22 minute read
Art Beat
Spring 2021
Quarterly Regional Guide
Thanks to a Park Rapids Community Fund grant, Heartland Arts and the Park Rapids Rotary Club, a large fun sculpture will be installed at Deane Park this spring.
The Park Rapids Parks & Beautification Board and Park Rapids Arts & Culture Advisory Commission are leading this project first proposed last fall by Liz Smith, who was serving on the Parks Board at the time.
Smith saw the purchase as an opportunity to add a permanent sculpture in a city park and contacted Al Bellevue of Puposky, who created the Ant-Venture sculpture that is being purchased. She had seen the sculpture when it was on display as part of the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail in 2018.
Bellevue offered the artwork at a good price and Smith began working on grants to cover the cost.
Bellevue’s own description of Ant-Venture is that its unique construction is well suited to outdoor public display. It is interactive – a sculpture you can go into and sit on some granite ant eggs with no sharp edges or dangerous projections. It sits on ground or cement. It also acts as a unique display of Minnesota geology including amethyst from the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Belleveau adds, “It is designed to portray an ant hill and is handicap, wheelchair accessible. Ant-Venture has a Queen ant on top welcoming you in, a teacher ant inside with a schematic of below ground chambers, mimicking the above ground stone and steel construction.”
Deane Park is a community park of approximately three acres with primary users being families, groups enjoying picnics, reunions, graduation parties and group events. The park has new handicapped accessible bathrooms, many picnic tables, grills, an open air shelter and very outdated playground equipment. The equipment consists of two swing sets and two climbing play structures. The park is used heavily by young families and this sculpture will give children and adults the opportunity to use their imaginations as well as the sculpture itself. They can crawl into it, around it and even stand upright. It blends perfectly with the park’s woodlands, Smith says.
Ant-Venture is a sculpture originally commissioned by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for an exhibit about the things underground. It was on display there for six months. The sculpture has spent a year on the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk, two years on the Bemidji Sculpture Walk, a year at the St Cloud Sculpture Walk, a year at the Red Bridge Park Sculpture Trail and in-between times at Belleveau’s studio.
The purchase is timely in that it supports a regional artist in these Covid-19 challenged times, supports the original intent of the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail and adds to the community’s arts and cultural assets. The Parks and Beautification Board will determine the precise location for the artwork in Deane Park.
In addition to the sculpture purchase price of $6,000 in hand, donations are still welcome for other project costs including moss grass, installation and a plaque to recognize donors.
Heartland Arts’ portion of funding for this project was provided by a Region 2 Arts Council Grant through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.
Katie Deschene took this photo of Club 309 kids when they visited Ant-Venture on the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail in 2018.
Armory Arts & Event Center opens for small groups to gather
If you’ve been wondering what’s happening at the Park Rapids Armory - wonder no more!
The Armory Arts & Events Center (AA&EC), previously known as Armory Square, has a Board of Directors closely watching the Minnesota and federal COVID-19 guidelines to allow us to open our doors to community events once more!
AA&EC held a Facebook Live Celebration May 25, 2020, to signify transfer of ownership from the developer to the City of Park Rapids, with bonding money provided by the Minnesota Legislature. This exciting event took place just as COVID-19 was beginning to have devastating effects on our families, businesses and nonprofits.
The City of Park Rapids now leases the Armory to the Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corp. in Detroit Lakes and MMCDC is subleasing the Armory to the Park Rapids Armory Arts & Events Center, previously known as PRCDC.
AA&EC’s Board of Directors is responsible for management and operation of this unique community space. Just as events were gearing up for summer events to take place in the Armory, AA&EC had to close its doors to large group events to comply with all COVID guidelines to keep people safe.
Months have passed with the Armory sitting quietly waiting for the ability to serve the community. In January 2021, AA&EC’s Board of Directors moved to open The Armory Arts & Events Center to small groups of 10 or under! So if you are looking for a space to meet in person and indoors during these subzero temperatures with the space to stay six feet apart the Armory is available. The board has contracted with Julie Kjenaas for Operations and Events Management to assist individuals looking to book the Armory. Please call Julie at the newly established Armory office at 218-237-3722 if you’re interested in booking events or with any questions you might have pertaining to the AA&EC. Her office is located in the northeast corner of the Armory building
A tour of the many spacious rooms at the Armory can be arranged by appointment. Events must comply with all current and prevailing COVID-19 restrictions.
