September at MacRostie Art Center

MacRostie Art Center (MAC) and Reif Arts Council are pleased to announce receptions for two exhibitions to be held during the First Friday Art Walk on September 6. The Reif Center will host a closing reception for Garden Art, a group exhibition featuring paintings by Lea Friesen from 4—5:30 pm. From 4—7 pm, MacRostie Art Center will host the opening of Woods/Water: Entwined, an exhibition of photography by Jeremy Simonson and basketry by Shannon Lucas Westrum. The public is invited to attend First Friday receptions at both locations.

REIF GALLERY | GARDEN ART | Featuring Lea Friesen

This exhibition showcases visual artwork inspired by gardens and gardening. Thirty-five artists from across Minnesota are included, and the exhibition features a collection of botanical oil paintings by Lea Friesen (Grand Rapids, MN).

MINNESOTA GALLERY | WOODS/WATER: ENTWINED | Jeremy Simonson & Shannon Lucas Westrum

This exhibition celebrates the textures of the north woods through the sculptural basketry of Shannon Lucas Westrum (Bemidji, MN) and abstract water-themed photography of Jeremy Simonson (Park Rapids, MN). Each artist uses the elements of light, line, pattern, and color to express appreciation for the materials and inspiration offered by our region’s waters and woods.

“I am now exploring the fusion of modern and traditional techniques with locally sourced materials as they apply to art basketry,” says Westrum. “I’m moved to create unique sculptural shapes that flow with and emphasize the natural elements I’ve used as my focal points.”

“Each piece in this series is thoughtfully composed to reflect my presence and connection to the landscape, blending reality with a subtle artistic touch,” says Simonson. “The challenge I embrace is to preserve water’s inherent beauty while employing just enough manipulation and reorganization to reveal my artistic presence.”

This exhibition will be on view from Friday, September 6 through Friday, October 25 and is sponsored by Paul Bunyan Communications.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK | September 6

The First Friday Art Walk is a monthly celebration of art and community that takes place in downtown Grand Rapids. The MAC will host an opening reception for its new exhibit from 4—7 pm with artist talks at 6 pm. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the other art walk activities throughout downtown in addition to visiting the MAC exhibitions. A full schedule of First Friday events can be found at GrandRapidsArts.org.

ALSO SHOWING IN SEPTEMBER:

MACROSTIE GALLERY | 32nd ANNUAL JURIED SHOW| Juror: Gordon Coons

The MAC’s annual juried exhibition celebrates variety and rewards excellence among Midwest regional artists. The juror, Gordon Coons (Lac Courte Oreilles citizen based in Minneapolis, MN), reviewed over 160 submissions to select the 30 works which make up this year’s exhibition.

GIINAWIND CREATIVE SPACE | STORIES BETWEEN EARTH AND SKY | Sarah McRae

Sarah McRae (Red Lake Nation citizen based in Madison, WI) is drawn to the delicate patterns, textures, and colors inherent in nature as well as in traditional Ojibwe beadwork. She creates paintings combining these influences into cohesive designs.

REIF GALLERY | Loon Country Quilters

Loon Country Quilters was formed in 1983 by several Itasca area women interested in quilting. Their legacy lives on in their current group of enthusiastic quilters. They see this exhibition as a way to show the community how artistic quilting can be, and encourage people to join them if they want to learn how to quilt. This show opens on September 16 and runs through November 1.