Northwest Arts Center presents ‘ART in the PARKS’

MINOT, N.D. – The Northwest Arts Center presents “ART in the PARKS,” featuring artwork created by artists participating in the North Dakota State Parks Artist in Residence Program. A partnership between the Northwest Arts Center and the Minot Public Library, “ART in the PARKS” will be on display at the Minot Public Library for the month of August.

Each year the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and North Dakota Council on the Arts put out a call for artists to participate in the Artist in Residency program. The program offers artists the opportunity to stay and work in unique environments where they draw inspiration from a North Dakota state park, demonstrate their skills, and assist park visitors of all ages in discovering their artistic side.

The program's goal is to continue creating works of art that showcase, document, and celebrate North Dakota’s state parks while providing opportunities for visitors to become stewards while gaining a deeper appreciation of artistic works inspired by the parks. Artworks generated from this program have characterized the state's beauty for present and future generations, allowing park visitors to see North Dakota through the eyes and ears of contributing artists.

The exhibition features artworks from a variety of North Dakota artists participating in the program since 2009. After each residency, the artist donates one work from their time at the respective park. Touring over the summer, “ART in the PARKS” is the first time the pieces have been brought together for an exhibition.

“This show highlights North Dakota artists, while also bringing more awareness to the ND State Parks residency program,” said Greg Vettel, Northwest Arts Center director. “The partnership with the Minot Public Library also allows the exhibition to be experienced by community members who may not normally have the opportunity.”

Valerie Huseth, Minot Public Library instruction and outreach associate, worked with Vettel to plan the exhibition.

“It’s always a joy to bring multiple forms of creativity into one space,” said Huseth. “Minot Public Library would like to thank the Northwest Arts Center for making this beautiful installation a reality. We eagerly await the opportunity for future collaborations to share the enjoyment of art in this public space.”

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"ARTS in the PARKS" on display at the Minot Public Library, artwork from Cross Ranch State Park, and artwork from Lewis & Clark State Park.

While at the Minot Public Library, the exhibition will be available for viewing Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Minot Public Library is located at 516 2nd Ave SW, Minot. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

This exhibition is sponsored by the Northwest Arts Center and touring through the North Dakota Art Gallery Association (NDAGA), a statewide service organization for non-profit museums and galleries, and 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 Northwest Arts Center is located on Minot State University’s campus and the Walter Piehl Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 1-5 p.m., and by appointment. The gallery entrance and parking are on the south side of the Gordon B. Olson Library with visitor parking permits available on request at the gallery office. Exhibitions, receptions, and other programming are free and open to the public.

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"ARTS in the PARKS" featuring artwork from Lake Metigoshe State Park.

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: 08/09/23   




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