Issue 133: May - June, 2017 by Jamestown Arts Center

THE ARTS CENTER What’s Inside: A Word From Our Director

THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 133: May – June 2017 Courtesy of:

sponsored by

Arts Center Annual Meeting Hansen Arts Park Update Exhibit: Custom Guitars Upcoming Classes Community Theater Production Upcoming Events Special Thanks

From the director’s desk:

Here are three things from the North Dakota Travel Industry Luncheon with Governor Doug Burgum on April 19 that stood out for me.

Cyndi Wish Executive Director

Governor Burgum spoke about how communities thrive if they have respect for the past, gratitude for the present, and inspiration for the future. It seems to me that these are three tenets of any healthy ecosystem; government, family, business, life in general. It seems so simple, but hearing him say it was an important reminder to maintain an equilateral approach to life’s trajectory. The Governor also spoke about the footprint of cities and how to keep maintenance and property tax costs low, that cities needed to be concise. He said that the footprint of Fargo is 49 square miles - larger than the size of San Francisco, and that if you took every road in Fargo that needed to be plowed and lined them up in a straight line, you would actually plow your way to Maine. That’s a lot of plowing. Burgum also gave out awards to people, organizations, and projects that helped promote travel to and population of North Dakota. And guess what? The Hansen Arts Park was awarded the Flint Firestarter Award in recognition of the park’s influence on downtown Jamestown. Our project was recognized by the Governor! Which was a complete surprise. As many of you know, in 2008, the JFAA purchased the lot with the vision of creating a place in the center of downtown that could act as a hub of creativity. Now, almost 10 years later, the vision is being realized and developed. This summer even more elements will be added to the park including the pavilion and mosaic designs on the benches, making a park that will serve as a platform for so many different kinds of downtown events and programs. So today I am writing this with respect for all the work, dreaming, planning, and action from the community, with gratitude for the current state of the Hansen Arts Park and for the Governor’s recognition of the project, and with inspiration for the park’s launch party in August and all that is to come and make the park even more vibrant. Good job, Jamestown. Enjoy the park! And keep up the good work.

Computer rendering of the Boulder Pavilion by Owen William Fritts for the Hansen Arts Park project

ARTS PARK UPDATE: Spring 2017 As winter melted away and spring warmed North Dakota, work on the Hansen Arts Park began again. Mosaics are currently being created by various artists to cover our park benches in colorful works of art. Plans, permits, and contracts are being finalized for this summer’s construction of the park’s shelter entitled “Boulder Pavilion.” Artist Owen Fritts, creator of “The Prairie Grass Ballet” is coming back to Jamestown for this project. “The Boulder Pavilion is an open air structure designed to provide a focal point for community and Art Center events. It’s design is based on the general form and volume of the familiar boulder piles seen in the surrounding fields and countryside. The facility will provide a stage for music, dance, movies and performances along with a small storage space and lighting integrated with last years Prairie Grass Ballet sculpture.” ~Owen Fritts Additional plantings will be going in this year as well. Look for new trees, bushes, and flowers to fill the park with natural beauty. Watch for information later this summer on the completion of the Hansen Arts Park and a two-day arts festival August 25 –26th we are calling Downtown ArtSpark. This project is made possible in part by grants from ArtsMidwest, the Bush Foundation and ArtPlace America as well as local business, city, and individual donations.

