THE ARTS CENTER THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 156: September –October, 2021
A Word From Our Director A Sending Off Tribute
Courtesy of:
Upcoming Art Classes JFAA Annual Art Show OKTOBERFEST! Manhattan Short Film Festival
Mindi Schmitz Executive Director
THAT’S A WRAP! Summer 2021 is in the books and by all accounts The Arts Center would call it a success. We had great performances, quality vendors and great crowds for the Downtown Arts Market. We kicked off the season with Jessie Veeder and Jamestown’s inaugural Chalkfest. Throughout the summer, we featured local performers and some regional favorites, and of course, a splash of culture for the community. A special thank you to all of our sponsors, the artisan vendors, and the performers who put their heart and soul into each Thursday evening. Now, we are in the thick of fall planning. Oktoberfest is back, September 18; our Arts After School Program is scheduled through October; we have several adult classes on the books; the gallery has the one of the largest JFAA Annual exhibits; and, Linda Roesch, our Resident Artist is starting her fourth residency year with local elementary students. As always, there is a lot going on at The Arts Center and we couldn’t do it without the support of members. It’s that time again, look for the annual appeal letter in your mailbox. Your support is essential to our ability to offer quality, creative and diverse programming. On a personal note, we are sad to see longtime Gallery Manager and keeper of The Arts Center’s institutional knowledge Sally Jeppson head off to Oregon. And our Education Coordinator Kathleen Roehm is moving on to further her career for her love of music. Stop by The Arts Center before October 1st and wish them well. Sincerely,
57th JFAA ANNUAL ART SHOW August 26 – October 9, 2021
As I write this article, I realize this is the last Annual Show I will install. Twenty-one Annual exhibits and they have all been so unique and different. I’ve seen many talented artists from the beginnings of their artistic journey to their maturity. This exhibition is typically among the most challenging, from the amount of paperwork and preparation which includes finding a juror, pick-up and return of art, unpacking and repacking, not to mention the installation itself. With such diversity of artforms and juxtaposition of professional, amateur and children’s artwork having subject matter and styles as random as people’s passions, this exhibition has always been my nemesis. It has also been one of my favorites because of the challenge it presents and because of its inclusiveness–every artwork submitted is exhibited. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the artists who have made the show such a perennial favorite. This year 125 pieces of art have been submitted. It’s amazing, I cannot turn anyone away. The 2021 exhibition will far surpass my expectations. Since the juror Greg Vettle, Jr., Gallery Director for the Northwest Art Center in Minot, hails from the west I expected lots of new young artists from that region. Turns out this wasn’t the case. Interestingly, there are lots of new submissions from the FargoMoorhead region. We are excited to see these new artists participating. Look for the awards to be announced on our website and be sure to visit and cast your vote for People’s Choice Award. From the cover (detail): Eric A. Johnson, Obscured Impression #1, reduction relief print, 2019, 19.25” x 18” Above: Ellen L. Pfeiffer, Woodsy Reflections, quilt, 2021, 21” x 30” Right: Nicole Pietrantoni, Glitch in the Matrix: Variation and the Evolving, 2014, 5.75” x 3.6”
WOMEN’S POINT OF VIEW Selections from the Minot State University Permanent Art Collection October 14 – November 27, 2021 Women’s Point of View showcases a selection of work by women artists represented in the Minot State University Permanent Art Collection. While the exhibition ranges greatly in medium and style, it is unified by groupings of common themes: portraits, scenes from nature, pop art and abstract works. The Minot State Art Department began a focused effort to develop a Permanent Art Collection in the early 1970’s and the Northwest Arts Center now manages a collection of over 1300 pieces. The collection originated when a small but energetic faculty, enthusiastic students and volunteers at then Minot State College introduced a national juried exhibition to the art program with the intent of enhancing the visual arts experiences of students, the campus and the regional art community. This “National Print and Drawing Show” would also be the source of a quality contemporary fine art collection, through the presentation of purchase awards. In the 1990’s, the original juried competition was opened to international entries, became Americas 2000: Paperworks, and a second competition for an All Media category was started. Artwork from the collection is used as a resource for teaching, involving students in the hands on study of original works of art and cultural objects. The collection is also displayed on the Minot State campus and showcased in exhibitions that are frequently toured to other galleries as well as being on view at the University. The pieces featured in this touring exhibition stem from purchase awards granted in the two annual juried competitions, or from donations to the Collection. As a special project aimed to utilize the collection and teach about curatorial methods, this exhibit was developed by art students who wanted to highlight art created by women artists. Women’s Point of View was organized and sponsored by the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University. This project is funded in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
a look inside DREAMS COME TRUE
It took the community, many grants, tons of volunteer hours and generous sponsors... And now look! It is hard to imagine that the dilapidated lot The Arts Center purchased in 2007 is now—after so much planning, many transitions, hard work, fundraising, construction and art installation—our beautiful Hansen Arts Park. It is an amazing creative space, actively programmed, lovingly cared for and enjoyed by many, a gem in the heart of downtown. One cannot simply pass by without wonder.
