Event Link: https://plainsart.org/exhibitions/?type=current

FEE: Free to attend the museum

MICKEY SMITH: Morphologies to open at Plains Art Museum

MICKEY SMITH: Morphologies travels to Plains Art Museum from Macalester College’s Law Warschaw Gallery in St. Paul, MN. The exhibit will be on view from January 18 to May 25, 2025, in Plains’ Ruth and Seymour Landfield Atrium and Xcel Energy Gallery.

Over the past two decades, Mickey Smith has documented significant cultural shifts in academic and public libraries, primarily across the United States, Aotearoa/New Zealand and the South Pacific. Her photography captures the evolution of libraries, from traditional card catalogs and stacks to digitization and the advent of artificial intelligence, highlighting their role as stewards of knowledge.

The exhibition features Smith’s acclaimed projects VOLUME, Denudation, and As You Will: Carnegie Libraries of the South Pacific alongside new mixed-media installations made from deaccessioned library materials donated to the project by academic libraries. Through this confluence of Smith’s oeuvre, Morphologies explores the dynamic nature of library lifecycles with striking imagery, like her trademark — never lit nor touched — captures of in-situ bound periodicals. Smith’s work considers not only the ways in which books are revered, but how libraries adapt to changes, including repurposing buildings and transitioning from physical books to online resources.

Mickey Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Photography from Minnesota State University Moorhead (1994) and
a Diploma in Jewelry Design from Hungry Creek Art & Craft School in New Zealand (2019). Mickey is an advocate and spokesperson for Harbour HoSpice Auckland. Since 2003, Smith’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions throughout the United States, in New Zealand, China, and Russia. Her works belong to numerous public and private collections, including the Museum of Modern Art Library, Sheldon Museum of Art, and Weisman Art Museum. She has received grants and awards from the McKnight Foundation, CEC ArtsLink, Americans for the Arts, and Creative New Zealand.

“Seeing this exhibition at the Plains Art Museum feels like a homecoming. As an art student at MSUM, I spent countless hours in the Livingston Lord Library, devouring materials which profoundly shaped my perspective as an artist.”

- Mickey Smith, Artist

“We are thrilled to showcase MICKEY SMITH: Morphologies at Plains Art Museum. This compelling body of work offers a timely exploration on the shifting role of libraries in the digital age. Smith breathes new life into deaccessioned books, inviting contemplation on the preservation of knowledge, the intersection of digital and analog forms of media, and the complexities of information access in today’s world.”

- Danielle Gravon, Chief Curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Plains Art Museum

An accompanying illustrated publication is co-edited by exhibition curator Heather Everhart and Laura Wertheim Joseph, PhD (newly appointed head curator of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum), and includes essays by Everhart + Joseph, Shannon Mattern, PhD (Professor of Media Studies and Art History at the University of Pennsylvania), and Aisling Quigley, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow in Digital Liberal Arts at Macalester College).

The exhibition travels to Lincoln, NE in fall 2025, jointly presented by the Eisentrager-Howard Gallery at the University of Nebraska and Fiendish Plots.

For artist information, artwork details and images, public program details, or purchase information, please contact: Heather Everhart, director & curator, Law Warschaw Gallery / heverhar@macalester.edu

MICKEY SMITH: Morphologies is generously sponsored by Karen & Leslie Desnick and Dual Purpose/Dual Citizen Brewing Company Law Warschaw is an academic gallery, gratefully located on the sovereign Dakhóta land of Mni Sóta Maḳoce.

Plains Art Museum thanks our generous PlainsArt4All members, donors, and Organizational Partners for their support. Additional support provided by The McKnight Foundation; FM Area Foundation; The Arts Partnership with support from the cities of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo; The FUNd at Plains Art Museum; and the North Dakota Council on
the Arts, which receives funds from the North Dakota Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Exhibition Tour Thursday, January 30, 6-6:45 PM, Free

Explore Morphologies, a captivating exhibition that documents the transformation of libraries in the digital age.

Event Link:

FEE: FREE to attend gallery and artist talk.

“Hoofprints” by Sally Pat Williamson

February 3- May 1, 2025

Opening Reception March 23, 2025 3pm-5pm 

Through complementary color contrast and bright pops of deep reds and pinks, “Hoofprints” explores gender tropes as they relate to physical pain. The artist uses humor in the work to process physical trauma from a horse accident in 2011. 

The Spirit Room is pleased to present “Hoofprints”, a colorful exhibition that engages the viewer in ironic humor focused on how gender norms affect the way feminine bodies present pain. Curated by the artist, Sally Pat Williamson, and on view from February 3, 2025 to May 1, 2025, this solo gallery exhibition explores the intersection of humor and pain as they relate to our bodies. The opening reception, which is free to the public, for “Hoofprints” will take place on Sunday, March 23rd from 3:00 to 5:00pm. The Spirit Room Galleries are open weekdays from 1:00 to 5:00pm. 