exhibitions revolving gallery exhibitions every four to six weeks

beau theige: Custom Guitars May 11 – June 24, 2017 Music enthusiasts (guitar players in particular), artists and recyclers will love this exhibition. Beau Theige, a husband, father, and hobby rancher living on the windswept plains of North Dakota found a passion. He isn’t a guitar player but was instantly intrigued by this varied and unique craft, to create handmade guitars from discarded stuff such as cake pans, license plates, cigar boxes and more. If you want to get trendy, it’s called “up-cycling.” Each is handcrafted, inspired by everyday utilitarian objects, antiques, or plain old trash. Half art, half junk, all guitar. In the artist’s words, “Let’s change the way you make music.” Beau encourages visitors to the exhibit to try his guitars and play a song or two. About the Artist: Born and raised in Williston, the oldest of eight children, Beau Theige became fascinated by art in all forms at a young age. He attended country school through eighth grade in Williston and went to Ray High School where he graduated in 1999. He held various positions in the work force until most recently working in the oil field. While laid off oil field work, Beau Theige’s Custom Guitars was his full-time occupation. While his interest has taken on many forms over the years: woodworking and mixed media pastels/acrylics, Beau has found his calling with his most recent guitar adventure. Proud of his North Dakota heritage, he strives to infuse his guitars with true North Dakota spirit, incorporating barnwood and kitchen objects that remind him of spending time in his grandmother’s kitchen on their dairy farm north of Ray. Since December 2015, he has created over 160 guitars and sold over 120. His guitars can be seen coast to coast from L.A. to Florida, and even as far as London. He’s thrilled to have been featured in the Williston Daily Herald, Talkin’ the Bakken magazine, Midwest Living (online edition), and on Prairie Public Radio. He resides in rural Williston with his wife of thirteen years, Larissa, and their three children.

Pictured: Various custom guitars created by Beau Theige

Annual show preview

Its time to start preparing for the JFAA Annual Art Show. This exhibition, in its 53rd year, takes on special significance in 2017 as it coincides with the grand opening of the Hansen Arts Park. The events to celebrate the opening of the park will occur August 24 – 26 and are collectively referred to as the Downtown ArtSpark! We want greater exposure and ability to celebrate the work of our local and regional artists so the show’s reception and awards announcement will occur on Saturday, August 26. This will ensure that the artists can experience the Park’s celebration and we can share the exhibit with a broader audience who will be attending the outdoor event. May 17, 2017 Prospectus will be available on our website and printed and digital form June 30, 2017 Registration Deadline August 11, 2017 Artwork Deadline for Exhibit August 19, 2017 Exhibition Installed and Ready for public viewing August 26, 2017 Awards and Artist Reception in association with the Downtown ArtSpark event

Bonnie Tressler, Sometime I Just to be a Queen, 2016, Mosaic 2016 Best of Show

Special theme for this year’s annual - What Sparks Your Art? This very open theme could cover just about anything so artists should feel free to make a direct connection to the ArtSpark event with their creations or not. Artists can submit up to 3 artworks, any and all mediums are accepted. Note: Artwork needs to have been created in the past 3 years. Questions about the exhibition or registration process should be directed to Sally Jeppson, Gallery Manager at sjeppson@jamestownarts.com.

The Nelson County Arts Council’s Pekin Days Art Show takes place June 22 – 25

The show is open to all artists 18 years and older. This is a juried exhibition and all work must be for sale. A great opportunity for artists of all disciplines. The deadline to enter the Pekin Days Art Show is June 2, 2017. For more information and prospectus visit http://www.nelsoncountyarts.com/pekin-days-art-show.

upcoming classes providing opportunities for artistic development and exploration Creative opportunities for adults & teens More details and registration online at: www.jamestownarts.com/classes

Plein Air Watercolor Painting with Linda Roesch

Wednesdays: May 10 & 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Plein Air painting, or the act of painting outdoors, was especially significant for Impressionist painters and is still important for artists rendering outdoor scenes. This workshop will teach students to understand color and its relationship to changing outdoor light. Students will build skills in painting with speed and efficiency. Join us and learn to connect with your surroundings and gain inspiration to take your creativity outdoors! $50 members / $60 non-members.

Ceramics with Cassie Gilbertson

Mondays: June 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Participants with all levels of experience explore clay in a supportive atmosphere. Students learn a variety of hand building skills with an emphasis on creativity and having fun. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and projects. Students may choose to make pieces on the potters’ wheel or hand build. The fee includes 25 pounds of clay, glazes, and firing in the electric kiln. Class size is limited. $85 members / $95 non-members.

Jumpstart in Silk Screen Printing Workshop with Cassie Gilbertson

Saturday, June 17 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Silk Screen Printing can fill a page with color in a single stroke or build layer upon transparent layer of intricate detail. Screen prints may be vibrant or subtle, sharp-edged or brushy and textured. In this class, beginner level students create hand-painted, hand-cut, and photographic stencils, and then print through them using water-based non-toxic inks. All supplies are included. Bring a sack lunch. $50 members / $60 non-members.

