Contemporary artist Jason Quigno has been carving stone almost as long as he has memories. He shares that his mother forced him into art classes on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe reservation in hopes it would keep him out of trouble. Now, 30 years later, Quigno is receiving a lifetime achievement award for a distinguished career that still sometimes surprises even him.
Michigan Legacy Art Park, a nonprofit outdoor art experience in Benzie County, is presenting Quigno with the Legacy Award on Friday, July 28. The fundraiser is open to the public and is presented annually to honor significant, positive impacts on Michigan’s arts, history, culture and environment. IPR’s Arts and Culture Commentator Joe Beyer says Quigno’s work touches on all these themes and more.
Using a contemporary perspective and techniques, Quigno’s large format stone sculptures are deeply personal to him – and he sees his work as a mission to capture and preserve Anishinaabe influences, stories, and heritage for generations to come.
The artist will be in attendance to receive the award at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa this week, and Quigno plans to tour Michigan Legacy Art Park for the first time as part of his visit. Tickets and information on the Legacy Gala is available anytime online and fans of Quigno’s work can follow the artist on Instagram.
