The Madison Arts Commission (MAC)’s Teejop Community Art Project opened to the public this week throughout Madison.
Seven Indigenous artists were commissioned to create art installations that honor and illuminate Madison’s rich cultural history as part of the area known as Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE), meaning “Four Lakes.” According to a City of Madison press release, the project aims to create public art that engages with themes developed by Teejop-area Ho-Chunk community members, who met for many years to carefully consider the locations and values represented in the project.
“The art in this project sits on land steeped in history. These are the places where your children go to school, where you gather at parks and beaches, where you meet to make decisions that shape our future,” Jon Greendeer, president of the Ho-Chunk Nation, said in the press release. “The exhibition is temporary, as most things are. The invitation to deepen your relationship with this place is not. I hope visitors to this outdoor exhibition leave with a stronger appreciation for Teejop and all it gives us. This is a good opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the land, mounds, springs, and lakes, and to commit to their care so they can continue to provide for those who come after us.”
The selected artists are Gene Delcourt, Lightning the Earth New Rider, Chloris Lowe, Dakota Mace, Melanie Tallmadge Sainz, Christopher Sweet, and June Whitehorse.
The project is funded by the Madison Community Foundation, with additional support from the City of Madison, the Evjue Foundation, Friends of the Madison Arts Commission, and American Family Insurance. The project is administered by the Madison Arts Commission.
For all of the temporary art details and locations, click here.