The Arts Center is seeking an Artist In Residence. The Program serves K-5 students in all six Jamestown elementary schools following the school calendar. Residency options include a fall semester and a winter/spring semester, or both. Artists follow a visual arts curriculum structured on basic design elements working with teachers and administrators. The resident artist may use the rest of the day and the weekends for personal studio time, including access to the pottery studio and print shop, and teaching classes at the Arts Center. To apply, submit a resume. Visual artists should submit up to 20 JPEG images of personal and student work. Submit contact information for references, one personal and two professional. For more information, and to submit materials, Email artsed@jamestownarts.com.

CREATIVE SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS

Whether your child is a budding artist, an explorer, or an adventurer—every class offers something right up their alley and will open their eyes to new experiences. Students will learn in a supportive, small class setting with plenty of individual instruction.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: All classes are $60 per student. Students need to pack a lunch. Pre-registration is required. It’s quick and easy, register online at: www.jamestownarts.com. Or call the office at 701-251-2496. Scholarships are available. Classes are 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Monday & Tuesday are open to students who have completed grades K – 2. Wednesday & Thursday are open to students who have completed grades 3 – 6. CANCELLATIONS: Should you need to cancel your registration, please let The Arts Center know as soon as possible. Cancellations made 14 days before the start of a class will receive an 80% refund. No refund can be made with less than 14 days notice.

WEEK 1 • June 5 – 8 • Collage, Paint, & Create with Cassy Gilbertson: Painting with no boundaries! Explore the elements of art and design through the experimentation of collage and painting. Construct collaged paintings that focus on problem solving skills and enhance creative personalities. WEEK 1 • June 8 – 10 • “The Big, Bad Musical” Auditions: “A Howling Courtroom Comedy,” presented by The Arts Center in cooperation with Two Rivers Performing Arts School. Camp meets in the Arts Center Gallery. Parts will be assigned in June and lead roles will be expected to study their parts throughout the month of June in preparation for rehearsal July 5 – 14. Performances held Saturday, July 15 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. More information online. WEEK 2 • June 12 – 15 • Fiber Arts Fun with Myra Olson: Complete several fiber arts related projects, some of which include wet felting, weaving, finger knitting, circle weaving on a hula hoop and so much more. Participants have the opportunity to complete a new project each day.

MEMBERS RECEIVE $5.00 OFF! New this year, members will receive $5.00 off per class. Contact the office for your online member discount registration code.

WEEK 3 • June 19 – 22 • Little Clay House on the Prairie with Memo Guardia: Bring a photo of your house; we will use clay to recreate them. Your clay house on the prairie could have bedrooms, living room, kitchen, a porch, a dog, a cat, or create an entirely new house. We will use under glazes to add color to the clay houses. Artwork will be fired and ready to pick up two weeks after camp.

WEEK 4 • June 26 – 29 • Mosaic Mania! with Molly McClain: Like breaking glass? Crunching tiles? (Never tried before but want to give it a shot?) Do you like making collages? Well: THIS is an art for you! Learn the ancient art of mosaics and bring home a beautiful piece of your own to treasure for years to come.

WEEK 5 • July 5 – 15 • “The Big Bad Musical”: “A Howling Courtroom Comedy,” presented by The Arts Center in cooperation with Two Rivers Performing Arts School. Camp meets in the Arts Center Gallery. Rehearsals begin July 5 – 8 (lead musical roles only). The whole group rehearses July 10 – 14, with two performances held Saturday, July 15 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. (Auditions and part assignments take place during Week 1, June 8 –10). Please see previous page.)

WEEK 6 • July 10 – 13 • Imagination Clay Station with Keisha Sparks: Time to get your hands dirty! Creators will expand their imaginations and explore the exciting world of clay. We will focus on various hand building techniques to produce hand formed items to last a lifetime. Artwork will be fired and ready to pick up two weeks after camp.

Week 7 • July 17 – 20 • Observing Nature Trough Art with Nicole Gagner: Learn about nature through drawing and painting in a variety of media, and about the styles of classical artists who drew their inspiration from nature.

Week 8 • July 24 – 27 • Plein Air Watercolor Painting with Linda Roesch: Plein Air painting, or the act of painting outdoors, was especially significant for Impressionist painters and is still important for artists creating outdoor scenes. Students will learn to connect with their surroundings and gain inspiration to take their creativity outdoors. This project is supported in part by grants 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