Witness an impactful textile collection that celebrates the beauty of Indigenous peoples at Roberta’s Art Gallery with “Unbreakable Strength: Exploring Indigenous Resistance and Healing Through Textiles,” by visiting artist, Agnes Yellow Bear. This exhibit showcases Indigenous applique and textiles celebrating Indigenous culture and identity while raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) and the harmful legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Yellow Bear’s work will be on display from August 19 to September 18.
“Unbreakable Strength” is a powerful look into Indigenous history, present, and future. “Ribbon skirts carry stories of survival, resilience, love, and sacredness. As survivors of genocide, we wear our ribbon skirts to stay grounded in our teachings, remind us of our values, and how to carry ourselves. They allow us to stay connected to the earth and to our ancestors,” says Yellow Bear. In addition to textile works, this exhibit will also feature an interactive poem written by Danielle Ewenin, Yellow Bear’s mother, titled “Give Us Our Land,” which inspired a number of Yellow Bear’s works. “My art is a reflection of my love for my people and a tribute to their resilience,” says Yellow Bear. “I hope that this exhibit will inspire others to learn more about the challenges facing Indigenous communities and to stand in solidarity with us in our fight for justice and healing.”
Yellow Bear, a co-owner and ribbon skirt designer of ReeCreeations, is a proud Néhiyaw from Treaty 4 Territory and a member of Kawacatoose First Nations. She is a distinguished 2023 Bush Foundation Fellow, dedicated to centering the voices and experiences of families directly impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR). Yellow Bear leverages her personal experiences and artistic talents to amplify Indigenous voices, empower Indigenous communities, and encourage healing, visibility, and connection to Indigenous identity. One of her many great achievements includes being requested to make a ribbon skirt by Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous cabinet secretary, for her swearing-in ceremony. Additionally, Yellow Bear’s textile artistry has been showcased in Vogue and CBC, as well as at the 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival held at Toronto’s Eaton Centre.
The exhibit reception will be held on September 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., starting in Summers Auditorium. Whirlwind Bull, of Arikara and Dakota heritage from the MHA Nation, will deliver an opening prayer and song, followed by an artist talk and an audience Q&A. The event will then move to Roberta’s Art Gallery for an open house with refreshments from 7 to 8 p.m.
Roberta’s Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the James R. Connor University Center at 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, Wis. The gallery collaborates with campus departments, student organizations, and community artists in coordinating and sponsoring exhibits. Roberta’s Art Gallery’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Beginning Tuesday, September 3, the gallery will transition to its academic hours, operating Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
At Roberta’s Art Gallery, we pride ourselves in providing free and open exhibits to the public, and attending certain events can earn students class credit. If you are interested in being featured in the gallery, please contact us for a proposal request. Reach us at ucart@uww.edu or 262-472-3193. Visit our website for any questions or inquiries, and follow our Instagram @uww_rag. For anyone interested in learning more about Yellow Bear’s artwork, her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ReeCreeations, and her Instagram handle is @ReeCreeations.
