflecting My Muslim Americanism,\\u2019\\u201d Azzam said. \\u201cThat was basically Muslim artists showcasing their artworks in the sense of hitting their identity, whether it\\u0027s being American, being Muslim, or whatever their ethnic background is.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe exhibit also gave an opportunity for non-Muslims to understand the experiences of Muslims in the aftermath of 9\\\/11 with some individuals approaching the organizers and expressing their gratitude for having the opportunity to do so.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3071,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eSpace for belonging\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThroughout the years the number of artists and visitors to Soomaal House has grown. Many have come to see the place as more than just a house of art, but a place where they belong.\\u00a0\\u201cI\\u0027m going to borrow words from some of the artists from this weekend\\u2014 \\u2018it\\u0027s [Soomaal] like a second home,\\u2019\\u201d Muse said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe organizers of Soomaal have expanded their programming to include community events that explore the same conversations around identity and life in the diaspora; from film screenings, to live podcast sessions, to a book launch, with several more planned for this year.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAccording to Naji, Fanana has caused a small yet strong ripple effect within the Milwaukee Muslim community. Ever since they started, people have turned to them with programming ideas to help different causes in the community. They recently held an art workshop for refugee children from Afghanistan to participate in art therapy.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt\\u0027s nice to now be part of the conversation and part of that narrative where people know that we exist and now we\\u0027re on, like that list of organizers or groups that they can either collaborate with, work with, pay us for services,\\u201d she said.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTheir recent exhibit exploring Muslim identity in America was held at the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network in the heart of the arts district. For Naji, this was an accomplishment and a sign that Fanana Banana had made its footprint in the city\\u2019s art scene.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhile both organizations have established themselves within their cities art scenes after years of hosting pop up galleries, their approach to innovation and inclusivity only seems to be getting more creative. \\u201cOur mantra has been: \\u2018we\\u2019re just like water, give us space, and we\\u0027ll fit in and we\\u0027ll produce the show and bring people together,\\u2019\\u201d said Haider of Soomaal House.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5a3096f1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2018 page and contact our Managing Editor,\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-second-home-fanana-banana-and-soomaal-house\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3063,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN.\",\"date\":\"2023-02-13 21:07:10\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 13, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":107,\"name\":\"Abdi Mohamed\",\"slug\":\"abdi-mohamed\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":107,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Abdi Mohamed\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Attendees gather at the center of the gallery space following an artist talk at Soomaal House in Minneapolis, MN. The white walls, in frame, surrounding them have small to medium-sized two-dimensional works of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/IMG_1503-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-second-home-fanana-banana-and-soomaal-house\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A\\u00a0Second Home: Fanana Banana and Soomaal House\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              They wanted to create spaces for their communities to gather. So, instead of waiting for someone else, they decided to build it themselves.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":320560,\"participants\":39296,\"grants\":34,\"communities\":20},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5314,\"title\":\"Meet Noelle Benson, a Native American Star Quilt Maker in North Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPrairie colors, light.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cbr\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ECircle of Life in star quilts.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cbr\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ESunshine Star Woman.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA native Dakotan and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Noelle Benson has pieced a variety of patterns in over 30 years of quilting, but she keeps coming back to the traditional Native American star quilt. It has given her a connection to her heritage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA tragic horse accident took the life of her father, Ted Strongheart, when she was just two years old. Her mother, Tottie, was widowed with six young children. The family moved away from the Strongheart family when her mother remarried, and those connections became rare.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGrowing up in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation also had challenges. The school bus that picked up Benson and her siblings was still segregated.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe hard truth is that we are different,\\u201d she said. \\u201cI grew up not knowing traditional Lakota cultural practices. Prejudices still exist between Native Americans and their non-native neighbors, and I think at the root is a lack of respect. It was accepted when I was a child, and that is sad.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn brokenness, she has found beauty.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5316,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5317,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5318,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a333f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022I look at the prairie through the changing seasons and as different colors jump out at me, I\\u2019ll think, \\u2018Oh! There\\u2019s a star quilt!\\u2019\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022NOELLE BENSON, QUILT MAKER\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a3397\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe don\\u2019t have a lot of family information,\\u201d Benson said. \\u201cMaking star quilts is one thing I have been able to hang on to that makes me feel connected to my father and my family heritage.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer grandmother, Eva Strongheart, made star quilts. Although they didn\\u2019t visit her often, Benson recalls that every time they stopped to see Eva, she was sewing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5320,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePulling the Threads\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAccording to Benson, traditionally, a buffalo hide was given as a gift at landmark life events, such as birth or death, a wedding, or the ceremonial transition to adulthood. \\u201cAfter the buffalo were all but killed off in the 1800\\u2019s, star quilts took that place,\\u201d she said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe star is found in many Native American art forms, including quilts and beadwork. Benson may use more or fewer colors depending on the size of the quilt or if it is a custom piece, but one row of points is always a unique color that is not repeated in the quilt pattern.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThis forms a ring called the \\u2018Circle of Life,\\u2019\\u201d Benson said.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThough practices have shifted, the prairie remains a steady source of inspiration for Benson, who lives on a ranch in North Dakota, near Thunder Hawk, South Dakota. The dusty green of sagebrush, the tan of sandstone or gray of gumbo, the brilliant gold of cottonwood and ash leaves in the fall, the red of rosehips, the pastel blush of a blooming prickly pear, and the greens of buffalo grass and wheatgrass all stimulate her creativity.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a33d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI am always looking at the colors,\\u201d she said. \\u201cI look at the prairie through the changing seasons and as different colors jump out at me, I\\u2019ll think, \\u2018Oh! There\\u2019s a star quilt!\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs she works on the quilt, Benson prays for the person who will receive it\\u2014a practice that is integral to her craft. \\u201cIt helps my creative process and, for me, is part of how I express my love and care for the person it is for.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a3400\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5321,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003ePiecing It Together\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nBenson and her older sister, Lisa, are the only ones in their generation who make star quilts in their family. She says that their mother, Tottie Lennerville, has been a lifetime source of inspiration.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cI have seen my mom do hard things in life, whether as simple as a bike ride or as complicated as grief. Through it all she has always been so creative,\\u201d said Benson. \\u201cEverything that mom did, from making nutritious meals, praying with us, to expressing herself creatively through painting, crewel or making quilts, has been long lasting in us, her children, and in our kids and grandkids.\\u00a0 I just thought it was natural to always be creating something.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBenson is excited to continue passing on the family\\u2019s star quilt tradition to a new generation. \\u201cMy niece, Nicole Strongheart has taken one of my classes, and my niece, Sarah, just graduated from high school and she has asked me to teach her.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWith several generations in one room, she is looking forward to some family time spent sewing together.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ll get together where my mom can join us, so it will be really special,\\u201d she said. \\u201cSewing definitely should be celebrated in families and as a group.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f494a342b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-noelle-benson-a-native-american-star-quilt-maker\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5323,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022831\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 40% 40%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Star quilts are made in a variety of color combinations and shades. Noelle Benson finds inspiration for quilt ideas from the colors of the prairie. \",\"date\":\"2023-10-26 14:06:05\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":529,\"name\":\"Ruth Wiechmann\",\"slug\":\"ruth-wiechmann\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":529,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Ruth Wiechmann\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022947\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 40% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022947\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A quilt made of greens, blues, and beige patterned fabrics. It is made as a star quilt, with pieces depicting an eight-point star.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 40% 40%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-947x1024.jpg 947w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-277x300.jpg 277w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-768x831.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop-1420x1536.jpg 1420w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/Noelle-5-Crop.jpg 1742w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/meet-noelle-benson-a-native-american-star-quilt-maker\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Meet Noelle Benson, a Native American Star Quilt Maker in North Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Colors, traditions, and prayers are all pieced into Benson\\u2019s star quilts. Her craft has been encouraged by the women in her family.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5354,\"title\":\"A New Mural of Indigenous Hope and Healing in Bismarck\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA mural creates vibrant neighborhoods and spaces for community. They can brighten up an otherwise neglected space. They can build and even heal communities. There\\u2019s no doubt that visiting these spaces will create conversations. Whether the message in the art is a simple expression or one of social justice, they are the center of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.americansforthearts.org\\\/sites\\\/default\\\/files\\\/PublicArtNetwork_GreenPaper.pdf\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eattention\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere\\u2019s a popular art space in Bismarck called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/BismarckAlleyArt\\\/\\u0022\\u003EArt Alley 5.5\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E that encompasses all of those things, especially now. A new addition to the alley is aimed at shining a light on a dark and devastating chapter of United States history, as well as North Dakota history, while giving the viewer a welcoming sense of peace and healing. While each mural is open to interpretation, this one doesn\\u0027t leave room for speculation.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022...When you see the butterflies and dragonflies flying up along that vine, they represent protectors. They represent us. It is our job to speak the truth and seek justice for our relatives that never made it home. We must rise for our relatives.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MELANIE MONIZ (NUETA OF THE MHA NATION), MURAL ARTIST \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f534038\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5355,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f53408e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn September 30, the mural called \\u2018Every Child Matters\\u2019 was unveiled to the public after taking five full days to complete. Its purpose is to bring awareness to the Indian Boarding School atrocities committed against Indigenous children by federal and religious affiliated institutions who were \\u201ctasked\\u201d to assimilating them. Children were ripped away from their parents and forced to endure horrific conditions. Many children never made it home. The intention of the mural is to educate the public and to start the healing journey for survivors, descendants of survivors and their extended families.\\u202f\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f5340a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5357,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe artists who painted the mural are the grassroots collective of Indigenous women from several tribal nations, who call themselves \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/ECM.RememberTheChildren.ND\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eOrange Shirt Day: North Dakota\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. They each have a unique perspective or lived experience to add to the collective.\\u202f They have made it their mission to make space for healing, draw awareness, and demand truth. For the past three years, they have organized spaces and events for survivors of the boarding school era. This year\\u2019s events included an honor walk, a movie screening of Bones of Crow, a feature film in Canada highlighting one woman\\u2019s fight for justice in the residential boarding school, and this mural.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe color orange is commonly used to raise awareness about the Indian Boarding School era, which is great because the color on the wall demands attention. We wanted the mural to be something folks feel drawn to. The large butterfly wings and child size dragonfly wings were chosen to encourage people to take photos with it,\\u201d said mural artist Agnes Yellow Bear, Plains Cree from Kawacatoose First Nation residing on the MHA Nation, describing the mural.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe mural unveiling coincided with National Day of Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools in the U.S., and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, whose origins began in Canada with one woman\\u2019s \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/orangeshirtday.org\\\/phyllis-story\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eincredible story\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e.\\u202f\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f5340dc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-truth-in-healing-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ETruth in Healing\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt starts with orange handprints in the soil and a child\\u0027s handwriting that says \\u2018They tried to bury us, not knowing we were seeds\\u2019. Those handprints represent the little ones that never made it home and the saying speaks to those little ones waking up the world. Truth is growing from their prayers and people are waking up. That\\u2019s representative of the vine that\\u2019s rising from the soil,\\u201d said organizer and creative Melanie Moniz, Nueta of the MHA Nation residing in Twin Buttes. \\u201cEach flower handprint represents an [Indian] boarding school in North Dakota. And when you see the butterflies and dragonflies flying up along that vine, they represent protectors. They represent us. It is our job to speak the truth and seek justice for our relatives that never made it home. We must rise for our relatives.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5358,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5359,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5360,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3f534119\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn May 2022, the Department of Interior released \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.doi.gov\\\/pressreleases\\\/department-interior-releases-investigative-report-outlines-next-steps-federal-indian\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVolume 1 \\u003C\\\/a\\u003Eof the Department of Interior investigative report, called the \\u003Cem\\u003EFederal Indian Boarding School Initiative\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, that revealed that at least 500 Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian children died while attending Indian boarding schools run or supported by the U.S. government. The interior department found at least 53 burial sites at or near the US boarding schools, both marked and unmarked, and said the number of children who died at federal boarding schools could be in the thousands or tens of thousands.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though the truth is uncomfortable, artists and organizers believe that projects like these can still help communities move forward. Indigenous people continue to be affected by the assimilation tactics and traumas of these historic abusive institutions. This mural, in part, tells that story in an inviting and tactful way.\\u202f\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe writer of this story, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/authors\\\/alicia-hegland-thorpe\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAlicia Hegland-Thorpe\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, is an organizer and artist in this mural project and the Orange Shirt Day: North Dakota collective.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-new-mural-of-indigenous-hope-and-healing-in-bismarck\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5356,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022669\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 65%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The new addition to Bismarck\\u0027s Art Alley is shining a light on a dark and devastating chapter of history, while giving the viewer a welcoming sense of peace and healing. \",\"date\":\"2023-11-02 16:53:34\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 2, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022892\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022892\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A child adds their handprint to a mural wall using yellow paint.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 65%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1024x892.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-1536x1339.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/Melanie_s-daughter-Angelina-volunteers-to-make-handprints-2048x1785.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-new-mural-of-indigenous-hope-and-healing-in-bismarck\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A New Mural of Indigenous Hope and Healing in Bismarck\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.\\u202f\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3628,\"title\":\"Art as a Catalyst: Indigenous Expressions in North Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENestled along the banks of the Missouri River, the communities of Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota, bear witness to a complex tapestry of history, culture, and resilience. The cities are only 45 miles north of the Standing Rock Nation, where water protectors defending the Missouri River against the Dakota Access Pipeline were injured and traumatized by local law enforcement, the National Guard and private security forces in 2016.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3639,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMany citizens of Standing Rock call Bismarck and Mandan home. So do citizens of other tribal nations located within North Dakota like the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation), the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, the Spirit Lake Nation and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn Main Street in Mandan, you\\u2019ll find the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/sacredpipe.net\\\/about\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSacred Pipe Resource Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. This non-profit organization serves as a safe space for \\u201curban Indians\\u201d to exchange problem solving ideas and friendship in a welcoming setting. The organization provides critical data, outreach and cultural brokering needs, and partners with organizations already providing similar services.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRecently, Sacred Pipe Resource Center embarked on an exciting new creative endeavor. It is one of three Midwestern organizations currently taking part in \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe the Many\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a community-focused artist-in-residency program. Through this initiative, the center hopes to amplify the voices of Native artists, address community needs, and act as a catalyst for social change.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThroughout the summer, Native artists will be leading creative activities that encourage skill-building and bring visibility to community needs. Workshops spanning t-shirt printing, flower arranging, ceramics, and more, empower participants to explore their artistic potential, nurture their talents, and authentically express themselves.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3577f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Artists can use their work to raise awareness about important issues and spark conversation and action, to document and preserve history, culture, and stories.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Shawna Fricke, We the Many Artist-In-Residence\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c357b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3641,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c358d5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-an-artist-in-residence-supporting-local-creativity-nbsp-nbsp\\u0022\\u003EAn Artist-in-Residence Supporting Local Creativity\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2022, Shawna Fricke (Piaute, Taos\\\/Pueblo), owner of Moo Ku Vu, was selected as Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s first artist-in-residence. Shawna is a local artist with an Associates in Fine Arts degree in two and three-dimensional art from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). She specializes in acrylic and mixed media inspired by her culture.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3633,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFricke says that art plays a role in social justice education, community building, and social activism and social movements. \\u201cArtists can use their work to raise awareness about important issues and spark conversation and action, to document and preserve history, culture, and stories,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAs a We the Many artist-in-residence, she is helping creative people in her community, especially indigenous youth and their families, to learn how to become better artists and future entrepreneurs, and how to preserve cultural knowledge and traditions while emphasizing the importance of family.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe artist is currently running a series of workshops through the end of the summer that focus on wearable and room art, floral arranging, ceramics, painting and more. Each session is a safe space where participants learn about their own potential as creatives, build on their existing talents and learn to be confident with self-expression.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBesides developing, implementing and co-facilitating \\u0027We the Many\\u0027 artistic workshops, Fricke still finds time to travel to sell her work at vendor shows and artist collaborations in the region. Her artwork was recently featured at the National Indian Child Welfare Association in Reno, Nevada, in early April 2023.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe is also one of the founding members of \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.onlineshopnau.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNative Artists United\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, whose mission is to support Indigenous artists and small businesses. She believes it\\u2019s important to buy directly from local Indigenous artists.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cArtists take pride and want to make their community proud. Their work is deeply personal to them and they want to make sure it matters. Local art also gives you an opportunity to meet the artist and learn to appreciate and respect the artist\\u0027s background and story,\\u201d says Fricke.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe US Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is currently working to strengthen current regulations of the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/resources\\\/podcasts\\\/filling-the-well\\\/digging-into-the-indian-arts-and-crafts-act\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIndian Arts and Crafts Act\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e to further protect the authenticity of such local artists.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c35913\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI like being able to help plant a seed. These youth are finding out for themselves how creative they are, and I\\u2019m excited to be a part of that.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Rochelle Wells, We the Many Workshop Facilitator \\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3593c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3635,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c35950\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESpotlighting Creative Practitioners\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt workshops, Fricke is joined by talented facilitators like Rochelle Wells (MHA Nation), who designs and prints t-shirts. Wells started making designs in 2008 using various mediums including fabric paint, screen-printing, spray paint, direct-to-garment, transfers and tie-dyes. She says at the time she never would have thought this form of expression would grow into what it has over the years.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3595a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn addition to being a commissioned artist, Wells is also a girls basketball coach. She invited her team to participate in a recent wearable art workshop. While she says sports are important for teaching discipline and unity, her workshop highlights individualization and unity.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI like being able to help plant a seed. I like seeing the process of putting an idea that\\u0027s in your head, into something you can wear,\\u201d says Wells. \\u201cThese youth are finding out for themselves how creative they are, and I\\u2019m excited to be a part of that. It\\u2019s great to see them come together in this way.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELisa Kraft (Standing Rock), owner of Cactus Rose Floral in Selfridge, North Dakota will be leading a workshop on floral arranging.\\u0026nbsp; Kraft says she has always had a passion for flowers, but it wasn\\u0027t until 2016 that she fell in love with creating flowers and floral arrangements. She says her inspiration is her daughters. \\u201cWithout them I wouldn\\u2019t be on the journey I\\u2019m on.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3695,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3596a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHer goal for her workshop is to help bring awareness about social justice issues and to create beautiful memorial arrangements for Memorial Day. \\u201cFlowers silently assure us that beauty and solace exist despite loss or injustice,\\u201d she quotes from the Flower Power Daily website. \\u201cThey are the weapons of choice to disarm violence. They add a peaceful voice to anguish; their beauty is a symbol of hope.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOther workshops in the series include painting a mural in the alley behind the Sacred Pipe Resource Center building, and hosting ceramics classes where the focus will be on making smudge bowls and making ornaments honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese opportunities are important for Native artists, says Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s Executive Director Dr. Cheryl Kary. \\u201cWhen the community sees more cultural expression coming from the Indigenous community, these artists will have opportunities embedded in the community and systems so [the opportunities] don\\u2019t end when the grant ends,\\u201d she says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022Featuring Native art is a catalyst for talking about Native issues, challenges, inequities, and things that need to change in our community.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Dr. Cheryl Kary, Executive Director of Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c3597f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EArt as a Catalyst for Change\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESacred Pipe Resource Center hosts several community councils that have been created to address local inequities and injustices. Volunteers meet on a regular basis to discuss how to solve the community\\u2019s issues on housing and homelessness, juvenile justice and law enforcement, civic engagement programs, and health and wellness concerns.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERecently added to the list of Sacred Pipe Resource Center\\u2019s community councils was an art council. Dr. Kary says that more artists are showing up in these spaces eager to learn how to become successful artists in this mostly non-Indigenous community. The art council is hearing the voices of local artists, like artist-in-residence Shawna Fricke and others, to help develop Indigenous visibility platforms by building capacity and networking while addressing community needs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMore and more Native artists are using their art as healing and self-expression, but we want to bring in the social justice element more strongly,\\u201d says Dr. Kary. \\u201cFeaturing Native art is a catalyst for talking about Native issues, challenges, inequities, and things that need to change in our community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3640,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDr. Kary shares an example of empowering voices in a project Sacred Pipe Resource Center helped to sponsor in 2021. \\u201cAfter the first mass graves were found in Kamloops, BC we supported a pop-up art installation of a young woman from the community whose father attended a boarding school,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe artist wanted to support the families by setting up a display of children\\u0027s shoes and signs along a walking path across from the former Bismarck Indian School. The school, which operated from 1908 to 1937, is now the headquarters of North Dakota\\u0027s National Guard.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSacred Pipe Resource Center funded the printing of signs that included quotes from survivors and a brief history of Native Boarding Schools in the U.S. They also reached out to the local Native community, asking for used children\\u0027s shoes to be used with the signs on the walking trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt brought a lot of attention to the community,\\u201d says Dr. Kary. \\u201cMany who walked along the path asked us what happened, and their consciousness was raised.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhen these kinds of artistic expressions find fertile ground, creative endeavors can pave the way for positive change that resonates far beyond Mandan. \\u201cWith [We the Many] and our artist-in-residence, we are working towards empowering our local Native artists to use their art as a catalyst to talk about community issues and raise consciousness,\\u201d she says.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f09c359a6\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sacred Pipe Resource Center is part of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWe the Many\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a program that supports communities in the creation of their own unique artist residency experiences, encouraging the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community context. We the Many is a project of Arts Midwest with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the North Dakota Council on the Arts.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-as-a-catalyst-indigenous-expressions-in-north-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3632,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Student Menominelle Oshkosh (MHA Nation), age 10, and instructor Rochelle Wells create a t-shirt at a workshop held at Sacred Pipe Resource Center. \",\"date\":\"2023-05-31 17:23:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"May 31, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":99,\"label\":\"We the Many\",\"slug\":\"we-the-many\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/we-the-many\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A student uses a lightbox to transfer a design onto a screen printing screen.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/05\\\/Tshirts-2.jpeg 1200w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/art-as-a-catalyst-indigenous-expressions-in-north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Art as a Catalyst: Indigenous Expressions in North Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Sacred Pipe Resource Center, a Native community center in Mandan, North Dakota, empowers Native artists to become catalysts for change to help heal their communities. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/we-the-many\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    We the Many\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":324429,\"participants\":6429,\"grants\":9,\"communities\":6},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4381,\"title\":\"Infusing Creativity into Mentorship for Youth in Cleveland\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2017, two men from Pontiac, Michigan, ran into each other 200 miles away in Cleveland, Ohio. They had grown up in the same neighborhood and played basketball, but attended rival high schools. It was pleasing to run into a familiar face in a new town, but there was still so much to catch up on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4391,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAfter that first run-in, Michael C. Russell II and Antwoine Washington scheduled a proper meeting that bubbled into more frequent conversations where they discovered that they had \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.creativehumanart.com\\\/our-vision\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003esimilar interests.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e Washington (an artist and educator) and Russell (an artist and a former youth advisor and coach with the school district) were both driven by the positive impacts of art and mentorship they had experienced first-hand or were inspired by growing up.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA few years later, Rusell and Washington brought their shared passions together and founded the Museum of Creative Human Art (MOCHA) at the intersection of art education and personal development for underserved youth.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cWe grew up in Pontiac around Black doctors, lawyers, firemen and police. So it was a Black city, it was a village. We grew up around those types of men and women helping to build up this community. We figure, anywhere we go, we have to do the same thing,\\u201d said Russell. \\u201cThat\\u2019s the reason why we do the work that we do, because it was instilled in us to not just come somewhere and extract, but to give.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aa5e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith a special focus on supporting Black youth, MOCHA creates space for hands-on learning and designs environments that move away from the \\u201cschool after school\\u201d model.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThat becomes therapeutic, because (participants) can share things that bother them or make them happy through their artwork,\\u201d Washington said in \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/news.wosu.org\\\/2023-03-30\\\/a-cleveland-arts-nonprofit-provides-arts-centric-lifeline-to-the-citys-underserved-youth\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ean interview\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E with WOSU Public Media. \\u201cSo I start with those things and build from there and find out if art is something they want to do.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs a community-centric organization, MOCHA educates young artists while helping them build \\u201csoft skills\\u201d through coaching. Fine arts and graphic design classes become a conduit to explore deeper questions about character development and responsibility.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aab9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/579390467\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022vimeo\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/579390467\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We grew up around those types of men and women helping to build up this community. We figure, anywhere we go, we have to do the same thing.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MICHAEL C. RUSSELL II, CO-FOUNDER, MUSEUM OF CREATIVE HUMAN ART\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aae0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4393,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4394,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee406aafe\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMOCHA also showcases emerging artists in the Cleveland area, presenting solo \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.creativehumanart.com\\\/events\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Eexhibitions\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E across town. \\u201cWe\\u2019re all walking museums. Everybody that you see can be a capsule or an exhibit of some sort because they have a story to tell,\\u201d said Washington.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThrough MOCHA and their individual creative practices, Washington and Russell are showing youth in their communities to lead with generosity, explore with imagination, and do with intention\\u2014skills that have a deep impact well beyond an artistic practice.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/infusing-creativity-into-mentorship-for-youth-in-cleveland\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4395,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022590\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 24%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Co founder Michael Russell II assisting student at MOCHA Introduction to graphic design workshop at Stella Walsh Recreation Center, Cleveland OH. \",\"date\":\"2023-09-14 14:55:25\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 14, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":36,\"name\":\"Imani Mixon\",\"slug\":\"imani-mixon\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":36,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Imani Mixon was born and raised at the magnetic center of the world\\u2019s cultural compass \\u2014 Detroit, Michigan. She is a long-form storyteller who is inspired by everyday griots who bear witness to their surroundings and report it back out. Equal parts urgent and essential, her multimedia work centers the experiences of Black women and independent artists.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":5,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Imani Mixon\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022786\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022786\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person of medium dark skin tone hunches over to help a student with work on their laptop.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 24%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-1024x786.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-300x230.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2-768x590.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/1-2.jpg 1184w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/infusing-creativity-into-mentorship-for-youth-in-cleveland\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Infusing Creativity into Mentorship for Youth in Cleveland\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The founders of the Museum of Creative Human Art are driven by their own experiences at the intersection of art and community as Black artists and educators.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3931,\"title\":\"Century-old Ohio Church Soon to be a Black Cultural Center\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor nearly a century after its construction in 1905, Mount Zion Baptist Church stood as a pillar in the Black Appalachian community of Athens, Ohio. Now, a dedicated group of activists and historical preservation enthusiasts are helping breathe new life into the church as a Black community center.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOld buildings are more than bricks and mortar\\u2014they\\u2019re repositories of memory for their communities. In the case of Mount Zion, located at 32 W. Carpenter St., the church was the center of Black life in Athens, serving as safe space for its congregation. (The churchmembers pre-date the building. The congregation began meeting in homes in 1872 but didn\\u2019t get a building until 1905.) That\\u2019s why, despite religious services halting in the 1990s, volunteers with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/mountzionathens.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E are more dedicated than ever to restoring the building so it can once again fulfill its intended purpose of being a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents as the Mount Zion Black Cultural Center.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3997,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThis movement is especially important given the prevailing narrative that people of color live in cities, not rural areas. This couldn\\u2019t be further from the truth. Being in the southeast portion of the state, Athens and surrounding Ohio communities served as stops along the Underground Railroad\\u2014a refuge for Black people escaping nearby West Virginia and Kentucky, which practiced enslavement. As such, Athens and the surrounding area became home to Black people from various places all fleeing north.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA robust, thriving community sprang up around them, including Black businesses like Albany Enterprise Academy, a school established in 1864, and the Berry Hotel, established in 1892. Unfortunately, these other institutions are gone and their buildings no longer stand, which makes preserving Mount Zion all the more imperative. \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/storymaps.arcgis.com\\\/stories\\\/eaae09be0198429d9e4aeb7068101efd\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u2019s one of the last vestiges of local historic Black life.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed2109030\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith National Historical Landmark registration already in place, the Preservation Society\\u2019s current focus is on fundraising to remove and repair the church\\u2019s stained-glass windows, which bathe the sanctuary in diluted rainbows on sunny days. Due to age and the constant barrage of weather, \\u201cthe windows are so old that the material holding them together moves like a rubber band, making the window prone to collapsing,\\u201d Dr. Tee Ford-Ahmed, the Preservation Society\\u2019s communications and media director told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.athensmessenger.com\\\/news\\\/fundraiser-will-help-preserve-mount-zions-windows\\\/article_1c4d0070-c729-11ed-a33a-8fb2b2ef7e76.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Athens Messenger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The windows are currently covered with a hard clear plastic exterior to preserve them, but in order to preserve and repair the windows, they must first be removed entirely. This also allows other work to be done on the church without the worry that the windows might be further damaged in the process.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile efforts are made possible through volunteers, the group has gotten creative with campaigns to raise money. Previously, the preservationists partnered with Passion Works Studio (a nonprofit arts collective in Athens where people with developmental differences create sustainable, up-cycled works of art) to make yard signs proclaiming \\u201cGood Trouble,\\u201d the famous John Lewis quote.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022The vision is that The Black Cultural Center will serve as \\u201can artistic, cultural, and economic hub within the community and a vibrant gathering space that will endure for centuries to come.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:3999,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4000,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4001,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4002,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed21090e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMore recently, the Preservation Society has been selling the church\\u2019s wood-carved pews. Ranging from five to eleven feet in length, the heavy, slightly curved pews are solidly built in the way that furniture today so often is not. For a suggested donation of $300, Mount Zion\\u2019s pews are making their way into homes throughout the region and making room for more varied, moveable seating in the church itself.\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Preservation Society has been working with the Citizens\\u2019 Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a program of the National Endowment for the Arts that focuses on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.artsjournal.com\\\/measure\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/27\\\/art-at-the-intersection-saving-a-community-legacy\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ecreative placemaking\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in communities of fewer than 50,000 people, to bring their vision for the church to life. That \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/vimeo.com\\\/444981156\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Evision\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is The Black Cultural Center serving as \\u201can artistic, cultural, and economic hub within the community and [becoming] a vibrant gathering space that will endure for centuries to come.\\u201d There is a need in Athens for Black people to have places to feel safe, welcome, and feel like the space is oriented with them in mind.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs the Preservation Society prepares to launch its Capital Campaign in the coming weeks, expect more creative fundraising efforts and fun events for a good cause. In the past, the group has hosted historic walking tours, talks by activists and academics, film screenings, and more. Likewise, there are many ways to get involved as a volunteer from assisting with grant writing and marketing to cutting the grass to cataloguing the vast collection of artifacts relating to Mount Zion.