THE ARTS CENTER
THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 146: November – December, 2019 Courtesy of:
A Word From Our Director The NEA & North Dakota New Exhibits A Look Inside Upcoming Classes Dinner Theater Production Wine & Cheese Tasting Special Thanks
Mindi Schmitz Executive Director
Thank you so much for all your membership renewals and the generous support we’ve received for our Downtown Arts Market appeal. We know our community supports The Arts Center; we work hard to provide quality, cultural, artistic performance, classes and experiences for our community. Thanks for your support! As the school year is underway, I want to remind parents and grandparents that we offer great programming for Arts After School check out page 10 for the upcoming schedule. Speaking of school, we have a long history with Jamestown Public Schools and St. John’s in providing an Artist in Residence to supplement their art programs. This year, we welcome back artist Linda Roesch. We are glad to have Linda back! You can view her work at www.sketchingspot.com. Mark your calendars for a couple of big events that support The Arts Center. First our Wine and Cheese Night is set for January 18. This year’s theme features wines from Portugal and Spain. Then comes our annual Gala. This year’s theme is “Speak Easy,” and will be held at the Newman Arena on Saturday, February 8. We are awarding prizes for best “dressed” and will have a “jail” feature. As always, if you have any ideas, suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thanks again for your support of The Arts Center. Sincerely,
behind the scenes
Mary Anne Carter, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Senior Deputy Chairman Tom Simplot were recently in North Dakota. As part of reimagining the Rural West Initiative with a focus on “Building Culture and Community Through the Creative Arts” they participated in a Western Governors’ Association meeting. Following that both Mary Anne and Tom presented informational grant sessions for arts organizations and met with arts executives from across our region (sponsored by the North Dakota Council on the Arts). This was Mindi’s first opportunity to meet with NEA leaders and hear first-hand about their focus on rural communities and the arts. She also had the opportunity to network with other North Dakota arts leaders. Mindi walked away with valuable information, stronger connections and a greater understanding of how important the NEA is to North Dakota. WHAT you should know: • The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is the only funder, public or private, that supports the arts in all 50 states. •
In the past five years… the NEA has distributed more that $3, 378,000 in grant funding to North Dakota.
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In one year alone… Arts & Culture industries in North Dakota added $1.4 billion to the state’s economy. These same industries employ 14,043 with salaries/wages totalling $0.8 billion dollars.
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A few ND beneficiaries of NEA funding: The Arts Center, The Plains Art Museum, University of Jamestown, Northern Plains Dance, ND Parks & Rec, the International Music Camp, Lutheran Social Services, Birding Drive ND, Gateway to Science, Sleepy Hollow Theatre and Arts Park and the Minot Commission on Aging.
Matthew Norton: Escape
November 7 – December 7, 2019
Art has the power to do many things, it can delight, it can challenge, it can communicate, it can teach and it can heal. These are just a few of its many powers. Arts activities can be immensely therapeutic to people who are incarcerated. Faced with “time” and a few limited resources, artists are born, some have innate talent, others become skilled with many hours of practice and work. Matthew Norton’s art came to the attention of Bismarck State College Gallery Director, Andrea Fagerstrom and she proposed an exhibition of his work while he was still incarcerated. He has since been released and his exhibit is touring through the North Dakota Art Gallery association. In his statement, Matthew speaks about his art and its ability to free his mind from the reality of incarceration. “When I am creating, I lose myself and seem to get taken away for a time. Drawing and other forms of art allowed my mind to break free, to escape, so to speak, even if just for a short while. I try to only draw when my emotions are running high and happy. At times that can be tough and a challenge, considering my surroundings. I have lost years of my life and opportunities found beyond confinement. In part, I am attempting, through my artwork, to regain some of that lost time.” We were interested to host Matthew’s exhibition as it gives us the opportunity to share what we have been doing locally with the James River Correctional Center (JRCC). We’ve had the opportunity to visit JRCC and meet some amazing artists. Last year, our resident artist, Linda Roesch, did several workshops at the facility. We will be sharing some of our local JRCC artists’ work while Matthew’s show is on display. Like Matthew, these artists also see their art as an outlet and perhaps as a means to an end–an employable skill and a healthy way for expressing emotions which can run the gamut in correctional populations.
