THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER
Issue 164: April – June, 2023
Courtesy of:
A Word From Our Director
Expansion of The Arts Center
Summer Camps & New Classes
Upcoming Events
New Exhibits
Matt Hodek & The Dakota Dutchmen
“Sanctified” Indpendent Film Viewing
Mindi Schmitz Executive Director
When we came up with our campaign name, “Raising the Bar for the Arts,” we all laughed. It was the perfect pun for an organization that wants to purchase and renovate what was once The Wonder Bar. But as I thought more about that title, I realized how truly necessary this campaign is. We need to raise the bar for the arts in Jamestown. Because the arts matter.
Low socioeconomic status students with high participation in the arts have a dropout rate of just 4%. Without the arts, their peers have a dropout rate of 22%.
The Jamestown Fine Arts Association, Inc. (JFAA, a 501(c)3 organization) has been operating for nearly 60 years. In that time—with the support of the community—we have taken it from a gallery to a complex of visual and performing arts spaces.
The renovated Arts Center, the Hansen Studio, and the Hansen Arts Park have pioneered the developing changes downtown. Throughout this growth, services to students and adults, as well as a solid financial base, have been developed and maintained.
Now, we need your support to once again Raise the Bar for the Arts. Purchasing an adjacent building is a one-time opportunity. We need to act now. Post-purchase, the building will be converted into a multi-purpose space for the arts, centered around young people and the community. I invite you to join us in expanding the blueprint of The Arts Center impacting the Jamestown community for years to come.
Thank you for your consideration,
Please visit: bit.ly/3YWlsHK
To learn more, follow the progress and donate.
Or just scan the QR Code to support this effort. Thank you in advance! And, remember any amount helps.
TO MAKE A PRAIRIE works by Susan Brekke
Exhibiting through April 29, 2023
I create what is important to me. Paint and clay help me express the joy I feel when I see the first flowers of spring blooming. I infuse my paintings and hand-built ceramics with emotion, so it is more than just a colorful canvas or a bright bowl. I want my artwork to be a testament to the best, most beautiful things this world has to offer. Through my paintings, I bring the outside in. I strive to create an immersive, emotional experience. Real life has texture and dimension and emotion! I paint on large canvases to suggest the immersive, emotional experience you feel when squinting at an electric sunset or opening the curtains on a gentle snowfall. When painting, I work with acrylics. I use wet wipes, q-tips, and a palette knife to capture movement and life; sometimes I use my fingers and hands, too! Although an added dimension, my approach to ceramics is identical to that of painting. I do hand-built ceramics that are expressive and colorful.
Gallery admission is free and open to all:
Monday –Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Near Velva, Acrylic on canvas by Susan Brekke
LET IT BEE works by Mitch Melberg (photography) and Vickie Arndt (Encustic)
Exhibits: May 4 – June 17, 2023
Let it Bee is about storytelling. The bee is the main character. The plot tells of bees’ work and the products they produce. Artist Mitch Melberg uses his photography to show the daily life of honey bees as they gather pollen and nectar and take care of the queen and their hive.
Artist Vickie Arndt is an encaustic artist who uses the bees’ wax as a conduit to tell her abstracted tales and allegories. Together they illustrate the stories of bees and their importance in our world.
Mitch Melberg and his bees live and work in Williston, ND. Arndt supports the bee keepers in Eastern North Dakota with her extensive use of pure and natural bees’ wax for her paintings. Arndt is returning to Grand Forks after an extensive art career in New York.
These exhibitions are sponsored by the North Dakota Art Gallery Association with support from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Above: Gossiping On the cover: Friends both photographs by Mitch Melberg
Black Snake with Golden Arm wax mixed media on panel by Vickie Arndt
Audis Bloom, mixed media on panel by Vickie Arndt
JOIN US AS WE OPEN A NEW EXHIBIT IN STYLE
Perfectly Paired is a wonderful fine arts experience coupling wine, cheese and assorted accurtraments with the opening of our newest exhibit Let it Bee featuring the works of Mitch Melberg and Vickie Arndt.
Thursday, May 4 starting at 7:00 pm • $40 per person
Call the office at 701-251-2496 to make your reservations or visit www.jamestownarts.com to reserve your tickets online.
