New immigrants, new industries, new farming practices, and new attitudes towards the
original tall grass prairie are all changing the perception of the Upper Midwest in the
early 21st century. While still agriculturally grounded, virtually every aspect of the
culture and land is being re-examined. Roots of Renewal, an exhibition in the Faulconer
Gallery, Grinnell College, with additional site-specific installations and broad-based
community programming, will use contemporary art as a catalyst for an exploration of
the issues facing those who live on the farms, in the rural areas, and in the towns and
cities of the region, as they rethink their land, their livelihoods, and their sense of self.
The title of the project suggests work that looks at the sources of change, which can run
shallow or deep. Since change can come from that which thrives or from that which dies
out, these sources may not be necessarily positive. The exhibition will also investigate
new (or renewed) ways of seeing the contemporary Midwest, on beyond the stereotypes
and clichés that have tended to delineate its visual culture.

Works at Faulconer Gallery
Installations by Chaden Halfhill and Linda Gammel & Sandra Taylor
Community Exhibitions
Faulconer Gallery - Events
Sponsors