THE
essenger June 2022
Blanden Art Museum Est. 1932
photos and stories by hans madsen
Congratulations Blanden Memorial Art Museum on your 90th Anniversary!
2723 5TH AVE. S. FORT DODGE 515-576-7505 WWW.FDFORD.COM 2
Congrats on Your 90 th
17 S. 12th Street, Fort Dodge (515) 576-6265 www.tilliesquilts.com
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Behind the Blanden’s curtain Dedicated staff, volunteers bring art to the public From the time it opened its doors in 1932 to the 1970s, the Blanden Memorial Art Museum was operated entirely by volunteers. Since then, paid staff have been responsible for the day-to-day operations and the overall mission of the museum to showcase Fort Dodge, Iowa and regional artists’ work. The result is a professionally run museum that Fort Dodge can be proud of. Eric Anderson is the museum director.
ons i t a l u at ongr
C
Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson looks over some of the work in the Blanden’s permanent collection.
“I started in 2014 as the art educator under past Director Margaret Skove,” he said. “After she resigned I was made interim director in November of 2014. In March 2015 I was hired as director.”
ons i t a l u at Congratulations ongr
C
Blanden Art Museum on 90 Years!
“I fast tracked it to the top,” he joked.
C
s n o i t a l u t a r ong
A Complete Solution
ELECTRIC & TELEPHONE INC.
Daniel Pharmacy
Quality, Convenience & Service for over 50 Years! 1114 Central Ave • Fort Dodge • 515-573-3431
• INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTAL
515-955-3257
110 S 21st St Established in 1984 Fort Dodge Email - bemrich@bemrich.com • www.bemrich.com
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
3
Anderson holds a number of art related degrees including a Masters of Art from the University of Nebraska, a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Mankato State University and an Education Degree from Morningside College among others.
resources for teachers. She’s working on lesson plans and she’s actively developing professional development for area art teachers.” Anderson said one of her current projects is moving the Blanden’s cramped basement classroom to an off-site location.
He’s very much a people person, which serves him well.
“It’s a bigger space with much better access so hopefully we can provide more classes,” he said. “We’re looking at providing cubbies for artists and we’re hoping we can be more active in the community, it’s a five year pilot program.’’
“I really enjoy talking with people about art,” he said. “I love the interaction with visitors and artists along with diving into the history and background of the pieces in our collection.” Blanden Art Educator Marisha Erickson is one of the newest arrivals.
Pamela Kay tries on a scarf made by Fort Dodge artist Pam Sanders. Among her many other duties, Kay runs the gift shop. "I have to remind myself not to buy them before they go on the shelves," she said.
“She’s in charge of designing all the learning experiences,” Anderson said. “That includes art classes and workshops as well as lots of digital online
Congratulations
Congratulations Blanden Memorial Art Museum on your 90th Anniversary!!
Pamela Kay wears a variety of hats at the Blanden. She’s most familiar to visitors who will see her friendly smile behind the counter. “She’s the main ambassador to the visitors,” Anderson said.
Congratulations Blanden Art Museum
THE
essenger Jeep p
®
3126 5th Avenue South | Fort Dodge, Iowa | 515-573-7164
4
www.shimkat.com
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Kay also helps with record keeping, routine office work, membership development, event planning and she also runs the gift shop.
identifies any major issues then finds someone to fix or resolve the issue.”
“I wear many colorful hats,” Kay said. The Blanden is kept bright and shiny by Brad Bushman. He’s responsible for maintenance.
As a city of Fort Dodge employee, Bushman does occasionally get pulled away for duties elsewhere, but he’s a fixture when it comes time to hang a show.
“He takes care of the building and grounds,” Anderson said. “He does minor repairs and
The Blanden still depends on volunteers for many things. Many of them will be on hand to
BLANDEN ART MUSEUM! 3232 1ST AVES FORT DODGE, IA | 515-576-2226 | FORTFRENZV.COM
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
5
help out at events such as the upcoming Arts Festival. “We rely heavily on volunteers and the community for that,” he said. Some of them are trained as docents, which are essentially voluntary tour guides and educators who help guide and educate visitors through the galleries. “We’ve been rebuilding our docent program,” Anderson said. “ Marisha has been really active in that.” There are also several boards involved that govern the Blanden as well as a Charitable Foundation Board. “It funds the programs, art works and everything the city doesn’t pay,” Anderson said. “They also serve as ambassadors.”
Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson looks through some of the extensive files kept at the Blanden for the various pieces of art in the collection or in this case, pieces of art no longer in the collection.
The Blanden’s Board of Trustees also helps. The members are appointed by the mayor and confimed by the City Council. Anderson works with them closely. Finally, the community at large and local businesses are critical to the Blanden. “We really appreciate both the local community and the business support we get,” Anderson said. Another thing that Anderson is proud of is that most events and admission to the Blanden is free. They do charge a small fee for some of the education programs, but even then, there’s an option for someone who can’t pay. “We do have scholarships available,” he said.
Proud to be a good neighbor to the Blanden Art Museum
Dan Flattery, Agent 6
24 South 18th St, Fort Dodge, IA • 515-955-7181 Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Bank
?