Peeky Bees (detail), Photograph by Mitch Melberg
Meat of Sheep, Wax Mixed Media by Vickie Arndt
“In truth, we owe this entire experience to the Arts Center. The Arts Center is the reason we met, and it provided the time, creative space, encouragement, and inspiration to try artistic mediums and methods we had not explored. We are still getting together to paint when we can, and hoping to make music again this summer… “
Linda and Dustin created a friendship and artist collaboration because of Linda’s Tinder bio. It read “Bass player looking to jam outlaw country and cow punk; not here for love.” Dustin found his best friend in the most unlikely place. He is a musician with a self-proclaimed eclectic taste that makes it tough to find friends to jam, especially in a small town, but according to Dustin, Linda’s Tinder bio had everything he was looking for. Linda was a bit nervous about meeting Dustin for the first time, so with some persistence and time Dustin finally convinced Linda to meet. That afternoon they painted, told stories and played instruments. They found they each needed something from the other person. For Linda it was someone to teach her about music, for Dustin (with Linda’s persistence) it was visual art. In February of 2020 they formed a street punk band, Corporate Victims. With the formation of this band they produced and recorded their EP, Covic 19. During that time Dustin and Linda worked on not only their music but continued sculpting, painting with acrylics and spray paint. Linda stated, “In the few years that we’ve been friends, I’ve watched him (Dustin) blossom as an artist, and he’s helped me accomplish things musically that didn’t seem possible just a few short years ago.” Dustin stated that “with every stroke of the brush, our friendship is a canvas that is constantly changing and I hope it never gets finished!” With their shared love of music and visual art, an impressive body of collaborative and individual work began to take shape, and they thank the Arts Center for giving them an opportunity to display these pieces.
Come say “good-bye” and/or “thank you” to our resident artist of 5 years, Linda Roesch Thursday, July 20 at 5:30 pm. We will be having a closing reception and Thank you/Good-Bye Party for Linda in the Arts Park as the opener for the Stick Ponies at the Downtown Arts Market.
upcoming classes
providing opportunities for artistic development and exploration
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS & TEENS
Pre-registration required. Find all details and registration at: www.jamestownarts.com
Beginning Zentangle with Aliane Toso
Tuesday, April 11 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm • $50 / $35 for members
Learn the relaxing, meditative and fun practice of Zentangle. Alaine will teach you to create images by drawing structured patterns using combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, s-curves and orbs. Join the movement of Zentangle Art. Beginners kit included with class fee.
Clay Soap Dish Class with Anna Brock
Sunday, April 16 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm • $50 / $35 for members
Join Anna Brock in making an original soap dish with clay, and homemade soap. You will be taking home a one of a kind made by hand soap dish with a one of a kind made bar of soap.
Tax Day Throwing Clay with Anna Brock
Tuesday, April 18 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm • $50 / $35 for members
Get your mind off those taxes. Join Anna in the Hansen Clay studio for one evening of wheel throwing. Some experience, no experience, just need practice…come join us. Anna will focus on the basic skills, and simple forms. Clay, Glaze materials, and firing are included in your fee.
Old School & Pre-School with Taylor & Dina
Wednesday, April 19 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • $15 (1st child & adult)
This class is for kids ages 3-5 and their parent, grandparent, or other adult. Come, enjoy some quality time creating art with your preschooler. Activities are designed to engage young creatives and encourage general and fine motor skill development. (Adult must be present to help student during the whole class. $5 for additional children of the same family.)
Do you have a class you would like to see offered at The Arts Center, or an artist you think that we should look into? Let us know! We are always open to new creative opportunities. You can contact Anna Jacoboson, Direcotor of Exhibitions and Education at ajacobson@jamestownarts.com or call the office drectly at 701-251-2496 and ask for Anna.
Beginning Watercolor with Rosemary Gasal
Saturday, May 13 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm • $75 / $60 for members
You’ll learn everything from supplies to color theory, basic shapes and strokes, brush techniques, and compound strokes. Then, the grand finale will be a full composition to tie it all together.
Old School & Pre-School with Taylor & Dina
Wednesday, May 17 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm • $15 (1st child & adult)
This class is for kids ages 3-5 and their parent, grandparent, or other adult. Come, enjoy some quality time creating art with your preschooler. Activities are designed to engage young creatives and encourage general and fine motor skill development. (Adult must be present to help student during the whole class. $5 for additional children of the same family.)
Intro to Throwing clay with Samantha Lokemoen
Friday, May 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm • $50 / $35 for members
Join Samantha in the Hansen Clay studio for a one evening of wheel throwing. Some experience, no experience, just need practice… come join us. Samantha will focus on the basic skills, and simple forms. Clay, glaze materials, and firing are included in your fee.
Pour Painting Class with Jill Edinger
Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm • $50 / $35 for members
All ages (8 and younger must have a parent participating with them)
Pour painting has become vastly popular in the last decade. Practitioners all over the world are experimenting with different styles, techniques and expressions. Come find your own style and expression will Jill.
REMINDER: Pre-registration required. Find all details and registration by visiting www.jamestownarts.com or give the office a call at 701-251-2496.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All classes are only $60 per student! Register online www.jamestownarts.com; by phone at 701-251-2496; or in person at The Arts Center. Register today! Class sizes are limited.
