The public is invited to learn about Indigenous history and culture from Dakota artist Marlena Myles in programs this fall hosted by Dakota County Library.
The library is hosting Myles as an artist-in-residence. Myles is a nationally recognized, self-taught Spirit Lake Dakota artist in St. Paul. Her art brings modernity to Indigenous history, languages and oral traditions while using the land as a teacher. Her professional work includes children's books, augmented reality, murals, fabrics and animations.
Participants will learn about the past, present and future of the Dakota people with events centered on the themes of connectedness and hope for the future. The public can also view Myles' new artistic map of the Dakota County area and help create an art piece symbolizing well-wishes for the next generation.
Library events with Myles will include:
Learning Through Art: Dakota Artist Marlena Myles
Myles will share about the past, present and future of the Dakota people. Attendees will collaborate in a meaningful art activity centered on the themes of connectedness and hope for the future. For adults.
- Galaxie
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6–7:30 p.m. - Heritage
Thursday, Sept. 26, 10–11:30 a.m. - Wescott
Monday, Sept. 30, 6–7:30 p.m. - Inver Glen
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2–3:30 p.m. - Pleasant Hill
Thursday, Oct. 10, 6–7:30 p.m. - Wentworth
Friday, Nov. 1, 10–11:30 a.m.
Meet Dakota Artist Marlena Myles
Myles, who shares her culture with others through her art, will discuss how she created an artistic wrap for a bus, animations, a Google Doodle, fabric and fashion designs, and augmented reality art. Snacks will be provided. Ages 14–18.
- Kaposia
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 3–4:30 p.m.
More about Myles
Myles has shown her fine art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Museum of Russian Art, the Minnesota Museum of American Art and more.
She has installed three site-specific augmented reality public art installations:
- Dakota Spirit Walk (St. Paul)
- Sacred Hoop Walk (Minnesota Landscape Arboretum)
- Wodakota Walk (Caponi Art Park)
She has created a Google Doodle and public art for Target and Starbucks. She owns a Dakota publishing company, Wíyouŋkihipi (We Are Capable) Productions, to create a wider platform that educates and honors the culture, language and history of Dakota people.
In 2023, she was awarded the Knight Arts + Tech Fellowship, Joyce Award, Rise25 Mozilla Honoree and created her first documentary "Realms of Resilience" as part of the 2024 ALL ARTS Artist in Resident.
Myles' artist-in-residence program is a Minnesota legacy series sponsored by Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.