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Now Exhibiting: Laura YoungbirdJune 23 – September 16
LRAC Office Gallery | 133 S Mill St, Fergus Falls, MN
We are honored to present the work of Laura Youngbird, a renowned mixed media artist, printmaker, educator, and advocate for Native Art and Culture. Her exhibition is now on view in our gallery.
Closing Reception:
Tuesday, September 16
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Come meet the artist and experience the stories behind the work.
About Laura Youngbird:
"I am a mixed media artist, combining drawing, painting, and prints. The dress has been a consistent and important symbol in my work. This simple garment inspires layer upon layer of meaning—unraveling stories of identity, memory, loss, and love.
This journey began with haunting images of my grandmother as a young girl in her little white dress, standing in front of the oldest Catholic Church in Minnesota. The photos—most with her face scratched out—launched my exploration into the impacts of assimilation, identity erasure, and generational memory.
My work often reflects the complexities of clothing: as acts of love and nurture—like my mother sewing dresses for us—and as coverings that mask or disguise.
I work in series such as Common Thread, Loose Ends, Thread Bare, and my current work, Blood Memory. I’m intrigued by how memory is passed down maternally—coded in mitochondrial DNA. I use iron oxide (rust) instead of commercial paint, evoking both blood and earth. The Earth is our Mother. Iron is in our blood. This material speaks to ancestral wisdom, resilience, and the deep connection between all living beings."
Laura holds a BFA, MA, and BS in Art Education from MSUM, where she currently teaches. Her career includes serving as Director of Native American Art Programs at Plains Art Museum, as well as numerous artist residencies and fellowships across the country. She is a recipient of grants and awards from the Jerome Foundation, Highpoint Center for Printmaking, First People's Fund, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
133 South Mill Street, Fergus Falls, MN, United States, Minnesota 56537
