Region 2 Arts Council

Sean Hill

Bemidji Community Art Center will not be hosting a First Friday event due to the Dragon boat races.  Please join us on Wednesday, Aug 11^th from 6 to 8pm for a reading by writer and poet Sean Hill, as a part of the BCAC’s Spoken Word Series and the Bemidji Library Book Festival.  Reading begins promptly at 7pm. Sean will also be hosting a writer’s workshop on Sat Aug 14^th from 9am to noon.  Space is limited so call for availability.

Venus Gaia by Marko Fields

The current exhibits, 6 McKnight Artists and the Headwaters Basketmakers Guild will continue to run through August 25th.  The BCAC is free and open to the public.  Hours are Tues to Fri. 12 to 5pm and Sat. 12 to 4pm. Visit the Art Center and Shop 426 at 426 Bemidji Ave N (Carnegie Library on 5th St) (218) 444-7570, on the web at www.bcac.wordpress.com email –  bcac@paulbunyan.net

Bad Cat Creations Gallery & Gifts – will present “Fragments- Disparate Parts To Make A Whole”, NEW mixed media collage works by local artist Terry Garrett for the month of August.  Terry will be at Bad Cat on Friday August 6th from 4-6pm for the Opening Reception.  Join us for refreshments and to meet the artist as a part of the August First Friday Art Walk. Bad Cat Creations is a boutique featuring Art & Fine Craft by over 50 different artists and an eclectic selection of fun gifts and contemporary accessories.  Showcasing mostly local artists, Bad Cat has everything from jewelry and ceramics to cards and fun accessories for you and your home.  Bad Cat Creations is located at 315 Irvine Ave NW.  For more information call 218-444-9225.

Beltrami County History Center The Beltrami County Historical Society presents “Patterns and People” by photographer and artist John Eggers.  Stop by and enjoy refreshments and Free Admission into the Museum on Friday August 6th and every First Friday from 10 to 4pm. The History Center is located at 130 Minnesota Avenue SW in the historic James J. Hill Great Northern Depot. Hours are Mon – Sat 10am to 4pm.  For more information 219-444-3376 or www.beltramihistory.org

Bemidji Public Library presents original watercolors from the children’s book

Thoughts from Pudge (A Philosophical Look at Life from a Dog’s Point of View)

by local artists Mary Knox-Johnson & Marion Caroline Reil.  “Thoughts from Pudge” follows the real life antics of a mixed breed, all American dog as he encounters various adventures. Join us on Aug 6^th from 3 to 5pm as a part of the First Friday Art Walk to visit with Mary and Marion about their work.  For more information on this exhibit or opportunities for exhibiting at the Public Library, please contact Bemidji Public Library Art Wall Coordinator Paul Simonson, 444-7886.

Brigids Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant- will continue their exhibit by artist Jonathan Billing through the month of August.  Jonathan’s show consists of a series of vessels made from oak, each unique and crafted to please the eye while showcasing the character of the wood.  All pieces will be available for purchase.  Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant is open at 11 am Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays.

More information is available by calling 218-444-0567 or on the web at www.brigidsirishpub.com

Cabin Coffeehouse and Café presents work by Jane Marks-Hastig, a unique up-cycling artist in the Bemidji area, for the month of August.  She is also a wife, mother and co-owner of Glass Doctor of Bemidji.  The majority of her works are whimsical glass mosaics using salvaged broken tempered glass pieces. She also incorporates other found/discarded items and natural elements into her work.  Through her art she hopes to inspire a new way of thinking about the things we throw away.  Join us for free coffee and desserts and to meet Jane from 4pm – 6pm as part of the Bemidji First Friday Art Walk.  The Cabin also features original art and cards for sale by Audrey Merschman. The Cabin is open Mon. – Fri. 7am to 9pm, Sat. 8am to 8pm and Sun. 8am to 6pm.Visit us at 214 3^rd Street or call 218-444-2899 for more information

Eco Turtle by Kathy Gustafson

Dunn Bros Coffee –invites you to their August First Friday Art Walk Opening Reception from 5 to 7pm featuring by work Kathy Gustafson entitled “Shared Virtues”. Active in the arts community in the Bemidji area for many years Kathy has worked in many mediums including her current dual focus – metal sculpture and acrylic/mixed media paintings on canvas.  Kathy is currently enjoying the process of combining several of her artistic interests in the paintings she creates and animals have long been her favorite subjects.  The paintings in this exhibit focus on the character and qualities that can be found in animals.  Dunn Bros is open 6am to 7pm – Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and 7am to 6pm on Sundays.  Visit us at 501 Paul Bunyan Drive S. or Call (218) 444-5252 dunnbros106@dunnbros.com

Gallery North – invites you to their August First Friday opening reception from 2 to 5pm to meet their Featured Artist – Gallery North member, Erma Stelter. Erma is one of the founding members of Gallery North and she is best known for her oil paintings that feature “common things” painted in her own unique style.  Also at the reception is Showcase Artist, Carolyn Gobberg. Carolyn is a mixed media artist who will be featured for the month August at Gallery North.

