Creative Communities: Cultural Connections Through Art, Compas Humanity grant project

Creative Communities: Cultural Connections Through Art - Exhibit and

Residency Recap

Exhibition Dates: May 17, 2025 to July 30

Location: UROC – University of Minnesota, Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center

I recently completed the Creative

Communities: Cultural Connections Through Art Education Exhibit — a meaningful project that brought cultural arts to the community.

As a COMPAS Teaching Artist, I had the opportunity to work with seniors at SEWA-AIFW, an organization dedicated to supporting the

health and wellness of the South Asian community. Over the course of

the residency, our group explored Indian folk art forms — from intricate mandalas to expressive sand art and joyful painting techniques — while also discovering new ways to connect with one

another through shared creativity.

Together, we created three large collaborative art pieces that are now on display in the gallery. Two pieces are in a Gond art style, a particular tribal art that is found in central India.

1. The vibrant Wish Tree in Gond style - The wish tree on this canvas represents abundance, prosperity, and divine blessings, a common symbol in Indian folklore. In the Gond tradition, trees are often depicted as powerful symbols of life, rooted deeply in the earth while reaching toward the heavens. The wish tree (Kalpavriksha) is believed to grant wishes and is a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds. The swirling, intricate branches and vibrant leaves reflect the interconnectedness of all life and the continuous flow of energy between the physical and spiritual realms.

2. Mandala with Lotus and Parrots This canvas features a mandala, a sacred geometric design that represents unity, balance, and the cosmos. The outer circle of the mandala is adorned with a lotus, symbolizing spiritual growth, purity, and enlightenment. Inside the lotus, the mandala is divided into four squares, representing the four corners of the earth and the house, signifying the four cardinal directions and the foundation of the world. Outside of the circles it also incorporate parrots with leaves and vines to connect with earth and sky This design reflects the harmony between nature, the physical world, and the spiritual journey of self-discovery. The mandala's symmetry emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the balance of life.

The Peacock in Gond Art  This canvas features a peacock painted in Gond style, a traditional art form from central India known for its intricate patterns and vibrant use of color. In Gond culture, the peacock symbolizes beauty, transformation, and spiritual grace. The peacock’s tail feathers, rich in geometric shapes and patterns, represent renewal, as the peacock sheds its feathers each year, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life. In this artwork, the peacock serves as a metaphor for beauty and divine wisdom, guiding us through life's cycles.

Each piece reflects the seniors’ enthusiasm, effort, and willingness to work together as a true creative community. Many had never painted

before, yet they poured their hearts into the process — and the results are stunning.

This exhibit was part of a joint effort with fellow Teaching Artist

Amy Wilderson, who led a parallel residency at the Minnesota African

American Heritage Museum and Gallery, where participants created

sculptural wire jewelry inspired by personal memories and family

heritage.

We wrapped up the exhibit on May 24th with a joyful closing

celebration and cultural exchange at UROC. It was an uplifting

afternoon where participants from both residencies came together to

share their work, learn from one another, and build bridges through

art.

This project was made possible by the Minnesota Humanities Center with

funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, reflecting

Minnesota's ongoing investment in honoring diverse cultural voices.

Thank you to all who participated and supported this beautiful journey!