Ivy Vainio (Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendant) was awarded an Artist Equity Grant in 2024 to produce a Native American Art/Artist-focused podcast. The podcast titled ‘First Light: Carl Gawboy, Wendy Savage & the Ojibwe Art Expo’ is a three-part series diving into the Anishinaabeg art scene past and present with two respected Ojibwe artists, Wendy Savage (Fond du Lac Ojibwe) and Carl Gawboy (Bois Forte Ojibwe). The series aired on The North 103.3 on Nov. 11, 18, and 25, 2024. The series is hosted by White Earth Nation direct descendant Dr. Jill Doerfler.

‘It was an honor and a privilege to work with both artists and podcast host Dr. Jill Doerfler before the podcast recordings. But the best part was to sit in the recording studio while the interview/ conversations were being recorded. I learned so much not only as an artist, but in general. To hear about how these two had humble beginnings to who they are now was so valuable. This grant provided me and all involved in the production a front seat view and education that not a lot of people get to experience,’ said Vainio.

The first episode, ‘Artist Origins,’ dove into Wendy Savage and Carl Gawboy’s early artist careers. Carl Gawboy has over 60 years of experience in multiple art disciplines, including watercolor, murals, teaching, writing, and illustrating. Wendy Savage has over 40 years of experience working as a multi-disciplinary artist. Wendy does beadwork, textiles, acrylics, oils, and teaching. The episode goes into detail about these two inspiring artists and their journey to get to where they are today.

The second episode, ‘The Ojibwe Art Expo,’ is an introduction to the growth of the Native American Art Movement in the northern part of the U.S. Ivy Vainio and Dr. Jill Doerfler sat down with Carl Gawboy and Wendy Savage to discuss the artists’ involvement in founding the Ojibwe Art Expo. Starting something new comes with its ups and downs, which the Expo organizers had to navigate to make the Expo into the impactful event it is today!

The last episode, ‘Artist Reflections,’ is a thoughtful discussion about how Carl and Wendy feel about the Native art world today after looking back at all their experiences immersed in the art scene for many decades. The conversation is insightful and thought-provoking for all to hear.

‘First Light: Carl Gawboy, Wendy Savage & the Ojibwe Art Expo’ is a series that is insightful and inspiring. The extensive preparation and planning Ivy Vainio did to prepare for this project is apparent and has resulted in a wonderful project that will live on as an important slice of Annishinaabeg art history to be shared for years to come. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is proud to support projects that have such a lasting impact!