Northfield Arts Guild

December Virtual Open Art
2020-12-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for the full two hours, or just drop in for some winter art making fun!
At 10am, make Textured Snowflakes using paper plates, yarn, a push pin, and a yarn needle, nail or skewer stick.
At 10:40, use white paper, masking or painter’s tape and watercolor paints to explore creating winter scenery with a cool resist technique.
At 11:20 finish the morning making a Winter Tree Mosaic using colored construction paper for the background, colored paper or magazine cuttings for the mosaic, and black paint or permanent marker for the tree!
Join via zoom from 10am-12pm
CLICK THIS LINK TO JOIN DEC OPEN ART

411 Encore Concert featuring Sam Ryden
2020-12-19 19:30 - 20:00
The Northfield Arts Guild, in collaboration with Ray Coudret, is pleased to present 411 Encore Concert featuring Sam Ryden, a free virtual concert, live from the Guild stage, showcasing Northfield-based singer/songwriter, Sam Ryden on Saturday, December 19 at 7:30pm.
Ryden will perform live from the Guild Theater with his performance streamed on the Guild’s Facebook page. The concert will be approximately 30 minutes in length and feature new and recent songs by Ryden. Join us at 7:30 pm to enjoy live music featuring this acclaimed performer.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates and details for a planned series of musical performances live from the Guild Theater spanning the winter months.
WATCH THE CONCERT
During these challenging times, your support has tremendous impact! In celebration of tonight’s concert, please consider a donation to the Northfield Arts Guild.

Virtual Guild Winter Walk
2020-12-10 19:00 - 20:00
GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH THE GUILD! PLEASE JOIN US ON THURSDAY, DEC 10 FOR VIRTUAL GUILD WINTER WALK FEATURING A FUN, FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY LINE UP OF ONLINE HOLIDAY ARTS PROGRAMMING.

At 7:00 pm watch the Guild’s Dance Theater Company’s premiere of Dancing Through the Storm: a Winter Dance Performance on the Guild’s YouTube channel.

This original dance performance, directed and choreographed by Shari Setchell, features 7 students of all ages dancing to a traditional Ukrainian piece, Carol of the Bells, performed by the Avalon Pops Orchestra.

At 7:15 pm Create a Jelly-Jar Snow Globe/Globos de nieve

Follow along virtually with Jennie in English and Spanish as she walks you through this fun project! Participants will need these items commonly found at home:

A glass (or plastic for young children) jar with a tight fitting lid. Could be a jelly, peanut butter, pickle jar, etc. Get creative!
Glitter
Trinket for inside (figurine, toy, etc.)
Adhesives: clear school glue or clear baby oil (necessary for the “snow” to work), and a hot glue gun or strong crafting glue/cement
Any ribbon or decorations for the outside of the jar (optional)

Anytime! Watch SOLOS – the monologue writing and performance festival that premiered on Nov 7! Watch on YouTube.

SOLOS premiered this fall, featuring 12 area actors performing 12 monologues written by 10 local writers. The writers and actors were selected from an open submission process. In this time of physical distancing, SOLOS is a performance festival for anyone to participate from wherever they currently are.

Virtual Open Art
2020-11-09 10:00 - 12:00
Join us from 10am-12pm for seasonally inspired art activities! Come for the entire 2 hours, or just drop in when you can!
Virtual Open Art via zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtcuCurj0pHtXWQCcAyaojetmBZ7m8hLnX

Virtual Reception Annual Members Exhibition
2020-10-29 18:30 - 19:30
The Guild hosted a live, Virtual Artist Reception on Thursday, Oct 29 from 6:30-7:30 pm which featured:

Recognition of the participating Member Artists
Reflections from a handful of artists about their studio practice the last 7 months
(Optional) Costume Contest for ALL attendees (not just limited to participating artists)

Reception attendees voted for 3 winners in the Costume Contest:

Katherine Norrie won 1st place, a Guild Plus Membership ($180 value)
Allison Albright won 2nd place, a $50 Guild Gift Certificate
Becky Jokela won 3rd place, a $25 Guild Gift Certificate

Watch a recording of the Virtual Artist Reception

Watch the Virtual Tour of the exhibition

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the artworks, email heather@northfieldartsguild.org to coordinate your purchase.

ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION (OCT 8-30, 2020)
One of the benefits of membership at the Northfield Arts Guild is the opportunity for visual artist members to exhibit their original artwork in the Annual Members’ Exhibition. This popular, community-wide exhibition showcases the work of Guild Members working in a large cross section of media—from painting to ceramics to textiles.
The 2020 Annual Members Exhibition features artwork from 63 Guild Members including:
Connie Albers, Allison Albright, Wendell Arneson, Robert Christy, Gwen Chynoweth, Christie Clarke, Mark Daehlin, Patsy Dew, Toni Easterson, Jill Ewald, Julie Fakler, D. Foxgrover, Mary Ellen Frame, Joyce Francis, Juan Fried, Gail Gates, Maryrose Gondeck, Susan Hayes, Reid Hendershot, Sonja Hillestad, Kristine Hites, Gerald Hoekstra, Lori Hungerholt, Rose-Marie James, Jay Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Becky Jokela, David Killen, Judy Kinstad, Marsha Kitchel, Riki Kölbl Nelson, Judy Kutulas, Marilyn Larson, Heather Lawrenz, Glynnis Lessing, Miho Libbey, Krisi Lillie, Tim Lloyd, Jean Manrique, Dennis McClintock, Layl McDill, Richard Mittelstadt, Paula Moon, Sharol Nau, Katherine Norrie, Davey Nyssen, Joan Olson, Jacque Oman Clinton, Amy Pagel, Audrey Pagel, Sue Pariseau, Barbara Pendergrass, Claudia Poser, Cheryl Ramette, Nancy Rechtzigel, Cindy Starkey Robinson, Michael Ruth, Jan Shoger, Michael Stoecklein, Rebecca Tolle, Steve Watson and Kathy Weed.

Virtual Members Meeting
2020-10-27 18:30 - 19:15
We invite Guild Members and the community to our online Members Meeting at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, October 27. This approx. 40 minute online event will include:

* A look back at our 60th anniversary season
* 2019-2020 Financial Report
* Arts Program Updates and
* Recognizing our 2019-20 Volunteers of the Year!
Watch a recording of the 2020 Virtual Member Meeting
View the 2019-20 Annual Report

Virtual Open Art
2020-10-15 10:00 - 12:00
MONDAY, OCT 15 | LIVE ART MAKING BETWEEN 10 AM-12 PM
Join us online for the entire two hours, or drop in anytime during the session! Make Art Happen, online with your fellow community members.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAvduqpqDgoG9YtqCMzWcGkNeEFR5Dy_4qy
You will need 12 paper plates per skeleton, yarn or string, a scissors, a sharp pencil, black marker or paint, black paper, white drawing paper, colored markers, crayons or paints!

2020 Annual Members Exhibition opens
2020-10-08 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
ANNUAL MEMBERS EXHIBITION (OCT 8-30, 2020)
One of the benefits of membership at the Northfield Arts Guild is the opportunity for visual artist members to exhibit their original artwork in the Annual Members’ Exhibition. This popular, community-wide exhibition showcases the work of Guild Members working in a large cross section of media—from painting to ceramics to textiles.
Join us for a live, Virtual Artist Reception on Thursday, Oct 29 from 6:30-7:30 pm featuring artist conversations and an (optional) costume contest for all attendees.
Reception attendees will vote for 3 winners:
1st place will receive a Guild Plus Membership ($180 value)
2nd place will receive a $50 Gift Certificate – good for the Shop or for Classes
3rd place will receive a $25 Gift Certificate – good for the Shop or for Classes
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE RECEPTION
Email heather@northfieldartsguild.org with any questions!

The 2020 Annual Members Exhibition features artwork from nearly 70 Guild Members including:
Connie Albers, Allison Albright, Wendell Arneson, Robert Christy, Gwen Chynoweth, Christie Clarke, Mark Daehlin, Patsy Dew, Toni Easterson, Jill Ewald, Julie Fakler, D. Foxgrover, Mary Ellen Frame, Joyce Francis, Juan Fried, Gail Gates, Maryrose Gondeck, Susan Hayes, Reid Hendershot, Sonja Hillestad, Kristine Hites, Gerald Hoekstra, Lori Hungerholt, Rose-Marie James, Jay Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Becky Jokela, David Killen, Judy Kinstad, Marsha Kitchel, Riki Kölbl Nelson, Judy Kutulas, Marilyn Larson, Heather Lawrenz, Glynnis Lessing, Miho Libbey, Krisi Lillie, Tim Lloyd, Jean Manrique, Dennis McClintock, Layl McDill, Richard Mittelstadt, Paula Moon, Sharol Nau, Katherine Norrie, Davey Nyssen, Joan Olson, Jacque Oman Clinton, Amy Pagel, Audrey Pagel, Sue Pariseau, Barbara Pendergrass, Claudia Poser, Cheryl Ramette, Nancy Rechtzigel, Cindy Starkey Robinson, Michael Ruth, Jan Shoger, Michael Stoecklein, Rebecca Tolle, Steve Watson, Kathy Weed and MORE!

Virtual Reception for 20/20 Optics: New Approaches
2020-09-17 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for a live, Virtual Reception to celebrate the artists on Thursday, September 17 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Attendees will be welcome to ask questions of the artists, and see a slideshow of artwork while hearing from each of the participating artists. Any questions please email heather@northfieldartsguild.org.

