Beading, weaving and animal hides: New exhibitions showcase diversity of Native textile art

Two new exhibits featuring Native artists from across the state opens Tuesday at the Textile Center in Minneapolis. One exhibit, “TWO-SPIRIT STORIES”, brings together six different emerging, Two-Spirit artists to respond to the question: “What is your story?” Across their pieces, they offer diverse and intimate reflections on the prompt.The second exhibit features 11 Dakota and Anishinaabe artists. From beadwork to canoes and baskets, “Mni Sóta: Traditions & Innovations” highlights the vast breadth of Native and textile art in traditional and contemporary ways. Penny Kagigebi is the curator for community collaboration for “TWO-SPIRIT STORIES.” She is a direct descendant of the White Earth Ojibwe. Delina White is curator for “Mni Sóta: Traditions & Innovations” and is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. She is also the founder of “IamAnishinaabe” fashion house as well as Native Nations Fashion Night. Kagigebi and White joined Minnesota Now for a conversation about their exhibits.