UMD student Jarrett Vanderpoel Kobayashi received a merit purchase award at the UMD student art exhibition. In October 2023, Jarrett presented the piece for display in UMD’s Interim Chancellor David McMillian's conference room.
”The piece was inspirational and very moving to me,” said McMillian. “Jarrett is a talented artist.” McMillian approves of Jarrett’s desire to graduate with a four-year degree from UMD. He said that a diploma inspires success. “It changes the outcome for an individual.”
Jarrett’s drawing is entitled “I Survived but Lost Myself Along the Way.” The piece was created using colored pencils and markers. Jarrett says, “My talent speaks through my artwork.” He is a descendant of the Grand Portage Reservation, and he says the many talented artists from the region have inspired him. He mentions George Morrison, the Ojibwe modernist whose paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures are found in museums nationwide.
Several pieces of Morrison’s work are included in the collection of UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The Grand Portage “Spirit Tree“ also entitled “Little Cedar Tree” by Morrison is one of them. That piece of art has special significance to Jarrett because the ashes of his family members have been buried near the tree.
Jarrett, a Raymond W. Darland Scholar, also received stays active at UMD. In addition to his classes working toward his B.F.A. in Studio Art, he is an active member of the Indigenous Student Organization (ISO). “The club is a constant for me, and it has helped me stay grounded,” he said. He was honored to hear that ISO won 2022-2023 student club of the year.