What’sgoing on the wall
Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson makes sure a painting is perfectly level. This is just one small part of getting an exhibit ready at the museum.
Congratulations “THANK YOU, FORT DODGE FORYOU, VOTING “THANK USDODGE BEST YOU,BANK!” FORT DODGEMuseum FOR VOTING US BEST BANK!” Blanden Art on “THANK FORT FORVOTING VOTING USBEST BEST BANK!” “THANK YOU, FORT DODGE FOR US BANK!” “We love Fort Dodge and can’t wait to continue “We to love serve Fort you Dodge in 2022!” and can’t wait to continue to serve you in 2022!” “Welove loveFort FortDodge Dodgeand andcan’t can’twait waittotocontinue continuetotoserve serveyou youinin2022!” 2022!” “We your 90th Anniversary
Fort Dodge 515-955-2265 Fort Dodge 515-955-2265 FortDodge Dodge515-955-2265 515-955-2265 Fort Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
7
Meg Beshey looks over some historical photographs, old newspaper clippings and records from the Blanden’s 90 year history.
How a Blanden exhibit comes into being Once a visitor enters the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, they have the choice of going left or right to either of the downstairs galleries or going upstairs to view the art on display there. Each will, at any given time, contain a different exhibit. One might be themed work from the permanent collection, another might be a series of abstract pieces in oil and the gallery a show of photographs. Regardless of which one the guest goes to first, one thing they can be sure of is that none of the work is hanging where it’s hanging by accident and that the exhibit has been carefully planned and executed well in advance.
8
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Blanden Director Eric Anderson said it starts out pretty simple. “It starts with an idea,” he said. “Sometimes it’s an artist interested in exhibiting their work.” For an artist interested in a show, Anderson will look at their website, look at image samples, request a written purpose and an artist’s statement. For an exhibit from the permanent collection. Anderson will have a conversation with staff and then go through the works on hand. “I go through the stable and see which ones will play with the theme or idea,” he said. Another important factor is making sure that each exhibit will work with the other exhibits on display at the same time. “That’s to make sure I’m not always showing paintings or sculpture,” he said. The process does stretch out into the future a bit. “I’m pretty much scheduled now,” he said. “The soonest we have an opening is 2024.” Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson watches as Brad Bushman, helps adjust a light on the “pedestal” in the West Gallery. Bushman is in charge of buidling maintenance.
Congratulations on 90 years! Laufersweiler & Sievers FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER
307 S. 12th Street, Fort Dodge 515-576-3156 www.laufersweilerfunerhome.com
307 S. 12th Street • Fort Dodge • 515-576-3156 www.laufersweilerfuneralhome.com
CONGRATULATIONS on 90 YEARS!
BY WYNDHAM
ALL the Amenities to feel at Home!
2938 5th Ave. South (Bus. 20) • Fort Dodge 515-573-5000 • (800) 337-0550 baymontinns.com • wyndhamhotels.com
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
9
About six months before the exhibit is scheduled to go up, Anderson contacts the artist and gets everything updated, including the artist’s statement and images. His goal is to not only make sure everything goes off as planned, but also to include the show in the Blanden’s quarterly publication. The wall labels and signs are also printed off site. There’s some paperwork and logistics, too. “We have a loan agreement,” he said. “They will agree to bring the art or have it shipped and it sets the date of delivery.” There’s also a show brochure and post cards to prepare. He and several volunteers work to prepare the material which is then printed off site. On the day of arrival, there’s an object release form to fill out that details how many pieces, the date, and condition. Once unpacked, unboxed and out, the next step is the process of hanging the show. “I position the work along the wall,” Anderson said. “I move it around to find a good balance and flow.” That process isn’t rushed. “How long it takes depends on how the work talks with itself,” he said. Once positioned, the work is hung and then lit. Even lighting can involve a process. The museum can select bulbs with different color temperatures. The one that shows the art best is what will be used. For exhibits from the permanent collection, the process can take longer. Even though the work is already on hand, pieces are not simply just grabbed at random.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum educator Marisha Erickson paints a colorful butterfly.
CONGRATULATIONS! “IT’S ALWAYS THE SEASON FOR PEACE, LOVE, HOPE, & A CURE!” ANGEL RIDE TO SAVE THE TA TA’S
Shady Oaks Care Center 2021 total: $19,318.36 15 years accumulative total: $349,294.97
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! 10
1409 West Main Street Lake City, IA 51449 Phone: (712) 464-3106 Fax: (712) 464-8042 www.shadyoakslakecity.com
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson looks over an original casein on board painting by Milton Wolsky that depicts a downtown Fort Dodge street scene. The work was part of a series commissioned by the Northern Natural Gas Company and was featured in LIFE magazine. “It’s a lot more involved,” he said. “I have to come up with the statement and the purpose. If I get another work I have to adjust the statement. Then I have to find all the pieces that relate to it.” “I changed four walls four times once,” he said. “It’s all about how it feels.” In calendar time, a guest show usually takes about a week. A permanent collection show takes about two months. Then Anderson and the staff have to plan the opening. During the COVID pandemic, there simply weren’t any in-person show openings. Now the openings are happening, but changes have been made as precautions. For example, COVID safe food served in individual cups rather than the item being scooped or taken from a larger plate. “They’re fun, but they can be nerve racking,” he said. He also has to stick to an annual budget. An exhibit’s cost can run anywhere from about $1,500 to $5,000. “Some artists have a fee,” he said. Anderson enjoys the process, though.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
11
“Hang it, light it, put up the labels, sit back and look at it,… it’s hard,” he said. “I do love putting them up, I hate taking them down. I’m excited to see the work. It’s an emotional roller coaster. You hope for lots of people to come in to see it, then come back again, and again.”
