BAGLEY — An exhibit featuring multiple artists' work isn't uncommon, but what about when those pieces are in conversation with one another?
That’s happening at an exhibit at the Bagley Public Library.
“Wanderlust and Willow” is a combined exhibition of husband and wife Jesse and Shannon Lucas Westrum, with Shannon's willow weaving and Jesse's photography.
On a recent trip to Ireland, Shannon did a fellowship and workshop on willow weaving, and Jesse chronicled the family trip with photos. Shannon told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show that she spent days weaving while the rest of the family traveled around.
Exhibiting baskets was always part of Shannon's plan, and when the opportunity came in Bagley, Jesse's photos felt like a natural fit. It features 13 to 15 different baskets and walls of photos. Jesse said they selected from 1,000 photos, and Shannon said the pieces work well together.
“I think that it kind of tells a fun story about our creative pursuit in life. What can we explore and what can we experiment with?” Shannon said. “ ... It also talks about the people we've met and the people we've worked with.”
“Wanderlust and Willow” will be on display until April 30 in the Bagley Public Library Gallery Room. The Westrums are also participating in the “Afternoon Filled with Art” by the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative on Tuesday, March 24. They are the third stop, with an artist talk and reception at 5 p.m.
Jesse said he's learned about how the installation process itself helps to highlight the work.
“Whether it's lighting or how something is sitting in its relation to other pieces ... the installation really is very important,” Jesse said. “[There's] a huge amount of artistry that goes into that and just the perception of what it looks like within the space so that was pretty surprising to me.”
While Jesse has helped Shannon set up for exhibits, this is the first time his own work will be featured, and he said he's a little nervous.
“It's a little bit of an unnerving step to take and put things on display. ... You feel a little like an imposter. Are you really this person that can put art on a wall for other people to look at? That's kind of surreal. [You're] opening yourself up to probably some criticism, but it's worth it. It's exciting.”
Last year was a big one for Shannon and Jesse. They also teach art classes in basket weaving and taught over 400 people last year across Northern Minnesota. They expect the same in 2026, plus branching out to places like Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.
Shannon added, “We're just bringing weaving all over the place.”
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.
