An eye for design
By Amanda Duchsherer
Digital Communications Specialist
amanda.duchsherer@minotstateu.edu
MINOT, N.D. – Computers and art. To Greg Vettel, director of the Northwest Arts Center, the two make a perfect pair.
“It’s an interesting story,” Vettel said. “I was always interested in art and computers when I was in high school. I actually started out as a computer science major, decided it wasn’t what I really wanted to do, took some time off, came back as an art major, and figured that the best way to pair my two favorite things — which was computers and art — was to go into graphic design. I can stare at design and art on a computer screen all day.”
The Minot State alumnus turned his favorite pairing into a career. First working as a graphic designer for twelve years, Vettel came back to Minot State three years ago, this time as an adjunct professor in the art department to teach software and entry level theory for computer graphics.
“I think that there’s a unique perspective coming into the education field not having the formal pedagogue training a normal educator would have. I have that technical knowledge and real-world experience that I think can tie in great. I know the software from years of use and practice, and I think that’s a big benefit,” Vettel said.
Besides his adjunct work, Vettel has added another position to his resume at Minot State. He is director of the Northwest Arts Center, which celebrated its grand opening on April 19, 2018. Prior to the Northwest Arts Center location, Minot State housed its gallery at Hartnett Hall with another small gallery at the top of the Gordon B. Olson Library.
“Minot State University has a permanent art collection of over 1,100 permanent art pieces. We (the Northwest Arts Center) handle all the loaning and management of that collection inter-campus. If you see art hanging in offices or in conference rooms or other places on campus, it’s likely a permanent piece collection on loan,” Vettel said.
Most of the collection is still housed in Harnett Hall but Vettel is in the process of grant-writing to change that. The permanent art collection, as well as the immense Native American collection the center handles, requires special museum quality, high-density storage and art racks to preserve the items.
“When the Northwest Arts Center was originally designed, the Native American collection and display cases were not included. The storeroom was designed specifically for the permanent art collection. Now I have the entire Native American collection to house, too, which is why that museum quality storage is so important — to be able to conserve the art and the artifacts and display them,” Vettel explained.
A high school job and college internship helped prepare Vettel for the rigors of his new position. He worked as a gallery assistant for the Taube Museum of Art in Minot during high school and interned at the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. He also credits his Minot State education and training.
“Fortunately, a large component of Minot State’s bachelor of arts degree is put into professional practices. It used to be a course called Professional Practices for the Visual Artist, now it’s Art Seminar, and it incorporates all those professional skills — framing work, displaying, work, exhibiting work, all that stuff,” said Vettel.
Vettel’s favorite part of the job is holding receptions and exhibitions for specific artists and the relationship the Northwest Art Gallery has with the Minot State art department.
“It’s really something unique to have an artist present and have them talk about their work, to explain their exhibits. We also have them present to our art majors as part of the art seminar class,” said Vettel. “I don’t know if other campuses have as tight an integration between their galleries and the art faculty (as Minot State does).”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 11/19/18 |