One more thing! AA&EC has established a capital fundraising campaign to obtain funding to acquire telescopic seating and other needed improvements for more flexible utilization of our space when the Armory doors again open wide and host large events, such as the very popular Northern Light Opera Company summer productions.
If you are interested in supporting The Armory Arts & Events Center in their fundraising endeavors, contact Julie and she will gladly provide you with donation information.
AA&EC looks forward to providing a wonderful event space to the community in this new year of 2021 and beyond! Thank you for your interest and continued support of this important community asset. Go to https:// parkrapidsarmory.org to learn more.
The Armory Arts & Events Center is currently open to small groups for socially distanced events. A fundraiser is underway to pay for seating and other needed improvements.
Heartland Concert Association
DON’T WAIT TO BE ASKED. JOIN NOW!
HEARTLAND CONCERT SERIES FOR 2020-21 SEASON IS CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19, many postponements and the uncertainty of restrictions for gatherings, plus the unknown venue restrictions, the Heartland Concert Association Board of Directors had to make the difficult decision to CANCEL the 2020-21 concert series. We apologize, but the health of our audience and artists is our top priority. We look forward to seeing you in 2021-22! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.heartlandconcertassociation.org
Small donations can lead to big things
HCLL spring programs accessible online
Since 2005, Heartland Arts (formerly Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council) has relied on arts and cultural organizations, project champions and grants to support our efforts.
In addition to our goals of coordinating arts calendars, sharing information and incubating interest in new arts projects, Heartland Arts has sponsored 12 projects in a variety of arts disciplines: dance, music, visual arts, etc. Some projects have been-one-time events, like the recently completed mural in Downtown Park Rapids. Others are a series and a few are ongoing or will be in 2021 if they can be done safely. Heartland Arts also maintains a secure website - www.heartlandarts.org.
All our efforts support our mission to promote excellence in the arts through creation, education and performance.
For the first time, Heartland Arts is asking the community to help the arts council expand opportunities for youth, artists and arts organizations in the Heartland Lakes area. Some grant support comes with strings attached. Donations would add money to our Medici Fund, which provides young people with financial assistance for lessons, workshops and other arts endeavors. Contributions also would allow Heartland Arts to respond to requests such as those we have received in the past for Century School PTA field trips, the 5th-H Performing Arts Club, Park Rapids Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission and Hubbard County DAC.
Heartland Arts is grateful to those who help us continue to support opportunities for artists and other arts organizations. Please indicate on your check memo line or with a note if you do not wish your contribution to be acknowledged on our website.
Contribution levels are: $25 Friend of the Arts, $50 Supporter of the Arts (for families and organizations) and $100 or more Benefactor of the Arts.
Contributions may be mailed to Heartland Arts, PO Box 702, Park Rapids, MN 56470. Heartland Arts is a 501(c)3 so donations are 100 percent tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning (HCLL) is offering a safe, online Spring 2021 series of eight programs. Participants may watch these programs at any time during March and April by going to HCLL’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ headwaterscenterforlifelonglearningparkrapidsmn for the links.
The programs are:
“Climbing Denali”: Explorer Lonnie Dupre highlights the challenges of climbing North America’s highest peak, solo and in winter.
“Travels to Bhutan”: Professional photographer and world traveler Cal Rice shares photos and tales from his trip to Bhutan.
“The Story of Ah-Gwa-Ching”: Cecelia McKeig shares the history of Minnesota’s first tuberculosis sanitarium, which opened near Walker in 1907 and served as a model for all country sanatoriums.
“Dorothy Molter--The Root Beer Lady”: Jess Edberg, Executive Director of the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, tells the story of the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters.
“Preserving Africa’s Wildlife”: Fanie Ernst, former resident of Park Rapids and South Africa, shows stunning images and explains the importance of South African game preserves.
“1936 Berlin Olympics - The Nazi Games”: Historian David Jones reveals how the Nazis tightly controlled their image and discusses the impact of the 1936 Games on future contests.
