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A research visit turns into exhibit opportunity at Dunn Museum

Traditional Native American artists Pat Kruse and Terri Hom visited the Dunn Museum in Libertyville 16 months ago to research a birchbark cradle in the museum's collections. What transpired after the visit can now be seen at the museum.

Terri Hom and Pat Kruse work on constructing a birchbark cradle that is now on exhibit at the Dunn Museum. Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

The duo focused their research on 19th- and early 20th-century artifacts with cultural ties to their heritage and use of beadwork, quillwork and birchbark. Since their visit, the artists have been working on their own birchbark and quillwork cradles and bonnets, inspired by the historic birchbark cradle in the Dunn Museum's collections.

Their project, titled “Celebration of Life,” was recently completed and is on exhibit at the Dunn Museum through April 16. Kruse and Hom's work, utilizing traditional Native American materials, is displayed next to the Dunn Museum's cradle, made primarily with birchbark and porcupine quills.

“This is a rare opportunity to see the museum's cradle on exhibit and paired with the work of present-day contemporary Native American artists,” said Dunn Museum Curator Diana Dretske. “This also shows how objects can inspire traditions to continue through time,” she said.

The Dunn Museum, operated by the Lake County Forest Preserves, is among only 3 percent of museums nationally to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, an industry mark of distinction.

Two Native American artists and researchers created this birchbark cradle and bonnet after researching a cradle in the Dunn Museum collections. Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

After their inspiring visit to the Dunn Museum, the artists proceeded with their collaboration on the birchbark quill art project. Kruse constructed a cradle using birchbark, sweet grass, red willow, birch wood and sinew.

Kruse, originally from California, lives on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation in northern Minnesota. He is a member of Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Red Cliff, Wisconsin. He has spent his life maintaining traditional Ojibwe basketry and teaching workshops.

A birchbarker for more than 30 years, he is influenced by his mother and comes from a family of birchbarkers.

Kruse was one of eight accomplished artists awarded the 2018 Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Mentor Artist Fellowship. In July 2018, he began his yearlong mentorship with apprentice Terri Hom to create birchbark quill art.

Terri Hom did the stitchwork on two birchbark pieces on exhibit at the Dunn Museum. Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves

The mentorship includes a collaboration of a mentor and apprentice art project to promote Native arts and cultural revitalization and to preserve traditional art.

Hom researched traditional Ojibwe floral patterns and quilled the cradle for the project. Ojibwe people believe children are sacred gifts from the Creator, to be protected, cherished, loved and cared for.

“Our project on display at the Dunn Museum is a celebration of the past, present and future of our children and grandchildren,” Hom said.

Hom was born in Minnesota and now lives on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe reservation in northern Wisconsin. She is a member of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Learn more about the Dunn Museum's research and collections at LCFPD.org/museum.

Kim Mikus is a communications specialist for the Lake County Forest Preserves. She writes a bimonthly column about various aspects of the preserves. Contact her with ideas or questions at kmikuscroke@LCFPD.org. Connect with the Lake County Forest Preserves on social media @LCFPD.

Bess Bower Dunn Museum facts

Where: 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, (847) 968-3400 or www.DunnMuseum.org

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Open until 8 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month with free admission after 5 p.m., sponsored by USG.

Admission: See website for general admission prices. Download $1 off single admission coupon at www.LCFPD.org/museum/planning.

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