The Circus Comes to Fargo

By Andrea Krejci Paradis
Contributing Writer

It’s a circus over at the Plains Art Museum.

Acrobats, magicians, balloon artists, and animals will fill the Museum on Sept. 25th from 2-4pm for the opening reception of See Acts of Audacious Daring! by Judy Onofrio. Open to all ages, the “Three Ring Circus” reception is guaranteed to be an entertaining day for the whole family. Peanuts and face painting will be available to all with historic circus banners, posters, and carvings from the Circus World Museum on display for your viewing pleasure. And filling the center ring are the charismatic sculptures of Onofrio.

Born in 1939 and growing up hopping from one U.S. Naval base to the next, Onofrio has always lived the life as a collector. With both her mother and aunt avid collectors, Onofrio quickly followed in the same footsteps, using knick-knacks as a way to record her life.  “One person’s junk is another’s treasure” could certainly be Onofrio’s personal mantra.

After marrying in 1956 and having three children, Onofrio began working with clay, creating sculptural ceramic pieces. Never once stepping into an art class, Onofrio learned about being an artist by working directly with other artists. From that experimentation and exploration Onofrio became an artistic leader in the Midwest. Using a unique approach to her sculptural pieces, Onofrio takes items purchased from garage sales and thrift stores to create animated works in hopes of blurring the line between arts and crafts and major artwork.

See Acts of Audacious Daring! is the first exhibit in a Plains Art Museum series entitled Mothers of Invention. The Museum intends to honor female artists who have paved the way for new forms of artistic expression. Focusing mainly on artists in the Midwest, these women are not only literal mothers, but mothers of a trailblazing female artistic movement. The women highlighted in this series began their careers in the 1960’s and 70’s demanding to be taken seriously as artists, ultimately paving the way for women in a dominantly male world.

Onofrio’s See Acts of Audacious Daring! brings a female perspective on life to the Plains Art Museum. The vibrant sculptures occupy the floor and walls, depicting tumbling acrobats and mysterious magicians in a surprisingly appropriate metaphor for life. Juggling children, after school activities, and work is demanding, and life always expects you to be able to add one more responsibility to the mix.  Are we not constantly asked to bend over backward for our job or family just like a limber acrobat? However, as evident in Onofrio’s work, with just a smile and a little glitter it is possible to be happy while discovering balance on the tight-rope that is life. In her own words, Onofrio said “I’ve always tried to enjoy the good times in my life, revel in the humor and, like Rapunzel, have taken the bad times and tried to spin something good out of them. I think the magic of my work is the natural inclination of most people to do the same. So, humor and playfulness being the fabric of my life, continues to inform my work.”

Onofrio’s exhibit is influencing multiple events at the Plains Art Museum. On Oct. 10 Onofrio’s home in Rochester, Minnesota, will be open for tours. Lovingly named “Judyland,” you will be led through her garden which has become an outdoor exhibit. Sculptures adorn the wooded path transforming you to another world. If her circus work tickles your fancy, this trip to her home would be a fantastic way to get closer to this artist’s work. Registering with the Plains Art Museum in advance will reserve your spot on the bus to Rochester. 

If you still feel as though your circus needs have not been met, consider participating in I Ran Away with the Circusworkshop on Oct. 22nd. Not only for visual or performance artists, this movement workshop is for any who wish to learn about a circus approach to life. Led by Minneapolis’ Laurie Van Wienerstein, an independent choreographer who has worked in film and theatre, you will learn acrobatics, clown work, circus barker methods, and animal trainer techniques. 

If you love the circus (or feel like your life is one), then See Acts of Audacious Daring! by Judy Onofrio is for you. She will personally be attending the “Three Ring Circus” reception kicking things off with a talk at 1pm.  Bring your whole family to the Plains Art Museum on Sept. 22 to witness this celebrated artist’s work and have a good time while you do it. It is not very often the circus comes to town!  If you cannot make it on the 22nd, Onofrio’s big top will not be leaving town until Jan. 8, 2012.

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IF YOU GO
WHERE: Plains Art Museum (701) 232-3821
WHEN:Sept. 25nd
TIME: 1pm talk from the artist; 2-4 “Three Ring Circus” reception
COST: Plains Art Museum Members and children are FREE, nonmembers $10
INFO:  plainsart.org