BEMIDJI — Cyrus Swann was an inspiration to so many people — as an artist, but also as a person.
Fellow artist and Swann's close friend Mitch Blessing joined Area Voices to preview the retrospective of his work at Bemidji State University, and to speak to the process of remembering his friend who died unexpectedly in June 2025 at the age of 45.
"We do tough things," Blessing said, about going through Swann's artwork to honor him.
The exhibit “Cyrus Swann: Artist” at the Talley Gallery not only showcases some of Swann’s work but also shows his creative spirit that led him down all sorts of roads in creativity.
Swann grew up in the Pine River area and found out early on he had a talent for ceramics. Developing that talent, he eventually found himself at BSU, first as a student and eventually as an instructor.
Blessing described Swann as an artist fascinated with naturally occurring shapes in bark, trees, sand, rust on metal and other places. He was never without something in his hand to scratch onto a surface.
“It was just fun to watch him work, just to stand there and watch ... you could see his brain working, you could see his hands were always moving," Blessing said.
The exhibit features ceramic, metal and wood pieces from his studio in the Crosslake area. Pieces date back to early in his career in 2005 all the way through just before his death.
Swann was always developing new ideas and challenging himself to do new work.
“I think that the show is a good memorial. ... It shows his legacy, but also shows his potential. It reminds us that we never stop making it. And that's inspiring.”
The exhibit is on display at the Talley Gallery until Friday, March 27, when there will be a reception 3-6 p.m.
Listen to the full conversation with Blessing above.
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.
