Art In This Present Moment
Chief Buffalo Memorial Mural
The Chief Buffalo Mural in Duluth visually tells the story of a community and the descendants of Chief Buffalo, remembered as a prominent figure that led the Anishinaabe to permanent resettlement in northern Minnesota.
Started in 2019 and led by artist Moira Villiard, this project also features work from other artists such as Michelle Defoe (Red Cliff Ojibwe), Awanigiizhik Bruce (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe), and Sylvia Houle (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe).
“ I hope people get an authentic taste of many different aesthetics, many different visuals, historical imagery and contemporary imagery.”
Moira Villiard
About the Organization
For more than 112 years, Duluth Art Institute has been providing arts programming to Duluth and the surrounding region. The institute strives to enrich the daily lives of its community with dynamic innovative visual arts programming that upholds excellence and promotes inclusive community participation.
Art In This Present Moment
This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.
More Stories
We’ve Moved
On January 21, 2025, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation relocated to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.
Read about our move
From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater
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Open Arms of Minnesota: Delivering Hope, One Meal at a Time
Learn how one organization is changing lives with medically tailored meals.
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2024: A Year of Partnership and Innovation
In 2024 we worked closely with various community partners such as nonprofit organizations, fundholders and fellow foundations to continue envisioning an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive.
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Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants
Grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.
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Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey
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Staging Community: Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Local Theater
Learn how you can go from audience to advocate by supporting organizations like Exposed Brick Theatre.
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Mother and Son Duet Bridges the Gap Between Old and New
Mothers often have close relationships with their sons, but in the case of Maria Biagetti Cortez and Vladimir Garrido-Biagetti, that bond is deeply immersed in their culture and music.
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