Walking with Compassion: Upcoming Events

The first thing to say about “A Woman’s Perspective on Compassion” is that the central topic is a virtue worthy of discussion and display. Believing that compassion for self and others can change lives, event organizers, including Vicky Jo Bogart, matched a collection of exhibitions, performances, and social and fundraising events to Fargo and Moorhead venues.
While initial activities began in January, a number of exciting, educational March and April events are still on the horizon, including the “Runway Shoe Show and Auction,” where some of the exhibition’s “shoe” art will be auctioned off. The public is fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase works that serve as reminders, not only of the extraordinary scope of the exhibition, but of the importance of living compassionately.

Interestingly, the genesis for the exhibition’s theme of compassion was sparked in part by a compassionate move on the part of retailer Dancing Fair of Minneapolis, who so generously donated dancing shoes to 1997 FM area flood victims. So many pairs of shoes were gifted that some remained unused. These blank canvases have been transformed into art by emerging and established artists from cities and small communities in North Dakota, Minnesota, Canada, Kansas, Colorado, and elsewhere. The Hjemkomst Center lower gallery is filled with hundreds of pairs of shoes that are painted, sequined, written upon, dolled up, filled up, collaged, and drawn upon. They line the floor, sit on tables, and hang from walls. It is a provocative sight to behold these “walking with compassion” shoes. The artists’ narrative statements are heartwarming, revelatory, and moving.

For example, from Vickie A. Smith we hear that her vision includes, “. . . birthing compassion and love for all beings as you would for your own child.” Linda Dregseth’s concern is not only for people, but for animals. Ads for puppies and other pets are collaged in meticulous fashion upon her artfully displayed shoes. One ankle strap metal plate reads: “Expect miracles.” Susan L. Ewinger’s complex work is a testament to an unwed mother, who out of compassion for her baby and for a childless woman, chooses adoption. Random words placed on and around the shoes read: “You’re bad,” and “The Struggle.” But also: “I chose for you love and life.”

Laura Youngbird’s shoes become the feet of a chair as she incorporates Native American culture in her novel creation. Mary Carol Peterson’s shoes are simple and beautiful, but then one notices the polio braces above the sitting shoes. As a little girl the artist adored shoes: dancing shoes, beautiful shoes. And then the news: polio. She was forced to put aside her lovely collection of shoes for clinical replacements and braces. The empathy one feels when reading her statement is what “A Woman’s Perspective on Compassion” is all about.

To be unable to describe all of the artworks and to name all of the artists is difficult for this writer because each contribution is so deserving of attention. But you can introduce yourself to the hundreds of pairs of shoes on display either before or on Sunday, March 30th, from 1:30 to 4:30, when many of these masterpieces will be auctioned off. Enjoy dessert and entertainment and meet many of the artists at this runway show with models of all ages. Tell your own story of compassion through two interactive journaling processes, or introduce the children in your life to the “Seek and Find” art education piece.
Sunday, March 16th at 2 p.m., original works in the categories of literature, music, dance, video, theatre, and readings will be presented at Fox Recital Hall at MSUM. Witness engaging productions on the theme of compassion by artists such as Darin Henze and Ann Luloff, plus many others—young and emerging talent, plus established professionals.
Related exhibits and events at the Creative Arts Studio include the SheARTS project, wearable hats for cancer patients through March, with a public reception on March 14th from 4 to 6, plus Architecture and Landscape Quilts in April, and a watercolor workshop with Ellen Diederich, March 14th and 15th.

The extraordinary Community Service quilt display at the Hjemkomst which feature themes of war and compassion will be on exhibit through March, as well. At Nicole’s Fine Pastry, Mary Pfeiffer’s intriguing artwork and narratives are in place until April 5th. Additional events and classes on meditation, writing, tea tasting, and yoga are also being offered. For information on related classes and additional events, visit awp.handworks.org or http://communitied.moorhead.k12.mn.us/ShowGroups.awp

If You Go:

WHAT: A Woman’s Perspective on Compassion
WHERE: Multiple Venues
WHEN: March 14-April 5
HOW MANY: Multiple Exhibits
WHY: awp.handworks.org