BAGLEY — Even in small communities, there can be an amazing art scene just waiting to be discovered by the people who live there. That’s what the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative hopes to shine a light on with “Afternoon Filled with Art.”
The Bagley Area Arts Collaborative is known for providing art classes in a variety of styles. Now they want to showcase that art to the community.
There are currently three locations in Bagley to display art, and all three will be part of the “Afternoon Filled with Art” celebration. The plan is to travel to all three locations in one afternoon to see local art, meet fellow art enthusiasts and maybe grab a few snacks along the way.
The event begins at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative space located at 9 Central St. W. There will be some artists on hand to discuss their work on display.
Then at 4 p.m., the event moves to a group exhibition at Prelude Coffee featuring acrylic painter Rick Paulin, watercolor painter Carole Euerle, alcohol ink artist Dave Christensen and mosaic artist Jill Torgerson.
Finally, at 5 p.m., the event concludes at the Bagley Public Library with Shannon Lucas-Westrum and Jesse Westrum’s exhibit Wanderlust and Willow. There will be an artist's reception and talk as well.
Paulin told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show that the event provides an interesting opportunity for art enthusiasts.
“People will have a chance to see different pieces of art and different mediums from different artists, and not just one particular artist, like you would go to an exhibit and see," he said. "You get a little bit of a variety by going from place to place, see what everybody's doing.”
Euerle added, “I think sometimes the town doesn't know what the artists all do. So, it's a great way for us to show the local people and anybody that comes through what we do.”
Both Paulin and Euerle have had art play a big role in their lives since they were young. Twenty years ago, Euerle took a watercolor class and was hooked immediately. Now she dabbles in a little bit of everything, including Paulin’s acrylic painting classes.
Paulin was inspired by Bob Ross to pick up a paintbrush. He saw him on TV and thought it looked easy enough, so he bought all the supplies he needed and tried to recreate what he saw — to mixed results.
“I tried, but it didn't always come out that way," Paulin laughed. "But it was fun."
Both Paulin and Euerle teach classes through the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative, and both described the classes as having a fantastic atmosphere.
“They're loose. They're fun. They're casual," Paulin said. "For the most part, they're beginner friendly, which is good because that will kind of encourage people to take an art class where they wouldn't necessarily have an interest.”
When asked what they hope people take away from the “Afternoon Filled with Art” event, Euerle said, “I think sometimes we're a sleepy little town and people don't realize how much art we have there and how much great artists we have and instructors.”
Both hope the event encourages others to take some art classes. Even if you don't feel you have an artistic side, they encourage you to come.
“It doesn't have to be a masterpiece," Euerle said. “Some will never go on to paint another painting, but they enjoy that four hours or three hours, and I think that's what it's all about.”
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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