Issue 130: 112016

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

THE ARTS CENTER NEWSLETTER Issue 130: Nov – Dec 2016 Courtesy of:

sponsored by

Hansen Arts Park Update Upcoming Classes New Exhibits Upcoming Events Dinner Theater Wine & Cheese Tasting Special Thanks

From the director’s desk:

“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.”

Cyndi Wish Executive Director

Dante Alighieri wrote that, or so most people think, though it is not found verbatim in English translations of “Inferno”. Some people attribute the quote to JFK, who attributed it to Dante when he used it in his speeches. I don’t know who to attribute it to, but let’s just say it was Dante and hope that these newsletters are never subject to real “fact checkers”.

Anyway, it’s a hell of a lead in quote for a newsletter, right? Some context: about ten years ago I used that quote when I had the honor of introducing Daniel Heyman at a talk he was giving about his then current body of work “The Abu Ghraib Detainee Interview Project.” During this project, Daniel worked alongside a team of civil rights attorneys and created portraits of detainees that included faces and highly personal and very disturbing text from their interviews.

It is a brave tradition, and a long one, of artists who observe injustice or feel outrage, and work to translate those feelings into something visual, in the hopes that communicating visually will be effective in inciting change.

When I saw on Facebook that Daniel was in North Dakota working on his new project, “Native Voices”, a series of portraits of and text from Native Americans on North Dakota reservations, I reached out to him. It’s not often that someone I know visits this great state. He happened to be traveling through on 94, and stopped by Jamestown. We talked about showing the new portraits here at The Arts Center, and it worked out.

In the what is now many years I have known Daniel, his work has always given voice to under represented people, situations, or cultures, and this often manifests in highly challenging, thoughtful, thought provoking art. Daniel’s work is heavy. Which often surprises me, because interactions with Daniel are not usually. He has a rich and dry sense of humor, is quick with a comeback, has a great smile, and a fabulous collection of socks. Daniel doesn’t run away from difficult subject matter, he runs toward it. Because the hottest places in hell are in no way reserved for artists like Daniel.

Daniel is one of the people I am most proud to know. Come see this exhibit.

Please join us!

RIBBON CUTTING & DEDICATION November 9th at 4:30 pm in the Hansen Arts Park

ARTS PARK UPDATE: “Prairie Grass Ballet” After two months and two weeks of intense labor here in Jamestown, Owen Fritts and Elizabeth Hellstern have completed the “Prairie Grass Ballet” sculpture. And it is stunning! People are already stopping to interact and take photos with it.

Prior to all the labor in Jamestown, there were ten additional weeks of fabrication.

This included five people, 4,800 pounds of aluminum, 2.1 miles of hand plasma cutting, 1.6 miles of MIG welding, 1,120 square feet of face sanding, and 1,500 miles of transport to create the grass blades. The sculpture contains 43 total grass blades and 30 tons of local glacial moraine granite. It is amazing how much work went into this sculpture, but it was certainly worth the effort.

Along with the names of indigenous prairie grasses, part of narrative engraved into the granite base is a cento poem. The narrative was created by Elizabeth and her cento is being published in ND’s most recognized literary journal The North Dakota Quarterly.

The “Prairie Grass Ballet” is not only an amazing gem for downtown Jamestown, it truly honors all the many facets that put the “s” in Arts.

You can see more photos of the construction process on the “Prairie Grass Ballet” facebook page: www.facebook.com/prairiegrassballet.

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

in our own words: Native Impressions

by Daniel Heyman October 27 – November 26, 2016 Who are contemporary American Indian people in North Dakota? What are their stories?

Daniel Heyman, We Don’t Buy Green Bananas, 2015, reduction woodprint on handmade paper (85% kozo, 15% flax).

Printmaker Daniel Heyman came to ND from Princeton University determined to ask those questions. His invitation came from two UND faculty, printmaker Kim Fink and graphic designer Lucy Ganje. Fink was the Founding Director of Sundog Multiples, a student-focused print shop at UND, which printed the artworks.

Along with Leigh Jeanotte, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Director of UND’s American Indian Student Services, the three artists set out for ND’s Reservations. Working through the tribal colleges, they interviewed people from all walks of life.

The exhibition “Native Impressions” includes both portraits and text from a range of people living on ND’s four reservations including business people, farmers, ranchers, teachers, politicians, tribal leaders, and community members.