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/century-old-ohio-church-soon-to-be-a-black-cultural-center\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3998,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"For a suggested donation of $300, Mount Zion\\u2019s pews are making their way into homes throughout the region and making room for more varied, moveable seating.\",\"date\":\"2023-07-11 14:01:23\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 11, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":17,\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Old church interior with peeling walls, worn pews. Natural light shines through large, beautiful, pastel colored stained glass windows depicting a religious scene.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/about-2.jpg 1137w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/century-old-ohio-church-soon-to-be-a-black-cultural-center\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Century-old Ohio Church Soon to be a Black Cultural Center\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The church was the center of Black life in Athens, and now Mount Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society is restoring it to be a gathering place for the area\\u2019s Black residents.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3374,\"title\":\"Embracing Delight and Difference at Passion Works\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b6ed\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETina Moore is an artist, author, and a bundle of energy. It is hard to imagine this vivacious, confident woman as shy and reserved, but before she had a place to pursue her art and to socialize with other folks with disabilities, she says she was exactly that.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThen, she found Passion Works.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/passionworks.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EPassion Works\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is an art studio in Athens, Ohio, that creates opportunities for all people to come together and connect through the process of making art and is the brainchild of Patty Mitchell. She received a small Ohio Arts Council Artist in Residence grant in 1996 and developed a collaborative arts studio for those with developmental differences, where people felt welcome and free.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-focus-on-joy\\u0022\\u003EA Focus on Joy\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want to encourage joy through the process of creation and collaboration,\\u201d says Mitchell. \\u201cWe don\\u2019t want a life that is beige,\\u201d she says, sounding like the artist she is. \\u201cWe talk about unexpected moments of delight. We want to live big and bold, to dig deep into the time we have.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell, and the artists and volunteers at Passion Works color their words and work with joy. Their studio is a riot of bright hues, brilliant pigments, and artwork of every shape and size. Inclusivity is the watch word here and everyone is welcome to find a space at the table.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWhen I first came to Passion Works, I was shy. I wouldn\\u2019t talk to anybody. Now, I have lots of friends and when I feel down or sad, being here picks me back up.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022TINA MOORE, ARTIST AT PASSION WORKS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b745\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3375,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b762\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHistorically, people with disabilities are often excluded from group activity and their own communities, but we\\u2019re not waiting for an invitation to join. Instead, we\\u2019re throwing the party and inviting everyone else to come,\\u201d Mitchell says. \\u201cWe have a better chance of having a full house when we are welcoming and have the expectation of delight and joy.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3376,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nShe adds, with a coy smile, \\u201cWe want to be irresistible.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe don\\u2019t accept being siloed and kept apart. We welcome everyone, and we are richer for it.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022DA-DK\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003eMoore is\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e an extraordinary example. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eShe\\u2019s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eshowcased\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e her art in a book she wrote and illustrated called \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Adventures of Foxy \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLoxy\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and Friends\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e about animals helping each other and celebrating their differences. It features a menagerie of animals including her signature raccoon. She was bullied as a child and wanted to \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewrite\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e a story about that experience. This book is the result.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW42644114 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b7b3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EThe Official Flower of Athens\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBut way before Moore wrote her book, and even before there was a fully established studio, Mitchell worked with folks in another facility. A staff member dropped by with a stack of aluminum printing plates from the local newspaper and the artists painted them, cut them, and folded them into flower petals. This grew into the \\u2018\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/passionworks.org\\\/collections\\\/best-sellers\\\/products\\\/official-passion-flower-union\\u0022\\u003EAthens Passion Flower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u2019 the studio\\u2019s first sellable product, and now, the town\\u2019s official flower. They have sold an astonishing \\u003Cem\\u003Ethirty-five thousand\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E of them, and those sales are an important self-sustaining funding source for the 501(c)(3). Other funding comes from the sale of fine art, art products, donations, and grants.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe artists, both with and without developmental differences, make each flower by hand so no two are the same. They come in a variety of sizes, with and without a stem, and are present throughout Athens\\u2019 restaurants, shops, homes, and porches. They are also popular gifts for graduation from next-door Ohio University, and for weddings and birthdays.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPassion Works sold their first flowers in 1998 and the response was instantaneous. They decided to continue making them in order to have, in Mitchell\\u2019s words, a \\u201ccircular economy of making, people doing a job they love, and selling to support the studio.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the artists can draw anything they want on the aluminum plates, the design is up to them and their individual inspiration and abilities. No one has to create an image or art they don\\u2019t like or can\\u2019t do. The job forms to fit them.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cToo often we see people with developmental differences struggling to do a task they can\\u2019t comfortably do,\\u201d Mitchell explains. \\u201cAny level of continuous struggle means there is something wrong with the process. We completely remove that strain and that leads to the joy at the heart of who we are.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI can\\u2019t imagine Athens without our beloved Passion Flowers,\\u201d says Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens, Ohio. \\u201cThese beautiful flowers represent the best of Athens\\u2014our commitment to innovation, our focus on the careful use of resources, and importantly, our dedication to inclusivity. Roses may have their appeal, but nothing is as sweet as seeing Passion Flowers throughout the city.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis creativity is not limited to flowers. Moore once painted a satellite dish for a farmhouse.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe satellite dish no longer looks like what it did before. Now it is pretty,\\u201d she says with a grin.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3379,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b7f1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat satellite dish is vintage Passion Works, where the work is all about moments of unexpected delight, not just for the artist and volunteers, but also for the random stranger traveling down the road who glimpses a raccoon holding flowers on a once ugly, utilitarian satellite dish.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cPeople with disabilities are often excluded from group activity and their own communities, but we\\u2019re not waiting for an invitation to join. Instead, we\\u2019re throwing the party and inviting everyone else to come.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022PATTY MITCHELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR\\\/FOUNDER OF PASSION WORKSOBLE, SOMETHING ELSE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f3318b808\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Transferrable Model\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMitchell emphasizes that Passion Works is a shareable model. \\u201cPassion Works is the showroom of possibility, so people can come here to learn what we are doing. If they decide they want to do this in their communities, we will help them get started.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cMany organizations support people with developmental differences, but they don\\u2019t know what to do beyond physical care. They don\\u2019t know what to do with free time or how to get communities involved, but we do. Tina is a great example. She has an image on the side of a city bus!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe model also emphasizes collaboration so that several artists work together to create images. \\u201cThe intention is to make cool stuff,\\u201d explains Mitchell. \\u201cBut the creative process is always therapeutic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is no greater testament to the power of this approach than Moore\\u2019s bright eyes when she talks about her art.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI love being an artist and I love people having my artwork in their homes to cherish forever.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/embracing-delight-and-difference-at-passion-works\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3379,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221038\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people, standing and smiling at the camera, as one holds up a large vintage satellite dish . This satellite dish has been painted by the artist in the photo and it depicts a colorful nature scene with a raccoon hiding behind a bush.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809.jpg 1516w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"(Left to Right) Wendy Minor Viny, Senior Artist in Residence and Tina Moore, Passion Works Artist, stand with a satellite dish painted by Moore.\",\"date\":\"2023-04-18 13:57:20\",\"pretty_date\":\"April 18, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":115,\"name\":\"Joelle M. 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This satellite dish has been painted by the artist in the photo and it depicts a colorful nature scene with a raccoon hiding behind a bush.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-758x1024.jpg 758w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-222x300.jpg 222w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-768x1038.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809-1137x1536.jpg 1137w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/04\\\/Sattelite-dish_IMG_0809.jpg 1516w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/embracing-delight-and-difference-at-passion-works\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Embracing Delight and Difference at Passion Works\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              People with developmental differences lead the way at this joy-fueled, accessibility-centered arts studio in Athens, Ohio.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/ohio\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Ohio\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":423985,\"participants\":61766,\"grants\":57,\"communities\":17},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":4420,\"title\":\"A Bright Spot: The First Two-Spirit Powwow in Rapid City\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E Powwow dancing and the powwow circle provides a space for communities to come together and for people\\u0027s creativity and self-identification to shine through. The first of its kind in western South Dakota, the Annual Two-Spirit Powwow, was held in Rapid City this summer. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt was organized by Uniting Resilience, a local non-profit organization working to advance social and legal equality for LGBTQ and Native Two-Spirit individuals. Organized by founders Felipa Mousseaux and her wife Monique \\u201cMuffie\\u201d Mousseaux, the event welcomes all and provides a safe space for people to dance with and for their communities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe day was filled with community and warmth. Greeters met attendees at the entrance with sage burning in an abalone shell\\u2014an invitation to use the sweet smoke to smudge yourself before entering. Throughout the arena artists set up their work on tables and offered their pieces ranging from intricately beaded earrings, quillwork and leatherwork. Many of the dancers also participated in selling their artwork. Local non-profits were also present, offering their support and information about their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4421,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf6ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe day began with a royalty contest to elect a spokesperson for the powwow throughout the year. The contest provided space for community members to speak and share about what this responsibility would look like for them. The crowd elected eight-year-old Kamiliah Stewart to serve as the Two-Spirit Powwow Royalty for the year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere was a wide range of attendees, from children to elders. The day\\u2019s events provided space for laughter and connection with opportunities like the potato dance, which invited community members to join in.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe potato dance invites people to come into the powwow circle and hold a potato between their heads while dancing throughout a song and if the potato drops they must leave the circle. The last ones remaining with a potato win the contest.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf6fd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4433,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4428,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4440,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf719\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI\\u2019ve been trying to heal myself and for me to dance is doing that. I told my mom last year that I want to dance. You have to go through that process of working on yourself and healing yourself to do this dance, because you cannot bring healing if you yourself are not going through that healing process.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022FENTIE LEBEAU\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf734\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4424,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf748\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4430,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eFentie LeBeau\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e24, Cheyenne River Lakota and Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cFor me, it\\u0027s so important to have access to this space because back when the Standing Rock protests were going on, that\\u0027s where I grounded myself and got back to my spirituality. I was the last of my family to show up but the last of my family to leave. Amongst our own (Indigenous) people we have such diversity, and so for this to be a thing in Rapid City, is such an eye opener,\\u201d said LeBeau.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Two-Spirit Powwow was the first time LeBeau participated in Jingle Dress dancing, which is considered a healing dance. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 400;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Jingle Dress dance and dress were born out of our last global pandemic\\u2014the flu pandemic of 1918. A young Ojibwe woman, fevered with flu, dreamt about the dance and when she awoke out of her illness she had the idea of using dance as a healing art.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI\\u2019ve been going through a lot, I just moved back from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and that was the first time I saw the Two-Spirit Powwow.\\u201d Sioux Falls held their first Two-Spirit Powwow in 2022, hosted by Uniting Resilience.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf76e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4422,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4423,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4425,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4426,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4427,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7a4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4431,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJesse Guecha\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e43, Muisca People from Colombia, Seattle, Washington\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cLast year at the International Two-Spirit Gathering in Montana, I met Muffie and Felipa and I was really inspired by them and have been following the work they\\u2019re doing. When I heard they were doing this Powwow I wanted to come out and support them. I\\u2019ve been wanting to be a grass dancer for five years, and Covid slowed that down and just life\\u2026but I couldn\\u2019t think of a better Powwow to come out as a Grass Dancer.\\u201d Just like the origins of Powwows themselves, the origins of the Grass Dance hold many stories across many different nations. From visions from young men observing the way in which prairie grass moves and dances with the wind to the flattening of prairie grasses by scouts before ceremony or dance.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGuecha\\u2019s regalia pieces were gifted to him by different family and community members that supported his journey into becoming a Grass Dancer.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI would encourage everyone to come next year, I hope to keep coming back and I look forward to it growing. It\\u2019s for everyone.\\u201d Guecha proudly stated.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7c8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4432,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00221\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAnthony Khangi Thanka\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e21, Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI think it\\u2019s everything,\\u201d said Thanka about the powwow being accessible and so close to their home in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which shares geography with the state of South Dakota. \\u201cI waited a long time for something like this to happen here. I really enjoyed being here and I hope it\\u2019s something we continue to do.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI would tell every Two-Spirit person that they should come and enjoy themselves and feel welcomed in the space. It is a safe place.\\u201d \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf7ec\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI get to portray and show people that it\\u2019s okay to be who you are. Especially since a lot of times I\\u2019ve been threatened at powwows. And at this Two-Spirit Powwow I feel welcomed. I feel like I\\u2019m making history, especially to have something like this in South Dakota.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MONTE MUGGINS\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf806\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4434,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eMonte Muggins\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e20, Cheyenne River\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cIt means more visibility,\\u201d Muggins said about dancing at the powwow. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuggins dances Fancy Shawl, a form of powwow dance that involves a shawl. Their shawl was covered with rainbow-colored sequins. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan style=\\\\u0022font-weight: 500;\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMuggins has been dancing since they were six years old but just recently picked it back up when they turned 18.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0026nbsp;\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf821\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe powwow ended with a showing of Larissa FastHorse\\u2019s play \\u0027Wicoun,\\u2019 a story about a Two-Spirit teenager navigating life raising their siblings in a world where zombies are on the prowl, and trying to graduate high school all while accidentally summoning Lakota superheroes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4436,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4435,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4437,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf83a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cFor anyone struggling with who they are, please remember that you are not alone. We are all here for support.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER PI\\u00d1A\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf84e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4438,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eChristopher Alexander Pi\\u00f1a\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cem\\\\u003e\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003e32, Oglala Lakota\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cBeing Two-Spirit in a place where it is not generally accepted is very difficult at times. I wake up with three strikes against me: I am gay, I am a male, and I am Indigenous. So all my life I have had to battle for a place in society. The first Two-Spirit Powwow [in Rapid City] was a safe space for our LGBTQ+ members to freely express the wonderful beauty of who they truly are without fear of judgment or discrimination,\\\\u0022 said Pi\\u00f1a.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u0022Being a superhero in the play \\u0027Wicoun\\u0027 helped me realize that I am a light in a dark space. We are now beacons of hope.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed7fbf868\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the  inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-bright-spot-the-first-two-spirit-powwow-in-rapid-city\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4439,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 95%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2023-09-21 16:37:51\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 21, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":132,\"name\":\"Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"slug\":\"jaida-grey-eagle\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":132,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":4,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jaida Grey Eagle\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 95%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person with dark hair facing away as their colorful sequined regalia with rainbow-colored fringe flails in the air.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 95%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/CF139-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-bright-spot-the-first-two-spirit-powwow-in-rapid-city\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Bright Spot: The First Two-Spirit Powwow in Rapid City\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Local and national attendees participated and people danced with and for their communities at the  inaugural powwow of its kind in western South Dakota.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":3838,\"title\":\"This Rural South Dakota Town is Home to the International Vinegar Museum\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746de3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Midwest loves its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/midwestweekends.com\\\/plan-a-trip\\\/touring\\\/festivals\\\/food-festivals-midwest\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Efood fests\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. While you can enjoy the International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn, South Dakota, anytime during its open season (Thursday to Saturday from early June to Labor Day every year) to sample various kinds of vinegar, see paper and ceramic art made from vinegar, and learn how vinegar is made and the many uses for vinegar, the perfect time to visit is during the annual \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.internationalvinegarmuseum.com\\\/schedule-of-events.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EVinegar Festival\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E!\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESaturday, June 17, 2023, is this year\\u2019s Vinegar Day, where you can see Roslyn and its many vinegar enthusiasts in all their glory. With a festival featuring a parade, live music and dance, a tractor pull, a scavenger hunt, the coronation of the Vinegar Queen, a bean bag tournament, a petting zoo, craft vendors, lefse making demonstrations (Norwegian potato flatbread) and more, there\\u2019s an activity for everyone in the family. The South Dakota State University Ice Cream Truck will be present, which is said to be the best ice cream around. Try a spritz of balsamic or tequila-lime vinegar on your scoop to really eat like a local.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022They [residents and leaders in Roslyn] realized they needed to do something with the resources they had, and something that was totally different from anything any other town was doing.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE ON THE INTERNATIONAL VINEGAR MUSEUM\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746e48\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3839,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text-one-third\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.internationalvinegarmuseum.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e is one of a kind: the world\\u2019s first and the only museum in North America dedicated to vinegar. (Another vinegar museum opened in Zhenjiang, China, in 2010.) It was started by Lawrence Diggs, who founded the group Vinegar Connoisseurs International and has written several books, including \\u201cVinegar: The User-Friendly Standard Text Reference and Guide to Appreciating, Making, and Enjoying Vinegar.\\u201d Lovingly called \\u201cThe Vinegar Man,\\u201d Diggs has dedicated his life\\u2019s work to sharing the sour power wonders of vinegar.\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDiggs started the museum with materials from his personal collection and the museum has since grown to house more than 350 vinegars from around the world. Because so many different flavors and substances can be added to vinegar, the museum goes beyond the typical white, apple cider, rice, and red wine vinegars common to kitchens and includes more unexpected flavors like blueberry, pecan, and more. If you enjoy sampling the wares, you\\u2019ll be able to take a bottle home\\u2014the gift shop sells many locally made varieties.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eArchitecture enthusiasts will enjoy visiting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003et\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum, as it\\u2019s located in the historic Roslyn Auditorium, a project completed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ein the midst of\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the Depression. \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe building was originally erected as a community gathering place, which still holds true today since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003et\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehe \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ev\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003einegar \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003em\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003euseum was created as a way of revitalizing Roslyn and inviting the larger community to the town.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP CommentHighlightRest SCXW91917763 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThey [residents and leaders in Roslyn] realized they needed to do something with the resources they had, and something that was totally different from anything any other town was doing,\\u201d a \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca class=\\\\u0022Hyperlink SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.washingtonpost.com\\\/lifestyle\\\/magazine\\\/vinegar-museum-south-dakota-draws-tourists\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/02\\\/40461320-ff7c-11eb-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.html\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun Underlined SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-charstyle=\\\\u0022Hyperlink\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWashington Post article\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e said\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e of\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e the museum\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, which\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e draws upwards of a thousand visitors a year to the town of fewer than 200 residents.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThose who make the trek to the museum find the travel just that\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e: \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea trek. Roslyn is far from any \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ehighway and hours away from any large metro areas. Being in such a rural place has made the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eInternational Vinegar Museum central to the local economy\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u2014\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun CommentHighlightRest SCXW126034646 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea testament to the creativity of the people who call Roslyn home.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633eed746eb7\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe article went on to detail how Fran Rougemont, a local who works at the International Vinegar Museum, \\u201crecounts a time she was riding her bike to pick up her mail from the post office, and a family in a big RV asked if they could get a tour. \\u2018I told them I just needed to run home and grab my key.\\u2019\\u201d While Diggs is the person who\\u2019s most passionate about vinegar in Roslyn, local museum workers received a hands-on vinegar education from him, which made them passionate about the sour concoction too.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince its opening in 1999, people from around the world have visited the International Vinegar Museum. You can be one of them this summer!\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-sd-town-is-home-to-the-international-vinegar-museum\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3847,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022534\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\",\"date\":\"2023-06-15 14:20:06\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 15, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":18,\"name\":\"Mandy Shunnarah\",\"slug\":\"mandy-shunnarah\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":18,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mandy Shunnarah is an Alabama-born, Palestinian-American writer who now calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their essays, poetry, short stories, and book reviews have been published in \\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Times\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EElectric Literature\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Rumpus\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EEntropy Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Normal School\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EMizna\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Citron Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPost-Apocalyptic Media\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Wild Hunt\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EBarely South Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EHeavy Feather Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Missing Slate\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EPANK Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EDeep South Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ESouthern Women\\u2019s Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Dandelion Review\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ETalking Writing\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003ELifelines Magazine\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E, \\u003Cem\\u003EThe Columbus Anthology\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E from Belt Publishing, and the alumni magazines at The University of Alabama and Kenyon College. They have received two Best of the Net nominations for their creative nonfiction and a Pushcart Prize nomination for their fiction, as well as having placed in short story contests.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":21,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mandy Shunnarah\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022712\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022712\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A group of individuals listen to a person talking to them across a table. The counter in between them has several bottles of vinegar.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/06\\\/Vinegar-Man-featured-image.jpg 1213w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rural-sd-town-is-home-to-the-international-vinegar-museum\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Rural South Dakota Town is Home to the International Vinegar Museum\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A way of revitalizing the town of less than 200 people, the Museum welcomes a large community to Roslyn every summer.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":4283,\"title\":\"Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECecilia Steele, a 10-year-old member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has always enjoyed listening to music and singing along. \\u201cBut ever since I started playing music at Rock The Rez,\\u201d she said, \\u201cnow I love playing instruments.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn summer 2023, Steele learned to play bass guitar at \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.rocktherez.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERock The Rez\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E: a program aiming \\u201cto empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth to build self-esteem and find their voices through unique programming.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the camp includes a range of activities, it centers on rocking out. \\u201cIt\\u2019s about art in general,\\u201d said executive director April Matson. \\u201cMusic and instruments are like the river that flows through and holds us all together for the week.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022It is really important that we are creating a space that is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022APRIL MATSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROCK THE REZ\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267a3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b267f2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4285,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe South Dakota program currently conducts a week-long camp for Rosebud each summer and dedicates another week to the nearby Pine Ridge reservation community. It\\u2019s part of an international movement sparked in 2001 by Oregon\\u2019s Rock \\u2018n\\u2019 Roll Camp for Girls.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe resonance of 2023\\u2019s \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eBarbie\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e, a satirical film in which Ken magnanimously invites Barbie to listen while he plays guitar \\u201cat\\u201d her, demonstrated the ongoing reality that \\u201cthere\\u0027s a big space for men to be very entitled to arts,\\u201d said Matson.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt is really important that we are creating a space,\\u201d Matson continued, \\u201cthat is only for girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse use, because it just creates a whole different community. We\\u2019re very safe to be silly and loud and open and creative.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMatson, an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate and the Athabaskan Tribe of Alaska who identifies as two-spirit, hopes that Rock The Rez will lead to broader Indigenous representation on music stages.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWhat I want to see is not only these Indigenous youth in Pine Ridge and Rosebud forming bands and playing for their community,\\u201d said Matson, \\u201cbut also going outside of their community to Rapid City and Sioux Falls and Minnesota and Omaha and performing.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt was pretty challenging for me\\u201d at first, said Steele about learning bass. \\u201cBut once they started teaching me, I got used to it and they started teaching me new techniques.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the end of the camp, Steele was performing live \\u2014 and on camera. Her family came to watch her play, she said, and \\u201cI quite enjoyed it! I thought I was going to be on every social media app because there [were] all kinds of people recording me, so I just played my best and then I had fun.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2682e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program was founded in 2016 as Girls Rock Pine Ridge, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/girlsrockpineridge\\\/posts\\\/pfbid0Vz8LCX2KuWnVuwpJKVs4wbLHMbAyH212fLQSyEL6gfq82AsRXB1hBsSnnZ2wDYKgl\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Etaking the name\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E Rock The Rez in 2020 \\u201cin an effort to be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA2+ community.\\u201d Matson has been involved since 2019, initially participating as a volunteer.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI just had the best, most genuine experience with the other volunteers,\\u201d said Matson. \\u201cBeing able to interact with the campers on a level that is very beginner, which is where I was at with the instruments that we were teaching, and then seeing them create a whole song just from those rudimentary skills was incredible.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe program also ensures that campers connect with musical role models within their own communities. \\u201cWe try to invite one local Indigenous band per day of camp for a lunchtime performer,\\u201d explained Matson. \\u201cThe campers are always really excited to meet them, and then you say, \\u2018This person lives here, lives in this place where you live.\\u2019\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26857\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:4284,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:4288,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:4289,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:4286,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:4291,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b2686f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe want everyone to feel like they have a safe space to create, [to feel] like their voice is heard. We want them to feel really proud of who they are,\\u201d Rock The Rez resource coordinator Maureen O\\u0027Brien told \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/watch\\\/live\\\/?ref=watch_permalink\\u0026amp;v=215084450177646\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Ethe Cave Collective\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E in 2021. \\u201cWe want to make sure that they are like, \\u2018We see representation, so that\\u2019s permission.\\u2019\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESteele said it was \\u201creal fun to watch\\u201d the experienced musicians at camp. \\u201cThey were really nice and supportive of my music,\\u201d she said about the adults she encountered. \\u201cThey\\u2019re really kind.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe ended up deciding to spend as much time at camp as possible. \\u201cI was planning to go for a couple of days, but the first day I went there I loved it,\\u201d said Steele. \\u201cSo I went there all week!\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStaff are constantly working to build awareness of their free program, a nonprofit enterprise funded largely by grants and donations. Despite repeated pitches to local media, in past years the program has received little news coverage.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI heard, one year, \\u2018We don\\u0027t know what the story is here,\\u2019\\u201d recalled Matson. \\u201cI\\u2019m like, are you kidding? This is amazing! Look at these kids. They\\u2019re awesome.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:4292,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ee9b26884\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":4290,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022573\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Rock The Rez participants practice the song their band wrote for their showcase at the end of the week-long music camp.\",\"date\":\"2023-08-29 16:18:03\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 29, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":117,\"name\":\"Jay Gabler\",\"slug\":\"jay-gabler\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":117,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":13,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":138,\"name\":\"Robert Bordeaux\",\"slug\":\"robert-bordeaux\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":138,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":7,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Jay Gabler and Robert Bordeaux\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022764\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A young person on guitar and a young person on drums point to each other across the room\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-1536x1146.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/CB779D1F-FCEE-46D3-993E-F3CEA37B3870-2048x1528.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/rock-the-rez-brings-power-chords-to-indigenous-kids-in-south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Rock The Rez Brings Power Chords to Indigenous Kids in South Dakota\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A rock camp \\u201caims to empower Indigenous girls, two-spirited, transgender, and gender diverse youth\\u201d in a safe space where they can raise their voices \\u2014 and crank the amps.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":155301,\"participants\":10007,\"grants\":8,\"communities\":8},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":5263,\"title\":\"Community Mentorship Sets Sail with Wisconsin\\u2019s Hands On Deck\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPerched on the shores of Green Bay, Wisconsin, right before the waterway slices through the city\\u2019s downtown and becomes the Fox River\\u2014sits the workshop of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.handsondeckgb.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHands On Deck\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. A non-profit organization dedicated to hands-on learning for youth and families through wooden boatbuilding, they emphasize traditional craft as a means to forge opportunities and build relationships within the community.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHands On Deck began when current vice president Mark Hawkins and a small founding board recognized a need for hands-on education in the area, especially with an emphasis on back-to-basics vocational skills. The bayshore workshop is often the first place where young learners interact with basic tools. \\u201cWe meet kids who\\u2019ve never held a screwdriver, never helped their parents build anything,\\u201d Hawkins says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea177\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0022We build relationships, and we build leaders. We\\u2019re asking, how do you attach these hands to your head, to your heart?\\\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022MARK HAWKINS, VICE PRESIDENT, HANDS ON DECK\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea1d0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5287,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022full\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea1ea\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5289,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMoving Mentorship to the Fore\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cPublic education is in a real strain,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cTeachers are quitting, classes are full, there are 40 kids in a middle school shop class not getting enough attention\\u2026 We\\u2019re like the special forces. We tell the teachers, if they notice someone who\\u2019s really interested or is especially skilled, send them to us!\\u201d A dozen committed volunteers also dedicate around 100 hours each month to helping out. Hawkins adds, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cb\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/b\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWe build relationships, and we build leaders. We\\u2019re asking, how do you attach these hands to your head, to your heart?\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFast becoming one of the organization\\u2019s most popular programs, Elementary Mechanical Skills, or EMS, offers 6- to 11-year-olds the opportunity to use and make their own tools for the first time, including learning how to create and work from patterns. Since 2016, the initiative has \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eprovided\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e workshops, classes, and apprenticeships focused on critical thinking and cooperation.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022EOP SCXW2603864 BCX0\\\\u0022 data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cI don\\u2019t give them a ruler,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cI give them a 12-inch piece of maple, and then they make their own ruler. We do a lot of estimating, and while I could pull out a tape measure, that\\u2019s not really teaching critical thinking.\\u201d Community request projects, such as building a bench for a local homeless shelter, provide realistic solutions while teaching budding craftspeople practical skills. \\u201cOne of our core values\\u2014and a personal value\\u2014is that relationships are built when you do difficult things together as a team. That\\u2019s when you empower and build bonds together.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea233\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-sailing-through-great-lakes-history-nbsp\\u0022\\u003ESailing Through Great Lakes History\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGreat Lakes marine heritage also plays a crucial role in the types of projects Hands On Deck takes on, tying participants to regional history. So far, they have cooperatively built or restored more than 200 feet of wooden boats and are currently restoring a 1949 Lyman Islander. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe mid-century watercraft was made by a manufacturer originally based in Ohio that produced clinker-built or lapstrake boats, in which the edges of the hull planks overlap each other\\u2014perfect for cruising the lakes! \\u201cWe love Great Lakes boats,\\u201d Hawkins says. \\u201cWe have been a part of many Great Lakes boats, and we love that history.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA small room on the third floor of Brown County Central Library was the locus for the first boat Hands On Deck constructed in 2016, with the help of more than 20 individuals attending class once per week. Monday night community boatbuilding remains a core facet of the program, plus weekly rowing opportunities in the summer, CPR classes on Tuesdays, family boat rides, and special workshops with well-known artists and craftspeople from around the country. Hawkins says, \\u201cIt\\u2019s not really a makerspace, but it\\u2019s community enrichment.