Fort Dodge Clinic Family Medicine
Offering health services for Family Medicine, School/Sports/Adult Wellness Physicals, Vaccinations, and Chronic Illness Management.
He hopes visitors take something away with them and he hopes the Blanden’s efforts reach into the community at large. “You can determine the health of a community by the health of its cultural institutions,” he said. “If you’re involved in that you’re enriching your life. You can learn something new, you get to learn about other people’s lives, other cultures.”
* Accepting New Patients * Same Day/Acute Care Michelle Pearson Appointments Available ARNP 2700 1st Ave South, Suite 100 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (P) 515-955-6767
Heidi Pedersen ARNP Proud partner of
www.IowaSpecialtyHospital.com
Congratulations on 90 Successful Years
FULL SERVICE CONTRACTOR FOR OVER 70 YEARS OUR MISSION CONTINUES TO BE DELIVERING THE BEST QUALITY CONSTRUCTION OBTAINABLE TO OUR CUSTOMERS
- Specializing in COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL METAL BUILDINGS
N C O N G R A T U L A T IO
Blanden Art Munsyeouur m o
S
th
90 y r a s r e v i n n A
1111 16th Ave. N., Humboldt, IA 50548 Tel: 515-332-2021 Fax: 515-332-1388
www.sandeconstruction.com 12
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
Blanden Memorial Art Museum director Eric Anderson uses a UV light to look for damages and old retouching on a painting recently acquired by the Blanden for its collection.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
13
90 years
from now
The other notable difference would be the actual storage and caretaking of the art, something that was rather haphazard 90 years ago. “There was art in the boiler room, stuck into closets.” Anderson said. Today the art is stored with great care, the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled and each item has a record of its condition. The boiler room contains, well, the boiler. Asked to look 90 years into the future, Anderson could only imagine how some things would be different and others the same. He said the basic process of going to the museum would probably remain much the same. What’s on display, and how it’s interacted with would probably change greatly.
To imagine what a visit to the Blanden Memorial Art Museum might be like 90 years into the future, it might help to take a trip back in time to see what one was like 90 years ago in 1932 when the museum opened its doors. According to Blanden Director Eric Anderson, it would only have been open one day a week.
“For processes that are physical objects now,” he said. “90 years from now you’ll see a lot more digital objects.” That is already happening. He said some artists are producing digital works that once purchased, are owned by the buyer. One example is a digital scan of a guitar used by the Beatles where you could buy and then own a digital scan of the instrument.
“In the ‘30s you’d only be able to visit on Sundays,” he said. “It was run by all volunteers from 1932 until the ‘70s. The first 40 years were just volunteers.”
“I see more of that,” he said. “Lots of works on screens, holograms. Interacting with the art might be a totally different experience.”
You might also have gone to the Blanden expecting to see an exhibit of watercolors and then arrive to find the walls displaying oil paintings in a completely different genre. That was a byproduct of the legendary rivalry between Catherine Deardorff and Ann Smeltzer, both early supporters and donators of art.
One thing he hopes remains the case in nine decades is the Blanden’s dedication to showcasing the work of local, regional and Iowa artists, even if they’re creating holograms rather than traditional forms of art. “90 years from now I hope the Blanden remains the center of visual fine art in the region,” he said.
“Ann would put up an exhibit, then Catherine would take it all down in the middle of the night,” Anderson said. “They had different tastes. Ann would say a Picasso does belong, Catherine would say, no it doesn’t.”
Of course, just who will be director in 90 years is anyone’s guess.
14
Anderson might be if the technology in the ‘‘Futurama” cartoon series gets developed for real.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
“My head would be in a jar,” he said. “They’ll just pull my jar out every now and then.” He would like to remain on board for a good part of that future 90 years. “As long as I’m able to do the job I’ll be happy to be here another 20 to 30 years,” he said. “I love working here.” One thing that someone might want to check on though, in 90 years or so, is if the Blanden still has a few ghosts which is something that it may, or may not have, now. “It depends on who you talk to,” Anderson said. “When I first started working here occasionally I’d hear the piano play by itself.” In spite of that, Anderson is firmly in the “may not have” camp. “I don’t think there’s a Blanden ghost,” he said.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum educator Marisha Erickson, center, works with a group of visitors from an area care center in the Blanden’s basement classroom. Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022
15
June 11, 2022 9:00am -4:00pm Regional Artists / Free Art Activities / Music and More! Blanden Art Museum/ 920 3rd Ave South/ Fort Dodge, Iowa www.blanden.org/ 515.573.2316
16
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 90th Anniversary • June 2022