Local Art Seen: Native Artist Leah Yellowbird's Stunning New Work at the AICHO

The work Leah Yellowbird has been producing now defies easy categorization other than to say it is remarkable. The sad part of language is that in our super-hype culture words like "awesome" and other superlatives have been watered down from overuse. Yes, I am guilty of using similar language at times, in an effort to convey how distinctive something is. In Leah Yellowbird's case, the words aren't big enough, expressive enough to convey the power one sees and feels here.

This past Friday evening was the opening reception for her new show DIMENSIONS. Her technical explorations have led her into more 3-D constructions and continued decorative marvels. Her American flag is one of the most striking new pieces. I share three photos here from various angles so as to help convey the whole of it properly. I can't recall ever having seen anything like it.

Here are a dozen images from the Dimensions show, some of them showing a close-up detail to help you appreciate the work involved. At the end of this page is a link to my interview with Leah from a couple years ago. She is an artist whom I will continue to watch, a true innovator. 

Flag, from the left.

From the front. 

From the right. As you can see, one photo would fail to convey what you see here.

This is a decorated table.

Much of her imagery has its origin in nature.

This close-up shows the detail that might initially be missed in the piece above.

Her snakes writhe.

Her horses leap from the imagination.

Like a blossoming flower, her creative spirit emerges and unfolds
in endless new forms.

Interview with Leah Yellowbird.

Ms. Yellowbird's work is currently on display in the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center at the AICHO Building on Second Street in Duluth.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Get into it.

Now You Know Where The AICHO Building Downtown Is Located

Giclee reproductions of work by Rabbet Strickland can be found here.

For the past five years I have been writing and telling people about events at the AICHO, former YWCA that houses the newly named Dr. Robert Powless Community Center. All too often I'm met with blank expressions. "Where's that?"

Well, now we know. As you drive East on Second Street from Mesabi and past the courthouse, we've got a landmark. Here's the backstory from yesterday's DNT regarding the new mural on the West-facing side of the AICHO property.

Now that you know how to find it, I'll mention again the Indigenous Arts shop inside where you can find gifts and various items created by local

Detail from Leah Yellowbird piece.

artists and craftspersons.

KBJR also produced this account of the new mural.

But art is not the only thing happening here. Housing for homeless families has been created, along with a deepened sense of community.

When I met with director Michelle LeBeau last week I learned that AICHO now owns five properties, including a battered women's shelter and a new facility in the developing West End that includes a larger gift shop and laundromat, along with more housing. Low income housing is a critical need here in the Twin Ports.

Moira, on staff here, is a superfine artist in her own right.

"Creation Story" by Karen Savage.

Here's my original story on the mural, and what follows are some additional photos from the roof and inside the gift shop.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Get into it.