A New Gallery Space in the Neighborhood

The June 18th opening of the innovative Kaddatz Galleries, Ltd. in Fergus Falls features woodcut demonstrations by acclaimed artist Charles Beck, along with gallery talks by artists Scott Gunvaldson, Jeff Zachmann, Chuck Christianson, and Jay McDougall. The artists will present works-in-progress and discuss the artistic process, techniques, materials, and sources of artistic inspiration.

The overall mission of the gallery, which is housed in the historic Kaddatz Hotel, is to provide the viewing public with a venue in which to experience the artwork of some of the finest visual practitioners in the region. Director Gretchen Boyum describes Ottertail County as having “a wealth of artists and cultural happenings.” She adds that “not many people are aware of the visual artists active in the area or where to find their work.” Kaddatz Galleries, Ltd. was designed, in part, to solve that problem. Kaddatz will also provide educational art programs as it collaborates with the public schools and other regional arts organizations.

Regional themes play an important part in the work of many of the gallery artists, including art heavy-weight Beck whose images of fields and hills and trees and seasons have delighted viewers for decades. Mural artist Gundvaldson is adept at capturing the scope of regional life as well, and McDougall even uses regional Minnesota trees as the material base for his elegant sculptural works.

All in all, this new art space adds significantly to the region’s vibrant art community. The June 18th events begin at noon in the gallery space at 111 W. Lincoln. One lucky winner of the benefit raffle will take home a woodcut print called “Awakening” by Charles Beck. This is just one reason to attend the opening. Another is to welcome yet another gallery to the neighborhood. A third is to view the extensive high-quality work that will be on display.