Click here to tune in to the Virtual Reception via Zoom

20/20 Optics: New Approaches
SEPT 3 – OCT 2, 2020

This exhibition features works by five regional artists Sheri Grube, Sharol Nau, Michael Ruth, Erika Terwilliger and Annie Young. The work in this exhibition showcases how each of these artists explore traditional methods and media with fresh perspectives and techniques.
Watch the Virtual Tour of the exhibition

FEATURED ARTISTS:
Sheri Grube

Sheri is an acrylic artist, who loves to incorporate textures and colors into her art while delving into deep emotions. Her pieces are often vivid, imaginative, and expressive. Many who view her art feel her definitive passion. Art helps transfer her to another part of the world and sometimes the universe, as she draws reference from the natural world around her. Creating art takes her mind off of chronic pain and isolation. During the current isolation, Sheri has been painting more frequently because her art helps her remember happier experiences.
She has a rare neurological movement disorder called DYSTONIA, which affects her jaw, neck, shoulder and hand. Dystonia is a chronic, often painful, neurological disorder characterized by extreme muscle spasms that cause involuntary movements and postures in the body and limbs. She finds that while she is tremoring, picking up a paintbrush makes the tremor stop. While she is painting, she finds that it calms her soul as well as her body.

Sharol Nau

Sharol has been painting, printing, and sculpting since the 1970’s, and after attending Art & Math Conference in 1998, felt compelled to experiment with simple mathematical principles as a guide to further her artistic expression.
The particular idea of Book Folding came to her when she was helping sort books at an annual book sale that benefits a local hospital, and it occurred to her that a good portion of the books would be left unsold and possibly end up in a landfill. On the last day of the sale she bought some of these recycled books for experimentation.
Sharol creates these folded book sculptures by folding the individual pages based on mathematical principles, such as the parabola, the longest crease, and others to fuel her creative energy. The parabola is a curve with reflective symmetry in which each point on the curve is the same distance from a fixed focus point and a fixed line. This is one of Sharol’s favorites because it is quite versatile and gives her plenty of options for creative considerations. In each of her folded book sculptures, the wave-like forms resulting from the sequence of folds are varied and beautiful.
Sharol has also created mixed media pieces inspired by Goldbach’s conjecture – one of the oldest and best-known unsolved problems in number theory and all of mathematics. It states: every even integer greater than 2 can be expressed as the sum of two primes. This Goldbach Conjecture that had never been proven became the visual that Sharol discovered she could work with, inspiring many designs in this series.

Michael Ruth

Needless to say that the Coronavirus has greatly impacted the psyche of people all across the globe. One not need be an artist to see and feel the emotional change that has taken place. Being in this situation we find ourselves is that it does impact the creative structure of our minds. What we are creating now, may never be repeated once this pandemic is past. This could be viewed as one of the creative times in modern history.
Since late February I have been creating a series which I call “Pandemia”. The series is made up of digital visuals that are sequential representing, to me, the spread of COVID-19

Erika Terwilliger

Through my practice I’m interested in taking stock of the mundane objects and materials that surround me. I want to care for these things, but in a way that eventually wears them into nothing. I want to work within systems that toe the line of absurdity, but still know when it’s time to shed their lining. Every year my family picks, peels, cans, and stores 40 quarts of pears. The fruit moves from tree to kitchen to jar to shelf to table to human to toilet. I’m interested in the evolving relationship between object and container, value and utility, and the labor required to move domestic objects through these progressing stages of use and value.
Currently I am building ceramic and plant-based sculptures inspired by roof vents. Over the course of the summer these pieces, which I’ve planted with a variety of cover crops like alfalfa and clover, will grow and change as the plant roots take the shape of their ceramic container. At the end of the growing season I will open the molds to reveal the sculptural plantings inside. Through this work I consider how buildings like barns and houses can act like bodies, maintaining homeostasis through ventilation and moisture control for the organisms they contain.

Annie Young

Painting has always been a means for me to communicate what I am unable to say using words. I had looked forward to exhibiting in the year 2020 because as a person and artist living without the use of my eyesight, I was eager to ‘play’ on the idea of what 20/20 vision actually meant. And, in a way, this collection does just that. Maybe not in the way I envision it would (pun intended). I typically paint with bright, brilliant, bold colors. Lots of them. However, I found myself painting with merely two or three. Most often blues or greens. I reached for white to add contrast and from time to time orange if necessary, possibly yellow. Again, this is so unlike me. Very unusual.
My process is dictated by my dreams. I have no say really. And my dreams have been simple. Very simple. And I trust my process, my dreams. So I paint out what I dream and when I do, I am rewarded. I received this was of peace to my soul. A calming. It is my hope those who view will experience the same.

Virtual Riverfront Fine Arts Festival
2020-09-12 00:00 - 2020-09-13 23:59
VIRTUAL RIVERFRONT FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
The artist shops on the Virtual Festival page will go live on Saturday, September 12. From this page, visitors and shoppers will be directed to the participating artists’ websites.

Every year, the Northfield Arts Guild presents the Riverfront Fine Arts Festival on the weekend after Labor Day along the idyllic banks of the Cannon River in downtown Northfield. In 2020, we are excited to host this year’s festival online for the first time in our history. We recognize the importance of keeping this economic opportunity active for artists during a year where large, in-person gatherings aren’t possible.
The Guild’s 2020 Virtual Riverfront Fine Arts Festival features a tremendous variety of local and regional artists offering their works for sale, accompanied by online artist interviews, art making demonstrations and studio tours.