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5290,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5291,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5300,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5293,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5294,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:5295,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:5297,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:5302,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:8,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f4fbea271\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/community-mentorship-sets-sail-with-wisconsins-hands-on-deck\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5285,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Hands On Deck hosts free community rowing every Wednesday through the summer. A typical evening row will last an hour and cover around 3 miles either up the Fox and back or out into the Bay.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-24 17:48:41\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 24, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022682\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two young children rowing a small boat on a river with an elderly person. They are all wearing life vests and there\\u0026#039;s another boat visible in the background.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/rowing_family_green_bay.jpg 1466w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/community-mentorship-sets-sail-with-wisconsins-hands-on-deck\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Community Mentorship Sets Sail with Wisconsin\\u2019s Hands On Deck\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The non-profit organization is keeping traditional craft afloat through community boatbuilding in Green Bay.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5048,\"title\":\"This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvocative of bold \\u201cwanted\\u201d posters and theater show-bills, wood type transformed the way people communicated in the 19th century. It initiated a paradigm shift in the printing industry, its popularity in large part due to the manufacturing process itself, which involved using a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Pantograph\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003Epantograph\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to scale the same style up or down as desired. That\\u2019s where we meet industrialist James Edward Hamilton from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, who founded the Hamilton Manufacturing Company in 1880. Fast-forward nearly 150 years later, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E takes a 21st-century approach to preserving a historic craft.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUnlike many museum collections, Hamilton\\u2019s doesn\\u2019t just sit in an archive. Its 1.5 million\\u2014and growing\\u2014pieces of dazzling wood type spill from cases or \\u201csorts;\\u201d dozens of printing presses fill the 40,000-square-foot exhibition space; and a large, communal studio area invites workshop participants and artists to learn how to print.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5051,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b2a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe\\u2019re a working museum,\\u201d says Assistant Director Stephanie Carpenter. \\u201cThat\\u2019s a huge part of it for us, that we can teach letterpress printing with original Hamilton type.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ECarpenter was introduced to Hamilton while in a graduate program at Indiana University, regularly making the seven-hour drive up to Two Rivers to help Master Printer and then-Director Jim Moran on weekends. She joined the museum formally in 2011, when it was still located in the original Hamilton factory building, which has since been demolished. In 2012, the team were told they had six months to vacate, and an extraordinary effort from community members and volunteers helped move 27 semi-loads of type and equipment to the current space, another former factory building. The museum celebrates its \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/history\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E25\\u003Csup\\u003Eth\\u003C\\\/sup\\u003E anniversary\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E next year.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11b69\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5053,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2 aria-level=\\\\u00223\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePressing On\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559738\\\\u0026quot;:400,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWeekly, type carvers at the museum produce new blocks as part of the \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wood-type-legacy-project\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eType Legacy Project\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, creating new sets that can be added to institutional collections. \\u201cIt\\u2019s crazy that people in the 21st century are designing for wood type,\\u201d Carpenter says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s also available digitally, so students will use it through the Adobe program to design with it, and if their school has the wood type, they can then move into the press room and print using their digital mock-ups. That\\u0027s one of our programs that I absolutely adore, because it means that it\\u0027s also hands-on and it\\u0027s bringing that history forward.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{\\\\u0026quot;201341983\\\\u0026quot;:0,\\\\u0026quot;335559739\\\\u0026quot;:160,\\\\u0026quot;335559740\\\\u0026quot;:312}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eRecently, Hamilton welcomed artists \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/beingblount\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMelissa Blount\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/jenngraves\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJenn Graves\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e, and \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/printmakingasresistance\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022none\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDesiree Aspiras\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e for the first BIWOC\\u2014Black, Indigenous and Women of Color\\u2014Summit. Carpenter helped to organize a week-long residency in the print room, which evolved from a conversation with Blount and Graves about the representation of women of color in the letterpress community.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11ba9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThey said, \\u2018You need Black women represented here, on your walls, doing things,\\u2019\\u201d Carpenter says. While the gathering was initially intended to include a large number of participants, three were able to make the trip, but that put no damper on the enthusiasm. \\u201cThat energy that three people brought to that space! Blown away. It was so dynamic.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHamilton offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, ranging from printing basics to collaborations with local artists who share special techniques. Every week at the local farmer\\u2019s market, the museum sets up shop to invite community members to make prints they can take home with them. Every year, the museum hosts \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/wayzgoose\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWayzgoose\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, an annual conference for type- and print-lovers, and biannually they celebrate \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/woodtype.org\\\/pages\\\/really-big-prints\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EReally Big Prints\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, inviting local artists to think extra big and use steam rollers to make large-scale pieces.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5052,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5055,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5056,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5058,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:5059,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:5,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed8c11bde\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe definitely talk about our multiple communities,\\u201d says Carpenter. \\u201cWe have locals who might know the history of the factory, or they might just be interested in taking art classes. And then there is an amazing letterpress community. They\\u0027re all around the country, all around the world. I think being interconnected with that community, both for me as a person and as part of the Hamilton team, is so rewarding.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5054,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 75%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A person chooses from vintage cuts and blocks in a museum workshop.  \",\"date\":\"2023-09-26 17:26:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"September 26, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022640\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A person, seen from the back, looks at a wide selection of wood blocks arranged in wooden trays.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 75%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/09\\\/HamiltonPhoto6-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/this-wisconsin-museum-preserves-and-prints-with-the-worlds-largest-collection-of-wood-type\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                This Wisconsin Museum Preserves and Prints With the World\\u0027s Largest Collection of Wood Type\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              From type factory to \\u0022working museum,\\u0022 Hamilton still calls Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home, bringing artists together from all over the world. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":5171,\"title\":\"Food Cultures: Wisconsin\\u2019s Fermentation Fest Gets in the Spirit\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Midwest staples like beer and cheese to sourdough bread, kimchi, and kombucha, the flavors and textures of some of our favorite foods wouldn\\u2019t be the same without fermentation. And perhaps the only thing better than the process itself is an entire festival devoted to the techniques and traditions of this timeless practice.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFermentation is equal parts art form and scientific technique, boiling down to a process in which microorganisms like bacteria, yeasts, or molds produce enzymes that convert sugars in food into other substances. \\u201cFermentation is all about abundance and transformation, a process that can result in strong flavors, dense nutrients, and, sometimes, altered states of consciousness,\\u201d says Donna Neuwirth, Executive Director of \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/wormfarminstitute.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWormfarm Institute\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which organizes the festival. This year, it pops up at Witwen Park, about 10 miles west of Sauk City.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab19b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5172,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab20f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn beer, yeast transforms glucose into alcohol and CO2, producing the carbonation in our favorite brews. Pizza-lovers and artisan loaf connoisseurs can rejoice at the distinctive zing of sourdough thanks to bacteria, yeast, and a lot of patience. And cheese relies on bacterial cultures that transform lactose\\u2014dairy\\u2019s natural sugar\\u2014into lactic acid, which helps turn the milk into curd. Different kinds of mold make some varieties \\u201cblue\\u201d or build up to form the rind, like in brie. It\\u2019s chemistry at its tastiest, and with so many different types of fermentation and potential combinations of ingredients, temperature, and time, there\\u2019s plenty of room for creativity.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cFermentation is all about abundance and transformation, a process that can result in strong flavors, dense nutrients, and, sometimes, altered states of consciousness.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022DONNA NEUWIRTH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WORMFARM INSTITUTE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab22d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-in-the-spirit-of-collaboration\\u0022\\u003EIn the Spirit of Collaboration\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor more than 20 years, Wormfarm Institute, a rural residency program in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area founded by Neuwirth and Jay Salinas, has collaborated with artists, creatives, and local farmers to hone relationships between art, ecology, agriculture, food, and conservation. Originally presented annually in tandem with the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wormfarminstitute.org\\\/programs\\\/farm-art-dtour\\u0022\\u003EFarm\\\/Art DTour\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a drivable and bikeable route chock full of public art and music, Fermentation Fest now alternates biennially with its sibling event.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:5174,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022During the 2020 Farm\\\/Art DTour, artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.torytepp.net\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eTory Tepp\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e realized the \\u0027Sauk County ARK,\\u0027 or Agricultural Recon Kraft, an earthwork on a plot belonging to fourth-generation farmers Alma and William Gasser, who also run a farmstead bakery. Tepp is interested in drawing connections between social and environmental ecosystems, often developing public art projects that merge community participation and education.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe ARK resembles a landlocked ship in a 4-acre field, which was seeded with the first perennial grain crop in the world, a type of intermediate wheatgrass marketed as \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/landinstitute.org\\\/our-work\\\/perennial-crops\\\/kernza\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eKernza\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. \\u201cFocusing on sustainable farming practices and regenerative agriculture, the ARK creates a public space for observation and reflection at the intersection of art, agriculture, ecology, and climate crisis,\\u201d Tepp says on his \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.torytepp.net\\\/sauk-county-ark\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewebsite\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. At this year\\u2019s festival, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the grain, which will be baked into crackers and shortbread in a cob oven.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis year, the festival presents its \\u0027Spirits Edition,\\u0027 celebrating varieties ranging from the distilled to the \\u201ckindred.\\u201d A keynote presentation by ethnobotanist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.garynabhan.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eGary Paul Nabhan\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e from his book \\\\u003cem\\\\u003eAgave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals \\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003eexplores distilled spirits and their botanical origins.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAlong with music, food stands, and numerous classes, visitors can also check out a Native Art Marketplace presented by \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/littleeaglearts.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLittle Eagle Arts Foundation\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting American Indian\\\/First Nation art.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFermentation Fest: Spirits Edition runs October 7 - 8, 2023 at Witwen Park, Sauk County, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. Many offerings are free, but some require tickets. You can find the full program and book your spot for events that require tickets at fermentationfest.com.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab265\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:5176,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:5175,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:5173,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:5178,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab28b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-listen-now-filling-the-well\\u0022\\u003EListen Now: Filling The Well\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/resources\\\/podcasts\\\/filling-the-well\\\/\\u0022\\u003EFilling the Well\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E is a podcast created to nourish, provoke, and inspire artists and arts leaders.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOn this episode, Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas, the co-founders of Wormfarm Institute located in rural Wisconsin, discuss how curiosity, presence, and time have played a vital role in their journey of understanding their community better. Through their farm and artist residency program, they intersect rural and urban spaces, and explore what it means to belong to and take pride in a place.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/custom-h-t-m-l\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_layout\\u0022,\\u0022html\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ciframe style=\\\\u0022border-radius:12px\\\\u0022 src=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/open.spotify.com\\\/embed\\\/episode\\\/2paz2dYC9jCvFYQod5yzpQ?utm_source=generator\\\\u0022 width=\\\\u0022100%\\\\u0022 height=\\\\u0022352\\\\u0022 frameBorder=\\\\u00220\\\\u0022 allowfullscreen=\\\\u0022\\\\u0022 allow=\\\\u0022autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\\\\u0022 loading=\\\\u0022lazy\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/iframe\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_html\\u0022:\\u0022field_custom_h_t_m_l_html\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633ed03ab2a2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/food-cultures-wisconsins-fermentation-fest-gets-in-the-spirit\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":5177,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 35%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"\\u0027Garden of Water and Wind,\\u0027 a site-specific work made by artist Sarah Kavage as part of the 2022 Farm\\\/Art D\\u0027Tour organized by the Wormfarm Institute. This festival alternates annually with the Fermentation Fest.\",\"date\":\"2023-10-05 22:22:33\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 5, 2023\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":525,\"name\":\"Kate Mothes\",\"slug\":\"kate-mothes\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":525,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":26,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Kate Mothes\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A slightly winding path made as part of an artwork. The path has curved edges made of braided hay-like grass.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 35%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/10\\\/sarah-kavage-path.jpg 1536w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/food-cultures-wisconsins-fermentation-fest-gets-in-the-spirit\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Food Cultures: Wisconsin\\u2019s Fermentation Fest Gets in the Spirit\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A \\u201clive culture convergence\\u201d is brewing in Wisconsin\\u2019s Driftless Area with the help of the Wormfarm Institute.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":284072,\"participants\":50908,\"grants\":25,\"communities\":14}},\"label\":\"2023\",\"query_var\":\"2023\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2023\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"Learn More\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/2023-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2023 Financials\",\"key\":2},{\"states\":{\"national\":{\"slug\":\"national\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Nation in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Nation\",\"grantees\":\"[year] National Grantees\"},\"label\":\"National\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2848,\"title\":\"Over 100 Years in the Making: The Lakota Song Repatriation Project\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn many Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and traditions are paired with music. You cannot have one without the other. The beat of the drum represents the human heartbeat. The song is the prayer. The language is the foundation of those prayers. But what if that language was disappearing? How can you keep vocal traditions alive? A Lakota language revitalization project in Bismarck is doing just that. It is called the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKevin Locke, the late Lakota author, musician, and educator, who contributed to the project explains the importance of music, language, and culture to the Lakota. He says that the vocal tradition is the foundation of everything. You cannot have ceremony and tradition without music and song.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac450b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cYou can\\u0027t do anything without music.\\u202fYou can\\u0027t do any kind of activity without that music. That\\u2019s why the singers have the preeminent station for any indigenous community.\\u202fThat\\u0027s what Densmore documented. That vocal tradition which is the foundation of everything.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KEVIN LOCKE, CITIZEN OF STANDING ROCK, PROJECT CONTRIBUTOR\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac457d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2850,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u0026nbsp;\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThat foundation nearly vanished with the growing numbers of European settlers on the northern Plains, as treaties were broken, and assimilation tactics were woven into the fabric of the US Constitution. In 1880, The Civilization Act would prevent Native American tribes from speaking their language or practicing their traditions. Lakota children were sent to government-sanctioned boarding schools who partnered with churches, with a mission of assimilating them to the growing white culture and religion. But instead, they would experience trauma beyond comprehension. For those that survived they suffered with insurmountable pain, a loss of language and a loss of spirit.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAct of Preservation\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\nIn 1911, a bold Minnesota woman made it her mission to travel to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to record the Lakota\\u2019s music and language before it could potentially be lost forever. Frances Densmore of Red Wing, Minnesota, was a former music teacher who became an ethnomusicologist with the United States Bureau of Ethnology. In an effort to preserve the so-called \\u201cvanishing Indian,\\u201d she used hand-cranked wax cylinders to record their music. She wrote several books about her experiences, analyzing tribal music, culture and people. Eventually, thousands of these recordings were taken to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for preservation. The quality of the recordings was poor. Today the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project is an ongoing effort to reproduce those recordings to preserve, promote and revitalize the language and history of the Standing Rock Tribe.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cIt\\u0027s the one time white man\\u0027s technology served us in a good way,\\u201d said Courtney Yellow Fat, citizen of Standing Rock , co-producer\\\/cultural advisor to the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDensmore\\u2019s work was groundbreaking for the time. It was extraordinary for such a woman to travel 500 miles from her home to the Standing Rock Reservation to pursue a career in cultural preservation work. It was even more extraordinary that she could convince Elders like Eagle Shield, Red Weasel, Brave Buffalo, Charging \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThunder,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e \\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW233041307 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eand Red Fox into recording these songs, especially after the United States government had outlawed the practice of Native ceremonies, dance, and language.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac46fc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDensmore took several trips to Standing Rock between 1911 and 1914. There she met and recorded more than three-dozen men and women singers, documenting hundreds of songs, and gathering notes for her book, \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/repository.si.edu\\\/handle\\\/10088\\\/15528\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ETeton Sioux Music\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Densmore reflected in her memoirs, recording the Lakota songs was not easy. Conditions were not ideal for making wax cylinder recordings in the hot summers. Also, she was limited to where she could set up her equipment. The drum was so overpowering that either no drum was used, or it was a packing box with a stick. Another challenge was that some songs were ceremonial in nature. Elders did not easily concede to singing for Densmore when there was still a law in place preventing Native American tribes from speaking their language. But she pressed on. Courtney Yellow Fat describes Densmore\\u2019s persistence as \\u201ca little out there.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI don\\u0027t know what kind of person Frances Densmore was but to me I think for a white woman to come into an Indian reservation she had to be: one, a little crazy. And two, she had to have courage and be very demanding\\u2026the men that sang for her had to have a lot of courage and trust that they weren\\u0027t going to be imprisoned or killed or anything like that for doing this,\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2851,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2852,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:2,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac4728\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cTo do the things that she did, to go to the places she went, and to meet some of the people she met, she had to be a little bit crazy. She was a crazy white woman! There is no other way to say it.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022COURTNEY YELLOW FAT, CITIZEN OF STANDING ROCK, PROJECT CO-PRODUCER\\\/CULTURAL ADVISOR\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022top\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022default\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac4742\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-fixing-the-sound\\u0022\\u003EFixing the Sound\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1996, Kevin Locke met up with David Swenson, owner and executive producer at Makoche Recording Studios in Bismarck, North Dakota. Locke brought original Densmore recordings on cassette tapes. He wanted Swenson to \\u201cfix the sound\\u201d on them. It was obvious to both of them that something did not sound right. The recordings were scratchy, dark, and muddy. There was something else too, but Swenson could not put his finger on it right away. Then he heard a trill, or what the Lakota call \\u201clele\\u201d sounds, a fast high-pitched vocalized tongue trill often used to express emotion. The trill that Swenson heard on the recording was not high-pitched, nor was it fast.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c...it didn\\u0027t sound right. And a lightbulb went off in my head, \\u2018These are at the wrong speed!\\u2019\\u201d said\\u202f Swenson, who is the producer of the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/b8Ok8Eeq0ck\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022video\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022youtube\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true,\\u0022className\\u0022:\\u0022wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/b8Ok8Eeq0ck\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003Cfigcaption class=\\u0022wp-element-caption\\u0022\\u003EExamples of speed correction in the Densmore recordings from the Library of Congress. Video courtesy of the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/figcaption\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESwenson spent the next 20 years researching what happened to the recordings and communicating this information to the Library of Congress, who were initially hesitant to accept Swenson\\u2019s observations. But Swenson\\u2019s research showed that Densmore used a pitch pipe in the beginning of her music recordings. Speed and accuracy were of paramount importance to Densmore in order to produce accurate musical notations for her books. Somehow in the process of copying the transcription disc copies made of the wax cylinders by the Library of Congress, the speed was not correct, making these recordings sound slower and lower than they were originally recorded.\\u202fHe said the difference in speed was like that in record players\\u2014how 45 rpm sounds different from 33 rpm. The Densmore recordings at the Library of Congress were 10-11% slower than what they should have been. Swenson suspects that they were recorded on one transcription disc system, but later played back on another, and not all transcription discs systems were of an absolute uniform speed.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNow all of the sudden you can understand words, it was like taking a blanket off a speaker, it was that much clearer. I ended up writing a short paper about how this was found. I corrected the speed. Eventually, after contacting the Smithsonian, I mentioned that I would really like a correct copy of this. It took them 20 years, but they finally did correct it,\\u201d\\u202fsaid Swenson.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2853,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2854,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2855,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:3,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-66e9010ac475d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EA Living Project\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project is about reclaiming Lakota culture, traditional art, knowledge, and religious freedom. The hope is that by re-introducing these songs, the next generations of youth will have easy access to the recordings, in classrooms and presentation settings.\\u202f \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt fires you up and gets you going. It\\u0027s like the feeling you get if you are playing a state basketball tournament and you make a point. The crowd goes wild. It fires you up. That\\u2019s how it feels to feel the power in these songs. It fires you up and makes you want to learn more. It makes you sing harder,\\u201d said Kendall Little Owl,\\u00a0citizen of Standing Rock\\\/MHA and singer on the Densmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe research, re-cataloging and re-recording of these songs started in 2021.\\u202fThanks to an effort supported by the North Dakota Council on the Arts, Bush Foundation, Dakota Legacy and Humanities North Dakota, these songs are being heard again, and re-recorded with new voices at Makoche Studios in Bismarck. A few of the singers are related to the ones on the original recordings. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDensmore\\u2019s book has been digitized and many of the songs and photos of the project can be found on a website, available for free as an educational resource.\\u0026nbsp; Students from area tribal colleges participated in apprenticeship programs to learn basic audio\\\/video skills needed to further archive the project and to interview tribal elders.\\u202f And now students from all over Lakota\\\/Dakota country can use these recordings as a learning tool.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYellow Fat, who also serves as a culture and language educator at the Standing Rock Reservation says, \\u201cThese are songs that we haven\\u0027t used in a long time.\\u202fMy hope for the future is that these younger singers will pick this up and use them. Just don\\u0027t put them on a shelf. But actually bring life to these songs. Give it a heartbeat again because there\\u0027s spirits to everything, rocks, trees and songs. There is a spirit to that song.\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe project is available online at the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.lakotasongs.com\\u0022\\u003EDensmore\\\/Lakota Song Repatriation Project website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/over-100-years-in-the-making-the-lakota-song-repatriation-project\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2851,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Frances Densmore made trips to Standing Rock between 1911 and 1914. There she met and recorded more than three-dozen men and women singers, documenting hundreds of songs, and gathering notes for her book, Teton Sioux Music. Photo courtesy of the Makoche Recording Studios.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 22:50:12\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":104,\"name\":\"Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"slug\":\"alicia-hegland-thorpe\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":104,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":9,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022An open book with apage showing the title, Teton Sioux Music by Frances Densmore, and a facing page containing a photo of a Native American person in a traditional headgear.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Teton-Sioux-Book-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/over-100-years-in-the-making-the-lakota-song-repatriation-project\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Over 100 Years in the Making: The Lakota Song Repatriation Project\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              An act of preservation in 1911 made way for this living project that reclaims Lakota culture, knowledge and religious freedom.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":188,\"title\":\"4Ground Festival Connects People, Land, and Histories\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018029\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThroughout sites across the Midwest, the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/4groundbiennial.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E projects offer a refreshed look at the concept of land art, according to \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.franconia.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EFranconia Sculpture Park\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u2019s Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just a big pile of dirt or rock,\\u201d she says. \\u201cThere are a lot of other ways that we can celebrate the land, like through augmented reality, through performances, through prayer flags. A lot of these installations take place along waterways and just getting people to think about the relationship to not only the land, but the water, and also raise awareness of the Dakota people, the land, the history of the land, and land art that may not be here anymore.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShulick Porcella says the project offered a way for Franconia to use its resources and platform to create a template for other organizations to collectively curate and fundraise and market on a larger scale. \\u201cIt\\u2019s a Franconia program, but it\\u2019s really about all of us working together and not being siloed,\\u201d she says. \\u201cIt was really co-developed through these different community partners. This is what came out of these discussions\\u2014 this idea for a festival that really celebrates the beauty of the upper Midwest and the history, and the art.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESusan Haugh, program director for the Belwin Conservancy, an organization based in the Saint Croix Valley, says the process of putting 4Ground together has been a time of connection with other organizations that share similar missions across four states. \\u201cIt\\u2019s really enriched us in knowing who\\u2019s out there and connecting us, and feeling like we all can pick up the phone and call one another and support one another on this project,\\u201d Haugh says.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor Belwin, an organization that has an aim to restore land to healthy ecosystems and bring people into the great outdoors, the notion of using art to engage people with nature was a \\u201cno-brainer,\\u201d Haugh says. \\u201cBelwin is all in. We want to bring more people out to this incredible place, to experience restored prairie and to understand the importance of healthy soil. It\\u2019s exactly our mission to connect people to wild spaces.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHere\\u2019s a sampling of just a few of the projects that are a part of 4Ground:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EThroat-singing with Taiquaa\\\/\\\/Ambe Omaa \\u2013 ayaga\\\/\\\/babaami-ayaa (to travel around)\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:194,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa701804b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIndigenous artists\\\/musicians Anastasia Adams and nibiiwakamigkwe met by chance a few years ago when they both happened to be working for the same nonprofit organization. It was there they learned they had a shared interest in throat singing. Adams is Central Yup\\u2019ik, and was adopted out of her culture. As an adult, Adams has reconnected with her heritage through music. Nibiiwakamigkwe, meanwhile, is Oneida, a descendent of the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, and registered with the Manitoba M\\u00e9tis Federation. Those tribes don\\u2019t have throat singing as part of their heritage, but nibiiwakamigkwe began learning the skill about 10 years ago, when they attended their cousin\\u2019s wedding and throat singing was a part of the festivities.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt\\u2019s a tradition that\\u2019s been practiced for so long, oftentimes between two women\\\/children,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s done while people were away hunting and when you\\u2019re hungry and you\\u2019re cold and needed a way to pass the time.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENibiiwakamigkwe says they were taught to always be the follower in the vocal form, in order to be respectful of the culture. When they sing, Adams takes the lead, while nibiiwakamigkwe follows very close behind in a beautiful pattern. Adams, whose background is in vocal performance and music, composes the songs, which they both perform.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBesides throat singing, the duo, called Taiquaa\\\/\\\/Ambe Omaa (which translates to \\u201ccome here\\u201d in different indigenous languages) also creates visual art, created by nibiiwakamigkwe. For their 4Ground Project, the artists will be leaving a trace at three different sites, by setting up camp. They\\u2019ll install large waxed tarps, which nibiiwakamigkwe will then cut up using birch bark patterns.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe three sites are at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/rochesterartcenter.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERochester Art Center\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/belwin.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EBelwin Conservancy\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/plainsart.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPlains Art Museum\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. \\u201cWe will actually be moving in a northwest direction, which is ironic in a lot of ways, and a little bit of an anti-Manifest Destiny acknowledgement on our end,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe says. \\u201cWe\\u2019re really acknowledging the the histories that have shaped this land.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the case of the Rochester Art Center, for example, they point to the area\\u2019s removal of Dakota and other tribes out of Southern Minnesota. \\u201cA lot of what we\\u2019re actually thinking about is what are the things that you carry and are able to bring with you when you are forced into exile like this,\\u201d nibiiwakamigkwe. \\u201cThe songs that we\\u2019re seeing are actually incorporating different seeds that were carried with those ancestors.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-dakota-spirit-walk-with-marlena-myles-saint-paul-mn\\u0022\\u003EDakota Spirit Walk with Marlena Myles \\u2013 Saint Paul, MN\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:192,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018062\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EArtist\\\/animator and designer Marlena Myles teamed up with artist\\\/inventor Todd Boss through an app called Rovelo, as well as Pixel Farm Studios, for a permanent site-specific installation called the \\u201cDakota Spirit Walk.\\u201d The project uses geolocation, audio, and 3D animation to create a virtual experience that takes place at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and connected Indian Burial Mounds. The site is a sacred space for Dakota people, and has seen damage in past years to the burial mounds because of industry. Since 2005, the city of Saint Paul has worked to restore the grounds.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMyles\\u2019s project offers a lens to experience Dakota history and culture through virtual reality. Her multi-layered approach reveals hidden stories, including narratives about Dakota creations, like the mounds. Her keen storytelling and evocative animation gives you a deeper look at Native presence in Saint Paul.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think augmented reality is a really great tool for public art and sculpture,\\u201d Shulick Porcella says. \\u201cYou can sort of place it anywhere, but without the footprint of having to disturb the land. It\\u2019s accessible for anyone with a phone.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-kinship-of-rivers-fountain-city-wi\\u0022\\u003EKinship of Rivers \\u2013 Fountain City, WI\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:196,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018076\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFountain City, Wisconsin is across the Mississippi River from Winona, Minnesota, on the Wisconsin side. It\\u2019s in the Driftless Region, which unlike more Northern parts of Minnesota, wasn\\u2019t flattened by glaciers. There, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kinstonecircle.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EKinstone Megalithic Garden\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a sculpture park made to look like the historic Stonehenge in Scotland.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShulick Porcella says she wanted to include the Kinstone Site because besides being cool, is also quite under the radar. \\u201cI wanted to to get people to go places that they wouldn\\u2019t normally maybe go to, or they haven\\u2019t heard about,\\u201d Shulick Porcella says. \\u201cAnd get outside their comfort zone.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKinstone is built on the property of founder Kristine Beck, who purchased 30-acres of the land where she grew up, which her family owned for 4 generations.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the site, you\\u2019ll find a continuation of a project poet and artist Wang Ping has been exploring 2011, using Tibetan prayer flags as inspiration. For the Kinstone project, she\\u2019s collaborating with artist Joe Lerro where they\\u2019ll wrap the stonehenge structures with flags and also plant beans, creating a piece that will continue to evolve as the season progresses.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAll summer, people can go to Kinstone and create these flags that\\u2019ll be incorporated into the installation,\\u201d says Shulick Porcella. The opening event takes place on the Solstice, which will have drumming by Al Baker.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-love-letters-to-the-earth-fargo-nd\\u0022\\u003ELove Letters to the Earth \\u2013 Fargo, ND\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:195,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018087\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETorey Erin\\u2019s living art piece, \\u201cLove Letters to the Earth,\\u201d is presented with the Plains Museum as well as the community garden Growing Together and the placemaking initiative The Fargo Project. It takes place at the World Garden Commons at Rabanus Park. Located between residential and commercial property, the site was developed as a way to transform an 18-acre stormwater retention basin into green space and neighborhood commons. It is filled with native prairie and wetlands, walking paths, an amphitheater, a community garden an other amenities as a way to create a livable, useable space that brings community together.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EErin\\u2019s project kicked off on June 2, when students and community members wrote love letters to the earth on seed paper. Erin then planted each letter into a garden installation that will continue to grow throughout the summer. Both a garden and an art project, \\u201cLove Letters to the Earth\\u201d offers a way to show care to nature and offers seeds of hope for the future of the planet.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-98-air-rochester-mn\\u0022\\u003E98% Air \\u2013 Rochester, MN\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:193,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa7018095\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003EOutside of the Rochester Art Center you\\u2019ll find an installation by Presley Martin, called \\u201c98% Air.\\u201d The sculptural work is made of 9000 pieces of plastic foam from the Mississippi River. From a distance, the installation looks like it could be reeds or some sort of natural phenomenon. The trash is so degraded it has developed the look of the natural world.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of the project, Martin is leading workshops that engages with the non-biodegradable materials. Visitors create paint brushes in these workshops used to create art. Through this process there is a hopeful message. Even in the face of degradation we have the tools to do something about the impact humans have on the planet, like bringing awareness to the problems through the use of art.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you visit the Rochester Art Center, you\\u2019ll also want to take a look at the rest of \\u201cWalk With Us,\\u201d an exhibition curated by John Schuerman and Zoe Cinel. The walking-based exhibition features 15 artists that examine social, physical and physical landscapes accessible by walking. Taking place in the hallways, elevators, alcoves of the art center, the artists offer places of discovery through their work.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo learn more about the different artists and projects involved with the Biennial, visit\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/4groundbiennial.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E4Ground\\u2019s website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"With the inaugural 4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial, Franconia Sculpture Park is reaching its arms beyond its own grounds for a multi-state, multi-organization festival that focuses on community, land stewardship, sustainability, and preservation.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"With the inaugural 4Ground Midwest Land Art Biennial, Franconia Sculpture Park is reaching its arms beyond its own grounds for a multi-state, multi-organization festival that focuses on community, land stewardship,...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/4ground-festival-connects-people-land-and-histories\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":191,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022. Photo: Adam Nantz\",\"date\":\"2022-06-13 16:58:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 13, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":28,\"name\":\"Sheila Regan\",\"slug\":\"sheila-regan\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":28,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Sheila Regan is a Minneapolis-based journalist and critic. She has written for Bomb, Artnet News, The Lily, Broadly, American Theatre, and contributes dance reviews for the Star Tribune.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Sheila Regan\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"},{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/4Ground-Land-Art-Biennial_Jean-Pierre-Mot-Pop-Up-Remnants-at-Launch-Party_Adam-Nantz-1024x683.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Jean-Pierre Mot talks about his work Pop-Up Remnants at the 4Ground Land Art Biennial Launch Party on June 4, 2022.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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A guardian of Interstate-43. Mountainous. A keeper of insurmountable dreams. Promises muttered in its cream brick as it cascades rainbow hues, b-boy grooves, and melanin splendor. I still marvel at its glory.