F-M Visual Artists Big Art Show

By Haven Kennedy
Contributing Writer

From now through October 1, the Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists are having their
annual Big Art Show at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see what area artists are doing. They’ve provided a great selection of art to check out, much of it unexpected and all of it well done.

Although the austerity of the gallery (two benches) leaves something to be desired, the art itself is exquisite. Along with photographs, paintings and mixed media pieces there is a display case of pottery and two bicycle sculptures. All types of art are represented, from the very traditional to the very modern.

The artwork is displayed in a circuit around the room, beginning with a large oil
painting by Patrick Tupa entitled “Lady Agnew after John Singer Sargent.” The painting is exquisite in its detail, with Tupa letting each and every one of his brushstrokes speak volumes. The piece itself was highly unexpected, as one expects mostly modern artwork at these types of shows. This piece, however, was rendered in vivid reality and evoked a drawing room of the 1920s.

The pieces that followed are, for the most part, quite modern. All of the artists are highly talented and presented their best work. Every piece was executed with care and pride, allowing the viewer to become immersed in each piece.

“The Beauty Behind Cancer,” by Sarah Dotzenrod, was especially well done. She captures the soul behind cancer with two patients, both bald, hugging one another. The painting brings to life the pain and comradeship of cancer – a bittersweet combination.

Nathan Mastrud, however, brings a level of comedy in his parody of Wayne Newton as a minister in his piece entitled “Amen.”

The most impressive aspect of the show is just how many different artists brought
the Fargo/Moorhead and surrounding areas into their artwork. The photograph entitled “North Dakota Badlands,” by Pat Jorgensen, embodies the beauty of the western Dakotas, while “Snowy Pawprints,” by Ana Rusness-Petersen, captures the austere beauty of snow.

The show goes beyond the traditional subjects of wildlife and landscapes by including the vibrancy of the city. Ann Arbor Miller’s photograph “West Fargo Reflection,” along with the photograph “Lights on Broadway,” by Bruce Crummy, capture the urban spirit of this area, a spirit often ignored.

For once, the barrenness of the badlands, the austere beauty of the prairie and the vibrancy of the city are brought together into a beautiful showcase.

Beyond the paintings and photographs are the mixed media pieces, the
poetry, and the sculpture. Using found objects, “The Enduring Mona,” by Juliet Hanratty, is a wonderful nod to the Mona Lisa. Hanratty captures the mystery and adoration of the Mona Lisa through glasses and collage.

“Bicycles,” by Val Halvorson, and “Raven,” by Eric Syvertson, are also two beautiful pieces – both evocative and haunting in unique and different ways. The sculptures of the bicycles are a fun and unexpected nod to this area’s enduring love of them.
The show, which is a kick-off to the upcoming Studio Crawl, is an excellent introduction to the Fargo/Moorhead art community.

The pieces mentioned are only a handful of those displayed. Visiting the exhibit is a great way to become acquainted with the artists in the area and the work being created, especially as the Studio Crawl will be happening before you know it!

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If You Go

What: Big Art Show
Where: Hjemkomst Center
When: Through Oct 1
Info: 218.299.5511

What: Studio Crawl
Where: 39 Cass & Clay locations
When: Oct 2 & 3, noon-6pm
Info: 701.237.0230