Virtual Open Art - POSTPONED!!!
2020-08-24 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for live online art making! Drop in for a while or stay the whole time as you create original art with the Guild’s Education Assistant and Outreach Coordinator Jennie Eubank.
POSTPONED!!! (due to Zoom system maintenance issues beyond our control)
MONDAY, AUG 24 | LIVE ART MAKING BETWEEN 10 AM-1 PM – WE WILL RESCHEDULE!
Get back-to-school ready with some artistic flair. Join Jennie to create projects like a colorful tree – and MORE!
We will reschedule this Open Art session soon – thank you for your understanding! Stay tuned for more details.

Virtual Reception for Centered Mindfulness
2020-08-06 18:30 - 19:30
Watch a recording of the Virtual Reception that was held on August 6, 2020 to celebrate the artists. See a slideshow of artwork and hear remarks from the featured artists followed by an artist Q & A portion.

Centered Mindfulness features installation works by six regional artists Marilyn Larson, Tim Lloyd, John Saurer, Jan Shoger, Elizabeth Simonson and Michon Weeks. Each artist has developed a specific visual language that aims to shift viewers’ perspective toward a more meditative view of the world, either through repetitive forms, mathematical theories, grid systems or circular structures.

SEE EXHIBITION VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

FEATURED ARTISTS:
Marilyn Larson

Marilyn Larson is a Minneapolis-based artist, ceremonialist, and labyrinth maker. Since 1996 she has been building contemplative labyrinths for wall, floor and outdoors. Labyrinths have been found worldwide over the past 5,000 years. Patterns found in nature are reflected in walkable art called labyrinths. A labyrinth is an enclosed meandering path that leads into a center and out again. A sacred space is created each time we trace the form of a labyrinth with eyes, fingers, or feet. A labyrinth is also a mirror and a listening device. Intentions set upon entering the image invite response. Wherever found, labyrinths continue to offer an opportunity to experience a pace that can bring inner peace. Like the meandering movement of a river that revitalizes water, the ever-turning, rhythmical walk of a labyrinth calls forth clarity.

Tim Lloyd

Tim Lloyd is a Northfield artist whose ideas come from nature, and whose work has always made reference to some aspect of the natural world.
Boreal Studies, a series.
Drawing for me has always been a way to get into the mind of an artist. Without the intent of making a work of art the direct activity putting marks on a surface gets close to the thinking of a person. It’s something like what I like to say “picking the brain of another human”.This series of drawings of trees from an area of Minnesota’s Arrowhead gives this group of graphite drawings “ a sense of place” not only of boreal species, that of old growth White Pine, White Spruce, and Balsam Fir, but of my intent to describe the trees. I hope too that they also give a glimpse of my thought process. I love graphite as a tool for mark making, for me its’ spontaneity conveys how I’m mindful as I draw.

John Saurer

I created this monoprint series of over 100 impressions of simple objects collected at my feet, off the ground (natural and man-made, beautiful and ugly). I am intrigued by the “multiple” and the potential to construct a larger composition from a single print matrix and the “ghosts” of previous impressions as the series moves forward.
My artwork is a metaphor for order: sometimes re-expressing order found in the landscape, a mechanical process, the rhythm of form, personal relationships, and the life around me. Each work is often a collaboration of many independent parts that are crafted to come together and express a larger whole.

Jan Shoger

My sketchbooks are chock full of drawings of natural phenomena: logs caught in a stream, bird’s nests, cells magnified 2500 times by the scanning electron microscope, rock formations, trees hanging tenaciously to nearly bare rock, great blue herons, twisted thistles, driftwood fragments, seeds picked up on a walk, shells found at ocean’s edge, organic shadows from plants, striated stones or weathered bones.
Shadows
Wintry, distorted shadows of tree, shrubs, grasses,
Fall across the white undulations on the hill behind the house
The mind focuses, empties of all thoughts
What I see, feel, at this moment is all that matters
Totally caught up, charcoal marks are made, responding to what I see, what I take in
Hand and eye movements merge
Spontaneous, meditative, gestures quickly mark the paper.

Elizabeth Simonson

My work is structured through the creation of repetitive systems. Where better can this be found then in the building blocks of life? From simple molecular structures to complex organisms, life grows blindly, motivated by one organizing principle: creating self sustaining structures that foster survival. I feel that abstraction and the use of logic, systems and patterns is a powerful language accessible to all viewers through its association to nature. I use common everyday materials like tape, wire, beads, tiles, fishing line, office supplies or anything that comes in multiples.
Before committing herself to visual art, Elizabeth was a professional dancer performing as a principal for Minnesota Dance Theatre and Feld Ballets New York. Her site-specific installations are temporal by nature, with each iteration changing slightly much like a dancer’s performance. When asked if it bothered her that her piece would be torn down, she said no—it’s just like a performance, a temporal event and like choreography it can be recreated again and again albeit with different interpretations much like a performance.
Inspired by L-systems, “Spin” is structured through the repetition of one unit defined as two archways connected by thread. Layered together in a circular pattern, the piece multiplies exponentially, creating complex geometric shapes that reference waves and suspension bridges. Like the unit, Elizabeth’s actions of threading bead after bead repeatedly, invites a state of intense mindfulness for both the artist and viewer.