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I would ride shotgun in my grandfather\\u2019s Buick as a precocious kid, often I asked myself, \\u201cWho are these people painted on the side of this building? And what was happening there?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELater in life, insatiable curiosity led me to discover that the glorious mural that captivated me as a child was a creation of the\\u00a0\\u003Cstrong\\u003EInner City Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u00a0Anchored in the historic Bronzeville Milwaukee neighborhood, the organization was a cultural hub for artists of various mediums to develop their crafts while serving the predominately Black population in the area and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f2926c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In the late 1960s, Milwaukee was thrust into the national spotlight. The blatant discriminatory practices of atrocious housing conditions and police brutality against Black residents led to an uprising in July 1967 which served as the precursor to the 200 Nights of Freedom marches. Ultimately, this call to action resulted in the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis era unveiled a new consciousness for Black Americans who sought respite from the daily injustices of social life. This temperament echoed throughout the country with the cultural expressions of the Black Arts Movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe need for self-affirmation and self-actualization for Black Milwaukeeans lead to a number of organizations joining forces to create the entity known as the Inner City Arts Council in January 1968. Its charter members included The Mary Church Terrell-Creative Center, Black Arts Theatre, The Echo Writers Workshop, The Paint Box, and the Community Youth Center.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nArtists are keepers of history. Creating new worlds as they uphold memories that whisper to the Earth. So, in learning more about the Inner City Arts Council, I knew I had to talk to a few elders who intimately experienced its magnitude.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHere are the stories of three artists, in their own words.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f292730\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-reynaldo-hernandez-the-muralist\\u0022\\u003EReynaldo Hernandez \\u2013 The Muralist\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1984, Reynaldo Hernandez created the iconic mural entitled \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d on an office building that presently sits at the corner of 7th \\u0026amp; North Avenue in Milwaukee. The site has a rich history, once serving as library and firestation, as well as the home of the Inner City Arts Council for many years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the decades, Milwaukee has become a haven for many muralists to display their craft, but Hernandez\\u2019s work is part of the artistic landscape of my childhood. To this very day, it still is my favorite piece of public art in the city. During our interview, Hernandez details the striking images of the mural. It features the Mask of Benin, legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and a gorgeous Black woman rocking an afro.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHernandez remembers the days when the Inner City Arts Council was the place to be for upcoming and established Black artists in the city. Its two floors consisted of dance and acting classes, alongside visual art studios for all ages. Like Hernandez, many other artists received their initial training \\u0026amp; professional opportunities at the emblematic organization.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker \\u2013 The Dancer\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker was a young bright-eyed dancer who was eager to share and display her talents with the community. She remembers being amongst an eclectic mix of people performing at various events like summer festivals and teaching kids in city parks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith so much danger for Black residents like Caulker, the Inner City Arts Council gave her and others the chance to envision worlds beyond their wildest imaginations. \\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope,\\u201c she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKo-Thi Dance Company, founded by Caulker in 1969, became a staple within the Inner City Arts Council thanks to their riveting performances and educational outreach initiatives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell \\u2013 The Ingenue\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell was a young girl who attended many performances that became staples within the Black community of Milwaukee. She was mesmerized by the Black theatrical productions that came to entertain her family. \\u201cI just sat there with my mouth hanging open,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of those plays was \\u201cTo Be Young, Gifted and Black\\u201d by Lorraine Hansberry. Parnell recalls how uplifting the work of the Inner City Arts Council was during her adolescent years into young womanhood as she went on to attend the prestigious Spelman College. Pannell would later obtain a degree in directing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in the footsteps of Lorraine Hansberry, who also attended the state\\u2019s flagship institution.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022- Mama Ferne Caulker\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29275b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2549,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29276e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Inner City Arts Council went on to host iconic artists like Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen, \\u0026amp; Alvin Ailey. Its impact positioned the organization as a forerunner until it later dissolved in the early 1990s, but those whispers are still within the city. Reynaldo Hernandez, Mama Ferne Caulker, Sherri-Williams Pannell, and so many others hold tales to a time where Black people sipped from its gourd. They are our elders. Our storytellers. Our libraries. It is my hope we continue to acknowledge the Inner City Arts Council and the artistic contributions of the people who were part of it, to inspire future generations in Milwaukee and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EInner City Arts Council archival images courtesy of Milwaukee County Historical Society. Reynaldo Hernandez photo by Sam Easton, Mama Ferne Caulker photo by Sara Stathas, Sheri Williams Pannell photo by Scott Paulus.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council....\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2547,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d mural was on the former Inner City Arts Council building was created by Reynaldo Hernandez in 1984 and was revitalized in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2022-02-25 02:25:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":102,\"name\":\"DeMar Walker\",\"slug\":\"demar-walker\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":102,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By DeMar Walker\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":4921342,\"participants\":396021,\"grants\":501,\"communities\":412},\"midwest\":{\"slug\":\"midwest\",\"type\":\"primary\",\"stories_heading\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Across the Midwest in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Across the Midwest\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Midwest Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Midwest\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2518,\"title\":\"Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou are up in the air, and you don\\u2019t know if you will stick that landing. But it doesn\\u2019t matter because you can try again. And again.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a constant invitation and openness in skateboarding\\u2014a \\u201cwelcome\\u201d sign. Like any creative outlet and sport, skateboarding has a magnetic energy\\u2014a challenge that is renewed with every new curb or ramp, and a movement that brings calm and groundedness. Skateboarding conjures up moments of connection between you and your body; your body and the board; your board and the ramp; and the people cheering you on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2526,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThat Skate Life\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA couple of years ago, Willow Kneip and her older sister were looking through the garage and found their parents\\u2019 old skateboards. They started pushing around on them in their driveway. \\u201cI didn\\u2019t like it too much at first,\\u201d said Kneip, an 11-year-old who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. \\u201cBut I decided I should probably keep trying it and get better at it, so then you actually get the feel for it. From then on, I just stuck to it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhat does this young skater love about the sport? \\u201cThe joy of it\\u2014whenever you are trying a trick and then you finally do it. Also, going to the skatepark with your friends is really fun!\\u201d said Kneip, who wants to go to the Olympics when she is older. In the last two years of skateboarding, she has noticed, \\u201cI\\u2019m a lot more happy and jolly than I thought. I\\u0027m never really that sad. I\\u0027m very social.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor 16-year-old Keith Heth III of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe\\u202fin Fort Thompson, South Dakota, skateboarding has been a part of his life for the last decade, since his father built a mini ramp in their driveway. His persistence as a young kid asking their neighbor and tribal council member about a skatepark finally brought Evergreen Skateparks and grant funding to build a cement park in 2015.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe friendships I\\u2019ve made along the way \\u2026 they always keep me coming back. There\\u2019s something about hopping on the skateboard and riding around ... It just starts getting me all happy,\\u201d said Heth III, who competed in his first skate contest at Innoskate in Sioux Falls.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e III, who is interested in getting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea skate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e sponsorship while pursuing music as a career, said that skateboarding is a part of him and has always been since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ean early age\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e like if it \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewasn\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e there, I really \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003edon\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e know who \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eI\\u0027d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e be. I guess that sounds kind of dramatic, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethat\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e how I can say it right now.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b32\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI don\\u2019t think there\\u2019s any other sport where your competition cheers as loudly [for you] as your team.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WALTER PORTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LET\\u0027S SKATE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5ba1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-community-in-skateboarding\\u0022\\u003ECommunity in Skateboarding\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince it began in the 1950\\u2019s in California, skateboarding has made its way from an outsider activity to the core of American culture. In South Dakota, you can find this creative pastime everywhere, from the streets of the state\\u2019s largest city, Sioux Falls, to Pine Ridge Reservation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSkateboarding has always been there for me,\\u201d said no less than three South Dakotans reflecting on how important the sport is for them. It is this sense of community that keeps people coming back.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESkateboarding took center stage last summer in South Dakota through \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/invention.si.edu\\\/innoskate\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EInnoskate\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a unique festival that celebrates skateboarding. Launched in 2013 by the Smithsonian\\u2019s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention, Innoskate believes that \\u201cinvention and innovation happen every day\\u2014often in unexpected places.\\u201d Through public programming across the world in partnership with leaders in the skate community, it celebrates the creativity and innovation that happens in skate culture. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2530,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bc4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKyle Mesteth built his first mini ramp with his father as a young skateboarder and went on to be an announcer at skate competitions\\u2014with the sport showing up to build community for him in different ways throughout his life. \\u201cSkateboarding really set forth my path, forged it and I\\u2019m happy for that,\\u201d he said. Mesteth is now building an \\u201cultimate creative space\\u201d called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/groundcontrol605\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGround Control\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a community multimedia studio with an indoor skatepark in the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota and one of nine Indian Reservations that share the geography of the state. \\u201cWe needed something like this on the rez\\u2026a community center that focuses on the artists and creativity and making people excited.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis exploration of building a distinct space for community has given him permission to pursue things close to his heart. For him, it is also a call to makers and doers in Pine Ridge to whole-heartedly embrace their creativity. \\u201cThe possibilities are endless. There\\u2019s room for all of us to eat. There\\u2019s room for everybody to put their art out, if need be, and let the world enjoy it,\\u201d said Mesteth. \\u201cYou can see things that are 100% Lakota-made being produced out of here. That\\u0027s going to be amazing because it\\u2019s important that we take our narrative back and tell our stories from our voice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Sioux Falls, just over 300 miles from Pine Ridge, plans are underway to design and build the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza, the city\\u2019s first cement skatepark at the edge of downtown. A result of an ambitious $2-million fundraising and community buy-in effort, this visible success in Sioux Falls recently brought Innoskate to South Dakota. Walter Portz, Executive Director of Let\\u2019s Skate (formerly Sioux Falls Skatepark Association), said that there has been \\u201can explosion of opportunities and ideas\\u201d since, with an acknowledgement for what the sport and new space can do for community members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2567,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2571,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2569,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think everybody that was there [at Innoskate], skateboarder or non-skateboarder, feels momentum and energy. Sioux Falls just became a skateboarding town,\\u201d said Portz. \\u201cI estimate between 200 to 300 kids stepped on skateboards for the first time or were exposed to skateboarding for the first time in person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom corporate companies and school districts interested in partnering for after school programs, to invitations for representing the sport in athletic events across the state, to working with other communities in the country to campaign for skateparks, Let\\u2019s Skate is experiencing momentum in different directions. The nonprofit organization is working with\\u0026nbsp;communities in Worthington (Minnesota), Rapid City (South Dakota) and Waxhaw (North Carolina) to scope out skatepark fundraising campaigns and projects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGround Control is seeing similar interest and investment. \\u201cWhat\\u0027s crazy is there are people who just want to be involved in any shape or form,\\u201d said Mesteth. With a fully equipped professional production studio and expansive offerings to meet creative needs of makers and skaters, the facility will be \\u201crocking and rolling\\u201d by the end of 2022. It has been important for him to frame this space up in a way where anyone can see themselves in it. \\u201cIt\\u2019s making it visual for the next person to say, \\u2018I want to be a part of that,\\u2019 or \\u2018I\\u2019ve always wanted to do something like that,\\u2019\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2575,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCreative Connections\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThere is an inherent connection between skate culture and diverse art forms. Innoskate in South Dakota celebrated just that\\u2014the intersection of music, art, videography, photography, and skateboarding.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Fort Thompson, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Youth Council recently organized a summer bash showcasing visual artists and skateboarders. To see them and other people operate within these collaborative spaces highlights how skate culture is fostering creativity and innovation in South Dakota.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Portz and Mesteth, who have been key in leading efforts in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge, the work has come full circle many times\\u2014from introducing their craft as artists working in photo and video, to creating space for young skateboarders.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe skate communities in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge have come together a few times already. From sharing photo and video gear to show what those mediums mean for documenting the sport and shaping professional skills, to working together to lay Masonite sheets for Ground Control\\u2019s indoor skatepark, to co-hosting skate contests in the two places. \\u201cWe bridged the gap between Pine Ridge and Sioux Falls. And that, to me, is amazing,\\u201d said Mesteth.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.espn.com\\\/espn\\\/story\\\/_\\\/id\\\/27356477\\\/kids-playing-enough-sports-culprit-cost\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e2019 ESPN article\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e cited research by the Aspen Institute that ranked skateboarding as the third most financially accessible sport next to track and field and flag football. Families on average spent around $380 per child annually on skateboarding. These South Dakotans among many others have been making a case for the sport and skateparks\\u2014one that has been amplified with skateboarding making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile the sport has existed globally on a large scale with prestigious competitions and events, the inclusion in the Olympics seems to have bolstered it to the main stage. Opening a new awareness of its impact and reach\\u2014a recognition for its low barrier of entry and the potential it holds to shape talent in diverse ways.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5c15\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe attraction and magnetism to the sport is equally palpable in people who have skated for 30 years or just two. The possibilities of creativity through the sport\\u2014through actions of perseverance and small, slow shifts\\u2014seem endless for these South Dakotans. They are highlighting the creative, emerging power of it through movements in Pine Ridge, Fort Thompson, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and communities across South Dakota and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Portz\\u2019s words, a skatepark is more than a playground. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a community center and a playground in one.\\u201d And to inspire people into this world of possibility, fifth-grader Kniep says: \\u201cYou can do it when you\\u0027re ready. There\\u0027s no rush, because there\\u0027s no rush in skateboarding.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2525,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022960\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp at Innoskate 2022 in downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Photo by Joshua Novak.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 09:00:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":199,\"title\":\"80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea201c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/80-35.com\\u0022\\u003E80\\\/35\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, aptly named for Des Moines\\u2019 location at the confluence of Interstates 80 and 35, is redefining the idea of what it means to be a music festival in the Midwest. Equal parts huge concert and neighborhood block party, 80\\\/35 takes the idea of a community-centric model and runs with it. The festival features dozens of artists across one paid and four free stages over two days, and directly reinvests proceeds into the ecosystem of Des Moines\\u2019s music scene through the efforts of its presenting organization, the\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Music Coalition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:205,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough 80\\\/35 features nationally (and, for the first time this year, internationally) touring artists, the festival is first and foremost by and for the Des Moines and greater Iowa community\\u2014and you can tell. There are many things that set 80\\\/35 apart from your average music festival, but the most immediately noticeable is the festival grounds themselves: the sprawl of stages spans multiple city blocks in the center of downtown Des Moines.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy stationing the festivities in the heart of the city, 80\\\/35 embraces the idea of being a community-focused festival first. For every out-of-towner there for the festival (myself included), you\\u2019d see just as many local families taking an evening walk through the grounds after dinner or to get home. It\\u2019s experiences like this that I think we all took for granted, but are coming to appreciate more after living through several years where simply being able to gather with your community was a herculean task.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cEveryone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Victoria Park, festival artist\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20330\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as 80\\\/35 powers Des Moines music, the people of Des Moines power the festival. Aside from a handful of staff positions, the festival is nearly 100% run by volunteers. These hundreds of locals are the unsung heroes of the festival\\u2019s mission, doing everything from concert setup to merch sales, and they\\u2019re the reason the festival has been able to thrive for the past 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAttendees were also able to get a sampling of local organizations and nonprofits at 80\\\/35\\u2019s Community Village, one of its numerous free areas open to the general public. Over a dozen booths represented a variety of causes, and the passion was overwhelmingly clear.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EActivities ranged from botanical body art by the plant sellers at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artterrarium.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Terrarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to an original board game modeled on the neighboring sculpture park from local game shop\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;(though my personal favorite was getting to play with a model wind turbine, thanks to the folks at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.iaenvironment.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIowa Environmental Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E). Of course, not every organization stayed put at a booth, either\\u2014the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesbreakerz.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Breakerz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local breakdancing school, also performed in the Community Village several times throughout the weekend. This opportunity for these organizations to come together with attendees is another great example of how 80\\\/35 prioritized making space for the people and culture of Des Moines at the festival.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:202,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20374\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond meeting the organizations represented in the Community Village, attendees could also visit a booth where they could learn about the work that the Des Moines Music Coalition does beyond organizing 80\\\/35.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have 30,000 people come down to this festival,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u0026nbsp;Executive Director Mickey Davis remarks. \\u201cI would imagine that a small percentage of them, one, know that the festival is a nonprofit and two, know that the Des Moines Music Coalition is the nonprofit behind that festival.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough 80\\\/35 is the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s flagship event, it\\u2019s far from the only thing the organization does; throughout the year, they program\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/gross-domestic-product\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGDP\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local music festival with an all-Iowa lineup;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/music-university\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic University\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a conference for music industry professionals; and several youth music education programs, all of which are centered around providing arts access and platforming to local talent.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mickey Davis, DMMC Executive Director\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea2038d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFestival artist Victoria Park, who makes music under the spoonerism\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pictoriavark.bandcamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPictoria Vark\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, remarks, \\u201cI\\u2019m a big believer in the \\u2018local event.\\u2019 Everyone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of what makes arts in the Midwest so unique is the common philosophy of meeting ourselves where we are; this idea that there is creativity happening in our own communities that we don\\u2019t need to import from anywhere else. 80\\\/35 really takes this value to heart in their mission and programming\\u2014this year, more than half of the festival\\u2019s lineup consisted of Iowan artists, with even more coming from the greater Midwest region as a whole. \\u201cA lot of outsiders who haven\\u2019t been out here tend to brush off \\u2018Iowa music\\u2019 as just white people playing country music,\\u201d says Park. \\u201cBut that\\u2019s simply not the case, and there\\u2019s so much talent here to dispel that.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis immense celebration of local talent was a particular goal of Davis\\u2019s in his first year as festival director. \\u201cIf you can help connect the great musicians in your community with an audience that loves live music and may not know that it\\u2019s available in their backyard, to me, that\\u2019s a great role that you can play to really bring people together around the celebration of a music scene,\\u201d he says. Initiatives like 80\\\/35\\u2019s Bravo and Emerging Artists Stages, which feature all-Iowa lineups and local acts under the age of 21, respectively, really drive home this goal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea203c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E80\\\/35\\u2019s spotlight on local artists doesn\\u2019t just stop at the festival lineup itself\\u2014the festival press team also offers an Emerging Photographers Fellowship for aspiring music photographers, again under the age of 21. This is an extension of the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s year-round commitment to offering professional development opportunities for emerging industry professionals in Des Moines\\u2019s music scene, and something Davis is very passionate about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c\\u200b\\u200bThere\\u2019s some serious gatekeeping going on [in the music industry] in terms of who gets certain opportunities,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so much easier to shoot your second music festival than it is your first, because every festival is looking for, \\u2018What experience do you have? What\\u2019s your portfolio?\\u2019 If we can be the proving grounds and help people get the experience that they need to go on and do it elsewhere, I\\u2019m all for that\\u2014and I think that idea is really central to 80\\\/35.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s easy to see the kind of impact an event and a culture like this has on a place like Des Moines. 80\\\/35 not only brings in valuable tourism dollars for the city, but it provides a totally unique experience for locals to come together and celebrate the art that\\u2019s right next door. \\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community,\\u201d says Davis. \\u201cI just think that will continue to be our calling card; that we are more affordable, more accessible, and embedded into the middle of a downtown.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUltimately, you\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cem\\u003Ecould\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;find bigger music festivals to go to, even in the Midwest\\u2014but there\\u2019s something special about 80\\\/35. The unparalleled sense of community shines through in the festival\\u2019s ability to bring in the draw of big-name artists while still staying true to its Des Moines roots and celebrating the thing that makes its local arts and music so great\\u2014the people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":203,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band at 80\\\/35 Music Festival 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-28 13:53:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 28, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":162,\"title\":\"See the Sights of Southern Illinois\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:170,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d513\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis road trip comes in at just under 200 miles, but packs a punch! This is a part of the U.S. where you\\u2019ll find natural beauty and man-made wonders, homes of music and dance legends, and several of the world\\u2019s largest objects. This is a place to explore history, indulge a love of the arts, and to get your kicks on Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStart your journey at the western edge of the state at the Gateway Geyser in East St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser is the tallest water fountain in the U.S., shooting water as high as 630 feet with the St. Louis skyline and famous Gateway Arch as its backdrop.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-1-visit-the-former-homes-of-a-jazz-legend-and-a-dance-legend-in-alton\\u0022\\u003E1) Visit the former homes of a jazz legend and a dance legend in Alton\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, head to the modest house in nearby Alton, IL, where renowned jazz musician Miles Davis spent his early years. That house at 1701 Kansas Ave, now known as Miles Davis Way, has since been gutted and renovated, and now serves as a community space and is open for tours by appointment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMiles Davis isn\\u2019t the only artistic icon with roots in eastern Illinois; Katherine Dunham, one of the most celebrated Black dancers of the early 20th century, is also from the area.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/kdcah.org\\\/museum\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDunham\\u2019s two-story former home\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0now houses her sprawling collection of African and Caribbean art. The collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture, and musical instruments spans 50 countries and more than 250 items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn the top floor of the house, visitors will find posters from Dunham\\u2019s dance performances, as well as the paintings she would create as respite after an exhilarating show.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe property hosts community programs throughout the year and an annual intensive workshop on the Dunham Technique, a dance genre created by Dunham and inspired by ballet, modern dance, and dances from the African Diaspora. It also sits on a street that has been renamed to Katherine Dunham Place.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d59c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-2-learn-about-a-historic-expedition-and-take-in-epic-views-of-two-mighty-rivers\\u0022\\u003E2) Learn about a historic expedition and take in epic views of two mighty rivers\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, drive north for about an hour and a half to explore a different side of American history at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/campdubois.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECamp Dubois\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, near present-day Hartford. From 1804 to 1805, Camp Dubois hosted explorers headed to the western United States as part of the Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark Expedition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe site tells the story of that historic expedition through a 14,000-square-foot museum, a reconstructed settlers\\u2019 cabin and a reconstructed campsite. The site hosts occasional historic reenactments, so don\\u2019t be surprised if you look around and feel like you\\u2019ve stepped back in time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a bird\\u2019s eye view of this terrain and the spot where the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, stop at the nearby\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.riversandroutes.com\\\/directory\\\/lewis-clark-confluence-tower\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELewis \\u0026amp; Clark Confluence Tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The tower provides sweeping views of the two longest rivers in North America from up to 150 feet above ground.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe tower has three observation decks, each accessible by stairs and elevator. Exhibits about Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark and the importance of this region on their journey are incorporated into each level, and on a clear day, visitors can even see as far as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis from the top observation deck.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-3-explore-the-ancient-civilization-of-cahokia-in-collinsville\\u0022\\u003E3) Explore the ancient civilization of Cahokia in Collinsville\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make your way toward the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/cahokiamounds.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCahokia Mounds State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0in Collinsville to head even further back into the history of this area. This site contains the remnants of an ancient settlement known today as Cahokia; this 2,200 parcel of land housed what is believed to have been one of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLess than half of the site\\u2014about 800 acres\\u2014is currently open to visitors. An interpretive center includes a model of the site and recreates a portion of the village, and several trails criss-cross the park, leading to key points like Monks Mound.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMonks Mound is an estimated 100 feet high, 955 feet long, and 755 feet wide. Made of soil and clay, the platform mound is the largest known pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCamping is available at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, though hotels also are available nearby.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d5d3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-4-get-your-kicks-on-route-66\\u0022\\u003E4) Get your kicks on Route 66\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next part of this road trip is where the landscape transitions to 20th century Americana. This stretch is one of the picture-perfect scenes seemingly out of historic postcards and full of quirky sites you won\\u2019t find anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Cahokia Mounds, head north towards Route 66 and stop in at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.henrysroute66.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHenry\\u2019s Rabbit Ranch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;outside of Staunton. This odd roadside attraction is part actual rabbit ranch and part homage to icons of a bygone era, like VW rabbits and old gas pumps.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis site is a replica gas station that was created for visitors. For a real historic Route 66 gas station, keep driving north to the city of Mount Olive.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Mount Olive, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/nr\\\/travel\\\/route66\\\/soulsby_service_station_mt_olive.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESoulsby Service Station\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which fueled up cars from 1926 through the Great Depression and until 1991. It closed in 1993 and has since been restored to look exactly like it did in its heyday just after World War II.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you can\\u2019t get gas at the Soulsby Service Station anymore, you\\u2019ll definitely want to stop for a photo.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-5-pay-your-respects-to-mother-jones-and-check-out-the-original-route-66-sign\\u0022\\u003E5) Pay your respects to Mother Jones and check out the original Route 66 sign\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:165,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make the five-minute drive to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.motherjonesmuseum.org\\\/motherjonesmonument\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMother Jones Monument and Burial Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, an homage to the labor rights legend.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSeveral years before her death in 1930, labor rights activist Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones, decided she would be buried in Mt. Olive at the Union Miners Cemetery, the only U.S. cemetery owned by a union. And she was.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNowadays, the site serves not just as a shrine to Jones but to the broader movement for greater labor rights. The monument itself is 22-feet high and made from 80 tons of Minnesota pink granite, and is flanked by two bronze statues of miners.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make a quick stop in Litchfield to check out the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.litchfieldmuseum.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLitchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum is home to the original Route 66 road sign, a well-preserved antique automobile, and several historic maps and drawings. There\\u2019s also a 1904 time capsule from the American Radiator Company.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce you\\u2019ve gotten your history fix (maybe a snack!), prepare to be wowed by nature.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d609\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-6-take-a-break-for-boating-hiking-biking-or-horseback-riding\\u0022\\u003E6) Take a break for boating, hiking, biking, or horseback riding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStop at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/shoal-creek-conservation-area\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EShoal Creek Conservation Area\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to explore 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees. This natural preserve is home to an estimated 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and more than 70 types of birds. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Best of all, admission and parking are free.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the edge of Shoal Creek, you\\u2019ll find\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELake Lou Yaeger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir that\\u2019s popular among boaters and fishers in search of crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. During the summer, a sandy beach is open for sunbathing, and trails for biking and horseback riding are nearby.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-7-check-out-the-giant-fire-breathing-dragon-in-vandalia\\u0022\\u003E7) Check out the giant fire-breathing dragon in Vandalia\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter getting your nature fix, head east toward Vandalia and prepare to indulge your inner photographer. The final stretch of this road trip is larger than life\\u2014literally. From mailboxes to teeter totters, and even a dragon, it is teeming with giants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Vandalia, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.kaskaskiadragon.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaskaskia Dragon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a giant dragon which spews actual fire for about 10 seconds at a time for a dollar a pop. The dragon was created for a Halloween parade, but in the past few years it\\u2019s become a truly one-of-a-kind roadside destination.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe towering silver dragon has a 16-foot neck, built-in hydraulic system, and the capacity to spew actual fire. Visitors insert specially designed dragon coins to set off flames from a 20-pound propane tank inside the dragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-8-explore-a-gorgeous-historic-mansion-in-altamont\\u0022\\u003E8) Explore a gorgeous historic mansion in Altamont\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, keep heading east toward the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wrightmansion.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Wright House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;in Altamont, IL. The gorgeous brick house was built in 1889 for the family of one of the area\\u2019s only doctors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 6,000-square-foot home has seven bedrooms and one bathroom and, at the time, cost about $35,000 to build (though this would be equal to over $1 million today!). It was the first grand house in the area to have gas lights, indoor plumbing, and a central steam-heating system.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe house had been occupied by the Wright family for three generations, but nowadays, it\\u2019s operated by a non-profit trust and hosts public tours. Much of the original furniture remains in place, and the interior looks largely like it did in 1889.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-9-walk-through-the-longest-covered-bridge-in-the-state-in-greenup\\u0022\\u003E9) Walk through the longest covered bridge in the state in Greenup\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:164,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter wandering that historic home, hop in the car and head east on I-70 to check out the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. The 200-foot-long bridge is the longest covered bridge in Illinois and crosses the Embarras River in tiny Greenup.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis bridge is a reconstructed version of the original, built on the site in 1832. That bridge was washed out in 1865, and its replacement was yet again wiped out in 1912.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe current bridge was built in 2000, and it looks like it may be built to last. You\\u2019ll want to get out of the car and take a stroll through to check out the gorgeous trusses that support the structure.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d636\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-10-delve-into-presidential-history-at-the-lincoln-log-cabin\\u0022\\u003E10) Delve into presidential history at the Lincoln Log Cabin\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:168,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022After a walk through the bridge, prepare to dive into presidential history with a visit to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lincolnlogcabin.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. The centerpiece of the 86-acre park is a replica of a log cabin that was once home to Thomas Lincoln, the father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the time the senior Lincoln moved in, Abraham Lincoln had already moved out of the house. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin had two main rooms, as well as a loft space accessible by ladder. At times, up to 18 family members lived at the cabin.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLike the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, this log cabin isn\\u2019t an original. The original cabin was exhibited at the World\\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and then lost, with some people believing its pieces became firewood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe site is built around a replica cabin and two other historic homes, one of which hosted Abraham Lincoln\\u2019s last meeting with his stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln. The property also is home to sprawling cornfields, comfortable gardens, small orchards, livestock, and even outbuildings like those that would be found on an Illinois farm in the 1840s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d65e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-11-go-big-in-tiny-casey\\u0022\\u003E11) Go big in tiny Casey\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:163,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022From here, head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCasey, IL\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a small town that marks the midway point between St. Louis, MO, and Indianapolis, IN. Though small itself, this tiny, one-stoplight town is filled with towering versions of all sorts of things.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey is home to 12 objects certified to be the world\\u2019s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records. There\\u2019s a giant mailbox, a giant rocking chair, a giant golf driver, and even an outsized pitchfork.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPrefer to create an optical illusion by posing with a giant car key? You can do that in Casey, too. Or show off your new haircut in front of the world\\u2019s largest barber pole. Traveling with a friend? Jump on the jumbo teeter totter and feel like kids again!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd while they may not officially be the world\\u2019s largest, Casey is also home to more than a dozen other big things, including a pair of giant antlers, a huge softball bat, and an oversized birdcage. In case that isn\\u2019t enough, there\\u2019s also a huge mouse trap, a supersized rocking horse, and even a giant pizza slicer.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIf you\\u2019re among the people who have taken up knitting during the pandemic, you\\u2019ll want to head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theyarnstudiostore.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Yarn Studio\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0to check out the pair of knitting needles that used to be the world\\u2019s largest. These needles are 13.75 feet long and 3.25 inches in diameter, and each weighs about 25 pounds. The store is also home to a giant crochet hook that was another previous world record holder.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey\\u2019s quest to become the home of big things started with a local business owner who began creating the giant objects, but its big ambitions go beyond town limits.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d691\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-keep-going\\u0022\\u003EKeep going\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHead east to Marshall and you\\u2019ll find the World\\u2019s Largest Gavel, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat gavel is more than 16 feet long and five feet tall and sits outside the Clark County Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln could have been found practicing the law around 1850.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln began his political career in Illinois and lived in the state when he became the 16th president of the United States in 1861.