Details
Date: September 1, 2026 - November 25, 2026Location
Ground Floor GalleryEast Lansing, MI 48824
The exhibition features over 90 artworks drawn from both public and private collections, including the MSU Museum’s extensive holdings and archives built over 40 years of research and programming through the Michigan Traditional Arts Program.
This fully bilingual exhibition which is presented in Anishinabemowin and English celebrates the creativity, skill, and cultural continuity of contemporary Anishinabe artists from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Manitoulin Island, Canada. It honors the generations of elders and ancestors who have passed down this intricate art form and highlights the enduring relationships between teachers and learners, the connection to natural resources, and the resilience of Indigenous traditions in the modern era.
Co-managed by Wabanimkee and Dr. Marsha MacDowell, Curator of Folk Arts at the MSU Museum and Director of the Michigan Traditional Arts Program, the exhibition was developed through close collaboration among Native artists, archivists, language specialists, elders, MSU faculty, and curators including MSU Museum’s Dr. C. Kurt Dewhurst. A Native advisory committee ensured the cultural integrity and authenticity of the exhibition.
In addition to the artwork, visitors can explore videos and photographs documenting the harvesting of materials and the quill art-making process, as well as interactive panels, hands-on activities, and a recreation of a master artist’s workstation.
This project was led by the collaborative efforts of the Ziibiwing Center for Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways; the Michigan Traditional Arts Program and MSU Office of University Outreach and Engagement; and the Michigan State University Museum. The project has been made possible through support from the Terra Foundation for American Art, National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Andrew W. Mellon/Less Commonly Taught Language Grant at Michigan State University, Michigan Traditional Arts Exhibition Fund/MSU with additional in-kind support from the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways (Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan), Michigan State University Museum, Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (Manitoulin Island, Canada), Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network, Michigan Traditional Arts Program/MSU, Michigan State University Native American Institute, and the MSU Office for University Outreach and Engagement.
Image Caption:
Nswi-minidook/ Three Shamans
Carl Beam (Anishinabek), gaa-segaajigaadang gijeying/ designer of top
M’Chigeeng First Nation, Mnidoo Mnising, Ontario/ West Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
Maime Migwans (Anishinabek), Gaa-zhitoot mkakoonhs/ maker of box