Art for art’s sake

Editorial | May 6th, 2016

Last week John Strand mentioned how fortunate our community is to have access to so many wonderful amenities such as our many large and small concert venues, theaters, and gallery spaces. Not only do they aim to entertain but they also aid in the cultivation of community and overall awareness of the arts no matter what age you are.

As the largest city in the state of North Dakota -- the size of our community aids in our advantages. These facilities would not be here if there were no bodies to occupy and support them.

There are numerous arts organizations throughout our great state, part of whose purpose is to provide rural areas with arts programming. For example, the school in Montpelier, ND, located in a town with a population of fewer than 100 people, buses students 25 minutes (one way) to the Jamestown Art Center once a week for arts programming. These students would otherwise have little to no exposure to the arts without these programs.

Upon speaking to a local in a neighboring town to Montpelier, and asking him what he did for fun, the reply was, “Get drunk, drive around, and shoot the sh*t.” To say the kids in this town -- or any small town -- need a healthy creative outlet would be an understatement.

Obviously the facilities are smaller scale than Fargo-Moorhead’s institutions, but this programming is a huge boost to these rural communities both in providing education and stimulation.

These art organizations often host juried exhibitions in which the artist pays a small fee and is granted the opportunity to exhibit no matter where their skill level lies. Artists can learn from each other, network, and get a change of scenery and soak up some local flavor by making a day trip out of an art event.

In fact, The Nelson County Arts Council in Pekin, ND, another town fewer than 100 people, hosts one of the largest juried art shows in the state, making a fun artful weekend out of it. The exhibit is held in a 1930’s era community center, complete with art lined walls, beautiful wooden floors and gorgeous velvet burgundy curtains lining the stage. The event wouldn’t be complete without vendors, demonstrations and live music.

The NCAC has also been actively involved in the North Dakota Council on the Arts Program, “Art for Life,” in which artists, organizations, and institutions collaborate to use art as therapy in elder care facilities.

If that’s not inspiring I don’t know what is. These centers aid not only in the cultivation minds and perspectives of young and old alike, they establish a sense of pride and provide a positive creative outlet for all involved in the community.

As an artist or arts advocate in North Dakota, Fargo included, it’s important to keep these places in mind. Become aware and acquainted with artists in these communities. The most valuable thing one can gain is perspective, and we’re not just talking about horizon lines.

Regional artists making an imprint.

May 7 marks International Print Day and the Rourke Art Museum is celebrating with a print sale, but that wasn’t the lone impetus for the sale. Months ago, tragedy struck a local artist, leaving the small family motherless. In lieu of this, the folks at the Rourke and a few artists from around the region decided to band together and have a print sale.

Rather than the Rourke taking their usual commission it will be set aside for an emergency fund to aid this small family. This is what a healthy creative community is all about. Peers banding together, creating for a cause, and helping each other out in times of need.

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