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo dive deeper into Lincoln\\u2019s Illinois roots and see a few more giant things, keep your Illinois road trip going. Head to Springfield to see the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/presidentlincoln.illinois.gov\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Presidential Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/liho\\\/index.htm\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Home National Historic Site\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and even the tomb that is Lincoln\\u2019s final resting place. And if that isn\\u2019t enough, head to Lincoln, IL, where you\\u2019ll find the world\\u2019s largest covered wagon carrying a giant Abe Lincoln and an onramp back onto Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":164,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Illustration by Judith Mayer\",\"date\":\"2022-02-18 16:37:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 18, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":96,\"name\":\"Judith Mayer\",\"slug\":\"judith-mayer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":96,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Judith Mayer is an American lettering artist and illustrator working in Chicago\\u2014born and raised in the Midwest and the daughter of an immigrant. After working at several design firms, she decided to start her own practice in 1998\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":23,\"name\":\"Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"slug\":\"meena-thiruvengadam\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":23,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I\\u2019m an editorial Swiss army knife with a track record of helping publishers build high value audiences. My specialties include advising newsrooms on digital strategy and helping journalists upgrade their skills. I work at the intersection of editorial, audience, product, and revenue. I understand SEO, am fluent across several social platforms, and have the editorial perspective that comes from years of experience in top newsrooms.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Judith Mayer and Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                See the Sights of Southern Illinois\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":3029740,\"participants\":166354,\"grants\":408,\"communities\":304},\"illinois\":{\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Illinois in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Illinois\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Illinois Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":162,\"title\":\"See the Sights of Southern Illinois\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:170,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d513\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis road trip comes in at just under 200 miles, but packs a punch! This is a part of the U.S. where you\\u2019ll find natural beauty and man-made wonders, homes of music and dance legends, and several of the world\\u2019s largest objects. This is a place to explore history, indulge a love of the arts, and to get your kicks on Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStart your journey at the western edge of the state at the Gateway Geyser in East St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser is the tallest water fountain in the U.S., shooting water as high as 630 feet with the St. Louis skyline and famous Gateway Arch as its backdrop.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d569\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-1-visit-the-former-homes-of-a-jazz-legend-and-a-dance-legend-in-alton\\u0022\\u003E1) Visit the former homes of a jazz legend and a dance legend in Alton\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:171,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, head to the modest house in nearby Alton, IL, where renowned jazz musician Miles Davis spent his early years. That house at 1701 Kansas Ave, now known as Miles Davis Way, has since been gutted and renovated, and now serves as a community space and is open for tours by appointment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMiles Davis isn\\u2019t the only artistic icon with roots in eastern Illinois; Katherine Dunham, one of the most celebrated Black dancers of the early 20th century, is also from the area.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/kdcah.org\\\/museum\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDunham\\u2019s two-story former home\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0now houses her sprawling collection of African and Caribbean art. The collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture, and musical instruments spans 50 countries and more than 250 items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOn the top floor of the house, visitors will find posters from Dunham\\u2019s dance performances, as well as the paintings she would create as respite after an exhilarating show.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe property hosts community programs throughout the year and an annual intensive workshop on the Dunham Technique, a dance genre created by Dunham and inspired by ballet, modern dance, and dances from the African Diaspora. It also sits on a street that has been renamed to Katherine Dunham Place.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d59c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-2-learn-about-a-historic-expedition-and-take-in-epic-views-of-two-mighty-rivers\\u0022\\u003E2) Learn about a historic expedition and take in epic views of two mighty rivers\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, drive north for about an hour and a half to explore a different side of American history at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/campdubois.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECamp Dubois\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, near present-day Hartford. From 1804 to 1805, Camp Dubois hosted explorers headed to the western United States as part of the Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark Expedition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe site tells the story of that historic expedition through a 14,000-square-foot museum, a reconstructed settlers\\u2019 cabin and a reconstructed campsite. The site hosts occasional historic reenactments, so don\\u2019t be surprised if you look around and feel like you\\u2019ve stepped back in time.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFor a bird\\u2019s eye view of this terrain and the spot where the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, stop at the nearby\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.riversandroutes.com\\\/directory\\\/lewis-clark-confluence-tower\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELewis \\u0026amp; Clark Confluence Tower\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E. The tower provides sweeping views of the two longest rivers in North America from up to 150 feet above ground.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe tower has three observation decks, each accessible by stairs and elevator. Exhibits about Lewis \\u0026amp; Clark and the importance of this region on their journey are incorporated into each level, and on a clear day, visitors can even see as far as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis from the top observation deck.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-3-explore-the-ancient-civilization-of-cahokia-in-collinsville\\u0022\\u003E3) Explore the ancient civilization of Cahokia in Collinsville\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:169,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make your way toward the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/cahokiamounds.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCahokia Mounds State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0in Collinsville to head even further back into the history of this area. This site contains the remnants of an ancient settlement known today as Cahokia; this 2,200 parcel of land housed what is believed to have been one of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilizations north of Mexico.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLess than half of the site\\u2014about 800 acres\\u2014is currently open to visitors. An interpretive center includes a model of the site and recreates a portion of the village, and several trails criss-cross the park, leading to key points like Monks Mound.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMonks Mound is an estimated 100 feet high, 955 feet long, and 755 feet wide. Made of soil and clay, the platform mound is the largest known pre-Columbian earthwork in the Americas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCamping is available at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, though hotels also are available nearby.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d5d3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-4-get-your-kicks-on-route-66\\u0022\\u003E4) Get your kicks on Route 66\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe next part of this road trip is where the landscape transitions to 20th century Americana. This stretch is one of the picture-perfect scenes seemingly out of historic postcards and full of quirky sites you won\\u2019t find anywhere else.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom Cahokia Mounds, head north towards Route 66 and stop in at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.henrysroute66.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EHenry\\u2019s Rabbit Ranch\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;outside of Staunton. This odd roadside attraction is part actual rabbit ranch and part homage to icons of a bygone era, like VW rabbits and old gas pumps.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis site is a replica gas station that was created for visitors. For a real historic Route 66 gas station, keep driving north to the city of Mount Olive.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Mount Olive, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/nr\\\/travel\\\/route66\\\/soulsby_service_station_mt_olive.html\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ESoulsby Service Station\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which fueled up cars from 1926 through the Great Depression and until 1991. It closed in 1993 and has since been restored to look exactly like it did in its heyday just after World War II.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile you can\\u2019t get gas at the Soulsby Service Station anymore, you\\u2019ll definitely want to stop for a photo.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-5-pay-your-respects-to-mother-jones-and-check-out-the-original-route-66-sign\\u0022\\u003E5) Pay your respects to Mother Jones and check out the original Route 66 sign\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:165,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make the five-minute drive to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.motherjonesmuseum.org\\\/motherjonesmonument\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMother Jones Monument and Burial Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, an homage to the labor rights legend.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nSeveral years before her death in 1930, labor rights activist Mary Harris Jones, known as Mother Jones, decided she would be buried in Mt. Olive at the Union Miners Cemetery, the only U.S. cemetery owned by a union. And she was.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNowadays, the site serves not just as a shrine to Jones but to the broader movement for greater labor rights. The monument itself is 22-feet high and made from 80 tons of Minnesota pink granite, and is flanked by two bronze statues of miners.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom here, make a quick stop in Litchfield to check out the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.litchfieldmuseum.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLitchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum is home to the original Route 66 road sign, a well-preserved antique automobile, and several historic maps and drawings. There\\u2019s also a 1904 time capsule from the American Radiator Company.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nOnce you\\u2019ve gotten your history fix (maybe a snack!), prepare to be wowed by nature.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d609\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-6-take-a-break-for-boating-hiking-biking-or-horseback-riding\\u0022\\u003E6) Take a break for boating, hiking, biking, or horseback riding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStop at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/shoal-creek-conservation-area\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EShoal Creek Conservation Area\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to explore 266 acres of towering Oak and Hickory trees. This natural preserve is home to an estimated 700 plant species, 70 butterfly species, and more than 70 types of birds. Hiking trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Best of all, admission and parking are free.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAt the edge of Shoal Creek, you\\u2019ll find\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/visitlitchfield.com\\\/lake-lou-yaeger\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELake Lou Yaeger\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a 1,357-acre human-made reservoir that\\u2019s popular among boaters and fishers in search of crappie, bass, catfish, and bluegill. During the summer, a sandy beach is open for sunbathing, and trails for biking and horseback riding are nearby.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-7-check-out-the-giant-fire-breathing-dragon-in-vandalia\\u0022\\u003E7) Check out the giant fire-breathing dragon in Vandalia\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter getting your nature fix, head east toward Vandalia and prepare to indulge your inner photographer. The final stretch of this road trip is larger than life\\u2014literally. From mailboxes to teeter totters, and even a dragon, it is teeming with giants.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Vandalia, you\\u2019ll find the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.kaskaskiadragon.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EKaskaskia Dragon\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a giant dragon which spews actual fire for about 10 seconds at a time for a dollar a pop. The dragon was created for a Halloween parade, but in the past few years it\\u2019s become a truly one-of-a-kind roadside destination.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe towering silver dragon has a 16-foot neck, built-in hydraulic system, and the capacity to spew actual fire. Visitors insert specially designed dragon coins to set off flames from a 20-pound propane tank inside the dragon.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-8-explore-a-gorgeous-historic-mansion-in-altamont\\u0022\\u003E8) Explore a gorgeous historic mansion in Altamont\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom here, keep heading east toward the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.wrightmansion.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDr. Charles Wright House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;in Altamont, IL. The gorgeous brick house was built in 1889 for the family of one of the area\\u2019s only doctors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe 6,000-square-foot home has seven bedrooms and one bathroom and, at the time, cost about $35,000 to build (though this would be equal to over $1 million today!). It was the first grand house in the area to have gas lights, indoor plumbing, and a central steam-heating system.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe house had been occupied by the Wright family for three generations, but nowadays, it\\u2019s operated by a non-profit trust and hosts public tours. Much of the original furniture remains in place, and the interior looks largely like it did in 1889.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-9-walk-through-the-longest-covered-bridge-in-the-state-in-greenup\\u0022\\u003E9) Walk through the longest covered bridge in the state in Greenup\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:164,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAfter wandering that historic home, hop in the car and head east on I-70 to check out the Cumberland County Covered Bridge. The 200-foot-long bridge is the longest covered bridge in Illinois and crosses the Embarras River in tiny Greenup.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis bridge is a reconstructed version of the original, built on the site in 1832. That bridge was washed out in 1865, and its replacement was yet again wiped out in 1912.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe current bridge was built in 2000, and it looks like it may be built to last. You\\u2019ll want to get out of the car and take a stroll through to check out the gorgeous trusses that support the structure.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d636\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-10-delve-into-presidential-history-at-the-lincoln-log-cabin\\u0022\\u003E10) Delve into presidential history at the Lincoln Log Cabin\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:168,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022After a walk through the bridge, prepare to dive into presidential history with a visit to the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.lincolnlogcabin.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e. The centerpiece of the 86-acre park is a replica of a log cabin that was once home to Thomas Lincoln, the father of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBy the time the senior Lincoln moved in, Abraham Lincoln had already moved out of the house. The two-room saddlebag-style log cabin had two main rooms, as well as a loft space accessible by ladder. At times, up to 18 family members lived at the cabin.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLike the Cumberland County Covered Bridge, this log cabin isn\\u2019t an original. The original cabin was exhibited at the World\\u2019s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and then lost, with some people believing its pieces became firewood.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe site is built around a replica cabin and two other historic homes, one of which hosted Abraham Lincoln\\u2019s last meeting with his stepmother Sarah Bush Lincoln. The property also is home to sprawling cornfields, comfortable gardens, small orchards, livestock, and even outbuildings like those that would be found on an Illinois farm in the 1840s.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d65e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-11-go-big-in-tiny-casey\\u0022\\u003E11) Go big in tiny Casey\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:163,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022From here, head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bigthingssmalltown.com\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCasey, IL\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e, a small town that marks the midway point between St. Louis, MO, and Indianapolis, IN. Though small itself, this tiny, one-stoplight town is filled with towering versions of all sorts of things.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey is home to 12 objects certified to be the world\\u2019s largest by the Guinness Book of World Records. There\\u2019s a giant mailbox, a giant rocking chair, a giant golf driver, and even an outsized pitchfork.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nPrefer to create an optical illusion by posing with a giant car key? You can do that in Casey, too. Or show off your new haircut in front of the world\\u2019s largest barber pole. Traveling with a friend? Jump on the jumbo teeter totter and feel like kids again!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAnd while they may not officially be the world\\u2019s largest, Casey is also home to more than a dozen other big things, including a pair of giant antlers, a huge softball bat, and an oversized birdcage. In case that isn\\u2019t enough, there\\u2019s also a huge mouse trap, a supersized rocking horse, and even a giant pizza slicer.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIf you\\u2019re among the people who have taken up knitting during the pandemic, you\\u2019ll want to head to\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.theyarnstudiostore.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Yarn Studio\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0to check out the pair of knitting needles that used to be the world\\u2019s largest. These needles are 13.75 feet long and 3.25 inches in diameter, and each weighs about 25 pounds. The store is also home to a giant crochet hook that was another previous world record holder.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCasey\\u2019s quest to become the home of big things started with a local business owner who began creating the giant objects, but its big ambitions go beyond town limits.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7055d691\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-keep-going\\u0022\\u003EKeep going\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHead east to Marshall and you\\u2019ll find the World\\u2019s Largest Gavel, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThat gavel is more than 16 feet long and five feet tall and sits outside the Clark County Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln could have been found practicing the law around 1850.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELincoln began his political career in Illinois and lived in the state when he became the 16th president of the United States in 1861.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo dive deeper into Lincoln\\u2019s Illinois roots and see a few more giant things, keep your Illinois road trip going. Head to Springfield to see the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/presidentlincoln.illinois.gov\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Presidential Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nps.gov\\\/liho\\\/index.htm\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELincoln Home National Historic Site\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, and even the tomb that is Lincoln\\u2019s final resting place. And if that isn\\u2019t enough, head to Lincoln, IL, where you\\u2019ll find the world\\u2019s largest covered wagon carrying a giant Abe Lincoln and an onramp back onto Route 66.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":164,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Illustration by Judith Mayer\",\"date\":\"2022-02-18 16:37:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 18, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":96,\"name\":\"Judith Mayer\",\"slug\":\"judith-mayer\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":96,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Judith Mayer is an American lettering artist and illustrator working in Chicago\\u2014born and raised in the Midwest and the daughter of an immigrant. After working at several design firms, she decided to start her own practice in 1998\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":23,\"name\":\"Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"slug\":\"meena-thiruvengadam\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":23,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I\\u2019m an editorial Swiss army knife with a track record of helping publishers build high value audiences. My specialties include advising newsrooms on digital strategy and helping journalists upgrade their skills. I work at the intersection of editorial, audience, product, and revenue. I understand SEO, am fluent across several social platforms, and have the editorial perspective that comes from years of experience in top newsrooms.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Judith Mayer and Meena Thiruvengadam\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221000\\u0022 height=\\u0022562\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Illustration of a covered bridge in southern Illinois.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462.png 1000w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-300x169.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Southern-Illinois_Covered-Bridge_Judith-Mayer-e1667491250462-768x432.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/see-the-sights-of-southern-illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                See the Sights of Southern Illinois\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Eager to step outside of Chicago and experience more creativity in rural Illinois? Join travel writer Meena Thiruvengadam for a road trip across Southern Illinois, filled with natural landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, historic monuments, and a stretch of Route 66.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":80,\"title\":\"Building Connection at the National Museum of Mexican Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the ways that we connect, gather together, and create community. Explore how members of the Arts Midwest community like the National Museum of Mexican Art, a recent United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund grantee, are reshaping their work to fit the moment in a three-part series spotlighting creativity and resilience.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-a-community-fixture\\u0022\\u003EA Community Fixture\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:81,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero, the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNational Museum of Mexican Art\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is situated on Chicago\\u2019s southwest side, in the Pilsen neighborhood, where public displays of art can be found on almost every open space.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe museum, easily accessible by public transportation, is surrounded by Harrison Park and the cheerful banter of children and families, along with the friendly bell chimes of strolling Mexican snack carts, paleteros, and eloteros. It is also surrounded by the drastic and unsettling changes brought on by gentrification and overdevelopment. The Pilsen community is predominantly Latinx, Mexican, and Mexican-American and its demographics are changing, in large part due to forced displacement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCarlos Tortolero\\u2019s mission when founding the National Museum of Mexican Art, or NMMA, was to create a space focused on accessibility, education, and social justice, where everyone can share in the beauty and richness of Mexican culture. For years, the museum has remained steadfast as an innovative arts institution that serves as a resource for educators and the community at large.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nNever has this mission proven more critical than in the wake of the challenges of this year.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78b75\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-guiding-tradition-through-dark-times\\u0022\\u003EGuiding Tradition Through Dark Times\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:84,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading {\\\\u0022level\\\\u0022:3} \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe repercussions of the\\u00a0COVID-19 pandemic have been felt around the world, affecting small businesses, the service industry, performing arts spaces, and museums, which were some of the first businesses to close and likely will be some of the last to reopen.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nAs closures began across the Midwest this spring, \\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eCesareo Moreno\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e, NMMA\\u2019s Visual Arts Director and Chief Curator, and his team began thinking ahead about how to safely host the 34th year of one of their most popular events, the annual Day of the Dead Exhibit. An important tradition for many families in the community, Moreno began thinking of ways to redirect the flow of the galleries so that visitors could file through.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe love when people meander through the exhibition and go from one piece to another and something catches their eye and they backtrack,\\u201d said Moreno. \\u201cBut as it turns out, during a pandemic that\\u2019s exactly what you don\\u2019t want people to do.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn August, the NMMA Board of Directors voted to keep the museum closed to visitors through the end of 2020, demanding a brand new approach from museum staff. Moreno\\u2019s team quickly pivoted online, setting up free virtual docent tours in Spanish and English that lead people through galleries from the comfort of their homes.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nCreating a safe gallery experience wasn\\u2019t the only new hurdle presented to the Museum. Normally, the Day of the Dead Exhibit\\u2019s curator, Dolores Mercado, would travel to Mexico to seek pieces and artists to showcase in Chicago. This year that was impossible.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMercado adjusted her approach by relying exclusively on local talent, drawing from NMMA\\u2019s permanent collection, and creating an exhibition in response to the pandemic. This year\\u2019s exhibition pays tribute to the people across the Chicago community, Mexico, the U.S., and the entire world who have died from COVID-19, a dark reminder about why the galleries remain closed.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFor now, the Museum\\u2019s virtual docent tours and pivots are working. However, the team acknowledges the many challenges on the horizon. How can they continue to include international artists while travel is unsafe? And what will it look like to re-open their galleries to visitors? Although these are questions for the future, they must start planning for them now.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78bff\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-overcoming-isolation-through-art\\u0022\\u003EOvercoming Isolation Through Art\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:82,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:heading {\\\\u0022level\\\\u0022:3} \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAntonio Pazaran,\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eDirector of Education for the museum, says one of the first things he and his team thought about when the museum went dark was\\u00a0Viva La Vida,\\u00a0a creative aging program for people 55 and older. Pazaran knew social isolation during the pandemic could be a challenge for elders, and staying connected to older community members was incredibly important.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThroughout the summer, Pazaran\\u2019s team helped run online workshops for elders using resources that they might already have at home. The team put together kits with all the materials needed for the art projects, which participants could pick up or opt to have delivered right to their door.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019ve been trying to make it as lighthearted as possible but also make sure that we\\u2019re putting some critical thinking behind it,\\u201d says Pazaran. \\u201cIt\\u2019s just not noodle art, we\\u2019re creating actual workshops.\\u201d Through Viva La Vida, older adults connected while making prints, paintings, and more inspired by works by Mexican artists in the\\u00a0NMMA\\u00a0collection.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Museum will continue to host\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org\\\/events\\\\u0022\\\\u003eonline workshops\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0through the frigid Chicago winter, offering key moments for connection when community members may need it the most.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78c47\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-incubating-young-people-s-creativity-online\\u0022\\u003EIncubating Young People\\u2019s Creativity Online\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:87,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022As another part of the museum\\u2019s arts education team, Vanessa Sanchez has had to figure out how to make remote learning feasible without losing personal connections with youth in the process. Sanchez is the Director of Yollocalli Arts Reach, a program of the museum that offers free classes in journalism and radio production, video and audio editing, photography, textile work, and muralism for teens and young adults across Chicago.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nTo adjust to the pandemic, Yollocalli staff provided students with the materials and equipment they needed to continue creating their projects at home. They also let students know they are always there for them by connecting through social media and offering new office hours.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe\\u2019re used to being in a space with [the students] and giving them that freedom to work creatively, or speak creatively, and openly,\\u201d explains Sanchez. \\u201cWe wanted to ensure that while we moved to an online space that they feel just as comfortable in that environment as they would have in person, especially if they\\u2019re stuck at home and we don\\u2019t fully know what their home conditions are.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDespite the newness of remote learning, Yollocalli students have continued their weekly broadcasting on local radio station WLPN. They also created a piece for the NMMA\\u2019s Day of the Dead Exhibition and collaborated with artist \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/sentrock\\\/?hl=en\\\\u0022\\\\u003eSentrock\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e on new murals in the South and North Lawndale communities.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nMany of Yollocalli\\u2019s students have had to deal with gang violence, systemic and environmental racism, poverty, and school defunding. Sanchez says, \\u201cI\\u2019m proud that the young people see us as a space where they can openly say how they feel about what\\u2019s happening and express themselves. It\\u2019s really all the work of young people.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile questions remain about what the future holds, the Yollocalli team remains optimistic. \\u201cAt the core is these relationships and this community that we\\u2019re building,\\u201d says Sanchez. \\u201cI do think that no matter what, if we continue to have programming, that the young people will continue to see us as a positive force in their growth and development in their lives.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78ca5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78cc0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-looking-toward-the-future\\u0022\\u003ELooking Toward the Future\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite many creative pivots, it\\u2019s clear that the repercussions of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic have still led to tough decisions for the Museum. Two full-time staff members were laid off along with several part-time employees.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMaking difficult choices hasn\\u2019t been easy, but\\u0026nbsp;NMMA\\u0026nbsp;staff share the notion of relying on each other and jumping in to do what needs to get done. \\u201cThe hardest thing is just continuing to have the faith that we will pass this,\\u201d says founder Carlos Tortolero.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s a situation that small to midsize cultural institutions across the nation are facing. What will it mean for\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 to \\u201cpass,\\u201d and what will remain of the arts and culture sector when it does?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFortunately, the Museum\\u2019s intention to continue its work is not only backed by faith but also by funds. The National Museum of Mexican Art is a recent recipient of a grant from Arts Midwest\\u2019s United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund, a national recovery initiative helping under-resourced arts and culture organizations weather the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 crisis. They also received a grant from the Ford Foundation as part of a broader effort to help culturally diverse institutions survive the pandemic.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven with these funds, the future will likely have its challenges. It\\u2019s clear, though, that the National Museum of Mexican Art will continue to center community in all its efforts. By rethinking how people can connect to art, they\\u2019re helping elders avoid isolation, making space for students to share their perspectives, and engaging families in a cherished tradition. They are actively investing in the future of their neighborhood through creativity. What better time for this work than now?\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:86,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7ee78cd2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E \\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ENational Museum of Mexican Art is a United States Regional Arts Resilience Fund recipient. Check \\u003Cem\\u003Eout our\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/history\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;for more information about this program.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/em\\u003EThanks to the Mellon Foundation and an anonymous donor for their support of National Museum of Mexican Art and other Midwestern arts organizations.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected despite the distance between us.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-connection-at-the-national-museum-of-mexican-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":83,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022564\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1536x1128.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-2048x1505.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art. Image courtesy of the National Museum of Mexican Art\",\"date\":\"2020-10-28 12:45:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 28, 2020\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":91,\"name\":\"Basak Notz\",\"slug\":\"basak-notz\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":91,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"I illustrate the world around me. It helps me to slow down and find the beauty in the moment, the mundane, the quiet. I am a self taught artist who decided to pursue her biggest passion, illustrating, after years of flirting with it. I took the plunge. Current clients include Penguin Random House, HarperOne Publishing, Meredith Group, Arts Midwest, OneWorld, and other company and individuals.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"},{\"term_id\":10,\"name\":\"Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o\",\"slug\":\"sandra-trevino\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":10,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o covers Latin alternative music, art and culture as a music journalist and DJ based in Chicago. She also hosts and produces live radio broadcasts and is the founder of\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/enchufate.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EEnchufate.com\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a Latin alternative website and is a contributor to World Cafe Latin Roots.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Basak Notz and Sandra Trevi\\u00f1o\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":11,\"label\":\"Illinois\",\"slug\":\"illinois\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022752\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pre-COVID-19, students take in a Huichol mural called \\u201cThe New Awakening.\\u201d There are approximately 1,523,520 hand-laid beads in this work of art.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1024x752.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-1536x1128.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/NMMA-children-at-Huichol-mural-2048x1505.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-connection-at-the-national-museum-of-mexican-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building Connection at the National Museum of Mexican Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Community is core to the mission, purpose, and activities at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Learn how this Chicago-based organization is investing in its community and keeping people connected despite the distance between us.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/illinois\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Illinois\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":318716,\"participants\":14913,\"grants\":51,\"communities\":44},\"indiana\":{\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Indiana in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Indiana\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Indiana Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":181,\"title\":\"In Rushville, Indiana, Art is Welcoming New Futures\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s an early spring night in Rushville, IN, and inside a restaurant on Main Street, a unique group is meeting for the very first time. A group of Brazilian musicians from S\\u00e3o Paulo sit across the table from Rushville\\u2019s mayor and other residents. A local music teacher pulls out his saxophone, and suddenly an impromptu concert is taking place at the dinner table. The joyful sounds of samba echo throughout the space and out into the street.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis moment of cultural exchange is one small part of a larger movement taking place in this rural city of just over 6,000 residents. People are using art to change the future of their community, using creativity, vision, and passion to guide the way.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:183,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341db0\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-trying-something-different\\u0022\\u003ETrying Something Different\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBrian Sheehan, Director of Special Projects and Community Development for the City of Rushville, is straight to the point when he talks about his hometown. \\u201cThere\\u2019s a lot of rural communities that are okay with slowly dying. We are not.\\u201d Brian started his job back in 2016, tasked with bringing energy, funds, and people back into this small farming community. These efforts were rewarded with a Stellar Community designation from the state of Indiana, which brought in $14 million dollars of public and private investment into Rushville\\u2019s downtown.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith these funds, the city turned to art as a key component of their vision to improve both quality of life and quality of place. \\u201cArt for us was basically a visual announcement of the community. It tells people something different is going on,\\u201d says Brian. \\u201cSuddenly you can see what\\u2019s happening, even if you\\u2019re not paying attention to anything else.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe community started small \\u2013 painting statues of lions, the mascot of the local high school. Then the projects started to grow. Murals, signage, and statues started popping up in the downtown. They started to build a summer concert series that drew thousands. Brian\\u2019s motto was to say yes and see what would stick.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIf we want Rushville to be here long term, we have to try different things,\\u201d says Brian. \\u201cRather than try to hide that and say that it\\u2019s perfect here, we\\u2019re understanding that we have to be more open, more welcoming, and show people that we care.\\u201d In the four years since Rushville was named a Stellar Community, they\\u2019ve brought in additional private investments of over $130 million to rehabilitate and revitalize the town.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn early 2019, Arts Midwest asked if Rushville would be interested in partnering on\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWorld Fest,\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;a program that brings international artists to rural communities for residencies and concerts. Brian immediately said yes. That fall, Rushville hosted Hikaru, a Japanese ensemble. But then, the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic put the world\\u2014and World Fest\\u2014on hold.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt wasn\\u2019t until the spring of 2022 that tours would start up again. Once they did, plans were made to bring Paulo Padilha e Bando, a Brazilian ensemble, to town.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341dfb\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:182,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341e11\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-bringing-brazilian-culture-into-the-classroom\\u0022\\u003EBringing Brazilian Culture into the Classroom\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFifteen minutes down a country highway from Brian Sheehan\\u2019s office sits Mays Academy, a K-8 charter school with a deep focus on\\u0026nbsp;STEM. The school\\u2019s music program is run by co-teachers Kaylee Marlatt and Dave Helms. When they heard a Brazilian ensemble would be visiting Mays Academy and doing a concert, they immediately got to work to prepare their students for their very first international visitors.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cHere in central Indiana, we don\\u2019t always see a big variety of different cultures. I\\u2019ve always wanted to bring that into the classroom because I think that education is important,\\u201d says Kaylee. Dave agrees: \\u201cFor kids that are born 10 miles from where they\\u2019re going to school and haven\\u2019t left that county in 10 years, it\\u2019s great stuff.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the course of a month, Kaylee and Dave began to share Paulo\\u2019s music, rhythms, and syncopation styles with students. Dave learned some Portuguese to teach the kids so that the school could welcome the band and thank them. Kaylee created a bulletin board in the classroom about Paulo and his band, and about S\\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe music teachers\\u2019 preparation paid off when the band came to visit the school. Rush County Arts Council member Darilyn Bedel recalls the special moment: \\u201cWhen the music started playing, the kids started jumping around in their seats and by the time the concert was over, they were up and dancing. You should have seen their faces!\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was an amazing experience!\\u201d says bandleader Paulo Padilha. \\u201cThe teachers, they did a wonderful job with the kids. It was very emotional for us to see the Brazilian flag on the wall and hear the words in Portuguese that they had practiced.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSo many of these kids in this area may never ever leave Rush County, never ever have the opportunity to see something like that,\\u201d Darilyn says. \\u201cTo bring it into this community and open their eyes up to something brand new, it just warms your heart.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWhat\\u2019s really special is that the kids were able to go home and share with their families what they had seen and learned at school,\\u201d adds Kaylee Marlatt. In fact, many of her students asked their families to go see the band again at their concert in town the following night.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:187,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f58341e24\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-performing-at-the-princess\\u0022\\u003EPerforming at the Princess\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPaulo Padilha e Bando\\u2019s final concert took place in a symbolic venue for Rushville: The Princess Theatre. This iconic 100-year-old former Masonic Temple has been at the heart of the city\\u2019s major downtown beautification efforts. It was marked for demolition in 2018, but now has been converted into a multipurpose space that is home to Rushville\\u2019s new city hall, an Ivy Tech Community College Satellite location, a tech lab, meeting space, and a flexible movie theater.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver 150 people showed up for the show, which was the very first public concert to take place in the venue since the renovation. In the audience were neighbors, students from the surrounding schools, and music teacher Dave Helms, ready with his saxophone. Paulo invited Dave up on to the stage, where he performed several songs with the ensemble, a first for the band on their tour.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe all speak the language of music,\\u201d says Dave. \\u201cYou watch each other\\u2019s eyes and hands, and their smiles and expressions.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cIt was unique,\\u201d says Paulo. \\u201cWe were looking forward to this tour since 2020. We are celebrating. It\\u2019s nice to remember the feeling of going back to the road and going to these small cities.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEvents like Paulo\\u2019s concert mark small but historic steps forward for Rushville, which is celebrating its 200-year anniversary as a community in 2022. It\\u2019s a shift that\\u2019s been a long time coming, says Darilyn Bedel. \\u201cI\\u2019ve traveled a lot and seen so many beautiful things in those places. I\\u2019ve always said, \\u2018We can do this in Rushville. Why can\\u2019t Rushville do this?