Artist Bio: Matthew E. Norton was born in Bismarck, ND and raised in the small town of Riverdale, ND. His mother, Brenda, was a large influence on his creativity. While growing up, Matthew’s mother often provided an environment of creativity. She often had arts and crafts days for her two sons and the neighborhood children. Matthew created mud sculptures from the Missouri River clay, painted mosaic style on giant boulders, created art using the nature found around him, while continuing to grow in appreciation and awe for the design, beauty and balance found in that nature. Matthew received his AA and AS from BSC. He has taken various art classes while attending college, but creating his own art did not become his focus until years later. Initially Matthew favored computer generated art. He created images and video in his spare time just for fun. It wasn’t until he found himself with restricted and limited options that he evolved to his current style. While Matthew was in Federal Prison for substance abuse, he found his personal inspiration to create. Bouncing through a roller coaster of emotions, Matthew portrays them in his artwork. Due to his restricted and limited resources, Matthew worked mainly with pencil and pen in his own unique version of black and white line art. Using materials available to him, Matthew also designed and created one-of-a-kind pieces in leather, ceramic and crochet. Matthew was released in August 2018, where he was moved to a halfway house in Mandan for several months. Currently, Matthew resides in Bismarck and works full-time for Cybersecurity, while attending Bismarck State College.
Left: Scope, Matthew Norton, pen and ink, 14” x 18” Above: Spring, Matthew Norton, pen and ink, 14” x 18”
DAN SMITH: HOOPS
December 12 – January 18, 2019 When I scheduled this exhibition I was thinking about winter, about how many of us might be dreaming of warm days and the basketball court or any warm weather outdoor sport. And of course there is the Midwestern obsession with small-town basketball and all the “madness” that goes with it. I thought the exhibit might appeal to some who don’t generally come to see our art exhibits. But this exhibition addresses much more than basketball, which the photographer Dan Smith captures so well in his description of this project. This project as seen started with one image. The Old Idaho State Penitentiary was the site. The witness room of the Execution Chamber the location. One small window looking out. The shadow of a basketball standard on an empty prison yard. The first of what was to be HOOPS, an exploration. A trip into barns, yards, garages and fields. A visit to a world of aspiration and hope, of youthful dreams and bitter failure. These basketball hoops—put up for kids to play with, farmhands to keep occupied while waiting for a grain wagon or load of hay—were the subject matter. Sculpted by light, location and weather they remain. Silent and gradually decaying via wind, water and time.
Join us for Lunch with the artists 12:00 pm, Wednesday, November 20 in The Arts Center Gallery with Matthew Norton & 12:00 pm, Wednesday, December 18 in The Arts Center Gallery with Daniel Smith RSVP the Friday prior if you would like to partake of a homemade lunch for $5.00.
I enter with a camera and an idea quietly shaping the quest for meaning in images devoid of people. The suggestion of activity in silence. Gradually the idea took shape and images presented themselves before my lens. Images that, at times seemed to jump out of the day as I chanced upon a basketball standard. Others dimly seen in passing and only recognized after many visits, finally to reveal subject matter worth stopping for. Still others seen clearly, yet not realized until weather and light and opportunity combined for an image worth the effort. Night skies, morning dew —an animal emphasizing the playground nature of the quest. Hay and farm machinery and winter winds in sub zero temperatures. The net made of baling twine‌ the bare rim, the shadow. HOOPS, images of dreams, hopes and daily life. Tangible reminders of youth too quickly gone, friendships of the past pushed aside by the demands of the day. I stop and I photograph. Seeking quiet, the memory of days long gone. These remnants of life once seemingly important. Totems of happiness and friendship and effort. All in images seen and felt as I photograph, as I print and as I exhibit them.
Right: Out of the Weather, ND, digital print Left & Cover: Quonset Snowstorm, ND, digital print These exhibitions were 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.
a look inside Building Community Through Culture
Working with Fellow Nonprofits Triumph, Alpha & Community Options One of our guiding beliefs at The Arts Center is that “culture builds community.” We believe in the transformative power of art, of the ability to change lives through thoughtful arts programming. Through the personal experience of art, and the sharing of that cultural experience, we grow individually and collectively, building a stronger community, one person at a time. We also strongly believe in the need to reach every segment of our community with the transformational potential of art; oftentimes in today’s world, those most in need of its healing power are the very ones bereft of its presence. That’s why we at The Arts Center are extremely proud of our programs in partnership with fellow nonprofits Triumph, Alpha and Community Options. Working with those in our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities allows us to reach a portion of the community that often are overlooked by arts organizations. Not engaging this population truly is a tragedy, as numerous studies have shown the exceptional therapeutic benefits for this group in engaging in arts activities. In particular, those with conditions on the autism spectrum respond incredibly well to the stimulus of artistic activities.
