Local artist creates mural focusing on diversity for MSUM
A new mural by Faron Blakely, local Native American artist, and MSUM students will be unveiled at a reception on Thursday, September 9 at the MSUM Livingston Lord Library. The artwork will be displayed on the third floor of the library where it will be permanently installed. Viewing of the piece will be from 5:30-7 p.m. with a program at 6 p.m. There will be an opportunity to hear from the artist and the students who were involved in the project.
This project was supported by a Lake Region Arts Council grant, funded by a Minnesota State Legislative appropriation; the MSUM Livingston Lord Library Endowment; MSUM’s Training Our Campuses Against Racism; MSUM Women’s Center; and a Diversity Activities Fund Grant from MSUM’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Blakely used a process of discussion and collaboration with MSUM students and other members of the MSUM community as the inspiration for the mural. The mural explores ideas about diversity and how this can be acknowledged and processed through art. MSUM’s Livingston Lord Library commissioned this work as part of its mission to enrich the experience of students, faculty, and citizens through student-centered art.
Faron Blakey, White Earth artist, lives in Fargo, N.D., in an apartment development that borders wheat fields. This world differs starkly from Phillips, the inner city Minneapolis neighborhood where Blakely nearly died, in l991, under the Franklin Avenue Bridge. Brought back to life, he feels blessed to get a chance to do his art. He considers art his way to heal, be a family man and be strong.
This diversity mural project will serve as a opportunity for a larger campus and community conversation about how we create spaces that are welcoming to and reflective of a diverse population.