MSU NOTSTOCK posters, poetry, pottery, propaganda, and perseverance
MINOT, N.D. – NOTSTOCK returns for its 16th year with an impressive lineup of artists, events, and exhibits.
For three days, guest artists will share their talents, passions, expertise, and work with the community. All events are free and open to the public and take place on the Minot State University campus or in downtown Minot Sept. 21-23.
The epicenter of this year’s event is a major exhibit in the Northwest Arts Center, “Piotr Szyhalski: Prints from the Labor Camp.” The exhibit includes 225 posters Szyhalski created every day for eight months during the pandemic that became known as “COVID-19: Labor Camp Report.” The exhibit also includes works from Szyhalski’s “War Reports,” a response to the war in Ukraine, as well as original works from his “We Are Working All the Time!” series. Finally, the exhibit includes leaflets and a large banner on which Szyhalski and event attendees will print and later carry in a march around campus.
“The exhibit in the Northwest Arts Center is truly magnificent, and one typically only seen at galleries in major metropolitan areas,” said Laurie Geller, vice president for academic affairs and NOTSTOCK co-organizer. “Make sure you visit the gallery to experience it in person.”
Szyhalski will print live in the Northwest Arts Center, located in the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, Sept. 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
He will also give a presentation of his work at 12 p.m. on Sept. 21 and again on Sept. 22 in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, Old Main. Following his presentation on Sept. 22, he will lead a march around campus in which campus and community members are invited to help carry a large banner à la protest style.
Szyhalski’s work is on display and for sale in the Northwest Arts Center through October 14.
Piotr Szyhalski: Prints from the Labor Camp
WordStock returns with guest Kyle Tran Myhre — aka Guante — a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He has performed at the United Nations, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and visited countless colleges, conferences, and festivals, using spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue and community building. An educator as well as a performing artist, Tran Myhre completed his master’s studies at the University of Minnesota with a focus on spoken word, critical pedagogy, and social justice education. Tran Myhre will perform Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the second-floor commons area of Swain Hall.
“We're thrilled to welcome back Kyle ‘Guante’ Tran Myhre as our WordStock guest. An exceptional teacher and talented performer, Tran Myhre will work with students to explore the transformative power of language through a series of workshops, classroom visits, and performances,” shared Sarah Aleshire, assistant professor of English and WordStock organizer.
WordStock guest Kyle ‘Guante’ Tran Myhre
Sasha Barrett is the featured ceramics artist at PotStock. Barrett is a Ukrainian native who moved to United States as a youth. He has worked as a potter since 2014 and currently resides in Missoula, Montana where he is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Montana. His work currently consists of pots, wall tiles, and sculptures that lean heavily on narrative. With the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, his work changed dramatically to include direct reference to the muted, earthy, camouflage colors of war, often including a pop of color from the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag.
Barrett, along with MSU faculty and students, will provide ceramics demonstrations outside the Northwest Arts Center Sept. 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He will give a presentation of his work at 11 a.m. on Sept. 22 in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, Old Main. Barrett’s work will be on display and for sale in Northwest Arts Center during the event.
PotStock guest Sasha Barrett
Those who love theater can participate in the workshop Improv & Movement led by Sarah Honerman, MSU assistant professor of theater, at 10 a.m. on Sept. 21 and 22 in Ann Nicole Nelson Hall, Old Main. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn improv tools and techniques in a fun, risk-free environment.
Daily do-it-yourself screen printing and hands-on pottery activities will be outside the Northwest Arts Center Sept. 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a T-shirt, hoodie, tote bag, or other item for printing, or buy a T-shirt at the event and personalize it with one of the many available designs. Sit at a pottery wheel or hand-build a clay vessel.
“NOTSTOCK pushes the boundaries of creativity and expression by exposing attendees to outstanding art and allowing the audience to participate and make art,” said Bill Harbort, MSU professor of art and NOTSTOCK co-organizer.
NOTSTOCK will move downtown on Friday evening, Sept. 22 for a show and reception at the Taube Museum of Art, followed by a concert at the Blue Rider. Festivities start at 5 p.m. at the Taube Museum of Art where the “NOTSTOCK Poster Retrospective” is on display through Sept. 28. View over 50 prints from all previous NOTSTOCK artists and screen print a T-shirt for the concert.
The NOTSTOCK concert at the Blue Rider follows the reception. Bart Goop of Bismarck will open with a solo performance at 7 p.m. that is sure to include some signature North Dakota wild prairie punk, folk, and blues. Products Band of Minneapolis will mesmerize the crowd at 8 p.m. with their lively stage presence and contemporary post-punk, guitar pop, new/no-wave sound. Come sing and dance, enjoy food and drink, and celebrate the arts. All ages are welcome, and admission is free.
Bart Goop and Products Band
“Saturday, Sept. 23 is community day at NOTSTOCK. Come spend part of the day seeing and making art with friends and family,” said Geller. “Print a T-shirt, listen to music, create a clay vessel on a pottery wheel, see the artists in action, and view their work.”
Hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Artists will also have an array of affordable artwork and books for purchase.
Wrap up the event at the NOTSTOCK closing reception Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Northwest Arts Center. Hear from the artists, see their work, and enjoy food, drink, and live music from NOTSTOCK guest artist, Labor Camp. The event is free and open to the public.
“We are super excited to host so many amazing artists and share them with the community,” said Geller. “Please join us on campus and in downtown Minot. Everyone is invited.”
For more information, visit MinotStateU.edu/notstock/ or @msunotstock on social media.
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: 09/07/23