Linda whitney
Whitney’s Art Honored at World’s Premier Mezzotint Exhibition Linda has been a quiet artistic force in North Dakota and a long-time supporter of The Arts Center for many years. She brings her many talents and expertise to all tasks whether exhibiting, educating, advising or jurying. We thought you would like to learn of her recent experience in Russia. Professor Emeritus Linda Whitney just returned from almost two weeks in Russia where seventy mezzotint artists, curators, and gallery directors from all over the globe attended the world’s premier mezzotint exhibition at the Fifth International Mezzotint Festival in Ekaterinburg sponsored by the Ekaterinburg Museum of Fine Art. Approximately 1000 mezzotints created by 113 artists from 31 countries were installed in three venues. Nine jury members who are mezzotint experts from Russia, Japan, Canada, Belgium, Slovakia, Luxembourg, and the US chose work from the numerous entries to award the printmakers for their dedication to the art of mezzotint. Whitney was honored with the grand prize for Originality and for Breaking Classical Boundaries. Whitney’s mezzotint work has won numerous prizes and has been shown through out the world. We at The Arts Center are proud of our fellow North Dakotan and her many achievements. North Dakota is lucky to have the opportunity to work with and learn from such a distinguished artist.
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
FIBER WEAVING with Sue Balcom
Saturday: November 9 from 12:00 – 3:30 pm at The Arts Center Always wanted to weave? Rigid heddles are a small investment and can make wonderful scarves, table runners, even clothing from any kind of fiber. This class will teach you how to wrap a small loom; some vernacular and how to go about deciding on equipment and your very own loom. Everyone will have a chance to weave and the scarf will be given away to a lucky winner at the end of the evening. PLEASE do not purchase a loom until you speak to the instructor. If you already have a loom, please bring it to class with some yarn to add to our scarf project (optional). $40 / $35 for members.
ART CLASSES FOR KIDS Arts After SChool
Our next session begins November 4th. Open to grades 3, 4, 5 & 6. After school snack and busing (in town) included. Scholarships available (inquire at the office). Classes take place at The Arts Center from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. More information and Registration is at: www.jamestownarts.com
Take Note
Inclement Weather: As as general rule, The Arts Center’s programming follows the JPS system. If there is no school—There is no Arts After School. If schools send students home early—There is no Arts After School. When in doubt weather related updates can be found on our website.
CREATIVE WRITING: November 4 – 22 with Bill Kennedy Bill has taught in the elementary schools, middle school, high school, college and long term care facilities. He patterns the workshops on his own experiences as a writer and a blend of the numerous writing workshops he has attended. This session aims to inspire the writer hidden within. Each student will discover their distinctive voice that creates a story through character, setting, motivation, conflict and the resolution of conflict. The importance of reading and its long term benefits will be emphasized. *No school / No Arts After School November 11
THE WORLD OF WILLY WONKA: November 25 – December 6 with Mindi Schmitz This session will experience all the nuances of the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Students will explore the classic movie through many activities; storytelling, writing, acting, painting and drawing just to name a few. Students will give a short presentation at the end of the session (more details to come). *No school / No Arts After School November 28 & 29
STOP MOTION ANIMATION: December 9 – 20 with Linda Roesch Participants in this session will learn stop motion animation techniques, hone storytelling skills, create storyboards and scripts while working collaboratively to create winter themed animated short film works.
LINDA ROESCH IS BACK: Reflections from our Artist in Residence Jamestown Residency: I am so excited to be back for another year as Artist in Residence! This will be my third time visiting most of the elementary schools, and I’m also hoping to bring our program into the middle school this year. Jamestown is starting to feel like home to me… I’ve enjoyed getting to know the community through events that The Arts Center has hosted, and at private and public gatherings. Maybe you’ve seen me out sketching? As an avid music fan, I continue to appreciate the live music options around town, so look for me at open mic night or concerts around town. Three years ago I had the opportunity to participate in an Artist in Residence mentorship. Thanks to The Arts Center and the North Dakota Council on the Arts, I was able to learn and study with exceptional teaching artists who helped me hone my artistic skills into creative learning opportunities for children. My residencies in Jamestown and around the region have been filled with positive experiences that I will never forget and continue to grow from. Linda’s Background: I am a watercolor and acrylic artist from Roscoe, South Dakota. I enjoy traveling, and experiences from travelling, which are often referenced in my work. I also enjoy working with rescue animals. My bright and colorful animal paintings are a favorite at art festivals throughout the Midwest where I sell my artwork professionally. Linda will have an exhibition of her artwork in The Arts Center’s gallery during May 2020. Learn more about Linda and view her art at: www.thesketchingspot.com.
Above: Arts After School, 2019, mixed media from Linda’s sketch book. And Linda live painting at open mic night.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit Join the fun Downtown Jamestown with the Annual Holiday Dazzle Parade, Caroling in the Hansen Arts Park and other festivities this winter (check our website for updates). November 29 - Caroling in the Hansen Arts Park at 6:15 pm Holiday Dazzle Parade at 7:00 pm
Buffalo City Photo Club The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio. Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users. Free and open to anyone. November 12 - Logan Adams: Drone Photography December 10 - Jill Edinger: Wildlife Photography
Open Mic Night **November Break** & December 19 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.