Rosemary McDougall, a weeding rock star!
Obviously this would not be possible without our community, sponsors, grants and of course volunteers. We would like to take a moment to thank some of our recent hard workers for their time and for their help (whether that is weeding, watering, mosaic installation, mowing, planting, shoveling... well you get the point) to keep the park looking its best ever. Thank you, Rosemary McDougall for keeping the flowers in Hansen Arts Park beautiful; George and Jackie Barnes for their popcorn and water during the Downtown Arts Market; Jackson Walters for taking care of our lawn and finally the Mormon Elders for setting up and the Buffalo City Church Group for tearing down the Downtown Arts Market. Also, cheers to those that helped design and install some of the final mosaic benches like Hannah Kang & John McDougall, Ken & Rosemary McDougall, David Haukaas, Christine Burchill, Laurel Haroldson, Kirk & Debbie Heim, Meredith Meidinger, Dina Laskowski, Sherry McGuire, Joseph Kraehenbuhl, Lanie Toso, Joanne Ottmar, Sharon Caine, Janet Thielman, Michelle Schlager Sally Jeppson, Angela Martini and Joleen Reiland-Lorenz. As you can see it has taken a lot of people to help make the dream of The Hansen Arts Park a reality. THANK YOU!
upcoming classes providing opportunities for artistic development and exploration
CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS & TEENS Pre-registration required. Details and registration online at: www.jamestownarts.com
DESIGN YOUR OWN CANVAS SHOES with Linda Roesch September 11 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, $75 / $65 for members Spend an afternoon indulging your inner fashion designer, by painting your own pair of custom sneakers or shoes! Learn tips and tricks for using acrylic paint on nontraditional surfaces, and experiment with special materials like acrylic paint pens or 3D fabric paint. *Participants will need to bring their own pair of CANVAS shoes.
“SUMMER’S END” ACRYLIC PAINTING with Linda Roesch September 25 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, $75 / $65 for members Follow along step by step as we create this simple acrylic painting using a limited color palette of your choice. This class is for adults and students alike, ages 3rd grade and up. Class fee includes one child & 1 adult.
FAMILY POTTERY with Bill Nybo October 16 & 23, from 10:00 am –12:00 pm, $35 / $30 for members Join us for a family class where you work side by side with your child, you will be introduced to the basic pinch, coil, and slab hand-building techniques. Projects are designed to stimulate creativity in a playful way, a great way to share time with your child! Be sure to wear clothes you’re not afraid to get dirty. Includes all materials and kiln firing. Attendance at both sessions is necessary for a glazed finished piece.
WATERCOLOR MIXED MEDIA HACKS with Linda Roesch October 30 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, $75 / $65 for members Painting with watercolors can be quite a challenge, even for the seasoned artist. In this class, you’ll experiment with mixed media techniques that can help take the stress out of painting with watercolors. See how you can add line work and finer details or sketch quickly on the go using watercolor pencils, watercolor markers and sharpie. We are always adding new classes and artists to our roster. You can visit www.jamestownarts.com for our latest class updates and offerings. We look forward to helping you get inspired!
CREATIVE AFTER SCHOOL FUN FOR GRADES 3, 4, 5 & 6 Arts After School Program 3 3 3 3 3
School days from 3:30 – 5:00 pm After school snack included Scholarships available Bus transportation provided (in town only) Pre-registration required
The Arts After School program runs from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Parents should be prompt in picking up their child at 5:00 pm if not riding the bus. Find all the details at www.jamestownarts.com.
Intro to Printmaking with Sharon Linnehan
September 7 – 17 Sharon is excited to get back in the classroom and teach everyone about printmaking with Gelli Plates! Gelli Plates are squishy, gelatinous pads people use to create a wide variety of colorful papers. They can be used to make collages, mixed media, cards, and more. Gelli plate printing is fun and anyone can do it. This is a playful, messy class where kids will use a gelli plate and other objects to make beautiful papers. No two will be the same!
FUNdamentals of Drawing: Learning Light, Shapes and Shadows with Mr. Billy September 20 – October 1 Join Mr. Billy as he teaches the students how to turn the 2D into 3D. We will study light and shadows in 360 degrees with fun drawing assignments and challenge sheets. After mastering basic shapes we will move on to organic shapes like fruits and vegetables. The final challenge will be applying realistic shading to people and faces. The class is great for beginners and skilled artists.
Wearable Art: Paint Shoes, Hats and Other Canvas Items with Linda Roesch
October 4 – 15 Linda is back to teach a repeat of her Summer Camp! Students with work with acrylic paint to create their own wearable designs on shoes, hats and canvas items. Learn how to maintain consistency in your works while working with various line, color and patterns. Also experiment with different painting materials and techniques to add texture and contrast to the artworks. *No school (no Arts After School) October 8th
Ceramics: Piggy Banks & Bird Houses with Bill Nybo
October 18 – November 5 Using basic hand-building techniques (slab, pinch and coil) students will create their own piggy banks and bird houses out of clay. Kiln firing and glazes are included. *No school (no Arts After School) October 21 & 22.
