Weaving the River - Closing Reception

Weaving the River is an immersive art experience that celebrates the underrecognized history of the Wyandot Indian Settlement of Quindaro and current Western University Alumni Association and Unified Government of Wyandotte County Quindaro Townsite in connection to the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area theme of the Enduring Struggle for Freedom.

This installation includes a soundscape composed by Jen Appell, natural samples collected on the historic grounds, voices of residents, songs of slavery and Wyandot Nation music. The soundscape explores the synergies and counterpoints of the community’s complex cultural wealth. Jillian Youngbird wove a river from sticks and resources collected from the settlement and yarn steeped in water of the Missouri. This physical interpretation of Quindaro, which means bundle of sticks or stronger together, represents the strength of weaving together a community. Justin Border and Meghan Rowswell sculpturally interpreted the topography of the Missouri and Kansas riverbanks in a way that allows the public to walk the landscape. Justin Border created infographics depicting the populations past and present challenges inspired by the early graphic design of W.E.B. Du Bois.