AUDITIONS! The Summer musical is back on track. Auditions are scheduled for Friday, May 19 at 5:30 – 6:30 pm & Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 – 10:30 am will be held at Two Rivers Performing Arts School.
All
details and registration info at: jamestownarts.com
KINDERGARTEN – 2nd GRADE SUMMER CAMPS
Monday – Thursday from 9:15 am – 10:30 am
A snack will be provided. Students should bring their own water bottle.
June 5 – 8: Early Artist Clay Creations w/ Bill Nybo
June 12 – 15: Early Artist World of Colors w/ April Symes
June 19 – 22: Early Artist Sticks & Strings w/ Linda Roesch
June 26 – 29: Early Artist Wearable Art w/ Linda Roesch
July 5 – 6: Mini-Camp (2 days) Artists Mosaic w/ Molly McLain
3rd – 6th GRADE SUMMER ARTS CAMPS
12:00 – 3:00 pm (*unless otherwise noted) Students should have lunch before coming to camp. They may bring a snack and a water bottle with them, but snacks/lunch will not be provided.
June 5 – 8: Clay Creations w/ Bill Nybo
June 12 – 15: Tie Dye w/ April Symes
June 19 – 22: Sticks and Strings w/ Linda Roesch
June 26 – 29: Wearable Art w/ Linda Roesch
July 5 – 6: Mini Camp (2 days) Mosaics w/ Molly McLain
There are more summer camps coming in July.… check our website www.jamestownarts.com for the latest information and keep an eye out for our weekly’ish emails! Future camps in July also include students in grades 6 – 9.
The summer program for children is supported in part by a grant from the Jamestown Optimist Club, BNSF, United Way and the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
JAMESTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB
WELCOME BACK!
MATT HODEK AND THE DAKOTA DUTCHMEN!
Thursday, June 22 starting at 7:00 pm at The Arts Center
Bring your dancing shoes and love of polka music. This is a night of extreme enjoyment and toe tapping happiness. Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutchmen do not dissapoint. Come on in and join in the fun and enjoyment of true old school tunes.
How we got started… The Dakota Dutchmen played their first dance at the American Legion in Lankin on Memorial Day 2004 with Matt Hodek on accordion, concertina & vocals; Mike Helt on piano; Roger Kosobud on drums & Charlie Sunde on bass horn.
Matt Hodek and the Dakota Dutchmen have entertained many people in Jamestown. We thank them for returning! And hope you enjoy the opportunity to try out your polka skills.
Tickets are available online at www.jamestownarts.com or by calling the office at 701-652-2496.
PLACES WE HAVE RECENTLY PLAYED:
Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
WRITERS CLUB
2nd Monday of the Month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm This group welcomes all writers or those just looking to explore writing. Share what you’re writing with some fresh ears. Critique and help one another along in the process. Get helpful tips from some of the more experienced in the group and move your own project along. Meets in the Hansen Studio.
OPEN MIC NIGHT
Last Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Poets, writers, musicians, comedians, solos, duos, and any and all performers are welcome to share your talent with the community at our monthly open mic night. There will be a sign up sheet at the door. Please limit your piece to 10 minutes. A P.A. system, bass amp, guitar amp and music stands will be provided and facilitated by local musician Steve Kuykendall.
WOODCARVERS GROUP
Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the Hansen Studio
Stop by and whittle away! The local Woodchippers club meets Thursday nights at 6:00 pm. All skill levels are welcome to join in. If you are just starting out, this group is always willing to share and advise for your development and success working with wood. It is free to attend, no reservations are necessary.
BUFFALO CITY PHOTO CLUB
Third Tuesday of the Month in the Hansen Studio
The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting again. You can join them the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio for a photography adventure. Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users. Free and open to anyone. In nicer weather we may venture outside for hands on experiences.
SANCTIFIED MOVIE SHOWING
(independent film based in North Dakota on a true story)
Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm.
Sanctified is a Western set in the late 1800s. It tells the story of an outlaw who is rescued from death by a nun traveling through the North Dakota Badlands. She nurses him back to health in exchange for him guiding her to a Church in Williston. A deep friendship develops between these two unlikely people as they learn to work together to survive their dangerous journey.
Sanctified was shot in the Badlands of North Dakota in May of 2021 and was produced by local production companies. It was a priority of the production to use mostly local talent for the film. Dean Bellin, Technical Director of Theater at Bismarck State College, was the Production Designer for the film. Michele Renner, of Capitol Shakespeare, was the costume designer. Several students from the University of Mary sered in various roles both on and off-screen.
You can join us in enjoying this hisotical look at Western North Dakota on Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are only $10 / $5 for members and are available at the door (pre-registration is encouraged).