JAMESTOWN OPTIMIST CLUB
Our Arts After School program is supported in part by AAUW, United Way, Hugo’s Marketplace, Walmart, Optimist Club and BNSF Railway.
SAYING GOODBYE, AND LOOKING AHEAD We are sad say goodbye to long-time Arts Center Gallery Manager Sally Jeppson and our Education Coordinator Kathleen Roehm. This fall both are taking on new journeys. And both will be greatly missed. At the 2000 JFAA Annual Meeting, I was shocked to see Sally Jeppson and Deane Fay in attendance. No one from Fargo had ever come to one of the Arts Center’s annual meetings—much less someone from the Plains Art Museum! I was even more shocked when Sally applied for the Arts Center’s gallery position. Here was someone with eleven years of experience at the Plains– how could she possibly want to work in Jamestown and she certainly wouldn’t stay. After 20 years at the Arts Center, sadly, Sally is retiring and moving. How could this be that one who has devoted hours to the arts in Jamestown is abandoning us to pursue her own life?! When Sally arrived at the Arts Center, she began reading files to acquaint herself with past and current programs. She took it upon herself to organize and color code the files and immediately tackled more projects than I had imagined needed attention. She revamped the newsletter; organized exhibitions; produced quality exhibition materials and marketing; made sense of the membership system; helped launch Arts After School, yet eventually abandoned organizing the files… some things are just too daunting. Sally’s relationship with artists throughout the state and region has drawn quality exhibitions and teaching artists to the Center. She has worked closely with the North Dakota Council on the Arts to expand and improve the Arts for Life program bringing artistic experiences to elders. I know the residents and staff at Ave Maria will truly miss Sally’s cheery countenance and caring interactions. If you have ever hung a picture in your house, you know how many holes in the wall you might make as you decide exactly how high and where to place your painting, photo, etc. Imagine trying to decide how to hang an exhibition of over 100 pieces! Never has anyone organized and perfectly displayed an exhibition faster or more artistically pleasing than Sally. She also has created text panels giving the viewer a broader perspective of the artists’ intention and execution. Not only does Sally have
an artistic eye, but she is also an artist crafting pieces in stained glass. She is an artist with a spark. A valued employee is someone who works independently, competently and is willing to be flexible when necessary. Sally has always been that valued employee and someone who has undertaken whatever task needs to be done – shoveling snow, cleaning, creating offsite exhibitions, staffing an event, filling in as Arts After School teacher, grant reviewer/ writer, technical support, hauling exhibits around the state, creating delicious exhibition receptions, and the list goes on and on. To say that Sally will be missed is an enormous understatement! I know, however, everyone wishes her well on this new adventure. Perhaps once she has unpacked 1,000 boxes and organized and color coded her new house, she will continue creating and will return to the Arts Center when the joint exhibition “Jeppson and Fay” opens. ~by Taylor Barnes
Though not with us long enough, we are saying good bye to another integral part of The Arts Center team. Kathleen Roehm joined us in 2019 superiorly filling a gap in staffing and easily adjusting to her role as Education Coordinator. Kathleen found great fulfillment in watching the students develop, grow and become more confident as budding artists. Kathleen was a recent graduate of the University of Jamestown when she joined us. She was easily able to apply her skills and connections with other artists to her role. A breath of fresh air, she brought in new artists and educators with varied talents in multiple mediums. In addition to her background and education; Kathleen brought with her a love for music, knowledge of sound engineering, willingness to educate youth and a valuable voice in planning and programming. Moving forward on her journey, Kathleen is pursuing her Masters Degree in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. She would like to keep teaching private lessons, work with kids and perform with choral and band ensembles. Good luck, Kathleen, we will miss you!
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Friday, October 1 & Saturday, October 2 at 7:00 pm The first only global short film festival. Join other movie lovers for the 24th Annual show and enjoy 10 short films from six different continents! Best part is YOU get to vote on Best Film and Best Actor. The directors and actors anxiously await your decision!
Open Mic Night
Thursdays, September 30 & October 28 at 7:00 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.
Perfectly Paired Gallery Experience Keep a watch out for information on our Perfectly Paired experiences. These unique evenings are currently being currated for December 2, January 13, March 3 and April 21. Reservations will be available later this fall.
Buffalo City Photo Club Tuesdays, September 21 & October 19th The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting again (outdoors). You can join them the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio for a photography advenure. Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users. Free and open to anyone.
Saturday, September 18th 5:30 - 8:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Park Featuring German style food, beers, music and festivities. Costumes encouraged! German music and dancing at 5:30 pm Tickets $35: Available at Cork & Barrel, The Arts Center, or from an Arts Center Board Member
Sponsored by: Bergseth Brothers, Cavendish Farms, the Stutsman Co. Fair Board Organized by: The Arts Center Board of Directors. All proceeds benefit The Arts Center
For more details visit: www.jamestownarts.com
THE ARTS CENTER