Artwork highlights cardiac health

Suzanne L. Cross, Ph.D., associate professor emeritus at Michigan State University and a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, is a shawl maker and beadwork artist.

She created a body of work to increase awareness and emphasize cardiac health for American Indian women by informing, supporting and encouraging self-care and the value of changing life ways. These pieces of art are now on display as part of a 2D and 3D exhibit in the Gifts of Art Gallery in the South Lobby of Taubman Center, floor 1.

Shawls are symbols of womanhood and play a significant role in many American Indian tribal cultures. Nowadays, traditional female dancers complete their regalia by carrying the shawl over their left arm which is closest to the heart, and the fringe sways to the heartbeat rhythm of the drum.

Check out Cross’s work through March 12, 2017, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.

Website: http://www.med.umich.edu/goa/exhibits.htm