Current Exhibits
MARCH EXHIBITS
Please join us for an Artist Reception on Friday, March 11, from 7-8:30 PM.
Mitch Melberg "Let it Bee" in Gallery I
As an artist, Mitch has practiced many mediums, including drawing and sketching, acrylic, oil pastels and ink. Photography has become a new pursuit of his, especially since becoming a beekeeper. He says, “The daily life of bees is a fascinating thing to observe, and a view I don’t think many people get to see. Through my lens, I want to share my appreciation for bees and the things they do in and outside the hive.”
Melberg’s exhibit, “Let It Bee”, features photos of the honeybees he cares for as part of the Oh Honey! Apiary in Williston. The set has multiple close-up pictures of honeybees and bumblebees, going through their daily lives gathering pollen, tending to brood, learning to fly and taking care of their queen. Each year as his hives grow and new bees are born, he plans to continue taking new photos to add to this exhibit.
Mitch Melberg is the Managing Editor of the Williston Herald, covering city and community topics. He is a 2000 graduate of Williston High School, and currently serves as President of the Board for the James Memorial Art Center, and as Vice President for the Williston Community Library Board of Directors. He has been both a visual and performance artist, participating in multiple community shows at the James Memorial, as well as performing on stage as part of Entertainment Inc!. He lives in Williston with his two daughters, Zoey and Leia.
Artwork by Jorge Alas in Gallery II
Jorge Antonio Alas was born in Honduras, Central America on January 27, 1959. From a humble family, he worked growing pigs and selling fruit from the age of 9 with four older siblings: 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Their mother was widowed when Jorge was 4 years old.
Before becoming an artist, he was an admirer of artist works. Jorge admires artists such as Rembrandt, Georges Seurat, Van Gogh, and Monet among others. He says, “To be an artist is the most wonderful thing that has happened in my life. I enjoy the power of primary and secondary colors when I’m putting them on the canvas with my brush. Painting makes me feel so happy, but when I finish one, an idea comes to my brain, and that is to share with others the beauty that is around us in our community of Williston, ND.”
Looking for work in the oil field, Jorge came to Williston in 2012. He is employed at Sabin Metal West Corporation. In his free time, he started painting, learning as he went. He started with watercolors and acrylics, but his current favorite medium is oil on canvas.