Multi-dimensional talent celebrated in Newvember

Arts | November 5th, 2015

Ecce presents fourth annual group show

In its fourth year, ecce’s annual group show, Newvember, has gathered an impressive collection of artists and a formidable reputation. By presenting such a variety of talents and media, the show becomes an homage to the capability of artists in this region.

Opening on Friday, from 6-9 p.m., the public is welcome to view the newest work from ecce regulars such as Cole LaRocque, Mike Marth, Bob Crowe, Meghan Duda and others – as well as new additions including T.L. Solien, Tom Kemmer, Jen Ward and Erik Hougen.

What is arguably most successful in Newvember is the lack of theme or medium restriction, allowing for more freedom in artist selection and curation. Promising students and upcoming talents have the opportunity to be paired with established peers or instructors.

Warren Kessler, a Fargo-based painter now specifically focused in trompe l’oeil-style work, is approaching his third year in the group show. He mentioned the significance in his first year having his plein air landscape hung above Dan Jones, a considerable mentor.

“The thing I like about it is that there’s so much different media. You get sculpture, photography, realism, landscape and so much more,” Kessler said. “As far as group shows as a whole, it’s the strongest work. There’s no dogs in it.”

Comparatively, Bikash Rai, a senior at MSUM, is participating in Newvember for the second time. His studies are split between graphic design and painting, evident in the composite and painting he submitted for the show.

Rai noted the impact of seeing his instructors Andrew Stark and Zhimin Guan in the gallery, and how his inclusion in the show is both gratifying and motivating.

“There’s two things that can happen: you can become complacent or you can push yourself harder … I’m very honored. To be on the postcard with all those names, and then there’s mine,” Rai said.

From an audience perspective, Newvember can function as an educator on the depth of past and present work both locally and regionally. A wider lens comes from viewing both previously unseen pieces, and work from artists who have found national and international success.

Erik Hougen is a North Dakota native who has been included in group shows at the National Portrait Gallery and the Bronx Museum for the Arts. His acrylic and silkscreen pieces will make up only a fraction of the 50 new works expected for Newvember 2015.

The chance for both the viewers and artists to mingle and network is another favorable aspect, according to collage and paper-based artist Amber Fletschock. Creating a dialogue amongst artists and audiences, as well as artist-to-artist is most easily achieved in an open setting.

The show runs through the month of November, and should serve as a cornerstone to ecce’s show rotation, as well as a must-see for those at all interested in Fargo-Moorhead arts.

IF YOU GO

4th Annual “Newvember” Group Show

ecce gallery, 216 Broadway N

Opening reception Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m.

eccegallery.com

Ecce presents fourth annual group show

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