"Small Works" Community Juried Show in Gallery II

The Small Works juried exhibit includes pieces, all 12x12 inches or smaller, submitted by area artists of all ages. Prizes will be awarded for Best of Show in both adult and youth categories.

Paul & Dakota Noot "Father & Son: The Beast Within Us" in Gallery I

“Adaptiveness” by Paul Noot

PAUL NOOT

The past year I have spent time reflecting on my art that I have produced in the last 10 years. Where do we come from? What are we, and where are we going? In those ten years my art had become a mix of styles, moods, and was in a state of flux. Meditations, my family, environment and the inner self became a focus on the pieces. My work is always rooted in ND with contemporary tendencies. Birds, Bees, and butterflies frequent my work as I am environmentally conscious gardener.

The human spirit, wildlife and the ND landscape are the central subjects of my newest pieces. Symbolism is also a major component in my thoughts and the design of my art making. It is personal and universal at the same time. I use segments of nature, ornamental architecture and the human body to evoke a visceral response that leads to an emotion reaction. The more traditional pieces are like studies for the more surreal/abstract pieces and the use of color allows expression to take on a different mood.

My new work is a mix of ingredients that have been put in the blender and the outcome is an eclectic flux of art. Mammals of western North Dakota play an important component in my art as I am constantly studying an observing their habits and how they have been changed or modified for the needs and wants of human activity. My work is about creating a dialogue between myself, the artwork, and to the viewer.

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“I Will Glow Like a Bison” by Dakota Noot

DAKOTA NOOT

There is nothing plain about the Great Plains. Rural life can be fantastical and vibrant, which I reflect with fluorescent and metallic colors. I specifically use farm animals, pets, and insects from my background in North Dakota. The animals, like the people, have distinct personalities and a sense of humor. Although I have moved away from North Dakota to Los Angeles, California, I continue to draw inspiration from where I came from.

I want to explore the connections between animals and humans, but also the links between urban cities and smaller towns. My body of work exists in dialogue with both my current home and my former one in North Dakota, which should never be overlooked.

Ultimately, humans are animals. My work collapses and blends the differences between species, fusing animals with the human body. This process can be comical or violent, verging on mutation or caricature. I want to bring out the animalistic or primal nature of humans, as silly as that can be. On the other hand, assigning human-like qualities to animals gives them empathy beyond eating them. My work plays out like fantasy or science fiction stories, bringing North Dakota and its animals as main characters who won’t be sidelined.

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.