"Ojibwe by Design"
The Ojibwe by Design painting workshop brought local students into the Bemidji State University painting studio to workshop with Watermark’s resident artist, Sarah McRae and to introduce students to the experience of producing artwork in a college setting.
As their teacher, Sarah showed students her artwork and talked about her process and inspirations. Students were introduced to many indigenous artists including Star Wallowing Bull, Tom Jones, John Hitchcock, Christi Belcourt, Emmi Whitehorse, and Kay Walkingstick.
A focus on the principles of design were highlighted with encouragement on the intent of filling space in a beautiful way. Emphasis was placed on individual student voice, with hope they find
their own voice in their own artwork. Sarah’s intent was to provide students inspiration as well as the technical skills to go forth and create beautyon their own.
The class was held June 24-28, 2024 with the students meeting for three hours each day with sessions focusing on Indigenous art history with focus on individual Indigenous artists, personal artistic techniques and practical studio experience within a college setting.