Indian Land Dancing mural

Vast mural will depict Chicago's Indian roots

3,400-square-foot artwork to be created at Foster Avenue underpass and Lake Shore Drive

By Clare LaneThe bricolage mural is titled "Indian Land Dancing" and tells the history of Indians in Chicago. The wall will be covered in tiles of various materials, with images painted or sculpted in high relief.

A wide range of individuals selected the images, including Indian tribes, artists from the Chicago Public Art Group and a melting pot of American Indian scholars, artists and community leaders who have been meeting since January.

Pascha Nierenhausen, a community member and contributing native artist called the group, "A collaboration of all nations coming together. As a Native American, I thought it was necessary to be involved," she said.

"From the lodge to the library," is how lead artist Tracy Van Duinen, a Chicago Public Schools art teacher and member of Chicago Public Art described the goal of reaching out to the community. Using everything from photos of their ancestors to textile art patterns from tribal clothing, the American Indian artists were committed to teaching their past, rather than simply putting it on display. "This is not just what everyone thinks Indians should be," Van Duinen said.
Comment:  For more on the subject, see Clatsop-Nehalem Mural Dedicated and A Mural for Indian Victims.