Michon Weeks

Drawings: Airplane, Boombox, Car
As an artist, I work to see as concretely as possible what my mind can think and imagine. Inspiration can come from anything and anywhere: things, thoughts, memories, sensations, etc. My collection of subjects for this group of drawings came from direct conversations with my choir mates at St. Peter’s in Northfield, MN. I asked my fellow singers questions about themselves. What is important to you? How do you spend your time? What are your prized possessions? Often, their answers yielded specific objects–a sewing machine, a stocking cap, an airplane, a ring, etc. I draw to see a materialized view of each object distilled through my ink, tools, hands, brain, senses, heart, and gut. I made many of the drawings within a grid of lines or dots. The grid provides a field where I can find imagery and avoid dishonest marks. Blocky-shaped objectsalong with my mistakes, edits, and dabs of unpolished doubt are unconcealed in the drawings.

CANCELED - Billy Elliot
2020-07-31 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
More information about updates to the Guild’s 2019-20 Theater Season can be found in an announcement here.
Set during the 1980’s British miners’ strike, motherless, working-class Billy Elliot dreams of being a professional ballet dancer. However, his father and brother want nothing to do with the so-called “nonmasculine” art of dance, and Billy’s teacher resolves to give Billy secret dance lessons so that he can audition for the Royal Ballet school. The winner of 14 Tony, Olivier, and Drama Desk awards, including Best Musical, Book, and Original score, Billy Elliot is an exploration of how we can find our place and passions in an unbalanced world. The empowering music is by Elton John, with book and lyrics by Lee Hall, who wrote the original film screenplay of the same name.

Centered Mindfulness exhibition opens
2020-07-23 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
CENTERED MINDFULNESS
JULY 23– AUG 29, 2020

This exhibition features installation works by six regional artists Marilyn Larson, Tim Lloyd, John Saurer, Jan Shoger, Elizabeth Simonson and Michon Weeks. Each artist has developed a specific visual language that aims to shift viewers’ perspective toward a more meditative view of the world, either through repetitive forms, mathematical theories, grid systems or circular structures.

Watch a recording of the Virtual Reception that was held on August 6, 2020 to celebrate the artists. See a slideshow of artwork and hear remarks from the featured artists followed by an artist Q & A portion.

SEE EXHIBITION VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

FEATURED ARTISTS:
Marilyn Larson

Marilyn Larson is a Minneapolis-based artist, ceremonialist, and labyrinth maker. Since 1996 she has been building contemplative labyrinths for wall, floor and outdoors. Labyrinths have been found worldwide over the past 5,000 years. Patterns found in nature are reflected in walkable art called labyrinths. A labyrinth is an enclosed meandering path that leads into a center and out again. A sacred space is created each time we trace the form of a labyrinth with eyes, fingers, or feet. A labyrinth is also a mirror and a listening device. Intentions set upon entering the image invite response. Wherever found, labyrinths continue to offer an opportunity to experience a pace that can bring inner peace. Like the meandering movement of a river that revitalizes water, the ever-turning, rhythmical walk of a labyrinth calls forth clarity.

Tim Lloyd

Tim Lloyd is a Northfield artist whose ideas come from nature, and whose work has always made reference to some aspect of the natural world.
Boreal Studies, a series.
Drawing for me has always been a way to get into the mind of an artist. Without the intent of making a work of art the direct activity putting marks on a surface gets close to the thinking of a person. It’s something like what I like to say “picking the brain of another human”.This series of drawings of trees from an area of Minnesota’s Arrowhead gives this group of graphite drawings “ a sense of place” not only of boreal species, that of old growth White Pine, White Spruce, and Balsam Fir, but of my intent to describe the trees. I hope too that they also give a glimpse of my thought process. I love graphite as a tool for mark making, for me its’ spontaneity conveys how I’m mindful as I draw.

John Saurer

I created this monoprint series of over 100 impressions of simple objects collected at my feet, off the ground (natural and man-made, beautiful and ugly). I am intrigued by the “multiple” and the potential to construct a larger composition from a single print matrix and the “ghosts” of previous impressions as the series moves forward.
My artwork is a metaphor for order: sometimes re-expressing order found in the landscape, a mechanical process, the rhythm of form, personal relationships, and the life around me. Each work is often a collaboration of many independent parts that are crafted to come together and express a larger whole.

Jan Shoger

My sketchbooks are chock full of drawings of natural phenomena: logs caught in a stream, bird’s nests, cells magnified 2500 times by the scanning electron microscope, rock formations, trees hanging tenaciously to nearly bare rock, great blue herons, twisted thistles, driftwood fragments, seeds picked up on a walk, shells found at ocean’s edge, organic shadows from plants, striated stones or weathered bones.
Shadows
Wintry, distorted shadows of tree, shrubs, grasses,
Fall across the white undulations on the hill behind the house
The mind focuses, empties of all thoughts
What I see, feel, at this moment is all that matters
Totally caught up, charcoal marks are made, responding to what I see, what I take in
Hand and eye movements merge
Spontaneous, meditative, gestures quickly mark the paper.

