Ben Grignon was asked to author a post about his work, but he politely declined, noting that was contrary to the thinking of his tribe about discussing your own accomplishments. But we thought his story was important to tell, so we asked one of our writers to interview him.
Ben recalled that he was surprised and very grateful last summer when he received the NEA National Human and Civil Rights Award for the unique work he does teaching traditional art in Menominee, WI on the tribe’s 350-square mile reservation.
“It was given to me for work that I believe was my calling—work I truly love,” he says at the close of a day at his school. “I have this opportunity to combine my interests in Native American culture, art and teaching. And I’m always pleased to find, the students here have a growing interest in their heritage.”
He notes that the work and the award come as a result of a string of opportunities and support from important mentors along the way. “I’ve been very lucky,” he says.
Today, he says he gets satisfaction from teaching students the intricate art techniques of the Menominee, now a tribe of about 900 people whose reservation is located about one hour north of Green Bay near Lake Michigan. He says he has found the students have a strong interest in not just the art—but their culture.
“I focus on combining the two, offering them an opportunity to express themselves and learn about their heritage—exploring art in ways the people in our culture have for thousands of years.”
For instance, students recently worked on their own designs (using iPads and apple pencils) for traditional beaded bandolier bags, which were a common accessory for years in the tribe.
“I only required that they follow the traditional techniques and use similar materials to those their ancestors had available. But the images could be personal—and the work very much expressed each individual student.” (One, for instance, depicted the rapper Notorious B.I.G. and others had personal designs they carefully conceived of to reflect their own lives.)
He also works with other teachers on interdisciplinary projects that allow students to connect art to their classroom lessons, often about the history of Native Americans.
Outside of school, he works to educate others in the community about the Menominee culture, often through art. He participates in several local festivals and events—and is involved in an immersion program at daycare centers to introduce young children to the tribe’s language and culture at an early age.
“I am very grateful to NEA for this award and I appreciate of other recognition I have received, but I just feel I’m fortunate to be able to do this work, combining my love of art with my deep interest in my tribe and Native American culture. And I am particularly pleased to pass this important material along each year in my classroom and discover each year that young people are so interested in becoming engaged with it.”
