Walter Piehl artwork honors Governor Burgum's inauguration
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Helgass Burgum commissioned Walter Piehl, North Dakota visual artist and Minot State University art professor, in December to commemorate his inauguration with a painting. Piehl created a mixed media artwork recognizing the state and its history.
An old North Dakota map, the type which was popular in schools prior to the digital age, from MSU’s Division of Social Science was combined with reproductions of George Catlin and Karl Bodmer paintings to create a collage background. Catlin and Bodmer depicted the lives of the native people of the Upper Missouri River region in the mid-19th century.
With his expressionistic painting style, Piehl painted a sole American bison over the top of the collage background. The piece measures 48 inches by 60 inches.
The couple had a giclee (ink jet) print made in a limited edition of the painting. The prints were given to Burgum’s friends at inaugural events. Piehl received artist proofs of the print, and he presented one to MSU President Steven Shirley.
For questions, contact Piehl at walter.piehl@minotstateu.edu.
About Minot State University
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rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 01/20/17 |
