Jacintha "Jay Stanley (Dine Tribe)

Digital Media

This year’s artwork is Strong Stalk

"This piece was inspired by you. When I think of leaders I think of individuals that know who they are and know where they come from. Dine people plant corn, they care for the corn just like they would care for their children. If you have strong roots you will have a strong stalk. If you have a strong stalk you will produce good corn. Corn is used as a food and as a medicine. It is a provider and a healer. You are a corn stalk, a strong stalk. Dine people believe that our ancestors live in the early dawn and greet is everyday just before the sun rises. They watch over us. If you ever need prayer or guidance, meet your ancestors in the early dawn. They would love to see you and congratulate you on living another day."

Jacintha "Jay Stanley is an alumni of the University of Oregon.