“Jesse James in Minnesota”: Retired Minneapolis Police Captain and amateur historian Loren Evenrud recounts the exploits of the infamous James gang in Minnesota.
“Muddy Jungle Rivers”: Bemidji author Wendell Affield, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, tells what it’s like to be in combat when it’s hard to identify the enemy.
Blank Canvas Gallery Reunion Art Show planned
Blank Canvas Gallery opened its doors in June, 2010 on Main Street, Park Rapids.
The initial effort provided 20-plus artists an opportunity to exhibit in the Gallery. Subsequently, more than 80 additional artists were included.
After a successful five years, Blank Canvas Gallery closed its doors in September 2015. Staying in contact, several artists determined that June 2020 would be an excellent opportunity for a Blank Canvas Gallery 10-year Reunion Art Show. Meanwhile, the pandemic caused major disruption.
But the plans remain intact and the old Blank Canvas Gallery group has an August 2021 reservation at The Armory Arts and Events Center. Watch for the 11-year Blank Canvas Gallery Reunion announcement. And, thanks to all patrons for their continued support.
Library to host a Zoom pajama party, book talk with William Kent Krueger
Author Emily Kilgore is originally from Duluth, but now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and kitty.
Put on some comfy jammies, grab a snack, and snuggle up for a bedtime story read by author, Emily Kilgore. After the Zoom pajama party and story time, Kilgore will be available to answer questions.
This event will start at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Call 218-732-4966 or email parkrapids@krls.org to register to receive the link.
Kilgore will read “The Whatifs,” her debut children’s book. “Cora is constantly worrying about everything. Because of this, the Whatifs love her. They sneak up to her and give her all kinds of doubts: big or small, silly or frightening, likely or impossible. As she prepares for an upcoming piano recital, the Whatifs cling on tighter and drag her down, making her anxious about messing up during the concert. Will she be able to change her worry- filled thoughts into hopeful ones?”
Kilgore has been surrounded by the magic of books all her life. As both a writer and elementary school teacher, she strives to create books that foster empathy, welcome imagination and spark a natural curiosity. She has written for various education publications.
The Park Rapids Area Library is sponsoring this special event.
William Kent Krueger will be doing a virtual book talk about This Tender Land at 6 p.m. Thursday March 11. Join this award winning author for an intimate look at his latest book.
This magnificent novel follows four orphans on a lifechanging odyssey during the Great Depression.
In 1932, the Lincoln School in Minnesota is a pitiless place where hundreds of Native American children, forcibly separated from their parents, are sent to be educated. It is also home to an orphan named Odie O’Banion, a lively boy whose exploits earn him the superintendent’s wrath. Forced to flee, he and his brother Albert, their best friend Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own.
Over the course of one unforgettable summer, these four orphans will journey into the unknown and cross paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an enthralling, big-hearted epic that shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams and makes us whole.
This author event is funded through Kitchigami Regional Library System with funds from the Legacy Amendment.
NLOC’s 20-year journey
Paul Dove’s long held dream of starting a light opera company became a reality on Sept. 20, 2001 when nine friends met at the home of Oscar and Pat Pederson to create the Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC). Board was formed, legal papers were submitted to the state, and by midJuly 2002 friends and neighbors had been recruited and two Gilbert & Sullivan operettas were successfully performed two weekends at Riverside Methodist Church for an appreciative audience. Follow as we reminisce about NLOC’s 20year journey.
Summers 2003 to 2014. Productions of well-known Broadway musicals were produced at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Cast sizes ranged from 10 to 61 per show, production crew (behind scenes help) ranged from 23 to 73 per show, and pit (instrumentalists) ranged from 5 to 15 per show.
Summers 2015 to 2019. The venue changed to the Armory. This presented additional challenges such as building a stage and audience seating but advantages allowed for more creative staging and better views for audiences. Cast sizes ranged from 31 to-66 per show, production crews ranged from 26 to 54 and pit orchestras ranged from 11 to 14 musicians per production.
Additional smaller shows. These five- to 15-member shows were also produced throughout the years at Christmas (Amahl) and mid-year at Long Lake Theater or the Armory (Old Maid & a Thief), (The Apothecary), (Of Thee I Sing).
