BEST IN ART v12.23

Meet Alex Ek—our Best in Art v12.23 Grant Recipient

Alex Ek - $1,000 grant

Born and raised in Mankato Minnesota Alex is 1 of 4 children is first generation indigenous Wiinik natives Born in the United States. Alex has taken over a decade to learn of his Native American Heritage through study and integration. The art of flint knapping is an age old practice done by all civilizations throughout the world. The practice of breaking rock to make tools has been around since our first cities were created. Alex began his apprenticeship in 2012 and has ascended into the realm of teaching the practice to local Youth through school systems and volunteer work. Along with Knapping Alex has taken this as an opportunity to teach not only about making tools but also teaching about his culture and how it impacts us today.

“I hope to be able to continue teaching for many decades and to one day be amongst the greatest Knappers.”

Other Presenting artists

Emily Santiago

As a child I have always been in love with photography, the hundreds of dollars my parents spent developing rolls of film and disposable cameras through my childhood makes more sense now that I have completed my BA with a concentration in photography. My focus has always been more commercial photography geared, documenting families, weddings and babies. College took me back to my roots with photography, falling in love with film all over again. Now I bring that love and passion to my clients and bring back a piece of their parents and grandparents experiences and joys of photography.

Altruit

Altruit is an art & music collaborative out of southern MN with a focus on audio/visual synthesis.

Using traditional instruments, as well as modular synthesis techniques, Altruit's goal is to create unique sound and visual experiences. The members are both self-taught and degree holding musicians, composers and songwriters and have been actively participating in creative processes for decades.

Over the last year Karly Ohnstad and Steven Schmidt have been organizing events, opening and playing out with Minneapolis musicians and also supporting musicians to provide visual accompaniment during live concerts. The members also include Karly's brother Steve Ohnstad, and longtime musician and family friend Jason Probst. We plan to use any money generated from community gifts and donations to further expand our creative work, offset costs incurred by upgrades and updates, and paying for expenses that arise from exhibiting our art.