The Dakota County Library is pleased to announce an exciting program series featuring critically acclaimed Dakota artist Marlena Myles.
Learn more about the past, present and future of the Dakota people with events centered on the themes of connectedness and hope for the future. View Myles' new artistic map of the Dakota County area and participate in the co-creation of an art piece symbolizing well-wishes for the next generation.
A Minnesota legacy series sponsored by Minnesota's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
About the artist
Marlena Myles is a self-taught Spirit Lake Dakota artist located 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. 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 shown her fine art in galleries such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Museum of Russian Art, and the Minnesota Museum of American Art to name a few. 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.
Events
Learning Through Art: Dakota Artist Marlena Myles
Learn from nationally recognized Dakota artist Marlena Myles as she shares about the past, present and future of the Dakota people. Participate in a meaningful collaborative 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
Meet nationally recognized Marlena Myles, a self-taught Dakota artist who shares her culture with others through her art. Learn 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.