This issue has…

• 🐸 Rainforest Vibes
  and an anteater for good measure

• 🖼️ Abstract Landscapes
  cuz why not

• 🎨 A Bunch of Incredible Artwork
  par for the course at the PCA

VISUAL ARTS

I’m gonna need you to look at some art

If you haven’t stopped by to see the newest art on display in the galleries, let me just tell you: YOU ARE TRULY MISSING OUT.

The Visual Arts program at the Phipps is simply killing it right now…so much so, that I’m dedicating this entire issue of the Flying P to what’s happening in the galleries at this very moment.

Let’s work our way through from the main entrance, shall we?

Atrium Gallery - Lana Sjoberg and Will River Elementary

This super-fun annual exhibition comes courtesy of Hudson artist Lana Sjoberg and the kiddos at Willow River in partnership with Tropical Wings.

Each year, in celebration of the Neotropical migratory birds that spend their summers in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, Lana and crew install a totally immersive tropical rainforest inside the Atrium Gallery.

Students from each grade create the environment:

• Kindergarteners do the painted leaves and plants

• First grade tackles caterpillars

• Second graders create the butterflies

• Third grade takes the canopy, walls, and bamboo

• Fourth grade handles birds, bugs, and ground plants

• Fifth grade hits up the frogs, orchids, and lizards

Shout out to Willow River art teacher Ms. Wiesman and principal Susan Hellmers who support the kids on their artsy rainforest journey…as well as the teachers who help them learn about the things they’re creating along the way.

This is such a neat project. You don’t need to bring kids to find this exhibition fun (but it certainly helps), so get on out to the PCA to see it before it closes — just to the right as you enter the main lobby!

Gallery One - Suyao Tian

Suyao Tian, who serves as adjunct faculty at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, has covered Gallery One in the most beautiful abstracts, which she paints using water-based media.

You can get more info at her website: suyaotian.com…or, of course, at the Phipps. Gallery One. 🙂 

Gallery Two - Katharine Eksuzian and Jennifer Scammahorn

There are two artists on view in Gallery Two, and each one is incredible.

First, there’s Katharine Eksuzian, a Minnesotan ceramicist working with soda-fired porcelain to create the most intricate artworks. Each one is its own little scientifically accurate and to-scale sculpture, hand crafted out of clay. I cannot pick a favorite…but I will if you’re buying.

Perfectly complementing Katharine is Jennifer Scammahorn, who’s a Wisconsin artist with fantastic acrylic artworks that focus on animals and nature. DO NOT MISS EITHER OF THESE ARTISTS. They really work well together. Gallery Two!

Gallery Three & Overlook - Steve Smith and Michelle Westmark

As you walk through Gallery Three, you’ll first encounter Steve Smith’s exhibition entitled Seeing Through the Eyes of My Mother. I could spend tons of time in this gallery, as each artwork has so much to take in.

Again, I cannot pick a favorite.

If you make your way into the Overlook Gallery (you have to; it’s my tour), you’ll be able to treat yourself to Michelle Westmark’s artworks including one that you can actually get comfy on. Go ahead; sit on the art and enjoy the sunlight.

Riverview Gallery - Jane Stern and Susan Bougerie

Now you’re in the Riverview Gallery! What a tour!
Jane Stern’s mixed media abstract landscapes are so satisfying. She says her goal is to allow viewers to immerse themselves in a visual experience and also provoke introspection. Will that goal be accomplished with you? THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO FIND OUT.

Rounding things out is Susan Bougerie’s unreal photography. I couldn’t get a great pic of Susan’s work due to all the sunlight in the Riverview…so you’re just going to have to take my word for it and stop by to check it out. And everything else in the galleries right now.

I’m truly so proud of the work the Phipps is doing in this area. Huge congrats to our super-talented Arts Engagement Director, Lee Ann Pomplas, and all the members of the Visual Arts Council.

Don’t miss this work, y’all!

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Talk to you in 2 weeks!