Lucy Ganje, Being Metis, 2015, Letterpress on handmade paper (85% kozo, 15% flax).

The individual prints tell the story of a people whose historic cultures were challenged and sometimes overrun by others. In the latter years of the 20th century, younger generations began the work of reclaiming what had been. The history of a people is summarized in 12 portraits, each accompanied by a matching sheet of text.

The exhibition was organized by the North Dakota Museum of Art and is touring in collaboration with the North Dakota Art Gallery Association. The tour is supported in part by a grant to the North Dakota Art Gallery Association from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

views from the high plains by Leith DeWeese December 1, 2016 – January 7, 2017 Using watercolor, DeWeese has developed a unique touch. Growing up in the West creates a sense of place in each of us. There are particular locations that we remember, sites with open vistas, clean air, and a reverence for nature. DeWeese recently created a series honoring the historical homesteads in Montana. The upcoming exhibit, “Views from the High Plains” has similar content—a blend of subjects, landscape, vegetation, and relics of the past.

DeWeese arrives at her subjects as she explores the back roads of high plains where she looks for homesteads and other old, interesting buildings, “You’ll be driving by an old building, and you have to take the time to stop. Whenever you stop, there will be something,” she said. “Getting yourself to stop is the hard part.”

Visitors to the exhibit will recognize familiar elements, but unlike many watercolor artists, Deweese finds beauty and meaning in the detritus of history; broken furniture, discarded tools and peeling wallpaper. Deweese’s graphic design background is manifested in the way she capitalizes on repeating shapes in her paintings; horizontal boards, coils of rope or checkered tablecloths—look for these repeated shapes when you visit the exhibit. With this focus, her work has a more contemporary flavor which makes her work unique.

The tour is supported in part by a grant to the North Dakota Art Gallery Association from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

From the cover: Leith DeWeese, Dredge Cut Gears, watercolor, 33” x 42” Pictured Above: Leith DeWeese, Gross Vehicle Weight, watercolor, 25” x 41”

JOIN US FOR LUNCH! American Art Series: Trail Blazers in American Art Monday, November 14 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Follow along as art historian and enthusiast, Leo Winstead, plumbs the depths of American history to celebrate the lives and contributions of early American painters and sculptors. The second lecture in the series will be a presentation on Newell Convers Wyeth, one of America’s greatest illustrators. N.C. Wyeth worked as an illustrator at the dawn of color art printing. He was also a fine artist working in a realistic style when realism was being challenged by new artistic movements.

His legacy and his influence on illustrators continues to stretch beyond the 20th century into our time. Cost is $5. Lunch is included. Please RSVP to 701-251-2496.

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

acrylic painting - Landscapes with Leo Winstead

Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Students have the opportunity to paint a landscape using acrylics on canvas. A quick overview of composition, color theory and paint mixing will be followed by an open painting session. Students are encouraged to bring their own photo reference; a landscape photo will be provided as well. Techniques such as glazing, scumbling, layering, and knife-painting will be covered. 1-on-1 instruction and critiques offer something for beginners as well as advanced students. $85 / $75 for members ($10 supply fee included).

is it me or the machine with Teri Raiche

Mondays: November 14 & 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

Frustrated with your sewing machine? This course will address common problems the average user has with mechanical and computerized sewing machines. This is not a repair class nor a sewing class. Topics include many of the why’s and how’s of sewing machine function (needle, stitching, tensions) and the ways users effect outcome. Students need to bring a working sewing machine with accessory/maintenance box including oil, fabric scraps, and thread. Class is suited for ages 16 and up. $40 / $30 for members.

acrylic painting - still life with Leo Winstead

Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

The class will be painting a still-life using acrylics on canvas. A quick review of composition, color theory, and paint mixing will be followed by an open painting session. There will be a still-life setup for students to work from. Techniques such as glazing, scumbling, layering, and impasto knife-painting will be covered. 1-on-1 instruction and critiques offer something beginners and advanced students. $85 / $75 for members ($10 supply fee included).

Calligraphy Workshop - Art Nouveau Lettering with Anne Kaese

Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm • Hansen Arts Studio

This basic class will focus on the comprehensive study of the lettering style we most closely associate with the 1920’s, Frank Lloyd Wright, and soft elegant curves and lines.

