This past Thursday, I attended the art opening to my first group exhibition here in Grand Forks. As I mentioned in my previous post about the development of the piece I created for this show, the theme/title was Selfie. I have attended several opening at the Third Street Gallery since we moved to Grand Forks, last April. However, this was the first one where I spoke to other humans. I kept going month after month, opening after opening because I love to see art and I want to connect with the art community here–but I found I never ended up talking to anyone, because I don’t know how normal adult humans who don’t already know each other start conversations?
Amy LysteHillary KempenichMariah MasilkoKathryn Fink, 2015Questionable Self, 24in x 24in mixed media collage on canvas, 2015
I’m happy to say–the few connections I have made (from my volunteering at the Art Museum and the summer Art & Wine Walks) were kind enough to introduce me to several other local artists included in the exhibition.
This was particularly delightful because I was able to begin the process of matching the work to the artist. Art is everywhere in this town (which is awesome) and each artist is developing his/her own distinctive style. It was so fun to meet other artistic humans, and glimpse briefly into their techniques, personalities and love of art.
It made my heart happy.
Also–these are only a few images of the fantastic works included in this exhibition. It should be noted that other talented humans made other interesting works that I didn’t get a chance to properly photograph and share.
Carly Swenson is an intuitive painter originally from northern Montana. She spent more than a decade working primarily as a mixed media artist before shifting to acrylics. Swenson received a BFA in Visual Arts with an Art History Minor from Bemidji State University. During and after university, she traveled and lived abroad, this included studying in China, traveling throughout Europe and living both in England and the Azores.Swenson’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions throughout the US and internationally. Her freelance writing and mixed media journals have been published in nationally distributed art magazines. She has facilitated art workshops for various age groups. Swenson’s work is also included in the permanent art collections of Angra do Heroismo Museum and Bemidji State University (Bemidji, MN). Currently, she lives in St. Paul, MN with a smart little dog and a weird little cat. They’re nice.
Copyright Notice:
All images (artwork and photography) protected by copyright and belong to Carly Swenson, unless otherwise noted. Any images not owned by Carly Swenson have been used with the consent of the copyright holder. Please do not reuse/publish/edit/copy/etc. any images from this blog without consent of the copyright holder. Thank you for your understanding and respect of artistic integrity.
View all posts by Carly Swenson, Visual Artist
Carly Swenson • Intuitive Artist 
2 Replies to “selfie: a group show”