Mission
Cornhusk Collective is an artist collective that supports artists, strengthens cultural ties, and contributes to the healing and vitality of The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Artists practicing traditional, hybrid, and contemporary art forms come together to create. They connect in shared spaces to build community through art and design opportunities that benefit the collective and community.
Through collaborative efforts, workshops, and community events, Cornhusk Collective creates, connects, and prospers.
WHAT WE'RE MADE OF
Artists
Cornhusk Collective is made up of local artists who practice a variety of art forms including traditional indigenous works, hybrid, and contemporary styles. The collective is an advising group for the organization that oversees the artistic direction and assists in designing events and programs. Artists who have shown a commitment to their craft, have joined events, and are dedicated to giving back, are invited to join this group.
Programs
Our programs create collaboration between artists and the community. We are in the process of developing a program aimed at Indigenous youth to teach traditional art forms, music production, visual arts, and more. Cornhusk Collective artists help design programming and assist in leading events.
Community
Events will be held in existing community spaces while we work to find a permanent home. However, Cornhusk Collective houses the ecosystem that creates an artistic haven for all. Whether someone is an official collective member or not, the frequent Open Studio events and workshops are a time for all community artists to come and create together.
Cornhusk Collective History
The concept of organizing an artist collective in Oneida came about when Giselle 'Gise' Oliva grew more and more inspired by the numerous artists in The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. She brought the idea to Amber Cornelius, a local artist, who is passionate about creating a space of healing and creativity, in the Summer of 2023 and helped Gise co-found Cornhusk Collective. Gise began meeting with community members and artists in the Fall of 2023 to learn about the presence of art in the community and how people interact with it. Through these conversations, the needs for artists and art became apparent. Oneida needs a space for artists to connect and create, they need access to supplies, and they need a space to sell or trade work.
A creative hub that is welcoming and intends to become an artistic haven for local artists is the foundation upon which Cornhusk Collective is being built on. Gise and Amber are in the process of acquiring funding and obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. A longterm goal for Cornhusk Collective is to have a permanent home in the heart of Oneida that can house studio spaces and more community events. In the meantime, we will use community spaces to launch the mission and start building community through art. The goal is to have the first community event celebrating the collective and introducing the concept to the community in January 2024.
A special thanks to community artists and members who have lent their time, knowledge, and offered guidance in this process:
Amber Cornelius
Kanani Nunies
Scott Hill
Gina Tiger-Madueno
Darleen Denny
Becky Webster
Laura Manthe
Karen Ann Hoffman
Jen Falck
James Kelly
Eldon Powless
Shelby Siebers
Nicholas Metoxen
Jessica Powless
Cody Cottrell
Patrick Metoxen
Yelihwakanyehs Powless
Marcela 'Xela' Garcia
Randy Stoecker
Bolz Center for Arts Administration Team (UW Madison)
More info on the Cornhusk Collective Administrative Team>>>