Art Nouveau lettering is structured, easy to learn, and elegant. It can be decorated and modernized very nicely too. Lessons will comprise of a theory section, forms, practice, review, and a project. Bring a sack lunch. $105 / $95 for members (includes $25 starter kit).

ART CLASSES FOR KIDS Pre-registration required. Details & registration online at: www.jamestownarts.com

Arts After SChool - Registration now open for Winter 2016

Open to grades 3, 4, 5 & 6. After school snack and busing included. Schedule, artist info, details, and registration online.

From under the sea to out of this world with Jennifer Wentz

2nd Saturday of each month from 10:30 am –12:00 pm • Arts Center Classroom

Dive into the ocean and design your own sea creature, then rocket into outer space and create a planet all your own. Explore visual arts fundamentals and experiment with real techniques in multiple art forms including chalk pastels, acrylic, watercolor, and more. Snack will be provided. Dress for a mess. Designed for grades K – 4. $15 / $10 for members.

a look inside Sally Jeppson our Gallery Coordinator gives us a more in depth look at life here at The Arts Center in her blog “Culture Builds Community.”

In 2011 we were approached by the Jamestown Sun to write a blog that would talk about art and creative topics. Sally had some experience with blogging and she published our first entry on June 8, 2011. As of today she has written all but one of the 193 posts.

We enjoy when people to read, comment and provide feedback. And if you are a writer or have something to share, consider being a “guest” blogger.

We thought it would be interesting to revisit the 1st published blog and see if five years later we are still true to our mission.

For this first post in The Arts Center’s new blog, I thought I’d do a little web research–why not…so, I “Google” the phrase and it returns about 14,800,000 results. I’m not surprised. Culture/Community/Building are all popular buzz words that are loaded with meaning, content and potential. Just the act of living one’s life creates Culture and the combining of these (in geographic space or cyber space) creates Communities.

The Arts Center is undergoing a physical transformation with its facility renovation and we’ve upgraded our promotional materials to better communicate what we do. We added the “Culture Builds Community” tag line to all our marketing materials because it seemed to embody all that we do. We are a community organization and everything we do reflects culture in some way. For The Arts Center, culture embodies the notions of excellence in arts and humanities. We share the works established artists, emerging artists, traditional artists and young artists in all disciplines from painting to poetry, theatre to dance, and everything in between.

We not only share arts but we also teach arts. All our varied programming requires a great deal of planning, coordination and collaboration with organizations and individuals from Jamestown, ND but also many others throughout the region. These collaborators are great assets that allow our small arts center to bring successful, meaningful programs to our area.

“Culture is the process by which a person becomes all that they were created capable of being.” ~Thomas Carlyle (Scottish Philosopher)

This blog shares weekly aspects and aspirations of The Arts Center’s Culture Builds Community Story. It will highlight art, artists, volunteers, programs and activities to show how powerful the arts can be in building and strengthening our communities.

You can follow the blog at: http://theartscenter.areavoices.com

upcoming events creative opportunities to break up your routine

Creative Writing Group Launch Wednesday, November 9 at 7:00 pm in the Hansen Studio Are you an aspiring writer? Do you have ideas for a story, but don’t know where to start? Do you have a written work you would like critiqued? Then this group is for you! Join us for the launch and an informal brainstorming session. All writers are welcome. Whether you’re interested in story-telling, writing essays, poetry, or other types of writing. Bring questions, suggestions, and ideas. We hope to make this a fun a productive experience for all. Don’t forget your pen and paper!

Open Mic Night November 17 & December 29 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.

Reader’s Theater November 22 & December 27 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm Do you enjoy the drama of theater, but don’t like the spotlight?

Then Reader’s Theater is for you! Join this lively bunch for the dramatic reading of original scripts the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Legacy Center (old hospital). For more information, contact: Dina Laskowski at dlaskows@jc.edu or 701-269-9111

Photography Club Gathering Tuesday, Nov 15 & Dec 13, 6:30 pm in the Hansen Studio The local band of photo enthusiasts will be meeting the third Tuesday of each month. Topics are focused primarily for DSLR camera users. Free and open to anyone.