Sweeney Todd & conflict
Dinner theater shows: Nov 21, 22 and 23 at 6:00 pm On November 21, 22 and 23 our 2nd Act Theater troupe is bringing to the stage Canadian playwright Raymond Hull’s macabre tale of Victorian era murder and mayhem in London, Sweeney Todd, as part of a double bill that also includes the play Conflict by Wade Bradford. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street surfaces in Jamestown… This story has been a part of popular culture since the 19th Century, and has its roots in the melodramatic literature and urban legends of the period. It first appeared on the stage in 1847 and various versions of the tale were a staple of British theater throughout the 19th Century. While there is no historical evidence in 19th Century London of a murderous barber with an accomplice making “meat pies” from the victims, Sweeney Todd was based upon an urban legend popular at the time. Fact or fiction, the tale of Sweeney Todd has struck a nerve in audiences for the past 170 years, both fascinating and entertaining them. A very amusing explanation of how we crave stories in which the protagonist experiences all kinds of hardship. Conflict is struggle, a quest, a battle, a challenge, a longing, an agony, a goal that seems forever out of our grasp. We, as an audience demand that our characters experience conflict. Enter the Cantaloupe! Conflict won the “Page to Stage” competition at the Repertory East Playhouse in Santa Clarita, CA. The 2nd Act players are stretching themselves artistically tackling a double bill of comedies that address the absurd and the macabre in equal measure. An evening of entertainment you won’t want to miss. For more information and tickets visit: www.jamestownarts.com Tickets in advance only. $35 / $25 for Arts Center members (dinner included)
wine& cheese The Arts Center’s annual tasting event Explore the Wine of Spain and Portugal Saturday, January 18 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at The Arts Center Join us for a wonderful evening exploring Spanish & Portuguese wines. Enjoy the classics and some of your favorites like Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha, Vuira, Cava, Madeira and Port. Be prepared to discover new wines as well. All wines are perfectly paired with a variety of cheeses and hors d’oeuvres that showcase the warm climate of the region. Tickets are $35 and available at The Arts Center, Cork & Barrel Liquors or from any Board Member.
oktoberfest: Bob & Elaine Toso, Natalie & Owen McKenna, Jen Kross & Aaron Pearse, Katirna Christianson & Max
Post van der Burg; Lois Humann, Dina Laskowski, Jolene Reiland-Lorenz, Jon Lindberg, Pam Burkhardt, Cindy Bloms, Emma Mickelson, Thomas McGale, Sheel Bansal, Bob Schugard & the Jamestown Park & Rec, Stutsman County Fair Board, Sue Corwin, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz and RM Stoudt.
special thanks to: Dina Laskowski for art supplies; Elsie Weber, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz, Taylor Barnes,
Bill Nybo, Dina Laskowski, Aloha Kercher, Judy & Ken Faulkner and Sharon Vixo for volunteering in the office and taking tickets at events; Sue Corwin, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz for volunteering at the Downtown Arts Market; Christine Witt and Lynn Lambrecht for weeding the Arts Park this summer; and Gun & Reel Sports for helping clear snow for The Arts Center over winter—THANK YOU ALL!
arts center fans! The Arts Center depends on the generosity of many people and businesses to bring you great programs year round. Gifts can be large or small. You can make a simple online contribution at: www.jamestownarts.com—OR consider becoming an Arts Center Member. Member dollars provide a dependable, on-going revenue stream for general operation and creative programming. Members get some great perks too‌ like discounted tickets!
Become an Arts Center Member Today: Name: _______________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________ State: ______ Zip: _________________ phone:______________________________________________________________ email:_______________________________________________________________
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Membership Level: o $500 - Patron o $100 - Supporting o $50 - Adult
o $250 - Associate o $80 - household o $25 - SeniorS & STUDENTS
In addition to supporting our community programs, members receive discounted tickets to concerts, performances, theater shows, special events and reduced tuition for art classes. Members also receive an $15 Arts Center gift card each year. THANK YOU! Please return your completed form to The Arts Center PO Box 363 115 2nd Street SW Jamestown, ND 58402
Thank You!
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THE ARTS CENTER
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PO Box 363, Jamestown, ND 58402 VOICE: 701-251-2496 EMAIL: info@jamestownarts.com WEB: www.jamestownarts.com BLOG: www.jamestownarts.com/blog INSTA: www.instagram.com/Jamestownarts TWEET: @GetInspiredND OFFICE: 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown HOURS: Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm and Sat, 10 am – 2 pm
The Arts Center activities are supported 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.
The Arts Center is participating in ArtsLab, a program of Arts Midwest.