SEPTEMBER 30 - NOVEMBER 1 IN GALLERY I

DEANA NOVAK “SCANDALS”

in GALLERY I

Everyone knows all the best scandals happened in the 70’s. No internet trolls, but the neighbor ladies always had an opinion. Inspired by simpler times I set out to create a world where juicy gossip flows freely from the mouths of big cats, fluffy dogs, and a fish or two. Combining animals with vintage humans clipped from 70’s magazines such as; Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Workbasket, and Penthouse, and placing them in rooms sourced from a complete set of hardcover 70’s home decor DIY books taken straight from my Grandma’s bookshelf. As I clip and hunt for images a scandal starts forming. Names pop into my head as I find that perfect pose for the next spot. I use paper I have hand marbled with ink and type each story with my typewriter. A juicy story. Have you heard? Joyce’s husband is sleeping with his secretary! Enjoy the gossip and be sure to tell a friend!

SEPTEMBER 30 - NOVEMBER 1 IN GALLERY II

DAWSON SCHAFER “MENAGERIE OF MONSTERS”

in GALLERY II

In the last four years, I’ve been part of multiple art events via connections with the James and otherwise.

It started in 2020 when my landscape oil painting, Rebirth, won the ‘Best of Show’ award at the James’ winter exhibit. I painted it as a final project in a college class. That college class is where I developed a passion for oil painting. But with life happening at “life speed”, I’ve gotten busy with relocating, getting my CDL, marrying my lovely wife, golfing, etc., I needed to “unrust” my skills and go back to the fundamentals - drawing.

“Menagerie of Monsters” is a glimpse into a world-building project of mine. It’s been a way for me to creatively share a small, but concrete portion of the fantasy world that exists within many typed out notes on my phone, homebrew Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and now some cool ink drawings. One day I plan to have a well-developed lore filled with all kinds of characters and stories portrayed through drawings, paintings, 3D models, written works and more.

SEPTEMBER 3-27 IN GALLERY I

DAKOTA PRAIRIE QUILT GUILD

in GALLERY I

DON’T MISS THIS BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF QUILTS AND OTHER QUILTED ITEMS! FEATURED QUILTER FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOW IS CINDY GARAAS.

BE SURE TO PURCHASE A $5 RAFFLE TICKET TO WIN THIS BEAUTIFUL QUILT!

SEPTEMBER 3 - 27 IN GALLERY II

DEBBIE KAUFFMAN

in GALLERY II

North Dakota artist and award winning quilter, Debbie Kauffman, tells her stories through drawing and sculpting with thread. Her textile art often begins with a photograph she has taken, trying to make sense of the world around her, through what she creates. Making use of her wide range of skills, she manipulates fibers and embellishes with thread, yarn, paint, beads or whatever material that will express the story. She strives to use her platform for the greater good, often including details that support social justice themes. Her current work is focused on using sustainable textiles or materials that are already on hand. Much of her life has been spent doing women’s work, so she continues to include elements to honour the women who came before her, especially those that passed their skills on to her. 

While her roots are in art, in 2006, she began helping others finish their quilts in her longarm quilting business. This has taught her much about what a longarm machine is supposed to do, though she revels in pushing those boundaries. She’s known for her creativity and attention to detail. 

Her work has been a part of multiple quilting books and exhibits.  Most notably, Mary W Kerr’s, Twisted, Modern Quilts with a Vintage Twist. This exhibit has hung at the National Quilt Museum and the International Quilt Festival. 

Many of Debbie’s pieces reside in private collections across the country. Most recently, her textile work has been shown and sold at the Minneapolis Airport Exhibits with the Minnesota Studio Art Quilters Association. Several times a year she makes time to quilt projects for organizations, like the Social Justice Sewing Academy, that aims to empower young people. 

Debbie’s studio is located in rural Minot, where she lives on the family farm. When she isn’t creating, her favorite pastime is playing with her grandson and granddaughter.