Very Special New Project. A very special project began summer 2016 when producing Annie Get Your Gun. This new collaboration between the Pine Point Indigenous community and Park Rapids provides a Theater Workshop for 8-13 year olds from both communities called NLOKids. The month-long theater camp culminates in an original musical presented for parents and friends.
COVID-19’s Impact. The 2020 summer production was cancelled as a result of COVID-19. NLOC’s performers missed the connections with others, so using the genius of ZOOM, a Virtual Concert was organized, which was presented live on Aug. 21 featuring former cast members living in England, New York City, Washington, D.C. and across the nation. Even NLOKids’ original musical was instead a mystery adventure, mostly outdoors, which was also archived as a video. Creativity provides solutions.
Summer 2021 plans are still uncertain. Stay tuned on the website: www. northernlightoperacompany. To help celebrate the 20 years of productions, visit northernlightoperacompanyfacebook, where, beginning with 2002, production info and photos will be posted periodically.
A screenshot of Northern Light Opera Company’s virtual concert reprise of "Fiddler" (2009).
Calling 8-13 year olds who need things to do in early summer
NLOKids is a collaborative Theater Camp where kids from Park Rapids and Pine Point play theater games and create an original musical they perform for parents and friends.
Because of COVID-19, 2020’s summer project was instead a mystery adventure where kids encountered villains and allies as they solved challenges while taking field trips from Pine Point to Itasca State Park and Park Rapids. These adventures were documented on videos which are archived. 2021’s challenges are still unknown, but plans are to continue with the three- to four- week camp at the end of June into July. Registration will be handled by Park Rapids Schools Community Ed; more information will be available at www. northernlighopera.org.
Comments from NLOKids and parents have been very positive; besides having a fun time, great friendships are created!
Northern Light Opera Company is scheduling online auditions for PIPPIN the week of March 26 with in-person callbacks on April 3. The production of PIPPIN is scheduled for the last weekend in July through the first weekend in August. Go to www.northernlightopera.org for further details.
The kids prepared for their last confrontation with the villain on their "Adventure of the Unknowns," as part of NLOKids theater camp in July 2020.
Katie Larson
Region 2 Arts Council welcomes Katie Larson to its Board of Directors
Hubbard County resident Katie Larson joined the Region 2 Arts Council Board of Directors in January.
She brings her passion for theater to the arts council, having spent eight years as assistant technical director of the Park Rapids High School Drama Club.
Her commitment to community is evident from her years of service on the County Fair Board, and as a member of the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and the Crazy Days committee.
Katie received her Bachelor of Science degree in social studies education from Bemidji State University and works as the office manager for Coldwell Banker Clack and Dennis Real Estate.
She noted that she’s looking forward to supporting arts activities in the region and that she’s proud to be serving as a Hubbard County representative on the Region 2 Arts Council. Welcome, Katie!
Studio 176 showcases works by accomplished artists
By Laura Grisamore Studio 176 co-owner
Studio 176, a local art gallery, located in Downtown Park Rapids, has been engaging the community and its visitors with art, creativity, events, artists receptions, workshops and presentations since it opened its doors in 2019.
The stunning gallery space boasts 13-foot ceilings allowing for a unique salon style display of original artwork, photography, prints, cards and other merchandise, created by artists and gallery owners Jeremy Simsonson, Dawn Rossbach and Laura Grisamore and features artwork of other local, area and Minnesota artists.
Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented for businesses this past year, gallery owners report they were able to safely open in late June. Throughout the summer and late fall of 2020 the gallery featured a Minnesota artist each month, showcasing the work of Heidi Jeub, Tammy Nara, Deane Johnson, Bickey Bender and Joe Hobson. The gallery pivoted from in-person receptions to primarily live online, “Artists Sip and Zoom Receptions,” workshops, presentations and interviews, available to view on their Youtube Channel- Studio 176 and Facebook page.
“We had to reimagine our landscape a bit this past spring and found it opened some exciting new opportunities for us,” co owner Laura Grisamore said. “We were able to engage a broader audience through a variety of online platforms, and allowed for more access to these experiences and art in general.”
