Indigo Rising
In addition to our focus on Sustainability and being Made in the USA, a third pillar of Sea Bags' mission is giving back to our community. We can't give back to every organization we are approached by, but we can make a broader impact in our community by committing to long-running and lasting partnerships. While we've partnered with some like the Maine Cancer Foundation for more than a decade, we occasionally find new opportunities that align with our goals. The Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA) is one of those new opportunities that we are now in our third year of supporting.
02/28/23
The first 2 years of our collaboration with IAA produced the Island Girl and Ocean Goddess totes, both featuring artwork designed by co-founder of IAA and NAACP award-nominated artist Daniel Minter. When we began design conversations early in 2022 for the third in the series to support IAA, we were excited to learn that Daniel's wife Marcia wanted to take the lead in the design creation.
Marcia, a creative who has spent her career in the arts field in branding and curatorial roles, had a vision for this year's installment and it was based in community. It's a printed assembly of quilt blocks constructed from the elements of the Indigo Arts insignia. Displaying shades of navy and royal blue with recycled white sail cloth peeking through, the design is rooted in the historical significance of quilting in African American culture.
"This tote, Indigo Rising, is an expression of gratitude to all those who believe in the power of community," said Marcia. "...and to all those who came before us. The design is an homage to the African American women who stitched together scraps seemingly for warmth and comfort. In actuality, they were also using their creativity to tell their own stories of resistance, fortitude, and grace."
The latest iteration features original art by IAA curator, director, and co-founder, Marcia Minter, created to resemble a quilt and pay homage to art of quilting in African American culture.
Marcia, along with Daniel, founded IAA in 2019 with a vision to amplify the voices and creations of Black and Brown artists both locally and worldwide. An integral aspect of the Indigo vision is to provide Maine-based artists of African descent access to a broader range of practicing artists of color from around the world.
The organization's space in downtown Portland houses a vibrant artist residency and fellowship program and gives artists a chance to collaborate with one another and share discourse with the community at large. IAA also works to get exposure for its artists in mainstream avenues and find new opportunities for their continued success. Marcia's unique creative direction and business background guides IAA's strategy of elevating voices to the magnitude necessary for a better world.
Marcia and Daniel Minter speaking with Don Oakes at the Sea Bags Flagship opening.
"Partnering with Marcia and Daniel to support IAA directly aligns with our mission at Sea Bags of giving back to our community" said Don Oakes, CEO, "and the unique chance to work with talented artists and friends, while benefiting the work of their organization, makes this all the more special."
The Indigo Rising Tote is available for a limited time only. Sea Bags will contribute 20% of the Indigo Rising Tote sales directly to Indigo Arts Alliance.
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