Local Students Create Art Studio

Arts | May 25th, 2016

By Elle Anderson

Up-and-coming artists always seem to have a tough time finding studio space to create art or even a space to promote their artwork. Some of the studio spaces can be expensive to rent and this at times can be stressful. Here in the Fargo/Moorhead area, a group of young, talented artists have created a studio to share their art and support each other’s art.

Students crafting Ochre Creative Studio

Ochre Creative Studio is a collective of eight talented, young art students. The artists are Tyler Gefroh, Andrea Qual, Nathan Carvell, Ben Neyers, Emma Beatrez, Emily Beaman, Nikayla Snyder and Beata Weber. The artists that comprise the collective are in their twenties and bring a fresh, new artistic and business endeavor. The studio is not only a place for the students to create but also to build a gallery for the public to experience. There are minimal spots open at the studio but once a spot is open, newcomers are welcomed to join.

The idea began with Gefroh, who attended North Dakota State University. “We all wanted a space for the up-and-coming artists to share their artwork and to create art”, says Gefroh. Along with creating and sharing, the artists support one another and have created a small community within the studio.

Finding studio space can be very expensive for graduates fresh out of college or for those who are finishing their degrees. Ochre Creative Studio is convenient because each artist wants the same outcome, to grow as an artist and share those talents with others.

Keep a lookout for exhibits

The studio has already held two exhibitions. The first, “The Staring Contest,” was held at Ochre Creative Studio (located behind Teamsters). Each artist created a self-portrait on a large scale. was held at Ochre Creative Studio.

The next exhibit was “Sensorium.” Each artist created an area for the viewer to be able to experience all five senses and fully experience the stories behind each piece.

Andrea Qual created an amazing piece about an attack on a schizophrenic homeless man that happened in 2011. He was assaulted by police officers in California. The painting portrays a man who’s severely injured by using an array of colors. Next to the painting was a beautifully written poem about the attack on the man, and, of course, there was a snack to eat. Combining all the five senses created an overall experience of intensity.

Help from faculty at North Dakota State University’s Art Department has gained the studio a lot of exposure. The artists plan on having more exhibitions in the near future. Make sure to keep looking for them -- you will not want to miss out.

Ochre Creative Studio is located in the alley way behind the Teamsters building at 1114 Main Avenue in Fargo. The location is not what you would expect but that is what sets this studio apart from others.

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