Art In This Present Moment
Sharon Day and Sir Curtis Kirby III Honor Loved Ones through Art
Grandmother Sharon Day and her grandson Sir Curtis Kirby III honor loved ones who have passed on by doing a series of ofrendas celebrating the lives they lived.
Ofrendas have been a way Sharon has celebrated her loved ones for years. An ofrenda is an altar, most notably associated with The Day of the Dead, that consists of a set of items often associated with a person who has passed, such as photographs, personal items that belonged to them and food the person particularly enjoyed. After the pandemic, Sharon and her grandson found it even more important to communicate with their family, relatives and community.
This project was created in partnership with Pangea World Theater.
The Artists
Sharon Day - Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe leader, Indigenous activist and Executive Director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force
Sir Curtis Kirby III - Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe, artist and director of the Ikidowin Youth Theater Ensemble
About the Organization
Pangea World Theater strives to build a just world by creating a multi-disciplinary theater that embodies decolonizing practices of solidarity, sustainability and equity. Since its inception in 1995, it has worked with artists to create new aesthetic realities for an increasingly diverse audience.
“Every person represented here, whether they’re infants or elders… they were loved and they lived their lives to the fullest.”
Sharon Day
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
Five Ways to Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving
Learn how to be intentional with your year-end giving by following these simple tips.
See the Ways
Showing Up for the Place We Call Home: This Election and Beyond
What we heard across Minnesota this year, what we’re doing about it and resources for election season
Learn More
Our Downtown Headquarters: An Expansion & Investment in Saint Paul
Expansion at Osborn370 will strengthen statewide engagement, expand opportunities for collaboration and offer a new destination for community.
See the News
Moving Money from Wall Street to Main Street
The Foundation's new investment portfolios are creating opportunities for investors and strengthening communities across the state.
Learn More
Honoring Two Decades of Courage, Leadership and Racial Justice
What began as a bold commitment to naming and addressing racism has grown into a celebration of the people, partnerships and movements creating a more just Minnesota for all.
Learn More
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Helps Build a New Future for Rural Minnesota
Learn how the Foundation's investment in Green Acres Milling is creating financial opportunities for the city of Albert Lea
Meet Green Acres Milling
Downtown Saint Paul Draws $15 Million Commitment from Foundation
The Foundation joins Securian Financial and the Bush Foundation in backing downtown’s redevelopment and takes seats on the governing bodies directing the work.
See the News
Turn Financial Milestones into Meaningful Change
Whether you're planning for a business transition, retirement or another major life event, thoughtful philanthropy can help translate success into community.
See How