November 15 - Night Photography December 13 - Camera Equipment A full schedule of upcoming events can be found at: www.jamestownarts.com

THE ARTS CENTER presents a community theater production:

2nd ACT Community Theater Production: In Love Thy Neighbor (a comedy

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

by Gary Ray Stapp

written by Gary Ray Stapp) homeowner Leona Crump armed with a sharply judgmental attitude and a pair of binoculars, is consumed with anxiety over her new neighbors. Will they be beatniks?

Or paroled drug pushers? Or more frightening yet, perhaps someone with children?! Her worst fears are realized when an odd-ball “hill-folk” family move in across the street. She quickly realizes that neither God, nor her favorite telephone psychic, has prepared her for the series of showdowns set to take place in her living room as she attempts to purge her cul-de-sac.

Three Dinner Theater Shows: Thursday – Saturday, December 1, 2, and 3 6:00 pm at The Arts Center Tickets in advance only. Available at The Arts Center. $30 for members / $35 general admission.

Sponsored by:

an artful happy hour

meet people. mix drinks. make art.

Create your own masterpiece... or close anyway. Join us after work for a creatively good time. 5:30 – 7:00 pm in the Hansen Arts Studio. All materials provided. $10. RSVP required: info@jamestownarts.com Wednesday’s: November 16 & December 21 Acrylic painting with Leo Winstead

wine &cheese The Arts Center

2016 tasting

This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary on the “Judgment of Paris.”

A wine tasting competition held in Paris that pitted California wines against the highly regarded French wines (with surprising results).

Join us for our “Judgment of Jamestown” as we allow you to decide if foreign or domestic wines win over your pallette.

“JUDGMENT OF JAMESTOWN” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 7:00 – 9:00 PM Tickets are $35 and available at The Arts Center or Cork & Barrel.

THE ARTS CENTER 115 2nd Street SW, Jamestown, ND 58401 701-251-2496 • info@jamestownarts.com www.jamestownarts.com Proceeds benefit Arts Center programs including Arts After School, Art for Life, Artist Residencies and more. Must be 21 years of age to attend.

“Back Porch” GROUP Saturday, November 5 7:00 pm at The Arts Center

Back Porch members John Crowston, Mark Urquhart, and Kerry Wicks will feature a wide variety of acoustic music. The concert includes a special treat: celtic music direct form Nova Scotia! You are guaranteed to be impressed by this local group of multi-talented musicians. Tickets available at the door: $10 / $5 for members.

special thanks business members: Ave Maria Village, Bank Forward, Cable Services, Inc, Century 21 Realtors,Dairy Queen, Dakota Brands International, Don Wilhelm, Inc., Dr. Richard Qual, Dr. Tim Sinner, Farmers Union Insurance, First Community Credit Union, Great Plains Claims, Heinrich & Company, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Larry’s Auto Glass, Liechty Homes, Lifestyle Appliance, Lifetime Vision Source, Lloyds Motors, Napa Auto Parts, Ottmar & Ottmar, Prairie Veterinary Clinic, Qual Hearing Aid Services, Quality Service and Repair, Reuben Liechty Realtors, Scherbenske Inc., Southwood Veterinary Clinic, Stutsman County Abstract Company

donations: Karen Crane, Jo-Ida Hansen, Dede Mills, Bonnie Tressler special thanks to: Elsie Weber, Maris Thompson, Nadine Kainz, Judy Martini, Aloha Kercher, Sharon Vixo and Betty Brosz for volunteering in the office; Taylor Barnes, Dina Laskowski, Laurel Haroldson, Dave Hillerud, Joan Morris, Meghan Braun, Bob Toso, Emma Mickleson, Steve Maier, Bev Orr, Casey Stoudt, Max Post Van Der Berg, Scott Bintz, Bonnie Tressler, Lynn Lambrecht, Searle Swedlund, Ricki Ramlo, Cody Mickleson, Michael Weron, The Stutsman County Fairgrounds, Cork & Barrel, Flatland Brewery, Meghan Korlowski, and Bill Nybo for helping to make Oktoberfest a success.

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #53 Jamestown, ND 58401

THE ARTS CENTER

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED THE ARTS CENTER (Jamestown Fine Arts Association)

PO Box 363, Jamestown, ND 58402 VOICE: EMAIL: WEB: BLOG: FB: TWEET:

701-251-2496 info@jamestownarts.com www.jamestownarts.com http://theartscenter.areavoices.com www.facebook.com/TheArtsCenterJamestown @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.