Rochester Mom is starting a brand new resource series called Give Five. The idea of Give Five is simple. We are inviting you to Give Five minutes to read through each of these posts. The series will provide you with ideas, resources, lists, and suggestions on specific topics. We acknowledge that giving five minutes is just the start…a small step in a bigger journey we can all take to become allies to our BIPOC friends, family, and neighbors.
This series is intended to be a resource for YOU and your families. Topics will vary but all will be helpful as we work towards anti-racism and expand and diversify our understanding of race and diversity. Some resources will be collaborative with Rochester Mom writers, and for others, we’ll look to YOU! We want to know what you have learned on your own journeys and what resources have helped you along the way. Our goal with this series is to be a conduit of information: pulling together resources to help one another. We are learning ourselves and it’s been a challenging yet beautiful process. Will you join us?
This month, we’ve put together a list of BIPOC artists local to the Rochester area, the greater state of Minnesota, and a few national artists as well. This list is in no way comprehensive, but just a starting point. What BIPOC artists would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments!
Rochester Artists & Makers
Amarilys Henderson (Rochester, MN)
Watercolor Artist
https://www.watercolordevo.com/
Instagram: @watercolordevo
“…stems from her Christian faith, which found its rebirth with newfound motherhood.” (watercolordevo.com)
Amy Krause (Rochester, MN)
Hand Lettering + Painting
www.etsy.com/shop/akrausestudio
Instagram: @akrausestudio
“As a transracial + transnational adoptee, connecting to my heritage is very important to me. I do this through art, cooking, connecting with fellow adoptees, learning about traditional culture and history, and teaching my children about our heritage.” (AKrauseStudio)
Brooke Burch (Rochester, MN)
Fashion + Textile
Instagram: @brooke_burch_bb
“I create wearable art.” (brookeburch.com)
Shruti Saraswat (Rochester, MN)
Photographer
Instagram: @artisticbutterfly_ & @a_tired_mom
“My photography is an extension of my personality, real, vivid and candid. I like to capture time and emotions in a static shot.” (Shruti Saraswat, 2021)
Sophia Chai (Rochester, MN)
Photographer
Instagram: @sophiachainyc
“..lifting the lines drawn between photography, painting, and architecture by means of site-specific installation of her photographs.” (thresholdartists.org)
Tiffany Alexandria (Rochester, MN)
Photographer + Watercolor & Multimedia Artist + Designer
Instagram: @choochoocachew
“Through traveling, she learned the relationship between food and culture, and the importance of supporting locals.” (rwmagazine.com)
Minnesota Artists & Makers
All My Relations Arts (Minneapolis, MN)
American Indian Fine Arts Exhibits
https://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/
“All My Relations Arts honors and strengthens relationships between contemporary American Indian artists and the living influence of preceding generations.” (allmyrelationsarts.com)
Eyenga Bokamba (Minneapolis, MN)
Abstract Painter
https://www.eyengabokambapaintings.com/
Instagram: @eyengabokamba
“I create luminous paintings to enhance your world.” (eyengaokamabapaintins.com)
Heather Friedli (St. Paul, MN)
Oil Painter
Instagram: @Friedliarts
“Best known for her contemporary impressionist oil paintings, depicting her family heritage and the land in which she lives.” (friedliarts.com)
Jovy Rockey (Winona, MN)
Modern Art & Adornments
https://www.jovyrockeyjewelry.com/
Instagram: @jovy_rockey_jewelry
“Jovy creates jewelry that incorporates geometric shapes, soft curves, and occasionally kinetic elements.” (jovyrockeyjewelry.com)
Kaytee Crawford (St. Paul, MN)
Word Art
https://www.ahavacreativeco.com/
Instagram: @ahavacreativeco
“Word Artist from St. Paul specializing in ink, watercolor, and quotes of inspirational people of color.” (ahavacreativeco.com)
National Artists & Makers
Ivan Lambert Samuels (New York, NY)
Potter
Instagram: @lambpots
“Hands that craft organic beauty.” (lambpots.com).
Monica Tyran (New Orleans, LA)
Printmaking + Screen Printing
Instagram: @kindheartpress
“She creates illustrations and printed goods that reflect her imagination and formative imagery connected to her upbringing and family memories.” (monicatyran.com)
Morgan Harper Nichols (Phoenix, AZ)
Artist + Poet + Musician
https://morganharpernichols.com/
Instagram: @morganharpernichols
“I see art-making as a way to connect with others, stay curious, and grow in empathy.” (morganharpernichols.com)
Phung Banh (Dallas, TX)
Digital Artist
Instagram: @pb.journal
“She believes in simple and functional design, clean shapes, and the right colors.” (phungbanh.com)
Roachele Negron (Brooklyn, NY)
Hangable + Wearable Artworks
Instagram: @rayoandhoney
“Goods with positive intent…Handcrafted in Brooklyn, NY combining pop-culture, literature & a clean design aesthetic.” (rayoandhoney.com)
Thunder Voice Hat Co (Navajo Nation)
Sustainable Hats & Wears
Instagram: @thundervoicehatco
“Carries on the lineage of Native Fashion that emerged from a collaboration of cultures.” (thundervoicehatco.com)
