Meet the artist Hillary Kempenich

Award winning artist Hillary Kempenich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, currently resides in Grand Forks, ND. Kempenich is an established studio artist and advocate for the arts, education, social justice, and Native issues. The artist has immersed herself working with youth as an Artist in the Classroom in the Grand Forks Public Schools, as well as volunteering throughout her community. Raised on the Turtle Mountain reservation, Kempenich continues to advocate for better educational and cultural standards for our Native Indigenous people, and for all people, through her artwork in urban communities.

Hillary Kempenich is fluent in many mediums with a collaborative style influenced by her independent spirit as a creative woman and her deep connection to her heritage of Ojibwe, Cree, Assiniboine and French Canadian ancestral roots. Kempenich comes from a family of strong artist abilities, of which are strong influences within her work. While holding on to the ties to the Turtle Mountains, Kempenich works on developing her trades & exploring new mediums with her own personal style. Kempenich also works with her husband Aaron in designing furniture from reclaimed wood.