New Prints

Before I left for Seattle I had a bit of time so I pounded out 2 new prints and a mixed print from previously printed materials.

The first two continue on in the series of contested spaces. The first if Korea with the DMZ embroidered into the paper in a light blue to signify the division and presence of the United Nations. The second, decidedly more local for me are the Dakotas with the Missouri river embroidered in the same light blue. The river is a source of division on 2 levels. In one sense it divides both states into East and West territories. The divide is more than just geography or topography, it is cultural as well. The East side of both states hold most of the two states universities, industry, and population. The rivers are also hotly contested spaces over dams and water flow controlled by the Army Corp of Engineers.

The 3rd print is a new combination of old elements. I made them from the left over Twinkies from the fall and added the embossed flag. Its just a fun combination of imagery.

Sioux Falls Retro Signage II

More signage from my visit to SF.

Retro Signage - Sioux Falls and NW Iowa

More retro signage. The first three are from my visit home to Lake Park, IA. The first is from Spirit Lake, second from Rock Rapids, third from Milford. The last two are from Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Retro Signage

Before I left for South Bend and Cyprus, I spent time with friends in Sioux Falls. One of the things I loved in SF was the nice collection of retro signs that line its streets. After leaving nearly a year ago from my 10 year home, I finally got around to shoot some of the signs. Enjoy.

Community Gardens

Sioux Falls Seminary, via the Summit House, has been doing some amazing things within the Sioux Falls community by immersing themselves within the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood. This central area of Sioux Falls has a long community tradition, but because of its age, it has also become a place often characterized by its crime and run-down homes. The seminary, with help of local church and concerned residents have decided to live among, rather than to do "ministry" from outside. This incarnational mission puts people directly into the lives of their neighbors to counsel, help fix homes, and generally be among. What is striking about this attempt at reclamation of place is that it looks to the people themselves rather than just fixing up the aging homes (though that is a part of the project). By pursuing friendship, trust, service, community these seminary student residents at the Summit House are able to serve as they learn...a tangible application of theological ethics. The article reposted below comes from the SFSeminary website. Here is another from the Argus Leader.



"Seminary and Partners to Begin Urban Agriculture Garden Project
POSTED: APR 14, 2009

Sioux Falls Seminary is working together with five local organizations on a newly-formed urban agriculture initiative to aid in the revitalization of the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood. A Kick-Off Celebration for the initiative and its first project will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. on the Lowell Math, Science, and Technology Elementary School playground (710 W. 18th Street). If wet or cool weather conditions occur, the event will be held in the school's gym.

The initiative is a unique partnership between Sioux Falls Seminary, the City of Sioux Falls, Lowell Math, Science and Technology Elementary School, Minnehaha Extension Service, Volunteers of America Dakotas/AmeriCorps VISTA, and the Pettigrew Heights Neighborhood Outreach.

Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson and representatives from the other partner organizations will share brief comments at the Kick-Off Celebration. Also taking place will be the ceremonial planting of seeds for the first project--a garden for Lowell Elementary students and their families--and the announcement of the garden name, which was selected by school students and staff.

The partnership is committed to growing hope through empowering children and adults. The garden at Lowell Elementary School will become part of the school's curriculum. Students will soon transplant vegetables, fruits, and flowers--which they are already growing--into raised garden beds on the school's playground, and they will continue to care for the gardens throughout their summer break.

"The intent of this initiative is to cultivate an environment that will grow minds, hearts, relationships, leaders, and most importantly an attractive, sustainable Pettigrew Heights neighborhood," said the Rev. Tim Olsen, Director of Operations for Summit House at Sioux Falls Seminary and Urban Agriculture Task Force Chair.

Future projects will also focus on building a sense of community belonging and empowerment. They include training of garden mentors within Pettigrew Heights, teaching residents how to raise food in their backyards, and hosting neighborhood gatherings and festivals."