\\u2019 It\\u2019s just having that vision and finding the right people to help make that vision come true.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERushville has much more planned on the horizon. Darilyn is working to host more events, plays, concerts and comedy at the Princess Theatre; Dave and Kaylee are continuing to use Paulo\\u2019s music as a launching pad to teach music and culture to their students; and Brian is seeing his work to bring people into Rushville pay off. His daughter, freshly graduated with an arts degree, is moving back to town to teach art in one of the local public schools. It\\u2019s a full-circle moment, where art, creativity, and community are all coming together to lay the path forward for the future.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002235px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:35px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EA program of Arts Midwest, the 2019\\u20132022 Arts Midwest \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\u003EWorld Fest\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E cycle is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, 3Mgives, and Music Port. World Fest is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Arts Midwest is also generously supported by Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rushville-indiana-art-is-welcoming-new-futures\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":185,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students. \",\"date\":\"2022-06-06 16:35:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"June 6, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":26,\"name\":\"Alana Horton\",\"slug\":\"alana-horton\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":26,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Alana Horton is the Communications Officer at Arts Midwest. She specializes in organizational storytelling, communications, and marketing, and has been working in the nonprofit arts field for 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":34,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Alana Horton\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":25,\"label\":\"Indiana\",\"slug\":\"indiana\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":27,\"label\":\"World Fest\",\"slug\":\"world-fest\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"Read stories about the communities across the Midwest that brought World Fest artists to their towns.\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/programs\\\/world-fest\\\/\",\"grant_page\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\"}],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Paulo Padilha demonstrates how to play the pandeiro for a group of Rushville students.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Rushville-Indiana_Paulo-Padilha-pandeiro-demo_Eric-Smith.png 1350w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-rushville-indiana-art-is-welcoming-new-futures\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Rushville, Indiana, Art is Welcoming New Futures\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As Rushville, Indiana celebrates its 200-year anniversary, residents in this rural city are focusing on art, creativity, and community to lay the path forward for the future.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/indiana\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Indiana\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/world-fest\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    World Fest\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":241576,\"participants\":12342,\"grants\":53,\"communities\":44},\"iowa\":{\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Iowa in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Iowa\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Iowa Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2613,\"title\":\"A Hub for Creativity and Community in Iowa City\\u00a0\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2002, a group of theater students at the University of Iowa needed a space off campus to perform their original plays. They approached Jim Bell, owner of the Deadwood bar at the time, about using the downtown tavern\\u2019s vacant second floor. In exchange for cleaning the space, Bell let them use it for one night. One night turned into many, and the group\\u2019s offerings expanded to music shows and pop-up art exhibits.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter that unassuming start, the ad hoc theater collective morphed into \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPublic Space One\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (aka PS1), Iowa City\\u2019s artist-led, community-driven, contemporary art center. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, PS1 has grown into a multi-disciplinary organization that houses a broad coalition of artist and activist groups, and provides space and support to experimental artists in various disciplines. The arts center has grown organically over the past two decades, advocating for artists and their community every step of the way.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2626,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b319\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2628,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eLocal grassroots community-building nonprofit \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.jamesgangic.com\\\/home\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe James Gang\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e was founded around the same time and included some of the same people. Together, they negotiated the use of a space in the basement of the Jefferson Building. During the summer months, they turned the venue over to a handful of artists who could work in the space then install an exhibition afterward. Soon the group started inviting artists from other areas to show their work in salon-style exhibits.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eEventually the University of Iowa, which managed the Jefferson Building, didn\\u2019t want the space to be open at night, so PS1 moved to the Wesley Student Center just north of downtown.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe move to the Wesley meant the organization had to pay rent for the first time since its inception. PS1 Program Director Kalmia Strong says that investing in a space was something they were ready to try out. Their first fundraising mission began with the IC Press Co-op, which was called Zenzic Press in its original configuration. A printmaking studio requires infrastructure, Strong says. \\u201cIt does not lend itself to a space you might get kicked out of at any moment.\\u201d A $10,000 Kickstarter campaign was mounted in 2012. The fund drive helped spread the word, and a press was donated. That meant Zenzic and PS1 could use the Kickstarter money for rent, equipment\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e,\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e and supplies.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan data-ccp-props=\\\\u0022{}\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe success of the Press Co-op drive led PS1 to seek more funding for projects and operating support, from sources such as the Community Foundation of Johnson County and The Iowa Arts Council.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cNone of us knew how to write a grant, but we got advice from other folks and it was just sort of learning as we went,\\u201d Strong says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though larger grants from established arts organizations are integral to PS1\\u2019s ongoing existence, smaller contributions from individual people is core to PS1\\u2019s values and helps it remain sustainable.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cPeople who donate five dollars a month are my favorite, because that\\u0027s what they can do, and it\\u2019s awesome. It shows that they value what we\\u0027re doing and feel part of it,\\u201d says Strong. She adds that people also donate time, labor, energy, and ideas.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe\\u2019re very aware of how growth can make an organization less nimble. We try to be self-critical and make sure to take care of people and make sure they\\u2019re safe ...\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022KALMIA STRONG, PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF PS1\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3da\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b3ee\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2019, PS1 finally got a home of its own. Strong calls PS1\\u2019s acquisition of two Northside properties \\u201crandom and fortuitous.\\u201d The City of Iowa City purchased two historic houses on North Gilbert Street because they didn\\u0027t want them to be torn down and\\\/or turned into apartments. They put out a call for organizations to submit proposals to purchase the houses, then provided the money for the down payments. \\u201cThat was crucial to being able to buy those spaces,\\u201d Strong says.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen asked what advice she would give nascent community arts organizations in smaller communities, Strong says, \\u201cSpace is really crucial to what we do. My advice is to find a space. In the end it doesn\\u0027t really matter what kind of space it is. And it doesn\\u2019t even have to be a space you own, it could be a group room at the public library.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPS1 has always taken what Strong calls a \\u201cbottom up\\u201d approach, which means listening to community stakeholders. \\u201cGetting people together and seeing what the community wants is the key thing. And having a space where people can gather helps make that happen,\\u201d she says.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 2021 PS1 purchased the historic \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/en.wikipedia.org\\\/wiki\\\/Close_House_(Iowa_City,_Iowa)\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EClose Mansion\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, which is now home to the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.publicspaceone.com\\\/mac\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMedia Arts Co-op\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (MAC), the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/afrofuturist.center\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ECenter for Afrofuturist Studies\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (CAS), a residency and visiting artist program for artists of color, and the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/lgbtqiowa.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ELGBTQ Iowa Archives and Library\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E (LIAL). The Close also houses exhibitions and artists\\u2019 residencies.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMadde Hoberg, director of LIAL, says, \\u201cIt felt like a very natural fit to work with PS1 and house our library in the Close House once they acquired that space. PS1 does a lot of similar work around making art accessible: skill-building workshops, offering community space, etc.\\u201d Remaining autonomous is important to LIAL. \\u201cBeing an independent entity allows us to avoid some of the regulations and limitations that many public and academic institutions are facing currently (I\\u0027m thinking here of the public libraries who have been attacked for housing LGBTQ books, hosting drag storytimes, etc.),\\u201d says Hoberg. LIAL\\u2019s association with PS1 \\u201cgives us the autonomy needed to provide a fully supportive environment for the queer and trans community.\\u201c\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2635,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2636,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2637,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2638,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_4_image\\u0022:2641,\\u0022_slider_4_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_5_image\\u0022:2643,\\u0022_slider_5_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_6_image\\u0022:2642,\\u0022_slider_6_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_7_image\\u0022:2641,\\u0022_slider_7_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_8_image\\u0022:2644,\\u0022_slider_8_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:9,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b407\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EPS1 has experienced some growing pains along the way, but they have endeavored to manage them by staying aligned with their mission. \\u201cHaving three buildings brings with it worries that you don\\u0027t have when you\\u0027re in a free basement space,\\u201d Strong says. \\u201cWe\\u2019re very aware of how growth can make an organization less nimble. We try to be self-critical and make sure to take care of people and make sure they\\u2019re safe, but be able to plug in and do their stuff.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis nimbleness allows PS1 to be more responsive to new ideas and experimental proposals. As opposed to a university, with its many levels of bureaucracy, PS1 can try out new projects in a short turnaround. For example, the summer before he enrolled in the Iowa Writers Workshop, Ana\\u00efs Duplan contacted PS1 with his idea for The Center for Afrofuturist Studies. PS1 was able to work with him to get it off the ground before he arrived in Iowa City.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though Duplan has moved away, CAS still operates out of the Close house. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CAS, like other organizations, was forced to expand their notion of \\u201cspace.\\u201d Andr\\u00e9 M. Zachery, artistic director of Brooklyn, New York-based \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.renegadepg.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003ERenegade Performance Group\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, presented a virtual performance with fellow choreographer Deborah Goffe in February 2021. While Goffe did a \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.renegadepg.com\\\/drexciyaredux-115482.html\\u0022\\u003Elive YouTube performance\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E for select invited guests, Zachery created a companion virtual reality experience using a platform called Isadora.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe pair traveled to Iowa City in summer 2022, which allowed a local audience to get to know them and see how they were using their time in the residency. Zachery and Goffe gave artists\\u0027 talks, sharing work with guests from around Iowa City, but his favorite part was the discussions he and Goffe engaged in from the Close house porch. The duo\\u0027s talks were broadcast on Instagram Live. \\u201cIt became a really interesting way of dialoging with people,\\u201d Zachery says. \\u0022We were able to reach an audience we would not otherwise reach.\\u0022\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEven though PS1 is not affiliated with the University, it does not stand in opposition to it. \\u201cEven though we\\u0027re not part of the University at all, having a university in our community has supported us in so many ways,\\u201d says Strong, noting that the university is what brings many artists and like-mined people to Iowa City in the first place.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2647,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f75e1b41a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMaking the transition from student to working artist is one that\\u2019s difficult to navigate, especially in a smaller city with few resources outside the academy. PS1 serves these graduates who are not only losing access to equipment and space, but to community as well. On the other end of the spectrum, people who are recently retired and now have room in their life for creative pursuits are also in need of similar things. \\u201cWe want to support all artists at whatever stage their creative life is,\\u201d says Strong, \\u201cwhich a good fit with PS1\\u2019s values.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cAs a small organization, it feels like we don\\u2019t have very much power compared to something like the University. But we have a different kind of power, which is the ability for someone to approach us and the next day, they can be in the space doing something.\\u201d PS1 is committed to helping people find resources that they need, then just letting it happen. \\u201cNow that I understand that as something powerful it has changed my perspective.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStrong seems content with the organic growth of PS1 over the years. Staying actively engaged with the community as new opportunities come their way is a core value. \\u201cIf other organizations are doing something similar, we want to collaborate with them and support them,\\u201d Strong says, while still providing a testing ground for new ideas. \\u201cNot stepping on the toes of other organizations in the cultural ecosystem here is super important,\\u201d she says, \\u201cbecause we don\\u2019t need to do all the things.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u0027\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-hub-for-creativity-and-community-in-iowa-city\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":1532,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u00221152\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in yellow outfits performing outside in front of children and adults. They leap joyously through the air with smiles on their faces.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Bread and Puppet Theater performs at Public Space One in Iowa as part of a GIG Fund event.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-08 16:55:29\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 8, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":103,\"name\":\"Cheryl Graham\",\"slug\":\"cheryl-graham\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":103,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Cheryl Graham\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022683\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people in yellow outfits performing outside in front of children and adults. 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They leap joyously through the air with smiles on their faces.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/GIG-Fund-Public-Space-One-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/a-hub-for-creativity-and-community-in-iowa-city\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                A Hub for Creativity and Community in Iowa City\\u00a0\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              20 years on, Public Space One continues to exemplify the value of artist-led, community-driven efforts in creating thriving arts and culture spaces.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":199,\"title\":\"80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea201c2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/80-35.com\\u0022\\u003E80\\\/35\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, aptly named for Des Moines\\u2019 location at the confluence of Interstates 80 and 35, is redefining the idea of what it means to be a music festival in the Midwest. Equal parts huge concert and neighborhood block party, 80\\\/35 takes the idea of a community-centric model and runs with it. The festival features dozens of artists across one paid and four free stages over two days, and directly reinvests proceeds into the ecosystem of Des Moines\\u2019s music scene through the efforts of its presenting organization, the\\u00a0\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Music Coalition\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:205,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough 80\\\/35 features nationally (and, for the first time this year, internationally) touring artists, the festival is first and foremost by and for the Des Moines and greater Iowa community\\u2014and you can tell. There are many things that set 80\\\/35 apart from your average music festival, but the most immediately noticeable is the festival grounds themselves: the sprawl of stages spans multiple city blocks in the center of downtown Des Moines.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBy stationing the festivities in the heart of the city, 80\\\/35 embraces the idea of being a community-focused festival first. For every out-of-towner there for the festival (myself included), you\\u2019d see just as many local families taking an evening walk through the grounds after dinner or to get home. It\\u2019s experiences like this that I think we all took for granted, but are coming to appreciate more after living through several years where simply being able to gather with your community was a herculean task.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cEveryone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Victoria Park, festival artist\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022purple\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20330\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJust as 80\\\/35 powers Des Moines music, the people of Des Moines power the festival. Aside from a handful of staff positions, the festival is nearly 100% run by volunteers. These hundreds of locals are the unsung heroes of the festival\\u2019s mission, doing everything from concert setup to merch sales, and they\\u2019re the reason the festival has been able to thrive for the past 15 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAttendees were also able to get a sampling of local organizations and nonprofits at 80\\\/35\\u2019s Community Village, one of its numerous free areas open to the general public. Over a dozen booths represented a variety of causes, and the passion was overwhelmingly clear.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EActivities ranged from botanical body art by the plant sellers at\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artterrarium.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EArt Terrarium\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;to an original board game modeled on the neighboring sculpture park from local game shop\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/therookroom.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EThe Rook Room\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;(though my personal favorite was getting to play with a model wind turbine, thanks to the folks at the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.iaenvironment.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EIowa Environmental Council\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E). Of course, not every organization stayed put at a booth, either\\u2014the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesbreakerz.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EDes Moines Breakerz\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local breakdancing school, also performed in the Community Village several times throughout the weekend. This opportunity for these organizations to come together with attendees is another great example of how 80\\\/35 prioritized making space for the people and culture of Des Moines at the festival.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:202,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea20374\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBeyond meeting the organizations represented in the Community Village, attendees could also visit a booth where they could learn about the work that the Des Moines Music Coalition does beyond organizing 80\\\/35.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cWe have 30,000 people come down to this festival,\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u0026nbsp;Executive Director Mickey Davis remarks. \\u201cI would imagine that a small percentage of them, one, know that the festival is a nonprofit and two, know that the Des Moines Music Coalition is the nonprofit behind that festival.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThough 80\\\/35 is the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s flagship event, it\\u2019s far from the only thing the organization does; throughout the year, they program\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/gross-domestic-product\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGDP\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a local music festival with an all-Iowa lineup;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.desmoinesmc.com\\\/events\\\/music-university\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EMusic University\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a conference for music industry professionals; and several youth music education programs, all of which are centered around providing arts access and platforming to local talent.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mickey Davis, DMMC Executive Director\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea2038d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFestival artist Victoria Park, who makes music under the spoonerism\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/pictoriavark.bandcamp.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EPictoria Vark\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, remarks, \\u201cI\\u2019m a big believer in the \\u2018local event.\\u2019 Everyone needs something to look forward to that they don\\u2019t need to drive to a bigger city to find.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA big part of what makes arts in the Midwest so unique is the common philosophy of meeting ourselves where we are; this idea that there is creativity happening in our own communities that we don\\u2019t need to import from anywhere else. 80\\\/35 really takes this value to heart in their mission and programming\\u2014this year, more than half of the festival\\u2019s lineup consisted of Iowan artists, with even more coming from the greater Midwest region as a whole. \\u201cA lot of outsiders who haven\\u2019t been out here tend to brush off \\u2018Iowa music\\u2019 as just white people playing country music,\\u201d says Park. \\u201cBut that\\u2019s simply not the case, and there\\u2019s so much talent here to dispel that.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis immense celebration of local talent was a particular goal of Davis\\u2019s in his first year as festival director. \\u201cIf you can help connect the great musicians in your community with an audience that loves live music and may not know that it\\u2019s available in their backyard, to me, that\\u2019s a great role that you can play to really bring people together around the celebration of a music scene,\\u201d he says. Initiatives like 80\\\/35\\u2019s Bravo and Emerging Artists Stages, which feature all-Iowa lineups and local acts under the age of 21, respectively, really drive home this goal.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:200,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9ea203c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E80\\\/35\\u2019s spotlight on local artists doesn\\u2019t just stop at the festival lineup itself\\u2014the festival press team also offers an Emerging Photographers Fellowship for aspiring music photographers, again under the age of 21. This is an extension of the\\u0026nbsp;DMMC\\u2019s year-round commitment to offering professional development opportunities for emerging industry professionals in Des Moines\\u2019s music scene, and something Davis is very passionate about.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201c\\u200b\\u200bThere\\u2019s some serious gatekeeping going on [in the music industry] in terms of who gets certain opportunities,\\u201d he says. \\u201cIt\\u2019s so much easier to shoot your second music festival than it is your first, because every festival is looking for, \\u2018What experience do you have? What\\u2019s your portfolio?\\u2019 If we can be the proving grounds and help people get the experience that they need to go on and do it elsewhere, I\\u2019m all for that\\u2014and I think that idea is really central to 80\\\/35.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIt\\u2019s easy to see the kind of impact an event and a culture like this has on a place like Des Moines. 80\\\/35 not only brings in valuable tourism dollars for the city, but it provides a totally unique experience for locals to come together and celebrate the art that\\u2019s right next door. \\u201cI think there\\u2019s a great argument to be made for music as the soundtrack to a community,\\u201d says Davis. \\u201cI just think that will continue to be our calling card; that we are more affordable, more accessible, and embedded into the middle of a downtown.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EUltimately, you\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cem\\u003Ecould\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;find bigger music festivals to go to, even in the Midwest\\u2014but there\\u2019s something special about 80\\\/35. The unparalleled sense of community shines through in the festival\\u2019s ability to bring in the draw of big-name artists while still staying true to its Des Moines roots and celebrating the thing that makes its local arts and music so great\\u2014the people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":203,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band at 80\\\/35 Music Festival 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-28 13:53:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 28, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":30,\"name\":\"Mia McGill\",\"slug\":\"mia-mcgill\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":30,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Mia McGill is a Communications Specialist at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, design, and social media strategy, and has been working in arts nonprofit communications for six years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":14,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Mia McGill\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":16,\"label\":\"Iowa\",\"slug\":\"iowa\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Pictoria Vark performing on the Bravo Stage with her band.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Des-Moines-80-35-Music-Fest_Pictoria-Vark-on-Bravo-Stage-2022-scaled-e1667508679917-2048x1151.jpg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/80-35-powers-des-moines-music\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                80\\\/35 Powers Des Moines Music\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              What do Japanese Breakfast, a breakdancing crew, and a Des Moines-themed board game have in common? You could\\u2019ve found them all at this year\\u2019s 80\\\/35 Music Festival.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/iowa\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Iowa\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":187026,\"participants\":7008,\"grants\":42,\"communities\":37},\"michigan\":{\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Michigan in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Michigan\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Michigan Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":141,\"title\":\"Big Read Brings Native American Voices and Culture to University Campus\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb4213\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn\\u00a0\\u003Cem\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.nationalbook.org\\\/books\\\/the-round-house\\\/\\u0022\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E,\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u00a0Geraldine Coutts, a Chippewa woman, is sexually assaulted in the vicinity of a sacred roundhouse. The roundhouse is on reservation land, where tribal courts are in charge, but the suspect is white, and tribal courts in the summer of 1988 can\\u2019t prosecute non-Native people. Federal law would also seem to apply, but the assault may have taken place on a strip of land that is part of a state park, where North Dakota\\u2019s authority is in force, or on another that was sold by the tribe and is considered \\u201cfree land,\\u201d administered under a separate set of statutes.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETraumatized by the assault and reluctant to reveal what happened to the police, her husband, or her son, Geraldine finds refuge in solitude. Her then 13-year-old son, Joe, pursues his own quest for justice after deciding to become a public prosecutor himself. In tracking down his mother\\u2019s attacker, Joe searches for the answer to the question of what makes a person turn violent \\u2014 and what society should do with violent people.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDirector of Library and Academic Services\\u0026nbsp;Marc Boucher\\u0026nbsp;said that bringing the \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENEA Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u0026nbsp;allowed them to discuss issues like violence against women, Native land jurisdiction, prejudice, cultural heritage, trauma, and coming of age through multiple lenses. \\u201cHaving different communities come together and learn from each other was enriching and very educational,\\u201d he said. \\u201cWe are dealing with these issues in our own backyards and bringing some of them into the foreground of discussion gives us all the opportunity to be active players in helping move forward rather than being ignorant and sweeping such issues under the rug.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:142,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb425f\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELSSU\\u2019s Arts Center Director and Assistant Professor of Theatre\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cstrong\\u003EThomas Meacham,\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;Ph.D. chose this year\\u2019s novel with Boucher. Although it is set in 1988 on a reservation in North Dakota, they say it is still relevant and reflects the struggles that Native American victims of violence face when trying to find justice. There are Native American families in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., that have experienced the murder of their daughter\\\/sister\\\/mother\\\/friend due to domestic violence and human trafficking. Those families are still waiting for justice for their loved ones.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-connecting-with-community\\u0022\\u003EConnecting with Community\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EStudents attending\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u0026nbsp;are living and learning within a unique community. The 115-acre campus sits on the site of the former U.S. Army\\u2019s Fort Brady, with fourteen of\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s buildings being listed on various historic registers. The campus overlooks both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the St. Mary\\u2019s River, and the Soo Locks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESault Ste. Marie, Michigan shares the international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Between both cities, the population is about 100,000. Members of Native American tribes and Canadian Aboriginal communities call the area home. Located in the Upper Peninsula are five tribes: Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Hannahville Indian Community; Bay Mills Indian Community; and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022The power of hearing about others\\u2019 experiences\\u2026\\\\r\\\\ncan help build bridges with people you might not have ever thought you might engage with.\\\\r\\\\n\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022Mark Boucher\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022both\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022dark\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb4284\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:100px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs part of the Big Read Kick-Off event, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Bryan Newland, who at the time was the president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, was the keynote speaker. He is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe), and before being elected president he served as Chief Judge of the Bay Mills Tribal Court. From 2009 to 2012, he served as a Counselor and Policy Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Interior \\u2013 Indian Affairs.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter Newland\\u2019s address, a panel discussion was held featuring Newland, Chief Judge of the Sault Tribe Jocelyn Fabry, and Executive Director of the Diane Peppler Resource Center, Betsy Huggett.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoucher said the discussion held at the Bayliss Public Library was powerful because of the participation of community members who brought their real-life experiences to the table. The panel focused on tribal law enforcement divisions, who they can prosecute, and barriers to enforcement. At the panel, a woman in the audience spoke about recently discovering her Native heritage.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThis woman was told, or felt, that she should be embarrassed about her own cultural heritage,\\u201d said Boucher. \\u201cBut the discussions that were happening and her own self-discovery and hearing about the pride, connection, and community, and helping others around her in that discussion learn about it from her own personal experience was very powerful.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading {\\u0022level\\u0022:3} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch3 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-dancing-into-understanding\\u0022\\u003EDancing into Understanding\\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAfter a semester of film screenings and panel discussions in 2020, programming was suspended because of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2021, programming resumed when\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/nativeamericandancecompany\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EWoodland Sky Native American Dance Company\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;began its week-long residency at\\u0026nbsp;LSSU. Students, faculty, and members of the community engaged in lectures about regalia and the celebration of traditional ceremonial practices; participated in craft-making workshops and dance classes; and were exposed to Indigenous art and jingle dresses on display in\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s Art Gallery.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMeacham says that the workshops allowed students to learn the cultural background and meaning behind the crafts they made.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:143,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb429e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs a closing activity, Woodland Sky performed dance and spoken word about the necessity for the preservation and celebration of Indigenous identities. \\u201cIt was a wonderful way to see so much of what was discussed prior to the pandemic realized through the arts and artistic expression,\\u201d Meacham said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMeacham and his team worked to incorporate the Big Read\\u2019s themes of land sovereignty and jurisdictional issues with Woodland Sky Dance Company\\u2019s residency and final performance. Translating issues through the medium of dance creates \\u201ca very visceral emotive sense that you might not get [by] reading the book,\\u201d Meacham said. \\u201cThe arts are well-positioned to bring us into these themes in a whole new way. Even though it has been some time since students read the book, those same themes can come alive again through dance.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe main reason myself and Shane Mitchell co-founded the dance company was to continue sharing stories and teaching, and really show the beauty of our culture,\\u201d Woodland Sky co-founder\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Cstrong\\u003EMichelle Reed\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;added. \\u201cWe try to bring it to the next level where people in the mainstream would want to see and watch it and learn about who we are, instead of just sticking with preconceived ideas that they grew up with about Native people.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:144,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022edit\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7fcb42ae\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDuring the residency, several students who are part of the Native American Center on campus told Meacham that they had not felt visible on campus. \\u201cThese residencies and [the] artists on campus provided students an extended experience that would not have been possible without this grant,\\u201d said Meacham.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EBoucher said that\\u0026nbsp;LSSU\\u2019s strategic plan identified strengthening connections with Native American people, land, customs, and history. Through the Big Read, he says the visibility of Native American culture on campus has increased. Reading The Round House encouraged students, faculty, staff, and the community to engage in a common set of ideas and see them from multiple perspectives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cThe power of hearing about others\\u2019 experiences and seeing how they are either similar or very different from your own can help build bridges with people you might not have ever thought you might engage with,\\u201d said Boucher. \\u201cJoe\\u2019s life [as] a 13-year-old boy growing up in the Midwest allowed me to see how my own (non-Native) culture is in some ways so much like his.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph {\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022left\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp class=\\u0022has-text-align-left\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENational Endowment for the Arts Big Read\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;is a national program administered by Arts Midwest that helps communities realize the benefits of reading together. Each year, grants are given to about 75 community reading programs around the country who set up creative events and opportunities for their community to read and discuss one book together. Since 2006, more than 1,600\\u0026nbsp;NEA\\u0026nbsp;Big Read programs have taken place in every U.S. state.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where five Native nations are located. In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug deeper into the area\\u2019s Native American culture and history through a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant. Louise Erdrich\\u2019s award-winning novel \\u003Ci\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E inspired impactful discussions, book talks, writing workshops, and performances.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where five Native nations are located. In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/big-read-brings-native-american-voices-culture-to-university-campus\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":143,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-768x432.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022432\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-768x432.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Big Read Brings Native American Voices \\u0026amp; Culture to LSSU. 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https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Big-Read-Native-Voices-LSSU_Linda-Batiste-Cohen-and-Michelle-Reed-performing-in-2021-e1667431417852-2048x1152.png 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Linda Batiste-Cohen and Michelle Reed performing in 2021.\",\"date\":\"2022-01-14 17:27:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 14, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":20,\"name\":\"Brenda Austin\",\"slug\":\"brenda-austin\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":20,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Brenda Austin is a writer and photographer at Sault Tribe in Michigan.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Brenda Austin\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":21,\"label\":\"Michigan\",\"slug\":\"michigan\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\"},{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[{\"ID\":6,\"label\":\"NEA Big Read\",\"slug\":\"nea-big-read\",\"taxonomy\":\"program-grant\",\"description\":\"\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022text-xl text-dark-sky\\u0022\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cspan data-contrast=\\u0022none\\u0022\\u003ERead stories and updates about communities participating in NEA Big Read 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In 2020 and 2021, LSSU staff, students, and community members dug deeper into the area\\u2019s Native American culture and history through a National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant. Louise Erdrich\\u2019s award-winning novel \\u003Ci\\u003EThe Round House\\u003C\\\/i\\u003E inspired impactful discussions, book talks, writing workshops, and performances.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/michigan\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Michigan\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/get-support\\\/nea-big-read\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    NEA Big Read\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":311428,\"participants\":32391,\"grants\":47,\"communities\":48},\"minnesota\":{\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Minnesota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Minnesota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Minnesota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":3027,\"title\":\"New York Mills Cultural Center Casts Wider Artistic Net\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe magic happens in a charming and historic two-story brick building in the center of an equally charming Midwestern town. Years of use have taken a toll on the building, however.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E To maintain the desired reach of the New York Mills Cultural Center, it was evident that some updates needed to be made. The goal of accessibility has always been foundational to the center, as is sustaining the growth of arts and culture in this small town rich with heritage. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith this understanding in mind, the Cultural Center recently launched a new capital campaign.\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3028,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a362041\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a distinct presence of creativity in New York Mills\\u2014shaped and sustained by the Cultural Center. They offer programs related to fiber art, sculpture, music, and dance as well as other community events. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELatham Hetland, chair of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, shares, \\u201cWhen we began recruiting new community members, one of the best ways to get them to buy into our community was by having them visit the center and go to concerts. They were so impressed that something this great could be in such a small town.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhile the center\\u2019s historic building itself is a landmark to both residents and visitors, the impact of the Center is felt throughout the town. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI was well into my 30\\u0027s when I realized that not all schools are provided with the experience of having visiting artists in their classrooms. It was just such a normal, everyday thing to have writers, musicians, and visual artists from all over the world in our classrooms,\\u201d said Sarah Carlson, a local to New York Mills and a board member of the center. \\u201cThere\\u0027s nothing greater than growing up in a town where you don\\u0027t blink twice at someone telling you their profession is being a poet.\\u201d \\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a36205c\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:3031,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022The stories that make New York Mills a stand-out town are made possible in large part because of the Center. The new capital campaign is designed to maintain and broaden the impact the Center can make, so that more community members can experience the rich opportunities available to them.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nBut, like any large-scale project, improvements must start small.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe first steps in what will be the first stage of the capital campaign include preservation work on the building\\u2019s exterior, like installing more efficient windows and re-building the front steps.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFrom there, changes include better equipping the center to host events by adding an enhanced sound system as well as making the center more visible in, and outside of, the town. New highway signs and signage for sculptures around New York Mills will be a part of this second phase.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nFinally, creating \\u201cinstagrammable\\u201d spaces and adding wayfinding signage around the town help make up the third phase.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe second and third phases also include significant updates to the center\\u2019s retreat house, a space for artists in residence to create in the town.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe New York Mills Cultural Center has been a consistent presence in community life for the last three decades. It is well-loved by many, and the team continuously embraces connection with people they serve.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe center doesn\\u2019t shy away from community ideas, either.