Elizabeth Simonson

My work is structured through the creation of repetitive systems. Where better can this order be found than in the building blocks of life? From simple molecular structures to complex organisms, life grows blindly, motivated by creating self sustaining structures that foster survival. I see my work as an aspect of nature.
It was not my intention to create system-based art, but I feel that abstraction and the use of logic, systems and patterns is a powerful language, and it is important to me that the viewer has an accessible path to share in my exploration of it. I use common everyday materials like tape, wire, beads, tiles, fishing line, office supplies or anything that comes in multiples as my inspiration. One pattern may involve covering from ceiling to floor, a wall or room with consecutive rows of tape. Each successive layer conforms to the imperfections of the previous row where by a subtle crease evolves into a voluminous shape. The enormous task of both building and attaching the units underscores the complex relationship between a rigid and fixed system with the limitations of the material and the maker.

Michon Weeks

Drawings: Airplane, Boombox, Car
As an artist, I work to see as concretely as possible what my mind can think and imagine. Inspiration can come from anything and anywhere: things, thoughts, memories, sensations, etc. My collection of subjects for this group of drawings came from direct conversations with my choir mates at St. Peter’s in Northfield, MN. I asked my fellow singers questions about themselves. What is important to you? How do you spend your time? What are your prized possessions? Often, their answers yielded specific objects–a sewing machine, a stocking cap, an airplane, a ring, etc. I draw to see a materialized view of each object distilled through my ink, tools, hands, brain, senses, heart, and gut. I made many of the drawings within a grid of lines or dots. The grid provides a field where I can find imagery and avoid dishonest marks. Blocky-shaped objectsalong with my mistakes, edits, and dabs of unpolished doubt are unconcealed in the drawings.

EXHIBITION CATALOG

Fun in the Sun Color-In
2020-07-16 16:30 - 18:30 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Drop by the Guild for a casual evening of coloring and community! Join us from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on July 16 downtown at the Guild for a free outdoor event featuring a coloring page of the Guild created by local artist Jim Bohnhoff. Swing by and pick up coloring pages to take home and complete, or color outside at the Guild. Feel free to bring your own coloring crayons/pencils/markers, or use the Guild’s supplies that will be sanitized between use.
After you have completed your artistic creations, share them with us online using #Northfieldartsguild.
To help keep our community safe, we ask that you wear a face mask when attending Fun in the Sun Color-In. If you do not feel well, we ask that you please stay home and rest.
The Guild will have hand sanitizer available at the event. Our building (including restrooms) will not be accessible to the public during this event so please plan accordingly. Tables will be spaced apart to allow for distancing between parties.
The coloring page is also available for download on our Guild @ Home page if you would like to participate without physically attending.

The Lion in Winter- postponed to summer 2021
2020-06-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Park, Northfield, 421 Fourth Street East, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
More information about updates to the Guild’s 2019-20 Theater Season can be found in an announcement here.
The Lion in Winter depicts the tumultuous relationship between Henry II of England and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. With Eleanor recently released from prison, and their three sons arriving to spend time with the family on holiday, the question looms: who will be the next heir to the throne? Fraught with intrigue, each family member schemes to usurp the other. This delightfully wicked and ferociously funny drama by James Goldman investigates the balance between family roles and power structures, and how all can go sour when the chips are down. Directed by Rachel Haider at Central Park, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Theater in the Park.

Virtual Reception for Belonging
2020-06-18 18:30 - 19:30
Watch a recording of the Virtual Artist Reception that took place on June 18. Watch a slideshow of artwork and hear remarks from the artists. VIRTUAL RECEPTION RECORDING
Belonging
June 12-July 18, 2020
Belonging is an exhibition of artwork referencing themes around connection, inclusion, value, acceptance and community featuring thirteen regional artists in their Guild debut.
Experience ONLINE works by Wyatt Baillif painting • Kali Breska painting • Pam Buschow painting • Wen-Li Chen film/mixed media • Sophia Davies drawing • Ana Freeberg painting • Lillian Ingabire collage • Avigail Manneberg film/painting • Anne Rynearson painting • Emily Swanson textiles • Johanna Torbenson painting/drawing • D. Helene Woods painting • Yifei Zhu sculpture
During the reception, Kay Brown announced the four artworks that were selected to receive The Brown Family Awards in Memory of Galen A. Brown in the following amounts: 1st: $300, 2nd: $200, 3rd: $100, Honorable Mention: $50.
1st: Girls Like Us: 1st Generation by Lillian Ingabire
2nd: To My Unborn Child by Wen-Li Chen
3rd: Standing Room by D. Helene Woods
Honorable Mention: Lantern Bringing Me Home by Yefei Zhu
Watch video announcement featuring Kay Brown
EXHIBITION CATALOG

Exhibition Supporters

502 Studio & Gallery – Rebecca Tolle
The Brown Family

Exhibition Supporter
502 Studio & Gallery – Rebecca Tolle

FOR EXHIBITION PHOTOS AND VIDEOS VISIT THE GUILD’S FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE PAGES

POSTPONED - FREE Drawing Workshop
2020-06-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Adult Artists of All Drawing Abilities Welcome!
Jan Shoger and Tim Lloyd are leading a FREE Drawing Workshop on Wednesday, June 17 from 6-9pm based on the books by Frederick Franck “The Zen of Seeing: Seeing and drawing as Meditation” and “The Awakened Eye”. In this one-day workshop adult participants (beginner, emerging or professional) will produce multiple drawings. All supplies will be provided.
Space is limited. Please RSVP if you would like to join us: heather@northfieldartsguild.org.

