Mari Mansfield

Artist · Educator · Activist

I am an Indigenous artist, educator and activist living and working in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I aim to create dignity and justice through art, education and action.

I completed my BFA in Illustration and Art Education at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan. I currently work as the American Indian Education Specialist for the Elk River School District. I find great joy working with children of all ages, and I have a special passion for students with special needs. I thrive on working with a strong team of educators.

I feel lucky to be able to practice my two great passions in life and I hope to have a long career in both professions. Regardless of how we first connect,  I want you to know that I am a passionate and reliable, yet also eccentric, individual.

Background

I began working with children while striving to accomplish my Christian service hours as part of the graduation requirements of DeLaSalle High School. During the welcome week activities when I started at the College for Creative Studies,  one of the speakers talked about having a lasting influence on the lives of children.  I immediately decided to double major in Art Education. It was through the Art Education program that I had my first experiences working with students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities and children with Autism. 

While at CCS I had the opportunity to visit Haiti twice on service learning trips. In Haiti I stayed in one of the only orphanages to care for children with disabilities, and volunteered at the Apparent Project teaching profitable craft skills to people trying to support their families. It was in Haiti that I truly saw the positive impact Art can have on whole communities, providing income, freedom of expression and joy.

Living in Detroit for four and a half years of college I was surrounded by unique and amazing art installations, alternative communities and social practice. Being exposed to such a distinct atmosphere and energy opened my mind to the varied ways to create connections between art and community, provide services and comradery and imagine a different way of living in contemporary America. The lessons I learned from Detroit guide my work in the community I now serve in my hometown of Minneapolis.