Tracker Pixel for Entry

​A Woman’s Perspective Presents: A Twisted Angle On Square

Arts | February 4th, 2015

'The Secret Vow' by Karla Gallagher | mixed media painting

By Tania Blanich

Square is a versatile word: noun, verb, adjective and adverb — a word that lends itself to slang and colloquialisms, even as it evokes a prim, four-sided, right-angled figure. No wonder the theme of “square” proved inspirational for the more than 85 artists participating in the 2015 A Woman’s Perspective on Square Visual Art Exhibition at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead.

Viewers will be inspired as well, drawn in by the varied mediums, colors, textures, skills and insights on exhibit. The work — including paintings, sculpture, fiber art and book art — is as wide-ranging as the artists who have produced it. A painting by a high-school student from Crookston, Minn., hangs not far from quilting by a 76-year-old grandmother from Fargo. The muted abstract painting by a first-time participant from Italy is situated near works by area artists who have participated in nearly every edition of this regional arts showcase established in 1999.

Not every themed exhibit has the cohesiveness or provides viewers with the same sense of discovery as Square. Certainly, Square has its share of, well, square works of art. But shape seems to have been merely the means to enter into the theme, a point of departure rather than the end goal for the artists. For example, for the stylized painting “The Secret Vow,” Karla Gallagher (Fergus Falls, Minn.) applied cut foil paper squares to the canvas and painted using square shapes. The resulting work “is all about staying true to yourself and following your heart, your own path no matter the cost. The ‘vow’ is one you make with yourself …” stated the artist in her narrative.

While each work stands on its own, its juxtaposition with other works often provides an additional thread of meaning or interpretation. An ethereal monotype of dresses and dress patterns by Laura Youngbird (Breckenridge, Minn.) next to 12-inch traditional quilted blocks leads to contemplation of what sewing has — and now does — mean. Once it was the domain of women who had few options outside the home. But now, in the Age of Ready-Made, making something yourself is revolutionary.

One of the most moving pieces in the exhibit is the response of Freda Kay Swedberg (Fargo) to the fiber art challenge. Quilting a traditional New York Knickerbocker Star pattern from wedding dresses, she tells the bittersweet story of a marriage in 12 inches squared. She had planned to use the scraps for a quilt for the bride, but the marriage failed. The difficult-to-sew satin has puckered slightly in the quilting, and the square is no longer true, reflecting an imperfect ending to the fairy tale.

The Square Visual Art Exhibitionhas much to offer, for art-lovers and casual viewers alike. “The exhibit is inviting to enter, to scan and to study,” said AWP founder, exhibition curator and event organizer, Vicky Jo Bogart. “It's worth a visit and a stay.”

Hosted by the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, A Woman’s Perspective on Square Visual Art Exhibitionis the cornerstone of six visual art exhibits, performing and literary art, and eight workshops in Fargo and Moorhead through mid-April. In addition to the events at the Hjemkomst Center, art exhibits can be seen at Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Gallery 4 in Fargo.

IF YOU GO:

A Woman’s Perspective opening reception

Sun, Feb. 8, 1 to 4 p.m.

Hjemkomst Center, 202 First Ave. S., Moorhead

awp.handworks.org

Recently in:

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comDairy Queen restaurants across the country will raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals during Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, July 31. At least one dollar from every Blizzard…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comFM Pride Week returns to the Fargo-Moorhead metro August 3-10. A snapshot of events are listed below. Discover event descriptions and locations as well as volunteer opportunities online at…

Monday, August 11Fargo Theatre, 314 N. Broadway, Fargo “Saw The Musical” premiered Off-Broadway in the Fall of 2023, parodying the events of the first “Saw” film. It has been described as “a love story with fluidity (and…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.com On July fourth, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest took place at Coney Island. The winners, Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo, reigned victorious. Chestnut earned his 17th title by…

By Ed Raymondfargogadly@gmail.comNotes about terror, tyranny, torture, freedom, laws, lies, and truthWhen Vice President Mike Pence needed an answer to a question about the 2020 presidential election that might end American…

By Rick Gionrickgion@gmail.com Holiday wine shopping shouldn’t have to be complicated. But unfortunately it can cause unneeded anxiety due to an overabundance of choices. Don’t fret my friends, we once again have you covered…

By Rick Gion and Simone Wairickgion@gmail.com The Red River Market returned to downtown Fargo on Saturday, July 12. The event will take place every Saturday except July 19. (That date will be moved to Sunday, July 20, due to the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comThe Moorhead Public Library will offer three free, all-ages outdoor concerts featuring regional bands this summer. The series begins on June 12 with the Meat Rabbits, a group that blends…

By Greg Carlsongregcarlson1@gmail.com Cinephiles and fans of classic midcentury Hollywood biography will find much to appreciate in Mariska Hargitay’s insightful documentary “My Mom Jayne.” As protagonist Olivia Benson on…

Press ReleaseTouchmark at Harwood Groves will host a special artist reception featuring renowned glass artist Jon Offutt on Tuesday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The event celebrates Offutt’s temporary…

By John Showalterjohn.d.showalter@gmail.comPhoto by Yvonne Denault There is something intimate and personal about plays. Even in our age of multimillion dollar Hollywood productions and droves of streaming services, watching actors…

By Annie Prafckeannieprafcke@gmail.com AUSTIN, Texas – As a Chinese-American, connecting to my culture through food is essential, and no dish brings me back to my mother’s kitchen quite like hotdish. Yes, you heard me right –…

By Sabrina Hornungsabrina@hpr1.comNew Jamestown Brewery Serves up Local FlavorThere’s something delicious brewing out here on the prairie and it just so happens to be the newest brewery west of the Red River and east of the…

By Alicia Underlee Nelsonalicia@hpr1.comCaregivers for school-aged children and teenagers are encouraged to bring them to back-to-school immunization clinics scheduled for every Tuesday in August. Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH)…

By Alicia Underlee NelsonProtests against President Trump’s policies and the cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are planned across North Dakota and western Minnesota Friday, April 4 and…

By Vern Thompsonvern.thompson@rocketmail.com Working in the Bakken oil fields of the Williston Basin is so different from my home in Fargo. I'm not judging, because the people working and living in western North Dakota are very…