Upcoming Classes at Gallery North:  Painting on feathers class on Aug. 28th at 1 pm. Students will learn to paint a bird or birch tree on a real feather. All materials will be provided and students will complete and frame their art work to take home. Pre-paid registration is $40 or $45 the day of the class.  For further information call 759-2952 or 751-7741/ email galleryn@paulbunyan.net

Neilson Place - The North Country Health Services Art Committee continues it’s exhibit “The Language of Flowers” by Bemidji Artist Pamela Nelson.  The exhibit will be on display at Neilson Place now through October 2010 for the pleasure of residents, families, staff and the community at large.  NEW WORK! Also featured in the new Coffee and Gift Shop, The Bistro at WoodsEdge, will be work by artist Butch Holden.  This exhibit contains pottery that is both wheel-thrown and hand-built and includes both high-fired stoneware and porcelain.  His pottery is for sale and may be purchased on site. The Bistro at WoodsEdge is located just inside the front entryway to Neilson Place at WoodsEdge, on the North Country Health Services Senior Living Campus, 1000 Anne St. NW, Bemidji.  For more information, email lpapkelarson@nchs.com.

Wild Hare Bistro and Coffee House – Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse will present paintings by Danielle Dressler August 6^th through 31^st.  Danielle uses bright colored acrylics to paint abstracts of animals, life cycles, and dreamscapes.  Join us for her opening reception during the First Friday Art Walk, August 6th, from 3:00 to 5:00pm. After the Art Walk, experience Wild Hare’s own culinary artists at the First Friday Wine Bar, from 5:00 to 9:00PM, featuring a new menu every month and wine and beer list to match.  523 Minnesota Avenue in Downtown Bemidji. Call 444-JAVA for details.

Blood Ties & Brown Liquor, Bemidji based poet Sean Hill's book of poems

The Bemidji Book Festival is offering an Area Author Fair on Saturday August 14^th at the Bemidji Lakefront by the statues of Paul and Babe.

Area authors are invited to display and sell their books and publications. This event is free for the authors as well as to the public to attend. Each author is asked to donate one of their publications to the Bemidji Library on the day of the Area Author Fair.

Two sessions are available: the first from 1pm to 3pm and the second from 3pm to 5pm. A tent, table and a chair will be provided. This is being offered on a first-come first-served basis. For more information or to register contact Barb Treat at 218-556-0393.

Marko Fields original

Bemidji Community Art Center and the Northern Clay Center present 6 McKnight Artists featuring an artist talk and presentation by two of the featured ceramic artists, Andrea Leila Denecke and Marko Fields. Join for the opening reception as a part of the First Friday Art Walk on July 2^nd from 5 to 7pm, presentation starts at 6pm. Also opening in July in Gallery X2 – the Headwaters Basketmakers Guild with an exhibit of new work created in honor of the Guild’s 20^th Anniversary.  Both exhibits run July 2nd through August 25th.  The BCAC is free and open to the public.  Hours are Tues to Fri. 12 to 5pm and Sat. 12 to 4pm. Visit the Art Center and Shop 426 at 426 Bemidji Ave N (Carnegie Library on 5th St) (218) 444-7570, on the web at www.bcac.wordpress.com email –  bcac@paulbunyan.net

Bad Cat Creations Gallery & Gifts – Featured Artist for July is Rustic Furniture Artist & Woodworker, Duane Shoup.  Duane will be demonstrating how to attach the bent twig parts to the frame on a bentwood chair. Duane will discuss the thought process that went into his latest freeform rocker design. Then you will watch as he takes more than 20 parts and assembles them into a rocking chair.  Join us for refreshments and meet the artist at the opening reception and demo are from 4-6pm as a part of the July First Friday Art Walk. Bad Cat Creations is a boutique featuring Art & Fine Craft by over 50 different artists and an eclectic selection of fun gifts and contemporary accessories.  Showcasing mostly local artists, Bad Cat has everything from jewelry and ceramics to cards and fun accessories for you and your home.  Bad Cat Creations is located at 315 Irvine Ave NW.  For more information call 218-444-9225.

Beltrami County History Center The Beltrami County Historical Society presents “Patterns and People” by photographer and artist John Eggers.  Stop by and enjoy refreshments and Free Admission into the Museum on Friday July 2nd and every First Friday from 10 to 4pm. The History Center is located at 130 Minnesota Avenue SW in the historic James J. Hill Great Northern Depot. Hours are Mon – Sat 10am to 4pm.  For more information 219-444-3376 or www.beltramihistory.org

Bemidji Public Library presents Maureen O’Brien and her exhibit “Let Nature Heal” as the featured artists on the Library Wall.  Maureen feels that “the time spent in nature is powerfully important for the human spirit.  To allow time to be surrounded by the beauty of nature sustains us and I try to provide that with my paintings.” Join us on July 2nd from 3 to 5pm as a part of the First Friday Art Walk to visit with Maureen about her work.  For more information on this exhibit or opportunities for exhibiting at the Public Library, please contact Bemidji Public Library Art Wall Coordinator Paul Simonson, 444-7886.