POSTPONED - Free Drawing Workshop
2020-06-06 13:00 - 16:00 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
Adult Artists of All Drawing Abilities Welcome!
Jan Shoger and Tim Lloyd are leading a FREE Drawing Workshop on Saturday, June 6 from 1-4 pm based on the books by Frederick Franck “The Zen of Seeing: Seeing and drawing as Meditation” and “The Awakened Eye”. In this one-day workshop adult participants (beginner, emerging or professional) will produce multiple drawings. All supplies will be provided.
Space is limited. Please RSVP if you would like to join us: heather@northfieldartsguild.org.

Honors Art Show Opens
2020-05-22 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
A Whole Bunch of Art NHS HONORS ART SHOW

MAY 22– JUNE 6, 2020
The Northfield Arts Guild is proud to host this annual spring exhibition of artworks by students in Katherine Norrie’s Northfield High School Honors Art class.

Experience ONLINE the stellar artwork in a variety of media by: Maddi Anderson, Jack Duffy, Greta Foster, Marcus Hauck, Signe Hauck, Tatum Hauck, Emma Johnson, Jess Martin, Naomi McCabe, Grace McDonald, Chloe Mellgren, Ally Mikulecky, Abram Noble, Audrey Pagel, Clara Peterson, Kyra Price & Marta Sorenson.
We celebrated these artists at a Virtual Reception on Thursday, June 4 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Watch a recording of the event: Honors Art Virtual Reception Recording
For exhibition videos and photos visit the Guild’s YouTube and Facebook pages

Exhibition Catalog

Free Virtual Framing/Finishing Workshops
2020-05-15 13:00 - 15:30
Virtual Finishing & Framing Workshops These free workshops are intended for artists who could use guidance on how to finish artwork in a professional manner (how to mat a piece, types of frame options, how to wire a frame, ways to finish a piece without framing, etc).
Art educators and artists, Joel Froehle and Katherine Norrie will offer their expertise to guide any participating artist through their options. Although Belonging artists have been invited first to participate, these workshops are open to any artist who’d like guidance around framing and finishing.

Friday, May 15, 1-1:30 pm
Friday, May 15, 3-3:30 pm

RSVP for a specific time and the Zoom link by emailing heather@northfieldartsguild.org

Viewing Club Discussion
2020-05-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Watch a play every week on your own time (for free) and join Guild friends for a weekly Zoom discussion. Each Wednesday night for the month of May, join Performing Arts Manager Jared Zeigler and other theater enthusiasts for a discussion around the ideas and themes of each play. Visit the Viewing Club page of our website or email Jared (jared@northfieldartsguild.org) for more information!

Katy Vernon #LiveFromHome
2020-05-02 19:30 - 20:30 | MN, United States
Originally scheduled to play at the Guild Theater, this 411 Concert Series performance has been re-imagined as Katy Vernon #LiveFromHome. Follow along on Facebook as Katy Vernon shares an intimate evening of songs and stories with audiences near and far. Vernon has opened for the 411 Concert Series in the past and now takes the virtual stage headlining a solo evening of music special for Northfield audiences.

Viewers can access Katy Vernon #LiveFromHome free of charge, but are encouraged to make a donation of any amount via a donation link on the Guild’s website. All donations are 100% tax deductible and will help sustain the Guild during these challenging times, while also supporting our continuing online arts engagement.

Katy was born and raised in London, UK but in the past dozen or so years has established herself as one of the busiest musicians in Minnesota, combining melodic pop/folk songwriting with her twangy Americana band. She has appeared at festivals in the Midwest and UK such as the Ukulele Festival of Great Britain, The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival, Taste of Minnesota, Stars of the North, Big Turn Fest, and Hazelfest. Her newest record, Suit of Hearts, was just named as a top ten record of the year by the Star Tribune.

POSTPONED - 40th Anniversary Celebration
2020-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 Third Street West, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
The Guild has suspended all large events through the end of April, including CVRO’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. We hope to share a rescheduled date soon. Thank you for your understanding.
CVRO’s 40th Anniversary Season culminates with two concerts celebrating CVRO’s incredible legacy.
Concert program
– Candide Overture by Leonard Bernstein
– Specially commissioned premiere by Reinaldo Moya
– Sibelius Violin Concerto – Francesca Andregg, soloist
2019-20 CVRO Season Sponsor

POSTPONED - 40th Anniversary Celebration
2020-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Cannon Falls High School Auditorium, 820 East Minnesota Street, Cannon Falls, MN, 55009, United States
The Guild has suspended all large events through the end of April, including CVRO’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. We hope to share a rescheduled date as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
CVRO’s 40th Anniversary Season culminates with two concerts celebrating CVRO’s incredible legacy.
Concert program
– Candide Overture by Leonard Bernstein
– Specially commissioned premiere by Reinaldo Moya
– Sibelius Violin Concerto – Francesca Andregg, soloist

