Express Yourself

Get Inspired: Reclaiming Native American Art

Express yourself. Art is an expression of who you are. We're inviting your family to think about how you use art to express yourselves and the power art has to bring people together. Check out this video about about Louie Gong’s created a business that amplifies the voice of Native American artists.

Art is a creative way to share your identity and your culture. From wool blankets to patterned earrings the art celebrated at Eighth Generation is honoring Native American artists and the beautiful work they create to express and share their cultures. Today, we're celebrating the work artists do to preserve and create culture through creativity.

Let’s Talk

After watching the video, Reclaiming Native American Art, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family today:

• What did you find exciting about Eighth Generation's mission? What stood out to you?

• In the video, Louie Gong talks about supporting Native artists. How does he honor culture and tradition in his business?

• How do you express your identity or culture creatively? Do you cook? Create art? Listen to music?

• Bonus! Ask someone in your family how they like to be creative. If you're lucky, they might teach you a new skill!

Do Something: Identity Art

It’s time to get creative! Research your family history to inform your art project. What ethnicities, religions, or ways of life did your ancestors embody? What traditions and cultural practices does your family continue identify with today?

After you do some research, find some old magazines and look for images that remind you of your family history. Food, patterns, nature, colors. What do you identify with? Cut out the images and think about how they interact together. Then grab some glue and create a collage that represents your family identity

Community Connections: Shop Local

Support local artisans and businesses! Before you head to a big box store to do your shopping, check out Chicago’s hometown artisans and entrepreneurs. Supporting local artists and creators is a great way to invest in our communities and find interesting pieces of art for your home.

Check out Shop in Place Chicago, a database created by the Institute of Justice’s Clinic on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago. The Clinic provides free legal assistance, support, and advocacy for low-income entrepreneurs in the city. Search through the database to find local businesses near you and support the artisans that make our communities fun and unique.