Brigids Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant- will be featuring Jonathan Billing as the July Artist of the Month.  Jonathan’s show will consist of a series of vessels made from oak, each unique and crafted to please the eye while showcasing the character of the wood.  All pieces will be available for purchase.  The public can meet the artist at the pub from 6 to 7pm on Friday, July 2 as a part of the First Friday Art Walk.  Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant is open at 11 am Monday through Saturday and noon on Sundays.

More information is available by calling 218-444-0567 or on the web at www.brigidsirishpub.com

Cabin Coffeehouse and Café presents work by Ted and Nathaniel Nienow of Wood Wildflowers as their Featured Artists with their exhibit, “Shades of Summer”, for the month of July.  Seeking to capture the wonder and beauty of nature, this small Northern Minnesota business, Wood Wildflowers, has been creating fine handcrafted products since 1987.  Their flower designs begin with extensive photographic research.  They then choose a flower to model based on color, shape, and simple elegance creating a process where art meets engineering.  See how they make wood flow into smooth, delicate curves recreating wildflowers in wood.  Join us for free coffee and desserts and to meet Nathaniel from 4pm – 6pm as part of the Bemidji First Friday Art Walk.  The Cabin also features original art and cards for sale by Audrey Merschman. The Cabin is open Mon. – Fri. 7am to 8pm, Sat. 7am to 7pm and Sun. 8:30am to 5pm.Visit us at 214 3^rd Street or call 218-444-2899 for more information

Dunn Bros Coffee –invites you to their July First Friday Art Walk Opening Reception from 5 to 7pm featuring by work Pat Shough. Pat, who paints under the name of “Sillimandi”, is a vibrant colorist who brings her creative spontaneity to works in watercolor and acrylic.  She has a fascination with color and with a variety of subjects including flowers, birds, ocean scenes and animals.  Her large canvases can accent and take the stage in any room design where vivid colors are the focal point.  Pat has attended many workshops across the U.S., has been accepted to juried shows and received several awards.  In 2010, she received a creativity of Award for her, “Iris Blue” watercolor from the Artists of Minnesota show in Duluth.  At present, Pat is teaching watercolor classes at the new “Sillimandi Art Studio” here in Bemidji.  Dunn Bros is open 6am to 7pm – Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and 7am to 6pm on Sundays.  Visit us at 501 Paul Bunyan Drive S. or Call (218) 444-5252 dunnbros106@dunnbros.com

Gallery North – invites you to their July First Friday opening reception from 2 to 5pm to meet their Featured Artist – Gallery North member, Jeanie Fenner.  Jeanie creates jewelry and twisted wire sculptures.  The Showcase Artist featured for July is “Students of Gallery North”. If you have taken a class at Gallery North this year and have artwork you wish to exhibit please drop it off at the Gallery on Thursday July 1st. The Artwork will be on display for the month of July at Gallery North.

Upcoming Classes at Gallery North : Watercolor painting class “Stained Glass Birches” will be offered Saturday July 17^th at 1-pm. Class fee is $45 or $40 with prepaid registration. All materials will be provided and students will complete a matted 16×20″ watercolor painting of birches in the reflected early evening light. Paid registrations taken at Gallery North. For further information call 759-2952 or 751-7741/ email galleryn@paulbunyan.net

Neilson Place - The North Country Health Services Art Committee presents “The Language of Flowers” by Bemidji Artist Pamela Nelson.  The exhibit will be on display at Neilson Place now through October 2010 for the pleasure of residents, families, staff and the community at large.  Please join us at an Opening Reception on Friday, July 2^nd 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. in the WoodsEdge Bistro as a part of the First Friday Art Walk.  Pam will give a brief presentation on her work at 3:00 p.m.  Come and enjoy the exhibit, refreshments and conversation with the artist!  Also featured, now through the month of July – Handwoven Baskets by Eve Sumsky in the new coffee and gift shop, The Bistro at WoodsEdge.  The Bistro at WoodsEdge is located just inside the front entryway to Neilson Place at WoodsEdge, on the North Country Health Services Senior Living Campus, 1000 Anne St. NW. Bemidji.  For more information, email lpapkelarson@nchs.com.

Wild Hare Bistro and Coffee House – Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse will present new works by multi-media artist Ashleigh Buck, July 2nd through 28^th.  Ashleigh will present encaustic or “hot wax” paintings, a technique that applies colored beeswax to clay surfaces producing textured and tangible pieces. Since graduating with a degree in painting and drawing, Ashleigh has been exploring more three dimensional techniques, finding more satisfaction in the surface quality and sculptural feel of encaustic pieces; starting with a clay surface allows for basic preliminary format choices that a flat canvass cannot offer.  Join us for her opening reception during the First Friday Art Walk, July 2nd, from 3:00 to 5:00pm. After the Art Walk, experience Wild Hare’s own culinary artists at the First Friday Wine Bar, from 5:00 to 9:00PM, featuring a new menu every month and wine and beer list to match.  523 Minnesota Avenue in Downtown Bemidji. Call 444-JAVA for details.