Lake Region Arts Council Announces ‘Emerging Artists Exhibition’
Beginning on January 17th and running through March 15th of 2022, LRAC Gallery is hosting an ‘Emerging Artists Exhibition’ that will feature the work of five selected regional artists that live within in the nine counties the LRAC represents. Artwork at this exhibition will consist of fabric and fibers, paintings with aerosol, acrylic and oil paints, as well as sculptures and beadwork.
Each artist selected will have three pieces on display along with artist statements and bios. A reception will take place on the final day of the exhibit, March 15th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm at the LRAC Gallery. Details regarding current guidelines from the CDC for COVID precautions will be shared closer to the reception date.
Meet the Five Featured Artists
Many of theses five talented artists are exhibiting their work in a gallery-setting for the first time. LRAC is excited to open this multi-media exhibition to the public and help showcase some of the wonderful artworks that have been created by local artists. Prepare for a visit to the gallery with some more information about each of these artists and their masterful pieces!
Jess Schmidt, Aerosol and Acrylic Paintings, Ashby
A primarily self-taught visual artist, Jess Schmidt arrived at her current artistic process using acrylic and aerosol independently as a result of exploration. “Being an Abstract Artist is my calling,” she says. “It affords me the opportunity to reach a meditative state and share many deep and positive connections with others.”
Christy Goulet, Ribbon Skirt and Beadwork, Dilworth
Christy is a tribally enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and strives for cultural preservation and education. Named Wiishkobizi Nibi Ikwe (To be sweet like the water woman) in her Indigenous language, she is grateful to live a traditional lifestyle and teach it to her family. Her artwork reflects traditional ceremonies as “the clothing we wear comes from dreams, visions, or inspiration to continue to live my traditional ways in a contemporary world.”
Lori Kurpiers, Sculpture and Fibers, Morris
For over thirty years, Lori has been knitting and crocheting art that comes to life through yarn, fabric, and paper. Her artwork featured at this exhibit has helped her to dig deeper into her personal feminist journey. “My work explores the objectification and silencing of women, the finding of inner strength, and a willingness to be vulnerable with the hope that it helps the next person find their strength and voice.”
Dannielle Patton, Acrylic Paintings and Mixed Media Fibers, Cyrus
This self-taught artist is proud to have learned her craft from trial and error amid her full-time job as a Nurse and mother of five. Inspired by stories, books, animals, the different characters she meets, Dannielle uses her own “spin and signature style” with spray paint, acrylic details, and hand sewn characters.
Katie Lou Sandberg, Oil Paintings, Detroit Lakes
Waabishkii Animikii, Katie Lou Sandberg is an Anishinaabe (White Earth) Contemporary Visual Artist. Capturing her emotions and dreams on canvas, Katie’s primary medium of choice is oils and often includes nature, landscapes, and portraiture. The works she’s selected for the exhibition were all completed within the last year during the pandemic. “I learned a lot this year,” she explains. “I experimented with new styles, I grew from comfort zones, and I am pleased with the variety of work I created this year.”
Visiting the Fergus Falls Gallery
To read complete bios and statements from the artists, visit the gallery at the historic River Inn, 133 S. Mill Street in Fergus Falls, MN. Hours for the gallery are Monday – Thursday from 9am to 3:30pm and is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. To ensure the gallery is open on the day of your visit, please email the LRAC office at LRAC4@LRACgrants.org or call 1-800-262-2787 or 218-739-5780.