Consisting of six paintings, the artist depicts horse backsides, personal hospital gifts, and glittering abstractions, all coelesing together to create a sense of irony and humor. 

The exhibition is complemented by being shown in Gallery Two. The intimate space encourages viewers to get personal with the work, something the artist hopes will encourage close inspection and introspection. 

Artist Bio

Sally Pat Williamson (b. 2000, Decatur, Georgia) is an interdisciplinary artist from Athens, Georgia, currently based in Fargo, North Dakota. Sally’s work pulls from notions of playful femininity by using dream-like aesthetics made with unconventional media and traditional oil and acrylic paint renderings. Conceptually, most of Sally’s art revolves around her childhood growing up in the deep South, the intimate relationships she cultivates, and the humorous absurdities of living in a world so enamored with upholding the gender binary. 

Sally received her Bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary art and design from the University of Georgia in December 2022. Since graduating, Sally relocated to Fargo, North Dakota and has been focusing on local public art ventures. Most recently, Sally has become the gallery manager at the Spirit Room in Downtown Fargo.  

IMAGE COMPOSITE: (Top to bottom): Image 1: Sally Williamson, “Shrimp Disassociation”, 10 inch diameter, acrylic and oil on stretched canvas, 2024. Image 2: Sally Williamson, “Kidney Bean”, 8 inch diameter, acrylic and oil on stretched canvas, 2024.

EXHIBITION CREDITS

“Hoofprints” is organized by The Spirit Room and curated by Sally Pat Williamson, Gallery Manager at the Spirit Room. We gratefully acknowledge sustained support for The Spirit Room provided by The North Dakota Council on the Arts and The Arts Partnership of Fargo/Moorhead.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/education.html

Saturday Clay Date Night

March 1: 6:30-9 pm or
​April 5: 6:30-9 pm
$45./person

Grab a bite to eat at a local downtown restaurant, and then head to the Creative Arts Center to create one-of-a-kind pieces with your favorite person. Learn a new skill together with your partner, friend, or family member! We will walk you through the wheel and clay building processes. No clay experience necessary but dress for a mess! Clay, glazes, and firing fees are included. Ages 18 & up. Price is per person.
​
* Share your Date Night with friends using social media and make it a night of fun and memories! *

About the Event
This clay-filled experience is all about learning how to throw small pots on the Potter's Wheel or creating a slab tray or coiled bowl, and you even get to keep them! You'll be able to give pieces that extra personal touch they need by glazing them in underglaze. From there, the pots will dry out over the next few days and will be glazed with a clear-coat to help make the underglaze bright and shiny. Once the pieces are fired you will be notified to come back to pick up your ready to display/use wares!

Things you need to know:
This is messy work, so wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. We have aprons and towels available for use. Short nails are best for beginners working with clay on the wheel. We have nail clippers if you need to chop your claws. Feel free to BYOB if you're 21 and over.

EVENT LINK: https://www.therourke.org

FEE: FREE TO ATTEND Galleries & Museum

Dennis Krull: Painting with Fire - The First Ten Years

Fri Mar 14th - Sun Apr 20th

East-Gallery-Exhibit

Dennis Krull is best known for his encaustic, mixed media paintings. Dennis’s passion for encaustic painting ignited in 2015, when he first discovered the medium’s ability to infuse his creations with a radiant quality and distinctive texture. His artistic journey began with a foundation in graphic design, which he studied at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). Today, Dennis’s work is showcased in Gallery 4, the oldest continuous running artist co-op in the nation, as well as in numerous solo and group exhibitions. His captivating pieces are included in both public and private collections around the world, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of encaustic art and his deep connection to the materials he uses. Dennis continues to inspire others through his art, inviting them to explore the rich world of encaustic painting.

Fri Mar 14th - Sun Apr 20th

East-Gallery-Exhibit

Dennis Krull is best known for his encaustic, mixed media paintings. Dennis’s passion for encaustic painting ignited in 2015, when he first discovered the medium’s ability to infuse his creations with a radiant quality and distinctive texture. His artistic journey began with a foundation in graphic design, which he studied at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). Today, Dennis’s work is showcased in Gallery 4, the oldest continuous running artist co-op in the nation, as well as in numerous solo and group exhibitions. His captivating pieces are included in both public and private collections around the world, reflecting his commitment to pushing the boundaries of encaustic art and his deep connection to the materials he uses. Dennis continues to inspire others through his art, inviting them to explore the rich world of encaustic painting.

