A Real-Life Example of the Benefits from Using LRAC’s Artist Registry
I am a self-taught artist from Fergus Falls Minnesota. I love creating amazing abstract works of art. Using pallet knives and various brushes to capture the perfect look with layers of color are what I love about painting. My inspiration comes from life!
Since moving to Minnesota in 2000, visual artist Patricia Wahl has done many commission pieces for clients throughout the area. However, like many artists living in rural places, it can prove difficult to reach potential clients interested in custom commissions.
Patricia is a proud member of LRAC’s Artist Registry – a free resource for local artists within the 9-county region that our organization oversees. This convenient online tool features individual artist profiles that include samples of work as well as short bios and contact information that help increase artist exposure and the potential for professional opportunities.
It is thanks in part to her profile on this online registry that Patricia Wahl was recently discovered and hired by a local medical facility to complete a large-scale commission that perfectly blended her talents with the healing power of art in her community.
A Recent Commission Project
Located in Fergus Falls, Lake Region Healthcare had a vision of using art as a way to spread the message for their recent campaign focusing on the theme ‘For You. Always.’ Finding an artist to help create a mural that reflected this message was aided by use of LRAC’s Artist Registry.
The completed mural (as seen above) can be admired from its permanent spot on the main floor of the LHRC clinic.
“This project for Lake Region Healthcare was more than the art piece alone,” said Katie Johnson, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Lake Region Healthcare. “It was meant to bring our staff and community closer together while communicating a dedication of care that spans more than a century. Because this was a commissioned art piece, we wanted to explore through Lake Region Arts Council knowing this has been a support system for local artists. Their site was an extremely helpful resource.”
One of the most helpful features they discovered on the registry were the LRAC bio videos which provide a glimpse into each highlighted artist’s life and style. “All of these artists have so much talent and experience, it is an asset to have them share their gifts in our community.”
Finding the Right Artist for the Job
Out of the many talented artists found on the Artist Registry, Katie stated that Patricia was ultimately selected to create this piece because of her experience with various styles of abstract art, wide variety of artistic mediums, and overall personality that demonstrated a passion for art, patience to teach, and the love she has for her community.
“This commissioned artwork allowed our staff and community members to participate in this creative experience that was led by Patricia,” Katie went on to say. “We couldn’t be more thankful for this partnership and are so appreciative for the completed artwork.”
For Patricia, this project was her biggest mural to date and she is very grateful for the opportunity to create a long-lasting work of art that will be enjoyed by her entire community. “Being in artist in Fergus Falls, I have access to many organizations like LRAC,” Patricia explained. “It’s a resourceful tool to not only artists but also people and organizations who are seeking a specific artistic discipline.”
A closer look at some of the personalized messages added by LRHC staff to Wahl’s mural.
In a recent post to her official Facebook page, Patricia Ann Artist, she went on to say: “This mural is a symbolic and lasting commemoration of the compassion and commitment they’ve shown during this unique time in history.”
When asked about the experience, she explains that the “LRHC staff, who have made their mark on many lives through their work, were invited to commemorate that mark by participating in the creation of this healing art piece.” By adding heartfelt messages along with their names to the completed mural, the Healthcare Professionals at LRHC helped to solidify their message of community displayed by this emotional piece.
Join LRAC’s Artist Registry!
Being displayed on the Artist Registry can have big benefits for digital-savvy artists, too. It can direct traffic to an artist’s website, enhancing visibility on search engines like Google. It can also provide direct contact information, and showcase examples of work to potential patrons.
If you are an artist from the Lake Region interested in submitting your profile for inclusion to the Artist Registry like Patricia Wahl, it’s easy to join! By clicking here, you’ll be redirected to our the application page where you can register by completing a simple form. Once you’ve submitted samples of your work, a profile image and short bio, your page will be created and you will be contacted to see the final product.
Increase your exposure, professional prospects, and link up with the other many talented artists in the region currently taking advantage of this online tool. Who knows what opportunities await you!
