Sarita Zaleha: Minnesota Mines

MCBA Outlook Gallery
May 20–August 22, 2021

viewable from the street.
(open book is currently closed to the public.)

My newest project explores the history of extraction in Minnesota with a list of every mine in the state. While Indigenous peoples have mined for pipestone for thousands of years in southwest Minnesota, beginning in the 19th century primarily white settlers have commercially mined for iron ore, taconite, manganese, silica, aluminum and other natural resources, quickly and cumulatively transforming the area. Today there are over 1,300 registered mines in Minnesota. — Sarita Zaleha

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Sarita Zaleha is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores human perception of the environment and our understanding of climate change. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions in New York, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kentucky, and her work has been included in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions. She has received several grants and awards for her work including the Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Art(ists) on the Verge Fellowship. Zaleha received her Master of Fine Arts in printmaking with a minor in intermedia and Certificate from the Center for the Book at the University of Iowa. She has bachelor’s degrees in biomedical engineering and religion from Case Western Reserve University and master’s degrees in art history and religion from University of Minnesota and Harvard University, respectively.