Public Viewing Hours

3 to 7 p.m. on THU
1 to 5 p.m. on FRI, SAT, & SUN

Consult "Visit The Rourke" to review our accessibility, public transportationoptions, photography policy, and other frequently sought visitor  information.

EVENT LINK: https://www.therourke.org

FEE: FREE to attend the Gallery and Museum

Cameron Peterson: To Color a Moment

Fri Apr 4th - Sun May 25th

Katherine-Kilbourne-Burgum/Gustavian-Gallery-Exhibit

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, 521 Main Ave, Moorhead, MN 56560, USA  

This exhibit is presented in part by the generous sponsorship support of Naomi RaMona Schliesman Artistry and Consulting.

About the Artist:

Cameron Peterson was born 21 April 1977 in Langdon, North Dakota. He obtained a BFA from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a concentration in printmaking. His work has been exhibited at Upfront Gallery (2008), The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum (2007 & 2011), Spirit Room (2006), and Creative Arts Studio (2005). He participated in 100 Abstract at MSUM (2010). He has printed membership editions for Smoky Hill River Festival (2006) and The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum (2002, 2011).

Cameron currently lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, with Annette DuBord and their cats, Diva and Maybelline.

Artist Statement:

My prints are composed of layers of color reflecting the moment that I am in. As I cut, ink, remove ink, and press each new layer, superimposed silhouettes and profiles react and respond to one another in an intriguing, symmetric stew of contrasting forms and ideas. My inspirations come from the Arts and Crafts and Abstract Expressionist movements.

Event Link: https://www.therourke.org
FEE: FREE to attend Gallery and Museum

Annette DuBord: It's Never Nothing

Fri Apr 4th - Sun May 25th

Katherine-Kilbourne-Burgum/Gustavian-Gallery-Exhibit

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, 521 Main Ave, Moorhead, MN 56560, USA  

This exhibit is presented in part by the generous sponsorship support of Naomi RaMona Schliesman Artistry and Consulting.

About the Artist:

Annette “Nettie” DuBord was born in Fargo, ND. She studied Printmaking at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She has exhibited in a solo show at the Spirit Room Gallery (2005), Upfront Gallery with Cameron Peterson (2008), and the Creative Arts Studio with James Ingberg (2011). She has participated in the Midwestern Invitational Exhibition at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum from 2003 to present, the 2013 Wabi-Sabi Show at the Spirit Room, the 2014 and 2018 Great Winter Crow Show at the Spirit Room, and the 2014 Equinox Show at the Uptown Art Gallery. She recently had a show called Tough Babies at the Spirit Room. Her work has won awards at the Hawley Art Show (2002, 2004, and 2007) and a Second Place award (2003) at the Hjemkomst Center for the Taste of the Valley Exhibition. She participated in the Norn Show at the Spirit Room in 2017. In 2003 she attended Frogman’s Print Workshop and studied Waterless Lithography from Russ Zerkel. In 2016 she studied Polymer Plate Lithography at Frogman’s with Kathryn and Andrew Polk. She was selected as one of the visual artists for the 2018 Arts Partnership CSA for her piece “Sprout.” In 2017 she was selected to print the Arts Partnership’s Giving Hearts Day Thank You Print.

Artist Statement:

My images deal with everyday feelings and emotions that are a common thread for most individuals. I like to deal with insecurities that are prevalent in my own life. Body image, bad habits, interactions with others, and random thoughts populate my imagery. Humor and whimsy work into my artwork as I prefer to laugh at my foibles. Life has become so serious with the over-bombardment of media and the digital world that I want to share the humor and fun that life can be. Sometimes I just think funny things and they appear on paper. Recently I have become fascinated with non-objective imagery, which I find relaxing and healing. I am having a great time creating these new images and am pleased with the outcome. No message, no meaning. If the viewer sees something in it and it gives them pleasure then we both win.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/studio-tour.html

FEE: FREE to do the tour and Artwork for sale!

Do the Tour!
25th Anniversary
​July 18-20, 2025    Fri & Sat: 10-5, Sun 10-3

Art of the Lakes is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Studio Tour, and we invite you to be part of the fun!

The Studio Tour is a scenic, drive-yourself art crawl through beautiful countryside with hills, lakes, prairie and small towns.

Many of the studios are tucked away on rural roads scattered throughout Otter Tail and Douglas counties in West-Central Minnesota. Bright yellow signs and a map help guide you to each studio.

For your added enjoyment, many artists provide demonstrations and other events during the tour. Please note that not all studios are open on Sunday.

Artists in this region abound, and are among the most creative anywhere. Art of the Lakes is delighted to feature their talents in this up-close, immersive travel and collecting experience!

One of the largest rural art crawls
​             in the Midwest!

Look for these signs!