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Duluth Public Library to Install Anishinaabe/Ojibwe Mural at Mount Royal Branch

DULUTH, MN-The Duluth Public Library is pleased to announce new artwork will be installed at the Mount Royal Branch Library.

The artwork, “Grandma’s Lap” was created by local Duluth Anishinaabe/Ojibwe artist, Sarah Agaton Howes. "Grandma's Lap" is a piece about recreation and the sharing of stories through generations but also how we create space to share stories.

Duluth Public Library will host a press conference Tuesday, October 19th, 2021, at 9 a.m. at the Mount Royal Branch Library to unveil the artwork. The press conference will be closed to the public, but news outlets are invited to attend.

This project was sponsored by Arrowhead Library System and was funded in part or whole with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and Duluth Public Arts Commission.

With this funding, the library was able to commission a piece of artwork that represents our diverse community. The Duluth Public Library’s Diversity in Action group received submissions from several talented and qualified local artists interested in taking on this project. Howes was chosen to create the artwork because the vision of her work resonated with the goals the library had when undertaking this project.

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About the artist:

Sarah Agaton Howes is an Anishinaabe/Ojibwe artist, business owner, mama, and organizer from Fond du Lac Reservation in Northern Minnesota. Sarah is one of the organizers of the KwePack, an Indigenous Women's Running Group. As an Inspired Natives collaborator, her Ojibwe design business Heart Berry brings together Ojibwe stories with contemporary spaces and utilitarian art. She creates custom murals, logos, alongside her line of wool blankets and apparel. She is most proud of her work on revitalizing moccasin making and cultural art. Sarah believes in the power of art as reclamation.

ANISHINAABE/OJIBWE MURAL INSTALLATION PRESS CONFERENCE

Tuesday October 19th at 9 a.m.

Mt. Royal Branch Library . 105 Mt. Royal Shopping Circle

I. Carla Powers, Duluth Public Library manager…………………………………………Introduction

II. Lori Crocker, Duluth Public Library Branch Coordinator..………..Background & Funding

III. Sarah Aganton Howes, artist………………………………….………………………..About the Mural

Also in attendance:

• Mayor Emily Larson – City of Duluth

• Alicia Kozlowski -- City of Duluth, Community Relations Officer

• Kristy Nerhaugen – Duluth Public Library, Youth Services Librarian

• Sue Schumacher – Duluth Public Library, Youth Services & Branch Library Supervisor