2019-20 CVRO Season Sponsor

CANCELED - Grey Gardens
2020-04-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Northfield Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third Street, Northfield, MN, 55057
The Guild has suspended all large events through the end of April, including our production of Grey Gardens. There are no immediate plans to reschedule, given what we hope is a busy summer with The Lion in Winter and Billy Elliot the Musical.
Grey Gardens is a musical that tracks the lives of two mother/daughter socialites (the aunt and cousin to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) as their lives fall from glittering, wild extravagance to seclusion in a crumbling estate overrun by cats. As the mother is left bedridden, and her daughter comes to grapple with the loss that has left them destitute, the pair try to reconcile their relationship and missed opportunities. As hilarious as it is tragic, the musical was nominated for numerous Tony and Drama Desk awards, as well as a Grammy nomination for its enrapturing score. Grey Gardens is a heartfelt musical wrought with humor, wit and compassion- with book by Doug Wright, music by Scott Frankel, and lyrics by Michael Korie, based on the 1975 documentary of the same name. Directed by Mishia Edwards.

E-magination Celebration
2020-04-04 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
E-MAGINATION CELEBRATION
THE NORTHFIELD ARTS GUILD INVITES OUR COMMUNITY NEAR AND FAR TO ATTEND E-MAGINATION CELEBRATION, A FREE DAY OF ONLINE PROGRAMMING INCLUDING GALLERY TOURS, ART MAKING, AND PERFORMANCES FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020. THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY ONLINE EVENT IS A VIRTUAL RE-IMAGINING OF THE GUILD’S ANNUAL IMAGINATION CELEBRATION THAT CAN BE ENJOYED FROM HOME.
The Guild is thrilled to continue this annual tradition in a new, virtual setting. Follow along on the Guild’s Facebook and YouTube pages with new content added regularly throughout the celebration, or watch later as all of the videos will remain online.

PERFORMANCES Watch dances from Folklórico and Dance Theater Company, highlights from the Guild’s production of Lend Me a Tenor and behind the scenes footage of the Purple Door Youth Theater production of The Prince and the Pauper.

GALLERY TOURS A highlight of E-magination Celebration will be a series of teacher-led video tours on YouTube of their students’ artwork in 20/20 VISION, this year’s All School Art Show installed in our Main Gallery. This popular annual exhibition features 2-D and 3-D artworks by nearly 1,000 students from Northfield K-12 schools.

ART MAKING Make your own art at home throughout the day! Guided arts activities will be released throughout the day to paint, draw and create your own art using everyday household items.

Even in this time of social distancing, the Guild embraces our mission to serve our community with a rich array of arts opportunities and experiences. We hope you will join us for E-magination Celebration, and also follow us on social media to enjoy arts learning and arts engagement activities.

20/20 VISION is supported by Northfield Yarn and The Sketchy Artist.
The Guild’s 2019-2020 Education programming is sponsored by Northfield News.
The Guild’s 2019-2020 Theater season is sponsored by Neuger Communications Group and Engage Print.
Purple Door Youth Theater is sponsored by Schieck Orthodontics.

Canceled - Works in Progress Artist Mixer
2020-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Center for the Arts, 304 Division Street, Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
*WE WILL RESCHEDULE THIS MIXER – STAY TUNED FOR A NEW DATE*
CONNECT, SHARE, GROW!
JOIN US FOR OUR “WORKS IN PROGRESS” SHOW & TELL NIGHT!
Bring in your latest work, or pieces that you have been wanting to revisit, and discuss ideas with other like-minded artists in an encouraging, low-pressure environment. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by March 20 to heather@northfieldartsguild.org.

Virtual Open Art
2020-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
*STAY TUNED WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING OUT DETAILS FOR A VIRTUAL OPEN ART!*
Join us during Spring Break for some art making! Though we won’t be hosting an in-person Open Art this month, we plan to provide some videos so you can make art at home with simple materials.

"20/20 Vision" All School Show Opens
2020-03-21 | Northfield Arts Guild, 304 Division St., Northfield, MN, 55057, United States
20/20 VISION
NORTHFIELD AREA ALL-SCHOOL ART SHOW
***NEW DATES***
MARCH 21– MAY 16, 2020
This popular, annual exhibition shows the progression of fantastic arts education here in the Northfield community! It features 2-D and 3-D artworks by nearly 1,000 students from Arcadia Charter School, Area Learning Center, Bridgewater Elementary School, Greenvale Park Community School, Northfield Area Homeschool Classes, Northfield High School, Northfield Middle School, Prairie Creek Community School, Sibley Elementary School, and St. Dominic Catholic School.
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*** WATCH AN OVERALL VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE EXHIBITION ON THE GUILD’S FACEBOOK PAGE ***
*** WATCH TEACHER TOURS OF THEIR STUDENTS’ ARTWORK ON THE GUILD’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL ***

20/20 Vision is sponsored by Northfield Yarn and The Sketchy Artist.
