About this project

I propose to create four traditional Ojibwe cradleboards each with an original appliqué beaded inlay. Four is a sacred number in the Native American community and the theme will be related to the Four Directions. I hope to revitalize the endangered tradition of the cradleboard enhanced by traditional appliqué beadwork. I will use my 50 years of experience as a bead artist to create four original beaded inlay designs. The beaded inlay on the cradleboard is an original concept of mine.

In addition to the construction of four cradleboards, I will conduct a work shop constructing cradleboards for the Osseo Indian Education’s biweekly Drum & Dance program. This will start in October of 2011 and end in April of 2012. I will also create a photo journal presentation of the process. The cradleboards and the photo journal will travel to two exhibits in the Minneapolis, MN metro area.

Two years ago, I made a traditional Ojibwe cradleboard for my youngest son. That cradleboard has made a positive impact on my family and the community. What I learned from the experience is that too many people in the community had little or no knowledge of how to construct a traditional Ojibwe cradleboard. This is why I decided to do The Cradleboard Project. I will bring the community together to rekindle the tradition of the cradleboard before it is lost to the Minnesota Ojibwe forever. I will also address the misconceptions about the (importance, quality, benefits) of the cradleboard.

This is a big project with a total budget of $24,980. I received a Minnesota State Arts Board grant for $19,980. The major expense goes to labor (artist, photographer, seamstress and wood crafter), materials for four cradleboards, conducting the workshops and coordinating two exhibitions. The beadwork alone for one cradleboard will take 140 hours. I need $5,000 to cover administration and marketing of the project.

So I have to raise $5,000 in matching funds to secure the grant. That's where you come in. The money I receive will go directly to administration and marketing costs first. If I exceed my funding goal I will use the additional money to schedule more exhibitions. The estimated administration and marketing costs are $2,000 and $3,000 respectively. Any amount will help (really, even $1) and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Chi Mii Gwech! (Big Thank You!)

Douglas K. Limón is a fiscal year 2011 recipient of a Folk and Traditional Arts grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

If you like what you see, please help spread the word by sharing it with your friends and posting my cradleboard project on your site, facebook, twitter, etc!

International backers, please add:
- $3 to your pledge of $5 and up
- $10 to your pledge of $25 and up
- $15 to your pledge of $150 and up
- $50 to your pledge of $1,000 and up
to cover shipping!

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