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cMy favorite part of working in New York Mills with the Cultural Center is approaching the staff with an idea, and the immediate response being, \\u2018How can we make this happen?\\u2019\\u201d said Pam Robinson, a former board member.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIt is refreshing to see the action-oriented and productive approach the Center takes when tackling community needs and highlights the power of being embedded in a place.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Center proves, in the words of Latham Hetland, \\u201cwhen a small town gets together and focuses on a project, things can happen very quickly.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cdiv style=\\\\u0022position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 20px; z-index: 2147483647;\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c\\\/div\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6927b6a3621b4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe three goals of the capital campaign are to survive, enliven, and endure. From providing a space for future generations to explore their creative side to widening the audience the Cultural Center currently reaches, the capital campaign will help with it all. \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Center is calling on their community to help fund this campaign and encourage those who have been touched by their work and programs to donate to the campaign. The proposed changes and upgrades are large, but will, in the words of Latham Hetland, cement the Cultural Center \\u201cas the true foundation of our downtown community that it is.\\u201d\\u00a0\\u00a0\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe New York Mills Regional Cultural Center was part of the Community Creativity Cohort 2, a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/history\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with \\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-york-mills-cultural-center-casts-wider-artistic-net\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":3029,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The 13th Annual Artists Bazaar hosted by New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in November 2022.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-07 14:42:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 7, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":50,\"name\":\"Helene Pfaendtner\",\"slug\":\"helene-pfaendtner\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":50,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Helene Pfaendtner is the Communications and Engagement Associate at NewPublica.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Helene Pfaendtner\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people browsing wares on a table at an art market.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/NY-Mills-8.jpg 1289w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/new-york-mills-cultural-center-casts-wider-artistic-net\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                New York Mills Cultural Center Casts Wider Artistic Net\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Bringing arts and cultural enrichment to nearly 1,300 people living in their Minnesota town, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a small organization with big goals.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":926,\"title\":\"Building a Home and a Community Through Theater\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen Meena Natarajan and Dipankar Mukherjee decided to open and house the Pangea World Theater in Minneapolis, they sought to develop and create sustainable solidarity. The plan was to create a theater space that connected people from all walks of life. They chose to rent out a space on Lake Street in the Downtown Longfellow neighborhood and for the past 25 years, Natarajan and Mukherjee have grown Pangea World Theater into a local treasure with a national reputation in the arts.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:928,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f88555354\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f8855539d\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince the beginning, Natarajan and Mukherjee\\u2019s hope for Pangea has evolved in a way they could have never imagined. Pangea\\u2019s mission was to create a multi-disciplinary theater that embodies decolonizing practices of solidarity, sustainability, and equity. Their first production was written by Natarajan herself, titled, Conference of the Birds, a theatrical adaptation of a twelfth-century Sufi poem. Since then, Pangea\\u2019s focus has been charged by solidarity and collaboration. For example, Pangea has partnered with Latinx theater company Teatro del Pueblo since 2008, leading to the development of the Latino Asian Fusion program in 2014. Pangea\\u2019s work has garnered several national and international awards, including the International Gardens of Peace Award in 2000, 3M Innovation of the Arts Award in 2002, the Special Recognition Award from the Advocates for Human Rights in 2005, as well as being chosen as one of five national organizations to join the National Performance Network Leveraging and Networking Equity in 2017.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDespite national and international recognition, Natarajan and Mukherjee were determined to stay in Minneapolis, where they saw the need and the value for organizations such as Pangea.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELake Street has been a bustling community of businesses since its inception in 1856. Many of these businesses represented Minneapolis\\u2019 rich community of immigrants and refugees. The protests following the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020 and the aftermath of the\\u0026nbsp;COVID-19 pandemic left Lake Street in ruins. The uprising in Uptown saw the destruction of several buildings along Lake Street, including ones that hosted Pangea World Theater events for over two decades.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EChrissie Orr, a friend of Pangea\\u2019s and internationally recognized community-based artist said of Natarajan, Mukherjee, and the community they are trying to build with Pangea World Theater, \\u201cThe generosity of spirit and their vision and their capacity as human beings really ripples out and I think they\\u2019ve built such great trust in Minneapolis that is not always easy to do, and they do cross over many boundaries and barriers. They\\u2019re consistent. They don\\u2019t let something go. They will listen and make it work,\\u201d said Orr.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:932,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f885553b2\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn the wake of the civil unrest, community members and business owners from the area began holding community gatherings on the front lawn of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The gatherings which came to be known as Longfellow Rising, which would eventually become a nonprofit over the next two years, were an attempt to build community cohesion and strength after the historic civil disruption. \\u201cThese meetings became a place where the community could bond and band together. It was a place we could all imagine our community in the way we know it can be,\\u201d said Pastor Ingrid Rasmussen, the lead pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENatarajan and Mukherjee began attending the meetings and shared leadership with other members in the group. Pastor Rasmussen got to know the pair. \\u201cI came to really appreciate the work Pangea does. They are so grounded in community. Pangea honors the authentic values of whatever communities they work with, such as the poetry along the cultural corridor. They honor art that is accessible to people, done by and for community members.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAs Pangea reimagines the kind of community it wants, it also reimagines its future and likely, permanent home. \\u201cSo much has been destroyed. We are in a position to actually dream a little bit and say, okay, let\\u2019s create those spaces. Let\\u2019s create a space of belonging for everyone in that neighborhood.\\u201d said Natarajan.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:933,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f885553c3\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMIGIZI, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization working with American Indian youth, lost their building during the unrest and decided to move to another location on Lake Street. It was important to them that their former property went to a\\u0026nbsp;BIPOC\\u0026nbsp;owner or organization. Through a series of conversations, the property was purchased by The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and will eventually be donated to Pangea when the theater is in a place to receive it. The lot will serve as Pangea\\u2019s new location.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ERight now, they plan to build The Center for Peace and Social Justice on this Lake Street lot with an extension across the street from the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. It will be a regenerative building with a greenhouse, solar panels, caf\\u00e9, rehearsal and event spaces as well as a 200-seat theater where Pangea will continue to conduct its art. The space will also be utilized as an incubation space for artists and for businesses\\\/nonprofits run by people of color.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cFrom the ashes we are reimagining our community,\\u201d said Mukherjee.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPangea World Theater was part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/hitory\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-a-home-and-a-community-through-theater\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":930,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022491\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Pangea\\u2019s performance of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021.\",\"date\":\"2022-10-06 22:50:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"October 6, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":49,\"name\":\"Shee Yang\",\"slug\":\"shee-yang\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":49,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Shee is a reader, writer, and editor. Her love for language and learning has led her to many places including careers in both journalism and publishing before entering consulting. She has led communications campaigns for both mainstream and diverse, particularly hard-to-reach audiences, with partners from government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Shee Yang\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":38,\"label\":\"Minnesota\",\"slug\":\"minnesota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022654\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022654\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Two people perform on the lawn as part of The Missouri River Water Walk in May 2021. People sit in lawn chairs in a circle around them and watch.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-1024x654.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-300x192.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited-768x491.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/10\\\/Missouri-River-Water-Walk-Edited.png 1316w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/building-a-home-and-a-community-through-theater\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Building a Home and a Community Through Theater\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Pangea World Theater works hard year-round to create a space that connects people from all backgrounds and builds a covenant with the surrounding Lake Street community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/minnesota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Minnesota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":687310,\"participants\":36545,\"grants\":55,\"communities\":35},\"north-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"North Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from North Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] North Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":938,\"title\":\"Not Just Any Kitchen: Sharing Knowledge at Sitting Bull Visitor Center\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Open Kitchen will expand the center\\u2019s educational offerings on food sovereignty and honor the tradition of outdoor cooking. Programming and planning are underway to help it make an impactful debut, and updates on the initiative can be found on \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.sittingbull.edu\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESitting Bull\\u2019s\\u0026nbsp;website\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/sittingbullcollege\\u0022\\u003Etheir Facebook page\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt-sidebar\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390483\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe idea behind the Open Kitchen is a simple and intentional one\\u2014to serve as a community space for anyone interested in food-related enrichment. This will include workshops around traditional food preparation, as well as offering space and materials for community members to process food from hunting and foraging. Such workshops will be in partnership with other classes offered by Sitting Bull College, from courses related to the making of traditional cookware to the processing of Buffalo rawhide and hide for drums.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:940,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b3904e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Visitor Center has long been a community gathering space for students, locals, and visitors alike. And with its neighbor, Sitting Bull College, it has made a profound impact through community-informed programs for over 50 years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EDebra Gray Eagle, a workshop instructor at the college, works closely with programming at the Visitor Center. She is excited about the prospect of the Open Kitchen, and enthusiastically shared some of the ways that it would impact her community. \\u201cTraditionally, an elder would take his nephew out to go hunting, and he\\u2019d teach him one-on-one. Now, you could have that uncle teach 20 nephews at once in the [Open] Kitchen.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EShe views the impact of the Open Kitchen in a broader context, too, with the understanding that, \\u201cwhat we eat gives us health or non-health.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI see the Visitor Center as a [\\u2026] beacon for getting back to traditional re-teachings by empowering communities and students and getting back to [\\u2026] land stewardship and respect for the water, animals, and plants. The Visitor Center is a place to pass on that knowledge and cultural investment.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThese \\u201cre-teachings\\u201d are invaluable to a community long underserved and denied the ability to exercise traditional food practices.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:941,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390500\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELoretta Bad Heart Bull, who works at the college\\u2019s entrepreneurial center, and closely with food sovereignty in her community, understands the depth of impact the Visitor Center has on the community. The students she teaches are often \\u201celderly people who never learned how to do some of [the activities related to food sovereignty] because we were so ingrained in the religion of the non-natives.\\u201d In this way, the Visitor Center provides a multi-generational education, uplifting members of the community who are eager to learn but may have not previously had the opportunity to engage with this important tradition.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe services of the Visitor Center extend far past the proposed Open Kitchen and include culturally based workshops, exhibits showcasing Native American artifacts and local artwork, and other diverse courses and offerings. Workshops through the Visitor Center are offered for free to community members and count towards college credit, which brings rich and accessible sharing of knowledge to the Fort Yates area and local Lakota and Dakota tribal communities. Some of the recent workshops offered through the Visitor Center include lanyard making, quilting, and container gardening. For those just passing through Fort Yates, there are many opportunities to get involved, like tree planting activities or putting up tipis. The nature of many of the Visitor Center happenings are unique in their no-strings-attached openness and informality, and by making events free to the public, the center helps to foster transparency and inclusion.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:942,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f9b390519\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EA sentiment consistently expressed by those directly involved with the Visitor Center is the interconnectedness with the offerings at Sitting Bull College. The programming of the Open Kitchen will serve both present and future needs, as it will help to establish a solid foundation for the future of the Visitor Center.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis interconnectedness helps to bridge the gap between food and art, as the lines between such disciplines become blurred when the infrastructure exists to teach all these different areas at once. Both traditional and innovative, the instruction model offered by the Visitor Center reaches tribal members, visitors from afar, and community at large. This accessible education offered to all who seek it out helps advance food sovereignty and holistic knowledge of traditions\\u2014an ambitious goal that the Sitting Bull Visitor Center works towards each day by showing up for their community through initiatives like the Open Kitchen.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sitting Bull Visitor Center is part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/about\\\/history\\\/\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the tribal headquarters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is recognizing and addressing its community\\u2019s need for holistic education around food sovereignty through their proposed Open Kitchen. This initiative complements their rich portfolio of offerings related to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/not-just-any-kitchen-sharing-knowledge-at-sitting-bull-visitor-center\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":939,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore.\",\"date\":\"2022-08-25 15:07:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"August 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":50,\"name\":\"Helene Pfaendtner\",\"slug\":\"helene-pfaendtner\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":50,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Helene Pfaendtner is the Communications and Engagement Associate at NewPublica.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Helene Pfaendtner\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":29,\"label\":\"North Dakota\",\"slug\":\"north-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Mural at the Visitor Center, painted by Standing Rock artist Sunshine Claymore. It depicts vibrant plants and flowers, with a stream running through the center and a buffalo skull above.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Sitting-Bull-Visitor-Center-Header-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/not-just-any-kitchen-sharing-knowledge-at-sitting-bull-visitor-center\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Not Just Any Kitchen: Sharing Knowledge at Sitting Bull Visitor Center\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              A space is truly of the community when it is shaped by the needs of the people it serves. The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates, North Dakota, the tribal headquarters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is recognizing and addressing its community\\u2019s need for holistic education around food sovereignty through their proposed Open Kitchen. This initiative complements their rich portfolio of offerings related to Indigenous knowledge and tradition.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/north-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    North Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":320204,\"participants\":10720,\"grants\":48,\"communities\":15},\"ohio\":{\"slug\":\"ohio\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Ohio in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Ohio\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Ohio Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Ohio\",\"featured_posts\":[],\"invested\":420115,\"participants\":37792,\"grants\":46,\"communities\":30},\"south-dakota\":{\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"South Dakota in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from South Dakota\",\"grantees\":\"[year] South Dakota Grantees\"},\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2518,\"title\":\"Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EYou are up in the air, and you don\\u2019t know if you will stick that landing. But it doesn\\u2019t matter because you can try again. And again.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThere is a constant invitation and openness in skateboarding\\u2014a \\u201cwelcome\\u201d sign. Like any creative outlet and sport, skateboarding has a magnetic energy\\u2014a challenge that is renewed with every new curb or ramp, and a movement that brings calm and groundedness. Skateboarding conjures up moments of connection between you and your body; your body and the board; your board and the ramp; and the people cheering you on.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2526,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThat Skate Life\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eA couple of years ago, Willow Kneip and her older sister were looking through the garage and found their parents\\u2019 old skateboards. They started pushing around on them in their driveway. \\u201cI didn\\u2019t like it too much at first,\\u201d said Kneip, an 11-year-old who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. \\u201cBut I decided I should probably keep trying it and get better at it, so then you actually get the feel for it. From then on, I just stuck to it.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWhat does this young skater love about the sport? \\u201cThe joy of it\\u2014whenever you are trying a trick and then you finally do it. Also, going to the skatepark with your friends is really fun!\\u201d said Kneip, who wants to go to the Olympics when she is older. In the last two years of skateboarding, she has noticed, \\u201cI\\u2019m a lot more happy and jolly than I thought. I\\u0027m never really that sad. I\\u0027m very social.\\u201d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor 16-year-old Keith Heth III of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe\\u202fin Fort Thompson, South Dakota, skateboarding has been a part of his life for the last decade, since his father built a mini ramp in their driveway. His persistence as a young kid asking their neighbor and tribal council member about a skatepark finally brought Evergreen Skateparks and grant funding to build a cement park in 2015.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\u201cThe friendships I\\u2019ve made along the way \\u2026 they always keep me coming back. There\\u2019s something about hopping on the skateboard and riding around ... It just starts getting me all happy,\\u201d said Heth III, who competed in his first skate contest at Innoskate in Sioux Falls.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022TextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022 lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 xml:lang=\\\\u0022EN-US\\\\u0022 data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHeth\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e III, who is interested in getting \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ea skate\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e sponsorship while pursuing music as a career, said that skateboarding is a part of him and has always been since \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ean early age\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e. \\u201c\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIt\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e like if it \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ewasn\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e there, I really \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003edon\\u0027t\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e know who \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003eI\\u0027d\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e be. I guess that sounds kind of dramatic, but \\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003ethat\\u0027s\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW66711519 BCX0\\\\u0022\\\\u003e how I can say it right now.\\u201d\\u00a0\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b32\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5b79\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cI don\\u2019t think there\\u2019s any other sport where your competition cheers as loudly [for you] as your team.\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022WALTER PORTZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LET\\u0027S SKATE\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022none\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022coral\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5ba1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-community-in-skateboarding\\u0022\\u003ECommunity in Skateboarding\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESince it began in the 1950\\u2019s in California, skateboarding has made its way from an outsider activity to the core of American culture. In South Dakota, you can find this creative pastime everywhere, from the streets of the state\\u2019s largest city, Sioux Falls, to Pine Ridge Reservation.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cSkateboarding has always been there for me,\\u201d said no less than three South Dakotans reflecting on how important the sport is for them. It is this sense of community that keeps people coming back.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESkateboarding took center stage last summer in South Dakota through \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/invention.si.edu\\\/innoskate\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EInnoskate\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a unique festival that celebrates skateboarding. Launched in 2013 by the Smithsonian\\u2019s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention, Innoskate believes that \\u201cinvention and innovation happen every day\\u2014often in unexpected places.\\u201d Through public programming across the world in partnership with leaders in the skate community, it celebrates the creativity and innovation that happens in skate culture. \\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2530,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bc4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKyle Mesteth built his first mini ramp with his father as a young skateboarder and went on to be an announcer at skate competitions\\u2014with the sport showing up to build community for him in different ways throughout his life. \\u201cSkateboarding really set forth my path, forged it and I\\u2019m happy for that,\\u201d he said. Mesteth is now building an \\u201cultimate creative space\\u201d called \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/groundcontrol605\\\/\\u0022 target=\\u0022_blank\\u0022 rel=\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\u0022\\u003EGround Control\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, a community multimedia studio with an indoor skatepark in the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in southwest South Dakota and one of nine Indian Reservations that share the geography of the state. \\u201cWe needed something like this on the rez\\u2026a community center that focuses on the artists and creativity and making people excited.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThis exploration of building a distinct space for community has given him permission to pursue things close to his heart. For him, it is also a call to makers and doers in Pine Ridge to whole-heartedly embrace their creativity. \\u201cThe possibilities are endless. There\\u2019s room for all of us to eat. There\\u2019s room for everybody to put their art out, if need be, and let the world enjoy it,\\u201d said Mesteth. \\u201cYou can see things that are 100% Lakota-made being produced out of here. That\\u0027s going to be amazing because it\\u2019s important that we take our narrative back and tell our stories from our voice.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Sioux Falls, just over 300 miles from Pine Ridge, plans are underway to design and build the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza, the city\\u2019s first cement skatepark at the edge of downtown. A result of an ambitious $2-million fundraising and community buy-in effort, this visible success in Sioux Falls recently brought Innoskate to South Dakota. Walter Portz, Executive Director of Let\\u2019s Skate (formerly Sioux Falls Skatepark Association), said that there has been \\u201can explosion of opportunities and ideas\\u201d since, with an acknowledgement for what the sport and new space can do for community members.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/carousel {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/carousel\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022slider_0_image\\u0022:2567,\\u0022_slider_0_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_1_image\\u0022:2571,\\u0022_slider_1_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_2_image\\u0022:2569,\\u0022_slider_2_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider_3_image\\u0022:2570,\\u0022_slider_3_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider_image\\u0022,\\u0022slider\\u0022:4,\\u0022_slider\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_slider\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_carousel_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5bdc\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:spacer {\\u0022height\\u0022:\\u002250px\\u0022} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022height:50px\\u0022 aria-hidden=\\u0022true\\u0022 class=\\u0022wp-block-spacer\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:spacer --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u201cI think everybody that was there [at Innoskate], skateboarder or non-skateboarder, feels momentum and energy. Sioux Falls just became a skateboarding town,\\u201d said Portz. \\u201cI estimate between 200 to 300 kids stepped on skateboards for the first time or were exposed to skateboarding for the first time in person.\\u201d\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EFrom corporate companies and school districts interested in partnering for after school programs, to invitations for representing the sport in athletic events across the state, to working with other communities in the country to campaign for skateparks, Let\\u2019s Skate is experiencing momentum in different directions. The nonprofit organization is working with\\u0026nbsp;communities in Worthington (Minnesota), Rapid City (South Dakota) and Waxhaw (North Carolina) to scope out skatepark fundraising campaigns and projects.\\u0026nbsp;\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGround Control is seeing similar interest and investment. \\u201cWhat\\u0027s crazy is there are people who just want to be involved in any shape or form,\\u201d said Mesteth. With a fully equipped professional production studio and expansive offerings to meet creative needs of makers and skaters, the facility will be \\u201crocking and rolling\\u201d by the end of 2022. It has been important for him to frame this space up in a way where anyone can see themselves in it. \\u201cIt\\u2019s making it visual for the next person to say, \\u2018I want to be a part of that,\\u2019 or \\u2018I\\u2019ve always wanted to do something like that,\\u2019\\u201d he said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2575,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u00220\\u0022,\\u0022_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_photo_caption_visibility\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eCreative Connections\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThere is an inherent connection between skate culture and diverse art forms. Innoskate in South Dakota celebrated just that\\u2014the intersection of music, art, videography, photography, and skateboarding.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIn Fort Thompson, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Youth Council recently organized a summer bash showcasing visual artists and skateboarders. To see them and other people operate within these collaborative spaces highlights how skate culture is fostering creativity and innovation in South Dakota.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFor Portz and Mesteth, who have been key in leading efforts in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge, the work has come full circle many times\\u2014from introducing their craft as artists working in photo and video, to creating space for young skateboarders.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cspan data-contrast=\\\\u0022auto\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe skate communities in Sioux Falls and Pine Ridge have come together a few times already. From sharing photo and video gear to show what those mediums mean for documenting the sport and shaping professional skills, to working together to lay Masonite sheets for Ground Control\\u2019s indoor skatepark, to co-hosting skate contests in the two places. \\u201cWe bridged the gap between Pine Ridge and Sioux Falls. And that, to me, is amazing,\\u201d said Mesteth.\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nA \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.espn.com\\\/espn\\\/story\\\/_\\\/id\\\/27356477\\\/kids-playing-enough-sports-culprit-cost\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noreferrer noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003e2019 ESPN article\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e cited research by the Aspen Institute that ranked skateboarding as the third most financially accessible sport next to track and field and flag football. Families on average spent around $380 per child annually on skateboarding. These South Dakotans among many others have been making a case for the sport and skateparks\\u2014one that has been amplified with skateboarding making its Olympic debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nWhile the sport has existed globally on a large scale with prestigious competitions and events, the inclusion in the Olympics seems to have bolstered it to the main stage. Opening a new awareness of its impact and reach\\u2014a recognition for its low barrier of entry and the potential it holds to shape talent in diverse ways.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022,\\u0022anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022_anchor_id\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_anchor_id\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f70dd5c15\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe attraction and magnetism to the sport is equally palpable in people who have skated for 30 years or just two. The possibilities of creativity through the sport\\u2014through actions of perseverance and small, slow shifts\\u2014seem endless for these South Dakotans. They are highlighting the creative, emerging power of it through movements in Pine Ridge, Fort Thompson, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and communities across South Dakota and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn Portz\\u2019s words, a skatepark is more than a playground. \\u201cIt\\u0027s a community center and a playground in one.\\u201d And to inspire people into this world of possibility, fifth-grader Kniep says: \\u201cYou can do it when you\\u0027re ready. There\\u0027s no rush, because there\\u0027s no rush in skateboarding.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003ETo republish this article for free, visit the \\u0027\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/republish-stories\\\/\\u0022\\u003ERepublish Our Stories\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0027 page and contact our Managing Editor, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/team\\\/angela-zonunpari\\\/\\u0022\\u003EAngela Zonunpari\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2525,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022960\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 80%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp at Innoskate 2022 in downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Photo by Joshua Novak.\",\"date\":\"2022-12-12 09:00:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"December 12, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":92,\"name\":\"Angela Zonunpari\",\"slug\":\"angela-zonunpari\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":92,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Angela Zonunpari is the Managing Editor at Arts Midwest. She specializes in copywriting, editing, and creative storytelling and has worked in advertising and art communications for over 10 years.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":28,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Angela Zonunpari\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022819\\u0022 height=\\u00221024\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A skateboarder lifts off a skate ramp with his board and arms in the air during a sunny day with blue skies at an event called Innoskate 2022 in Sioux Falls, SD. There is a crowd of people standing in the background, behind a barricade watching the skateboarder.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 80%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/VAK07599.jpg 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/skateboarding-a-south-dakotan-art\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Skateboarding: A South Dakotan Art\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Taking big leaps, South Dakotans are exploring the community building power of skateboarding, from Pine Ridge to Sioux Falls. \\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":899,\"title\":\"The Matthews in Spearfish Embraces Change, Uplifts Creativity\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:900,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f8473915e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen it first opened, \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.matthewsopera.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003Ethe Matthews\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E hosted stage plays, operas, and other live performances. When competition from the new \\u201ctalkies\\u201d theater in town grew, the Opera House transitioned into a community space for meetings, athletics, and storage. During World War II, the Spearfish icon was used to roll parachutes and served as a shooting gallery. Clearly, the Matthews is no stranger to change. In seeing what was needed in the community in 1998, the Matthews merged with the Spearfish Area Council for the Arts and Humanities to expand its organizational reach and develop a new awareness of the organization as a community resource.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EAlthough its uses have always been vast, the Opera House went through periods of neglect and needed major restoration both organizationally and physically. Refurbishing projects were initially led by students from Black Hills State College (now Black Hills State University), a school just a mile and a half away from the Matthews. By 2006, the restoration of its building was complete, thanks to the Spearfish Downtown Association\\u2019s formation of the non-profit Matthews Opera House Society.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f847391a5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:901,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022Today, over 100 years after its grand opening, the Matthews still responds to the needs of its community. The current direction of the Spearfish landmark is to change its name from \\u201cThe Matthews Opera House and Art Center\\u201d to simply \\u201cThe Matthews\\u201d to showcase its extensive offerings and its role as more than a theater. Another key focus for the Matthews today is ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of its mission.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cWe do our best to curate performers, musicians, visual artists, educators, teachers, thinkers, and creatives who are of different nationalities, ethnicities, and social constructs for our community so that our patrons have the opportunity to widen the lens of their own belief systems and consider, even celebrate, others,\\u201d said Executive Director Darren Granaas.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Matthews persists in being an institution where all feel welcome and works to expand the belief that the arts are for everyone, and everyone is an artist. Granaas says the Matthews strives to \\u201cprovide tools and opportunities for all to make deep-rooted connections within themselves and others to foster positive change and understanding.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe Matthews also houses \\u2018The Matthews Art Gallery\\u2019 where it highlights the visual art created exclusively by Black Hills artists. Beyond showcasing local artists, the Matthews expands access to and participation in diverse art programming through community outreach programs.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cThe cultural hub of Spearfish\\u201d shares its world of art, creativity, and expression through residencies for artists to work with a local residential youth facility and a local center that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as in classrooms, community art projects, and its own Young Actors Guild.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\u201cAn educated populace that is open to other systems of thought and points of view, and one that is willing to embrace change and celebrate the planet\\u2019s diversity in all of its forms, is a much healthier one,\\u201d said Granaas. \\u201cWe cannot move forward as a species by leaving anyone behind.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nIn a town with only 17% of the population under the age of 18 (7% less than the South Dakota average), the art community understands the importance of serving youth. The Matthews hosts more than 30 free youth art programs annually. In 2019, they cast 40 young actors in its Children\\u2019s Theater shows and engaged with 1,550 students at local public schools during the 2018-2019 school year.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f847391da\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Matthews continues its ongoing commitment to reach those who are underserved and pushes for broader cultural understanding in its community. Its everlasting readiness to educate and uplift the Spearfish population and cultivate deeper personal connections in the community transcends the art hub from an Opera House to a beacon of inclusivity and interconnectedness.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EMatthews Opera House was part of the\\u0026nbsp;Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022. Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/History\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program. This story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location on Main Street in Spearfish, South Dakota. Since its inception, the building has gone through various program changes to better serve its community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-matthews-in-spearfish-embraces-change-uplifts-creativity\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":906,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Opening reception for the Community Art Show at the Matthews Gallery. Photo courtesy of the Matthews.\",\"date\":\"2022-11-21 21:33:24\",\"pretty_date\":\"November 21, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":47,\"name\":\"Maria Lewis\",\"slug\":\"maria-lewis\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":47,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Maria is a creative communications professional with experience in copywriting, advertising, and digital media. Maria works closely with organizations to ensure their communication channels align with their business goals, customer needs, and project timelines. At NewPublica, she collaborates with members of diverse communities to capture their input and insights on programs, initiatives, and campaigns. She has strong expertise in social media strategy as well as writing blog posts, press releases, and articles for various audiences. Maria utilizes the organization, delegation, and communication skills gained from being a collegiate athlete to lead team members through projects to exceed client expectations. Maria is currently the Head lacrosse coach for the youth lacrosse club team, Minnesota Lakers Select.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Maria Lewis\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022683\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Many people gather in a well lit art gallery, observing artwork on the walls and talking to one another.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited-1536x1024.png 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Matthews-Reception_6_3_22-28-Edited.png 1600w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/the-matthews-in-spearfish-embraces-change-uplifts-creativity\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                The Matthews in Spearfish Embraces Change, Uplifts Creativity\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              The Matthews, originally known as Matthew\\u2019s Opera House, opened in 1906, just shy of 30 years after the Black Hills Gold Rush. The Matthews still stands in its original location on Main Street in Spearfish, South Dakota. Since its inception, the building has gone through various program changes to better serve its community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":943,\"title\":\"In Smalltown Sisseton, Art is a Connector\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EJane Rasmussen, Director of the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.sissetonarts.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ESisseton Arts Council,\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;has lived in the Sisseton area for a long time. She remembers the early days of the Arts Council and how it has developed, \\u201cWe literally went up and down the street asking businesses for $50 to bring a traveling theater company to town, and we\\u2019ve been supporting the arts in our community ever since.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Arts Council has grown substantially since those days. They\\u2019ve hosted artists from around the world, created residencies, and continuously pushed for public art displays, making Sisseton beautiful for the entire community.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:945,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLast year, the Sisseton Arts Council received permission from the City of Sisseton to place sculptures of an 8-point design on city property. The 8-point design was originally created by artists Nicholas Blaske and Markus Tracy. The design was first put in place as a crosswalk mural that intersects Main Street through downtown. Then it took off. The community resonated with art.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe 8-point design utilizes geometric shapes from both Dakota and Scandinavian cultures with the focal point being an 8-point star. Blaske describes the perspective of the design, \\u201cTo the Dakota people, it is a star, a symbol of hope and guidance. To the Norwegians, it is a rose, commonly seen on thick hand-knit sweaters, giving the early settlers a comfort of home.\\u201d\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nLocal businesses began to sponsor the design\\u2014setting the design in flowerpots outside their shops. Eventually, Blaske was commissioned to create a sculpture of the symbol. He chose to make it a mirror so that when it is being observed by community members, they will see themselves reflected in a symbol that represents the beauty of togetherness. The design has been adopted by the City of Sisseton to be on its official flag. Today, the flag flies proudly beneath the United States and South Dakota flags at City Hall.\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nDown the street, Dustina Gill has been spearheading a Native youth movement in Sisseton through her nonprofit,\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/neeshtoinc\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003eNis\\u2019to Incorporated.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0In Dakhotaiyapi, Nis\\u2019to is defined as \\u201ca concern for others outside of ourselves.\\u201d Gill, a long-time resident of Sisseton, understands the history of this place, and the impact of expression. The youth at Nis\\u2019to learn both leadership and technical skills and are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of art forms. They sew, they paint, they write poetry, and play music\\u2014all cultural and strength-based approaches that reaffirm their place and roles on the Lake Traverse Reservation.