Sahan Journal commissions original art for news supporters
Sahan Journal has teamed up with three local artists for a unique collection of prints. The posters are available to readers who make donations during the nonprofit newsroom’s end-of-year fundraising campaign.
Lynda Agosta, Hibaaq Ahmad, and Reggie LeFlore (all visual artists based in Minnesota) created the posters. Their artworks focus on themes such as community care and nature, and a sense that Minnesota is home.
These artworks were ordered by the Sahan Journal team in the summer. Jaida Grey Eagle, a Sahan Journal photojournalist, helped select the artists.
Grey Eagle is uniquely equipped for the job. Grey Eagle has been a successful artist and has had her work displayed in national and local photography shows. Grey Eagle has a Fine-Arts Degree in Photography and is a Writer, Filmmaker, and Beadwork Artist. She has close ties with the local arts community.
Sahan Journal hopes that the incentive will enable the team to raise $100,000 in the next year to support its two-year old newsroom. Sahan Journal will hire two additional reporters to cover topics such as democracy and housing access in the next few months.
About the artist and their work
“Spreading Our Seeds” by Lynda Grafito
Lynda Acosta, aka Lynda Grafito, is a Colombian visual artist who creates drawings as well as lithography prints. Minnesontas might have seen her posters on Lake Street in the recent months. Her pieces–including her collaboration with Sahan Journal–incorporate elements of nature and ideas about immigration.
You can find her other work on Instagram at @lyndagrafito.
“Minnesota’s Critter Community” by Hibaaq Ibrahim
Hibaaq Ibrahim, who is known for her bright and botanical murals across the Twin Cities, took cues from Minnesota’s natural world when creating her art piece for Sahan. “Every critter and plant in this artwork can be found in Minnesota,” Hibaaq said in an email. “It’s about how our actions (as humans) affect the environment for bugs, plants, and all wildlife.”
You can see more of Hibaaq’s work on Instagram at @moonjuiceart.
“The Seed That Grows With Care” by Reggie LeFlore
Reggie LeFlore is a visual artist who creates portraits that “praise individual and collective stories.” LeFlore was inspired by a Sahan Journal news photo taken by Grey Eagle. The original image shows Dr. Nathan Chomilo—who Sahan Journal profiled at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — examining one-year-old Xavier Policard. David Policard holds the baby. LeFlore titled the piece, “The Seed That Grows With Care.” The original painting, which was created using aerosol paint, stencils, and acrylic paint, will be given to the Policard family.
You can explore LeFlore’s work on Instagram at @ral86.
How to obtain a poster
As a thank-you, the Sahan Journal team will send a print to all monthly donors who donate at least $5 to $100 per month on Thursday, November 17.
All donors who make $15 per month, or a one-time gift over $180, by November 17 will receive a print. Current monthly donors who increase their monthly donations will also be eligible for a print.
All prints will still be available until the end of 2022.
To receive a printed copy of Sahan Journal, you can support it here.