The studio recently launched a new website. “We are excited about expanding to an online gallery and marketplace. It is now possible to also view and buy our art from any corner of the globe,” said co-owner Jeremy Simonson. The newly launched site allows customers to customize the size of the artwork, select from a variety of print mediums and utilizes tools such as room view to assist in visualizing room types, wall colors and artwork size.
This spring and summer the gallery will take an in-depth look at each of the co-owner’s artwork, along with featuring the work of a few other Minnesota artists. The studio reports it is excited to continue to engage and collaborate with more artists, downtown businesses, the community and its visitors. “We are anticipating an exciting season of new work and we will be winging it with some surprises and fun new perspectives, so keep an eye on us,” Rossbach exclaimed.
Studio 176 is located at 176 3rd St. West, downtown Park Rapids, currently open by appointment. Contact studio owners through Studio 176 Facebook page or email artinfo176@studio-176.com. Spring hours will be announced on social media in the near future. Artwork is always available to view and purchase on their website, studio176.art.
Studio 176 offers beautiful art year round in the gallery and online.
Clara Buchner shows her artwork at Studio 176.
Local youth artist talks art and inspirations
Clara Buchner, a young, vibrant, emerging artist from Menahga, is currently displaying her artwork at Studio 176 in Downtown Park Rapids and was recently featured in the Park Rapids Enterprise in an article about how art helps to cope during these unstable times. Here she talks more about her artwork, inspirations and future plans through a written online interview with Studio 176.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I guess starting with the basics, I’m 16 and a junior at Menahga High School. I’m an only child and grew up in a very rural area. I think that that isolation (as well as no small amount of free time) was a big part of why I became so passionate about the arts. As well as visual arts, I’m pretty active in theater and music as well. I’ve been in quite a few shows locally and in school. I’ve been in band for six years and enjoy playing and writing music on my own time as well.
Q: When did you first become interested in art?
A: Art is something I’ve been interested in for as long as I can remember. As a child, I drew constantly. It was really just something I was naturally drawn to - I think I just picked up a crayon one day and decided that I never wanted to put it down. (I have managed to move on from crayons since then though.) I’ve always been a very thoughtful and creative person so I think I was drawn to art as a way to express all of the thoughts and feelings I had floating around in my head. In that sense, I’ve been interested in art all of my life. I think that as I grew up though, that sort of organic interest turned into something more focused. I started really thinking about art as something with a deeper significance as opposed to just a hobby of mine and learned to become a better artist.
Q: What are your inspirations?
A: I don’t think I’ve ever really been able to say that one particular artist or style has inspired me more than anything else. I think I pull my inspiration from things in bits and pieces - a particular collection of colors, a few scratchy lines of pencil, even the feelings associated with a piece of music. I think I also draw a lot of inspiration from my feelings and my other interests. What would swimming look like as a color? What would sadness look like as a person? I feel I’m most drawn to artists who succeed in conveying emotions and ideas even through the simplest pieces.
Q: In general what types of mediums do you use, and what mediums did you use in the artwork displayed at Studio 176?
A: I definitely use just good old-fashioned pencils and paper more than anything else. When I was learning to draw, pencils were what I used the most and they’re still the easiest and most enjoyable medium for me to use. I have been trying to expand what I feel comfortable working with. I think the works I have on display actually do a good job of showing my attempts to become more versatile. My large self portrait is done entirely with graphite and charcoal, and the drawing of myself surrounded by plants is ink and charcoal. The three paintings are a mix of acrylics and watercolors. My last artwork (I believe the one on display in the upper right) is sort of a collage, using sections of magazine pages as well as some paint over the top.
Q: Any future plans with art or new projects you have in mind?
A: As far as the future goes, I’m really looking to keep improving my skills as an artist. I feel that as far as I’ve come with my technical abilities, I’m still struggling to find my voice as an artist. For now, I’ve really been enjoying doing different kinds of self-portraits. In an odd way, using myself as a subject sort of helps me to feel closer to myself and to show some different sides of me. I’ve been doing more painting recently as well, so I’m excited to gain some more skill there. Concerning the far future, I’m not really sure. I don’t know if I’d want to make art my entire career, but I know for certain that I always want to have some way to share my art with the world.
Clara Buchner’s work will be on display at Studio 176 through the month of February. More information available on Studio 176 Facebook page under events or email owners at artinfo176@studio-176.com.