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e \\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nRecently, Nis\\u2019to independently hosted a youth-led art show that proved art could bridge communities. \\u201cThe rooms were packed. People who don\\u2019t usually mingle were mingling, but they showed up to see the art and the kids saw that. Their energy from seeing all these people come to see their work was so amazing,\\u201d said Gill.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003c!\\\\u002d\\\\u002d \\\/wp:paragraph \\\\u002d\\\\u002d\\\\u003e\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a6654\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESisseton will be buzzing with even more creative youth programming over the next year, including several apprenticeships with local as well as visiting artists. Gill has been quietly volunteering to coordinate these types of learning opportunities for years because she is deeply passionate about helping others pass on their culture to the next generation. Through a wide range of topics from poetry to the environmental effects of cattle grazing, her youth have come to describe much of the programming as \\u201ca rite of passage camp for a lot of the siblings of the kids, younger cousins, waiting to be old enough to be a part of it.\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a66e4\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:946,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633fa22a6701\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGill believes that art will continue to survive and even thrive in Sisseton as long as the youth are interested. She feels her kids desire to reach out to other artists. \\u201cThey want to learn and as long as they want to learn, they will have the desire to engage with other artists.\\u201d Gill believes that art is truly the great connector of community. She has seen it happen more than once\\u2014and hopes to continue seeing art bridge all differences.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EGill is not alone. As the Sisseton community continues to embrace art, they are also learning to embrace each other.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EThe Sisseton Arts Council is part of the Community Creativity Cohort 2,\\u0026nbsp;a group of 40 organizations that are making art central to their community-building efforts. The Cohort was funded by the\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.bushfoundation.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003EBush Foundation\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u0026nbsp;and operated by Arts Midwest from 2019-2022.  Check out our \\u003Ca href=\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/History\\u0022\\u003EHistory\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E to learn more about this program.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E \\u003Cem\\u003EThis story was created in partnership with\\u0026nbsp;\\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/newpublica.com\\\/\\u0022\\u003ENewPublica.\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half is mostly white. But it is not only the residential makeup of the Sisseton that makes it unique. It is the survival and persistence of art in the area, and new movements that are bridging a historically separated community.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-smalltown-sisseton-art-is-a-connector\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":944,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022576\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three children sit in a line on the grass with notebooks. The child in the center holds her notebook up to show a wildflower that she\\u0026#039;s stuck to the page.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"Participants in Nis\\u2019to\\u2019s Bundle Carriers Camp learn about native plants at the Native Wildflower Restoration Project.\",\"date\":\"2022-07-20 15:30:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"July 20, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":49,\"name\":\"Shee Yang\",\"slug\":\"shee-yang\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":49,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"Shee is a reader, writer, and editor. Her love for language and learning has led her to many places including careers in both journalism and publishing before entering consulting. She has led communications campaigns for both mainstream and diverse, particularly hard-to-reach audiences, with partners from government, nonprofit, and corporate organizations.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":3,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By Shee Yang\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":688,\"label\":\"Native Nations and Communities\",\"slug\":\"native-nations\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\\u0026nbsp;\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003Cdiv style=\\u0022position: fixed;bottom: 10px;right: 20px;z-index: 2147483647\\u0022 data-testid=\\u0022notifications-container\\u0022\\u003E\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\r\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\"},{\"ID\":48,\"label\":\"South Dakota\",\"slug\":\"south-dakota\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u00221024\\u0022 height=\\u0022768\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022Three children sit in a line on the grass with notebooks. 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The child in the center holds her notebook up to show a wildflower that she\\u0026#039;s stuck to the page.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/289816685_1446432309163583_977837446759677924_n.jpeg 2048w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/in-smalltown-sisseton-art-is-a-connector\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                In Smalltown Sisseton, Art is a Connector\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              Sisseton, South Dakota is a unique place. This rural town of 2,400 is located on the Lake Traverse Reservation: about half the town is Native American, and the other half is mostly white. But it is not only the residential makeup of the Sisseton that makes it unique. It is the survival and persistence of art in the area, and new movements that are bridging a historically separated community.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/native-nations\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Native Nations and Communities\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                                      \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/south-dakota\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    South Dakota\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":335290,\"participants\":2132,\"grants\":24,\"communities\":18},\"wisconsin\":{\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"type\":\"secondary\",\"headings\":{\"stats\":\"Wisconsin in [year]\",\"stories\":\"[year] Stories from Wisconsin\",\"grantees\":\"[year] Wisconsin Grantees\"},\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"featured_posts\":[{\"ID\":2546,\"title\":\"When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe mural stands tall. A guardian of Interstate-43. Mountainous. A keeper of insurmountable dreams. Promises muttered in its cream brick as it cascades rainbow hues, b-boy grooves, and melanin splendor. I still marvel at its glory.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWhen I would ride shotgun in my grandfather\\u2019s Buick as a precocious kid, often I asked myself, \\u201cWho are these people painted on the side of this building? And what was happening there?\\u201d\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELater in life, insatiable curiosity led me to discover that the glorious mural that captivated me as a child was a creation of the\\u00a0\\u003Cstrong\\u003EInner City Arts Council.\\u003C\\\/strong\\u003E\\u00a0Anchored in the historic Bronzeville Milwaukee neighborhood, the organization was a cultural hub for artists of various mediums to develop their crafts while serving the predominately Black population in the area and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f2926c9\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2548,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022In the late 1960s, Milwaukee was thrust into the national spotlight. The blatant discriminatory practices of atrocious housing conditions and police brutality against Black residents led to an uprising in July 1967 which served as the precursor to the 200 Nights of Freedom marches. Ultimately, this call to action resulted in the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThis era unveiled a new consciousness for Black Americans who sought respite from the daily injustices of social life. This temperament echoed throughout the country with the cultural expressions of the Black Arts Movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nThe need for self-affirmation and self-actualization for Black Milwaukeeans lead to a number of organizations joining forces to create the entity known as the Inner City Arts Council in January 1968. Its charter members included The Mary Church Terrell-Creative Center, Black Arts Theatre, The Echo Writers Workshop, The Paint Box, and the Community Youth Center.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nArtists are keepers of history. Creating new worlds as they uphold memories that whisper to the Earth. So, in learning more about the Inner City Arts Council, I knew I had to talk to a few elders who intimately experienced its magnitude.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\nHere are the stories of three artists, in their own words.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f292730\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022 id=\\u0022h-reynaldo-hernandez-the-muralist\\u0022\\u003EReynaldo Hernandez \\u2013 The Muralist\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EIn 1984, Reynaldo Hernandez created the iconic mural entitled \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d on an office building that presently sits at the corner of 7th \\u0026amp; North Avenue in Milwaukee. The site has a rich history, once serving as library and firestation, as well as the home of the Inner City Arts Council for many years.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOver the decades, Milwaukee has become a haven for many muralists to display their craft, but Hernandez\\u2019s work is part of the artistic landscape of my childhood. To this very day, it still is my favorite piece of public art in the city. During our interview, Hernandez details the striking images of the mural. It features the Mask of Benin, legendary jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, and a gorgeous Black woman rocking an afro.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EHernandez remembers the days when the Inner City Arts Council was the place to be for upcoming and established Black artists in the city. Its two floors consisted of dance and acting classes, alongside visual art studios for all ages. Like Hernandez, many other artists received their initial training \\u0026amp; professional opportunities at the emblematic organization.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/reynaldo-hernandez?si=dd3f59d3c0574c468eff9ff5fb373bb0\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker \\u2013 The Dancer\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EMama Ferne Caulker was a young bright-eyed dancer who was eager to share and display her talents with the community. She remembers being amongst an eclectic mix of people performing at various events like summer festivals and teaching kids in city parks.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EWith so much danger for Black residents like Caulker, the Inner City Arts Council gave her and others the chance to envision worlds beyond their wildest imaginations. \\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope,\\u201c she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EKo-Thi Dance Company, founded by Caulker in 1969, became a staple within the Inner City Arts Council thanks to their riveting performances and educational outreach initiatives.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/mama-ferne-caulker\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\u003Ch2 class=\\u0022wp-block-heading\\u0022\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell \\u2013 The Ingenue\\u003C\\\/h2\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:heading --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ESherri-Williams Pannell was a young girl who attended many performances that became staples within the Black community of Milwaukee. She was mesmerized by the Black theatrical productions that came to entertain her family. \\u201cI just sat there with my mouth hanging open,\\u201d she said.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOne of those plays was \\u201cTo Be Young, Gifted and Black\\u201d by Lorraine Hansberry. Parnell recalls how uplifting the work of the Inner City Arts Council was during her adolescent years into young womanhood as she went on to attend the prestigious Spelman College. Pannell would later obtain a degree in directing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in the footsteps of Lorraine Hansberry, who also attended the state\\u2019s flagship institution.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:embed {\\u0022url\\u0022:\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\\\u0026utm_source=clipboard\\\\u0026utm_medium=text\\\\u0026utm_campaign=social_sharing\\u0022,\\u0022type\\u0022:\\u0022rich\\u0022,\\u0022providerNameSlug\\u0022:\\u0022soundcloud\\u0022,\\u0022responsive\\u0022:true} --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cfigure class=\\u0022wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud\\u0022\\u003E\\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022wp-block-embed__wrapper\\u0022\\u003E\\nhttps:\\\/\\\/soundcloud.com\\\/arts-midwest\\\/sherri-williams-pannell?si=5ab39ba917c74df8a1cc6cb77b2ccdb8\\u0026amp;utm_source=clipboard\\u0026amp;utm_medium=text\\u0026amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\\n\\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\u003C\\\/figure\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:embed --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/block-quote {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/block-quote\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022quote\\u0022:\\u0022\\u201cWe found a vehicle with which to mount hope\\u201d\\u0022,\\u0022_quote\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_quote\\u0022,\\u0022author\\u0022:\\u0022- Mama Ferne Caulker\\u0022,\\u0022_author\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_author\\u0022,\\u0022collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022bottom\\u0022,\\u0022_collapse_margins\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_collapse_margins\\u0022,\\u0022color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022green\\u0022,\\u0022_color_theme\\u0022:\\u0022field_block_quote_color_theme\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29275b\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:2549,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022column\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f5f29276e\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EThe Inner City Arts Council went on to host iconic artists like Eartha Kitt, Ben Vereen, \\u0026amp; Alvin Ailey. Its impact positioned the organization as a forerunner until it later dissolved in the early 1990s, but those whispers are still within the city. Reynaldo Hernandez, Mama Ferne Caulker, Sherri-Williams Pannell, and so many others hold tales to a time where Black people sipped from its gourd. They are our elders. Our storytellers. Our libraries. It is my hope we continue to acknowledge the Inner City Arts Council and the artistic contributions of the people who were part of it, to inspire future generations in Milwaukee and beyond.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EInner City Arts Council archival images courtesy of Milwaukee County Historical Society. Reynaldo Hernandez photo by Sam Easton, Mama Ferne Caulker photo by Sara Stathas, Sheri Williams Pannell photo by Scott Paulus.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council....\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":2547,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\"The \\u201cCelebrate the Arts\\u201d mural was on the former Inner City Arts Council building was created by Reynaldo Hernandez in 1984 and was revitalized in 2015.\",\"date\":\"2022-02-25 02:25:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"February 25, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":102,\"name\":\"DeMar Walker\",\"slug\":\"demar-walker\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":102,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":1,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By DeMar Walker\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                    (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                    calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"cardHTML\":\"\\u003Cli\\n  x-data=\\u0022cards\\u0022\\n  class=\\u0022cursor-pointer group relative border border-transparent p-2.5 sm:p-5 rounded-[0.625rem] transition-all duration-300 mb-8 sm:mb-0 col-span-1 grid grid-cols-1 grid-rows-1   bg-dark-sky\\\/80 hover:border-light-green focus-within:border-light-green\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n\\n  \\u003Cdiv\\n    x-on:mouseover=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    x-on:mouseleave.away=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022relative z-10 col-start-1 row-start-1 group\\u0022\\n  \\u003E\\n    \\u003Cdiv class=\\u0022h-full overflow-hidden\\u0022\\u003E\\n      \\n      \\n      \\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022image\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022pb-5 transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n        :class=\\u0022hover \\u0026\\u0026 \\u0027opacity-5\\u0027\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n                  \\u003Cimg width=\\u0022690\\u0022 height=\\u0022480\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022A colorful mural on the side of a Milwaukee building, featuring Black and brown visual artists and performers.\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2.jpeg 690w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Inner-City-Arts-Mural-Full-View-2-300x209.jpeg 300w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/when-elders-speak-oral-histories-of-the-inner-city-arts-council\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                When Elders Speak: Oral Histories of the Inner City Arts Council\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              As a child, Milwaukee artist DeMar Walker was captivated by a mural on the side of a building: the former home of an organization called the Inner City Arts Council. Now the artistic director of Ko-Thi Dance Company, Walker is capturing the stories of the elders who contributed to this historic space for Black arts and celebrating the legacy of its foundational work.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"},{\"ID\":147,\"title\":\"Murals Brighten Central Wisconsin\",\"content\":\"\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EEight of these murals, marked with an asterisk, were created in partnership with the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and the Wisconsin Arts Board to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. These murals, organized by \\u003Ca href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.createportagecounty.org\\\/\\u0022\\u003ECREATE Portage County\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E, incorporate quotes authored by women from marginalized backgrounds, adding vibrant and meaningful public art that honors unique locations across Portage County.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EExplore all 13 murals and the creative stories that inspired them:\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:150,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eDondi Bueno\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural: \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eCalifornia-transplant-turned-local-artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.dondibueno.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eDondi Bueno\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Zest to kick off the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.createportagecounty.org\\\/paintthecounty\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePaint the County! initiative.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0His mural features a colorful octopus.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location? \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/zeststevenspoint\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eZest\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a coffee shop and bakery located on the edge of UW-Stevens Point. It is a wonderful community space but tucked into a location that is hard to find. The mural helps to grow the visibility of this hot spot!\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know: \\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003eYou can watch videos of octopi, known for being able to get out of almost any situation, spinning lids of jars or sliding through impossibly small holes. This content was chosen to remind us that we too will get out of the pandemic.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a1e5\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:157,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eStephon \\u201cKiBA\\u201d Freeman\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point alum and Chicago-native-turned-local-artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.kibafreemanart.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eStephon \\u201cKiBA\\u201d Freeman\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Worzalla Publishing in Stevens Point. His mural features a young girl reading and scenes from her imagination.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/worzalla.site\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eWorzalla\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is an employee-owned printing company founded in 1892 that produces high-end books for major publishers.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0From\\u00a0\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eDiary of a Wimpy Kid\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\u00a0to\\u00a0\\\\u003cem\\\\u003eWhere the Wild Things Are,\\\\u003c\\\/em\\\\u003e\\u00a0the books of your childhood were likely printed in Stevens Point, WI.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a259\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:154,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJessie Fritsch*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Local encaustics artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/jessiefritsch.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJessie Fritsch\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0and her art sisters painted a mural on the backside of the Mitchell Square Building as the cornerstone project of eight murals celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The eight murals connected to the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission span Portage County. We wanted an iconic mural in a high-visibility location to grow awareness of the project and encourage people to visit the other seven.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0In addition to memorializing Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this mural celebrates one woman of influence for every year since the 19th Amendment was ratified and includes many women important to Portage County\\u2019s history.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a287\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:156,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJon King\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point alum\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.thegingbeard.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJon King\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted the City of Wonderful Water typography mural on the wall of Father Fat\\u2019s Public House in Stevens Point.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/www.fatherfats.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eFather Fats\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0serves up shareable small plates that blend the tastes of New York, Asia, Spain, and the Deep South. The restaurant is a key contributor to the thriving local food scene in Central Wisconsin, which takes farm-to-table to a whole new level.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Stevens Point got the nickname \\u201cThe City of Wonderful Water\\u201d in the 1920s when it built Iverson Park to protect its drinking water. It reclaimed the title in 2010 when it won a taste test for best drinking water in the U.S.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a2af\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:155,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJohn Kowalczyk\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Milwaukee artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/johnkowalczykart.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJohn Kowalczyk\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted this trippy nature mural on the backside of two downtown storefronts in Stevens Point. The artwork plays with local flora by integrating images of the animals they are named for.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0When Stevens Point razed its mall, it exposed the backsides of storefronts along the northside of Main Street. This mural is part of an effort to beautify what became visible as a result of that demolition.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The land now called Stevens Point has a rich history of conservation. For 14,000 years it was home to the Menominee tribe, whose forest stewardship informed what became sustainable forestry. In 1946, UW-Stevens Point created the first conservation major in the country.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a2e1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:151,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eErin LaBonte \\\\u0026amp; David Carpenter*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022caps\\\\u0022\\\\u003eUWSP\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0alum Erin LaBonte and David Carpenter of\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.yonderartland.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eYonder Arts\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural featuring a quotation from Malala Yousefzai on the facade of Falcon One Stop in Amherst, WI.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural on Falcon One Stop adds vivid color to downtown Amherst, a smaller community in Portage County that has a rich arts scene with many artist studios nearby. You can visit these studios every October as part of the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/hiddenstudiosarttour.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eHidden Studios Tour.\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The People\\u2019s Fair in nearby Iola in 1970 rivaled Woodstock and drew a crowd of about 85,000 people, many of whom made a home in the Tomorrow River area that includes Amherst.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a312\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:159,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThomas Moberg\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Central Wisconsin resident and UW-Stevens Point alum Thomas Moberg painted a landscape mural on the wall of MC Z\\u2019s Brew Pub in Rosholt that is inspired by the farm fields that surround Rosholt.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/mczsbrewpub\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eMC Z\\u2019s Brew Pub\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a family-friendly microbrewery that serves soups, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers. One of nine local breweries, wineries, and distilleries that make up the Central Wisconsin Craft Collective, Mc Z\\u2019s is part of the rich history of beverage making in Portage County.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Hops have been grown in Rosholt for generations. The community used to host dances to celebrate the hops harvest. Rosholt-grown hops are still used in local beers today!\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a344\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:160,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eXee Reiter*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Minneapolis artists Xee Reiter painted a mural in tribute to the Hmong refugee experience on the wall of the Point Market and Vietnamese Restaurant on the southside of Stevens Point.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy This Location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e Stevens Point is home to many Hmong community members and the \\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/pointasianmarket\\\/\\\\u0022\\\\u003ePoint Market and Vietnamese Restaurant\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e is one of the many cultural assets we have because of the contributions of this community. The restaurant serves pho and other traditional cooking and the market imports Asian grocery items.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Hmong community served as allies to the U.S. during the Vietnam War. After the fall of Long Cheng, a\\u00a0\\\\u003cspan class=\\\\u0022caps\\\\u0022\\\\u003eCIA\\\\u003c\\\/span\\\\u003e\\u00a0airbase in Laos, many Hmong people were evacuated or fled to refugee camps in Thailand. The bright-colored bags featured in this mural are often called \\u201crefugee bags\\u201d and were used to hold their belongings.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a377\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:149,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eChris Sweet*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Ho-chunk artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.indigenousfirst.org\\\/chris-sweet\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eChristopher Sweet\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the barn at Fernwood Acres to recognize the influence of the Haudenosaunee on the Women\\u2019s Suffrage movement.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Fernwood Acres is a farm south of Amherst on Highway 54 between Plover and Waupaca. The mural is best viewed when driving west and is nearby to Hartman Creek State Park, which offers camping, mountain biking, and access to the Ice Age Trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Christopher Sweet\\u2019s cousin Denise Sweet was the Poet Laureate of Wisconsin and wrote an original poem \\u201cSong for Seven Sisters\\u201d to accompany this mural.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3a8\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:152,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eIsaac Tapia \\\\u0026amp; Rodrigo Alvarez (IT-RA Icons)*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Kansas City duo Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alavarez, also known as\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.itraicons.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eIT-RA Icons,\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted a mural on the wall of Adelante to celebrate the growing Latinx community in Almond, featuring a young girl looking up at the stars.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.liberationfarmers.com\\\/marketplace-cafe\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAdelante\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a local farm-to-table caf\\u00e9, coffee roastery, food marketplace, commercial kitchen to rent, and community gathering space in Almond, WI. It was a perfect spot for this mural due to its weekly pizza and taco nights, which draw a crowd to this outdoor dining space.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural is based on a quotation by Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut who first traveled into space in 1993. On her four spaceflights, Ochoa spent more than 40 days in space.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3d1\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:153,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eJason Tetlak*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Florida artist\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022http:\\\/\\\/art.tetlak.com\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eJason Tetlak\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0painted this train-inspired mural on the former Central Waters Brewing location in Junction City.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural location was once home to Central Waters Brewing, which has now moved to Amherst and has opened a second location in Milwaukee. Central Waters, best-known for its barrel-aged brews, is a part of the rich brewing tradition that started with the Point Brewery, the fifth-oldest continuously operated brewery in the U.S.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Jason Tetlak has studied paint colors to figure out how to make 3D murals. When viewed through a red filter, these paintings reveal a hidden image.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a3fd\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:158,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eThe Thielking-Brunett Family*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0UW-Stevens Point art professor Kristin Thielking, Keven Brunett and their kids painted a mural featuring a mermaid on the support pillar of a bridge that crosses the Wisconsin River adjacent to a bike trail called the Green Circle Trail.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/greencircletrail.org\\\/\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eThe Green Circle Trail\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e\\u00a0is a 28-mile bike loop that encircles Stevens Point and takes cyclists and hikers through some of our most beautiful nature areas. We wanted more art to greet people making use of this trail system.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0To paint this mural, the artists had to set up scaffolding in a moving river that was about three feet deep. The mural also extends to the bridge and trail creating an immersive art experience.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a42a\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/image {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/image\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:{\\u0022image\\u0022:148,\\u0022_image\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_image\\u0022,\\u0022layout\\u0022:\\u0022flow-text\\u0022,\\u0022_layout\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_layout\\u0022,\\u0022text\\u0022:\\u0022\\\\u003ch2\\\\u003eAmy Zaremba*\\\\u003c\\\/h2\\\\u003e\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eAbout This Mural:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0Madison artist Amy Zaremba and friends painted a mural honoring the potato-growing traditions of Almond, Wisconsin on the\\u00a0\\\\u003ca href=\\\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/www.pocolibrary.org\\\/locations-and-hours\\\\u0022 target=\\\\u0022_blank\\\\u0022 rel=\\\\u0022noopener\\\\u0022\\\\u003eAlmond Public Library\\\\u003c\\\/a\\\\u003e.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eWhy this location?\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0The Almond Public Library also serves at the Village Hall and is in the center of the community. Mural locations were chosen in part to spread creative energy to all communities in Portage County.\\\\r\\\\n\\\\r\\\\n\\\\u003cstrong\\\\u003eYou Might Not Know:\\\\u003c\\\/strong\\\\u003e\\u00a0This mural integrates the colors of the suffragettes: purple, white, and gold.\\u0022,\\u0022_text\\u0022:\\u0022field_image_text\\u0022},\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a453\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EProjects marked with an asterisk are part of a partnership with the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, and the Wisconsin Arts Board that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment through murals that incorporate inspirational quotations authored by women from marginalized backgrounds, adding vibrant and meaningful public art that honors these unique locations. The Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission was created by Congress to coordinate a nationwide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, ensuring that Americans across the country find inspiration in this important milestone.\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n\\u003C!-- \\\/wp:paragraph --\\u003E\\n\\n\\u003C!-- wp:acf\\\/newsletter-prompt {\\u0022name\\u0022:\\u0022acf\\\/newsletter-prompt\\u0022,\\u0022data\\u0022:[],\\u0022align\\u0022:\\u0022\\u0022,\\u0022mode\\u0022:\\u0022preview\\u0022,\\u0022block_id\\u0022:\\u0022block_acf-6633f7d26a471\\u0022} \\\/--\\u003E\",\"excerpt\":\"When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic development organization in Stevens Point, WI, put artists impacted by\\u00a0COVID-19 to work painting murals inspired by themes including food, imagination, farming, refugee experiences, and resilience.\",\"auto_excerpt\":\"When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic...\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-brighten-central-wisconsin\\\/\",\"placeholder_count\":\"\",\"featured_image\":153,\"featured_image_url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png\",\"featured_image_html\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022768\\u0022 height=\\u0022512\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022object-cover w-full h-full transition-transform group-hover:scale-105\\u0022 alt=\\u0022On the side of a short brick building, in funky pink lettering over white and light green paint, read the words \\u201cI love the way I feel when I pass the moon and I holler to the stars I\\u2019m coming through.\\u201d *Part of the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission*\\u0022 loading=\\u0022lazy\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png 768w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png 900w\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\",\"featured_image_focal_point\":\"object-position: 50% 50%;\",\"featured_caption\":\" Mural by Jason Tetlak\",\"date\":\"2022-01-31 00:18:00\",\"pretty_date\":\"January 31, 2022\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"post_type_label\":\"Stories\",\"authors\":[{\"term_id\":22,\"name\":\"CREATE Portage County\",\"slug\":\"create-portage-county\",\"term_group\":0,\"term_taxonomy_id\":22,\"taxonomy\":\"aw-author\",\"description\":\"CREATE Portage County has become a leading voice in the field of small-city, people-centered community and economic development. Established in 2004 as an arts advocacy organization, CREATE learned quickly how to leverage creativity and culture to attract and support people with big ideas. CREATE now works at the overlaps of creative placemaking, social justice, and entrepreneurial ecosystem building. We are helping communities improve their quality of life and strengthen their local economies.\",\"parent\":0,\"count\":2,\"filter\":\"raw\"}],\"authors_string\":\"By CREATE Portage County\",\"locations\":[{\"ID\":14,\"label\":\"Wisconsin\",\"slug\":\"wisconsin\",\"taxonomy\":\"location\",\"description\":\"\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\"}],\"update_categories\":[],\"programs\":[],\"content_types\":[],\"resource_topics\":[],\"audiences\":[],\"reading_time\":null,\"imageHTML\":\"\\u003Cimg width=\\u0022900\\u0022 height=\\u0022600\\u0022 src=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png\\u0022 class=\\u0022aspect-[4\\\/3] object-cover\\u0022 alt=\\u0022On the side of a short brick building, in funky pink lettering over white and light green paint, read the words \\u201cI love the way I feel when I pass the moon and I holler to the stars I\\u2019m coming through.\\u201d *Part of the Women\\u2019s Suffrage Centennial Commission*\\u0022 style=\\u0022object-position: 50% 50%;\\u0022 sizes=\\u0022(min-width: 1480px) 372px,\\n                                    (min-width: 1280px) calc(33.33vw - 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7.33rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 1024px) calc(33.33vw - 6rem),\\n                                                                  (min-width: 640px) calc(50vw - 5rem),\\n                                                                  calc(100vw - 2rem)\\u0022 srcset=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak.png 900w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-300x200.png 300w, https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Murals-Brighten-Central-Wisconsin_Jason-Tetlak-768x512.png 768w\\u0022 \\\/\\u003E\\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cdiv\\n        x-ref=\\u0022textArea\\u0022\\n        class=\\u0022transition-all duration-300\\u0022\\n      \\u003E\\n\\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Ch3\\n            class=\\u0022text-lg sm:text-2xl leading-7.5 font-semibold mb-8\\u0022\\n                      \\u003E\\n                          \\u003Ca\\n                x-ref=\\u0022mainLink\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusin=\\u0022mouseover\\u0022\\n                x-on:focusout=\\u0022mouseleave\\u0022\\n                class=\\u0022focus:outline-none\\u0022\\n                href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/stories\\\/murals-brighten-central-wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n                target=\\u0022_self\\u0022\\n              \\u003E\\n                Murals Brighten Central Wisconsin\\n              \\u003C\\\/a\\u003E\\n                      \\u003C\\\/h3\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n        \\n        \\n                  \\u003Cdiv x-show=\\u0022hover\\u0022 class=\\u0022\\u0022\\u003E\\n            \\u003Cp\\n              class=\\u0022block mt-6 mb-8 font-serif text-base line-clamp-3\\u0022\\n              x-ref=\\u0022excerpt\\u0022\\n            \\u003E\\n              When you visit Portage County, Wisconsin, you\\u2019ll see thirteen incredible new pieces of art on buildings around the region. Through a program inspired by the New Deal,\\u00a0CREATE\\u00a0Portage County,\\u00a0a people-centered economic development organization in Stevens Point, WI, put artists impacted by\\u00a0COVID-19 to work painting murals inspired by themes including food, imagination, farming, refugee experiences, and resilience.\\n            \\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\n          \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n        \\n        \\n              \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\n    \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n  \\u003C\\\/div\\u003E\\n\\n      \\u003Cul class=\\u0022flex gap-3 list-none p-0 mt-1 sm:mt-4 flex-wrap\\u0022\\u003E\\n                            \\u003Cli\\u003E\\n                \\u003Ca \\n    href=\\u0022https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/locations\\\/wisconsin\\\/\\u0022\\n    class=\\u0022text-xs inline-block px-5 pt-1.5 pb-0.75 rounded-full border transition-colors whitespace-nowrap text-white border-light-purple bg-transparent hover:text-white hover:bg-light-purple\\u0022\\n\\u003E\\n    Wisconsin\\n\\u003C\\\/a\\u003E            \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n                  \\u003C\\\/ul\\u003E\\n  \\n  \\u003C\\\/li\\u003E\\n\"}],\"invested\":208075,\"participants\":12511,\"grants\":42,\"communities\":33}},\"label\":\"2022\",\"query_var\":\"2022\",\"url\":\"?impact-year=2022\",\"complete_financials\":{\"title\":\"Learn More\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/artsmidwest.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/11\\\/2022-Financials.pdf\",\"target\":\"\"},\"complete_financials_label\":\"See Complete 2022 Financials\",\"key\":3}] }'\n          x-id=\"['dropdown']\"\n          @click.outside=\"isOpen = false\"\n          class=\"relative mb-3 text-sm leading-none\"\n        >\n          <!-- Filter button -->\n          <button \n            :aria-controls=\"$id('dropdown')\" \n            :aria-expanded=\"isOpen\" \n            :class=\"isOpen &#038;&#038; 'text-white\/60'\"\n            @click=\"isOpen = !isOpen\"\n            class=\"pt-0.5 pr-8 pl-3.5 w-full h-11 leading-10 text-left border border-light-purple\" \n          >\n                          <span class=\"sr-only\">\n                Year. 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<\/a>\n          <\/div>\n\n          \n                      <div\n              x-show=\"showPosts\"\n              x-ref=\"posts\"\n            >\n              <h2\n                class=\"pb-6 mt-32 mb-12 text-3xl font-light leading-none border-b border-white sm:text-4xl sm:leading-snug\"\n                x-html=\"activeState.headings.stories.replace('[year]', activeYear.label)\"\n              >\n              <\/h2>\n              <ul\n                class=\"list-none p-0 -mx-2.5 sm:mx-auto sm:grid sm:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-5 sm:gap-y-[3.75rem] \"\n              >\n                <template x-for=\"story in posts\">\n                  <li x-html=\"story.cardHTML\"><\/li>\n                <\/template>\n              <\/ul>\n\n                              <div class=\"mt-5 sm:mt-20\">\n                  <a class=\"inline-flex items-center transition-colors text-sm leading-6 z-20 relative overflow-hidden text-dark-sky pt-2.5 pb-2 px-10 rounded-xl bg-light-green before:content-[&#039;&#039;] before:absolute before:inset-0 before:transition-colors before:bg-transparent hover:before:bg-white\/20 active:before:bg-dark-sky\/5\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/stories\/\"\n  \n>\n  \n      <span class=\"relative\">\n      View All Stories\n    <\/span>\n  <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n          \n                      <div\n              x-show=\"showGrantees\"\n              x-ref=\"grantees\"\n            >\n              <h2\n                class=\"pb-6 mt-32 mb-12 text-3xl font-light leading-none border-b border-white sm:text-4xl sm:leading-snug\"\n                x-html=\"activeState.headings.grantees.replace('[year]', activeYear.label)\"\n              >\n              <\/h2>\n\n              <div class=\"hidden w-full grid-cols-9 gap-6 px-4 py-6 border-b border-purple lg:grid\">\n  <div class=\"col-span-3 font-semibold text-left\">\n    Organization\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"font-semibold text-left\">\n    City\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"font-semibold text-left\">\n    State\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"font-semibold text-left\">\n    Amount\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"font-semibold text-left\">\n    Fiscal Year\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"col-span-2 font-semibold text-left\">\n    Grant\/Program\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n              <ul>\n                <template x-for=\"grantee in grantees\">\n                  <li\n                    class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 px-4 py-10 w-full lg:grid-cols-9 even:bg-midnight\"\n                    x-html=\"grantee.tableRowHTML\"\n                  ><\/li>\n                <\/template>\n              <\/ul>\n\n                              <div class=\"mt-5 sm:mt-20\">\n                  <a class=\"inline-flex items-center transition-colors text-sm leading-6 z-20 relative overflow-hidden text-dark-sky pt-2.5 pb-2 px-10 rounded-xl bg-light-green before:content-[&#039;&#039;] before:absolute before:inset-0 before:transition-colors before:bg-transparent hover:before:bg-white\/20 active:before:bg-dark-sky\/5\" target=\"_self\" href=\"https:\/\/artsmidwest.org\/impact\/grant-recipients\/\"\n  \n>\n  \n      <span class=\"relative\">\n      Explore All Grantees\n    <\/span>\n  <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"wing-container wing-top-right relative z-50 hidden sm:block\" aria-hidden=\"true\" >\n    \n        <div \n            aria-hidden=\"true\" \n            class=\"wing absolute w-24 md:w-34 lg:w-48 h-14 md:h-20 lg:h-28 transform right-0 top-px -translate-y-full [clip-path:polygon(100%0%,100%100%,0%100%)] bg-\"\n        ><\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n    \n<section\n  \n  class=\"wp-block-text-cta bg-white text-black flex site-padding relative\"\n  data-block-index=\"0\" style=\"z-index:1;\"\n>\n\n  <div\n    class=\"main-col w-full pt-9 pb-15 sm:py-36 items-center inline-grid auto-rows-fr grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-0\"\n  >\n\n    <div>\n              <h2 class=\"lg:max-w-[557px] pr-0 lg:pr-8 text-3xl mb-10 lg:mb-0 leading-none sm:text-5xl \">\n          Midwestern creativity is powered by you!<\/h2>\n          <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"w-fit lg:ml-auto\">\n              <p class=\"lg:max-w-[465px] font-serif  mb-10 \">\n          We care fiercely about Midwestern creativity. Make a gift today and fuel the makers, dreamers, and doers who make our region shine. <\/p>\n      \n      <span class=\"flex flex-row flex-wrap gap-4\">\n                  <a class=\"inline-flex items-center transition-colors text-sm leading-6 z-20 relative overflow-hidden text-dark-sky pt-2.5 pb-2 px-10 rounded-xl bg-light-green before:content-[&#039;&#039;] before:absolute before:inset-0 before:transition-colors before:bg-transparent hover:before:bg-white\/20 active:before:bg-dark-sky\/5\" target=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/give.artsmidwest.org\/give\/333878\/#!\/donation\/checkout\"\n  \n>\n  \n      <span class=\"relative\">\n      Make A Gift\n    <\/span>\n  <\/a>\n        \n              <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7345,13002,6420,399,407,6122","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3754","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Impact - Arts Midwest<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates creative organizations and communities across the Midwest and the nation. 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