Native photographer Marcella Hadden featured in DIA Native American Exhibit

For the final 13 years, Marcella Hadden labored as a photographer in Isabella County, specializing in capturing photos of newborns, households, and weddings.

In September, Hadden’s images moved past her studio on Remus Road and into the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) for his or her exhibit: “Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation.”

Overseen by DIA’s Assistant Curator of Native American Art, Denene De Quintal, a name for Anishinaabe artists went out. Hadden determined to enter a few of her work, and two items had been chosen: Jingle Dress and Indigenous Women Wear Red.

“I’m very flattered and very honored that my art was chosen to be amongst all the other great artists whose work is also on display,” Hadden stated. “It’s just amazing.”

Hadden was at all times desirous about images. She stated that, since she was a younger lady, she would continually snap footage.

Similarly, each her father and brother spent their lives taking images. In truth, her brother went on to be a photograph journalist. In a manner, it was pure for Hadden to fall into images as properly.

Much of Hadden’s inspirations for her artwork comes from her tradition. This is exemplified each in her items chosen for the DIA’s exhibit and her aforementioned new child images, the place an eagle feather is at all times integrated. In truth, one of many attracts to Hadden’s images with newborns is the inclusion of eagle feathers, one thing that solely members of a Native American tribe can do due to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

“Eagle feathers have always been a part of our culture. I try to incorporate them into photos of seniors as well.” Hadden stated. “I also try to incorporate the sun rising, photos of the moon, or nature things.”

When requested what recommendation she may give to these trying to get into the humanities, she merely said, “don’t give up.”

“If it’s your passion, do it,” Hadden stated. “I started late in photography. I was in my late 40s when I got a camera and started to professionally shoot. I’ve been shooting [photos] for most of my life, but it wasn’t until later in life that I really decided to do something with it. So, don’t let age bother you.”

For extra data on Marcella and her images, go to www.marcellahadden.com. Tickets for the DIA may be purchased at dia.org/tickets. For non-members, admission is $23.50 for adults, $9 for kids.