The Serious Crawler Guide

By Millie Hanson
Visual Arts Editor

Why an annual art studio crawl? In the words of the Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists, “We believe it’s important to make art accessible. Even more, we like showing you how it was created. And we really, really, enjoy talking about it.”

39 studios with over 50 artists will be open and free to the public on Oct. 1 and 2 from noon until 6 p.m.. This yearly event gives the public a behind-the-scenes chance to see artwork made by FMVA artists with most if not all performing demonstrations and showing what is involved in making their work.

It’s a perfect opportunity to meet these artists, hear about their particular artistic passions (ceramics, raku, paper, acrylics, oils, watercolors, fabrics, wood, glass, metal), and also get insight into their new work. How do they do it? What drives them, and what do they use for inspiration?

2011 seems especially impactful, since it’s fresh on the heels of the FMVA Annual Art Burn that happened Tuesday. One can’t help but feel the quickening of artistic energy in the air (along with the dust that forced-air heat gifts us). So go forth! Feast the eyes and mind on the Fargo Moorhead Visual Artist’s new aesthetic offerings!

Visit the preview (Sept. 2 to Oct. 10) at the Plains Art Museum – each artist has a piece there and it will give you a flavor of their style and the medium(s) they use. Megan Johnston, the new curator, will be on hand to answer any questions. Decide which artists/studios to see, and take advantage of coffee and a snack or meal at Cafe Muse before going moving on.

NDSU’s Renaissance Hall will feature new work by Kent Kapplinger, Eric Johnson, and P.E.A.R.S. (Printmaking Education and Research Studio) plus Kim Bromley, Michael Strand, and the NDSU Student Art Society.

That’s just in one building.

The Roberts Street Studio, with its peacock mural, counts among its resident artists Mackenzie Kouba, John Berry, James Wolberg, Travis Marman, Tessa Pelkey, Justin Morrell, Magda Szietz, and Trevor Hirst. These artists produce paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glasswork, and mosaics.

DK Custom Framing @ Gallery 14 is showing Richard Thomasson’s wide variety of art in various mediums and The Spirit Room is showing the FMVA’s show It’s All In The Game, with the theme as the only constraint – who knows what will be in residence as far as media and metaphor?

The Rourke Art Museum, just across the river on Main Street, will keep the same hours with free admission all weekend and MSUM’s Zhimin Guan will be demonstrating his painting techniques on Saturday at the Rourke Art Gallery (523 S. 4th St. in Moorhead). Will it be his Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, or his impressionism or realism of western painting styles? Only one way to find out…

Regarding moods, influences, and making art, Brad Bachmeier said: “My moods vary greatly as when I can carve out time to work, I need to work regardless what mood I’m in. I try to control, coax or encourage my moods a bit with the music I play in the studio.”

Carl Oltvedt said: “I am engaged by my subject, developing my concepts through the process of working in response with it. I move into a creative zone and become absorbed by the dialogue that is ongoing throughout the process of working on the painting or drawing,”

From those who use the mind- and drug-induced creative zone, Kimble Bromley said: “I use self-hypnosis to assist me to reach this goal, and am more productive when I use them method,”

Nathan Mastrud said: ”Usually something sparks the imagination during the day and it comes out in a blur of a long night of Red Bull and the excitement of producing new work.”

To the startlingly honest Timothy Ray: “Most of my process: mixing paint, cleaning up, looking for tools, etc. is very boring - I am usually bored. For the short periods of time when I am actually doing something I am usually excited and stressed. I have no idea how this influences me.”

Is your space for the Art Crawl kid-friendly?

Almost all the studios have art activities to engage everyone. Since most artists have kids, they know to put away tools and sharp things. Keep in mind that there are a few “challenging” pieces here or there, but none of the artists are out for shock value. And as Kimble Bromley said, “Kids are some of the best critics.”

Artists are people, after all, and do have their boundaries. It’s best to touch only with the eyes unless invited. As TImothy Ray put quite succinctly, kids are welcome “More or less, if they keep their little hands to themselves.”

What are the must-see things about your space?

The answers here were quite far ranging, from some of the largest ceramics pieces ever created in North Dakota (four feet high, four feet round) and a pottery graveyard to artists who show works by others to pieces inspired by presidents, places, seasons, or social issues to name just a few.

Roberts Street Studio said that “many people tell us upon being introduced to the space that they “could just spend days looking around here and never get bored.”

Punchgut Studio has new things every year, including “old horror movies playing, mariachi band or spontaneous sidewalk skull contests; who knows what this year will bring.”

Are there any demonstrations you’ll be doing?

Grady Carlson: “I will most likely have a painting or mixed media piece in progress that I will work on throughout the studio-crawl.”

Carl Oltvedt: “I will be drawing/painting, and welcome questions.”

Roberts Street Studio: “Clay demonstrations on the wheel and handbuilding, as it is requested. There will also be painting demos by the other members.”

Punchgut Studio: “Possibly, if you ask nicely.”

What is your favorite part of the Studio Crawl?

Brad Bachmeier: “Just seeing old friends, clients and students who stop by to visit and chat. Meeting new people is great too.”

Kim Jore: “I guess the favorite part is the people! That’s what it is all about…to meet people and create connections!”

Roberts Street Studio: “Having the opportunity to communicate with so many people and show them our work and our environment. As artists, by definition, we’re usually by ourselves when making our work I find it very inspiring and encouraging to engage the public and hear their thoughts and reactions.”

Brochures are available at the Plains Art Museum and several local businesses. An (electronic) PDF version of the map can also be viewed/printed here: http://qr.net/StudioCrawlMap.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
IF YOU GO

What: 8th Annual FMVA Studio Crawl
When: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 1 & 2, from 12 noon to 6pm.
Where: Mostly centered around the Fargo Moorhead area, also studios in
Walcott, ND and Glyndon, MN.
Cost: Free