On display July 26 – August 19, 2022

Using quilted plastic waste as his medium, Olson creates works that deal with the effects of consumerism, mass consumption and unfettered capitalism. By layering environmental issues with social justice messaging, his art emphasizes alienation from the environment and each other, willingness to waste, and the subsequent need for healing. By minimizing his carbon footprint in the creation of pieces and transcending the medium without denying what it is, Olson creates art that embodies Marshall McLuhan’s concept that “the medium is the message”.

Artist Talk at 5pm on August 6, 2022 in our Hanson Gallery.

About the Artist

Since 2009, Olson has won numerous awards, exhibited and sold art locally and nationally. He works out of his home studio in Plymouth, Minnesota, where he creates large-scale works by quilting plastic waste.

On display June 28 – July 23, 2022

Surface is a compilation of Tom Cubr’s formalist inspired works that are abstracted aerial views. Watching the patches of Earth in different colors and human impact on the terrain, Cubr was inspired to make these works when flying in an airplane for the first time. Using satellite images as basic layouts, his finished work doesn’t always resemble the source images. He has even revisited the same locations years apart and notices the changes humans and the environment have had on the land.

Cubr’s art also has texture as you look closer at each piece. Oil, gouache, pencil, sand, and more are included in is works to build texture despite his work remaining flat on the walls. “The physical appearance of the surface of a work of art is, for me, as important as the overall visual impact of a picture’s design and color,” says the artist. His work is vibrant, detailed, and expressive both up close and at a distance.

Although they are often brightly colored, they are intended to be quiet oases of subtle expressiveness which I hope people will view up close.

Tom Cubr

by Susan Gangsei

On display May 31 – June 24, 2022.

This exhibition was made possible by a grant from the Hanson Family Foundation.

Tapestry is a labor of love, in both time and heart.

Susan Gangsei

Works by Susan Solomon & Kimberly Tschida Petters

On display May 3 – May 27, 2022.

About the Exhibition

This collaborative show focuses on the art and works of two very different landscape artists. Although their work is distinct, their subjects and inspirations both have deep roots in the Midwest. 

Landscapes are a classic subject in the art world, and these artists made it their own with distinct styles. Modern, simplified shapes contrast beautifully with more literal representations of prairies, storms, and vast horizons. 

This exhibition was made possible by a grant from the Hanson Family Foundation.

About the Artists

Her paintings emphasize the light in darkness often through landscapes, skies, prairies, fields and more. The Midwest changes dramatically over the seasons and between bright skies and storms. Although the weather is temporary, Solomon’s scenes leave a lasting impression in the memory the way a rain leaves a lasting impact on the soil. However, she also feels that “Literature is its own landscape and an endless source of inspiration”. This belief has encouraged her to collaborate with various writers to paint the feelings their stories evoke.

Her work focuses on the vastness and calmness of driving in the Midwest while also portraying the mystery and quiet beauty of rural landscapes. These images are ingrained in her memory. She takes simple shapes and forms to create these memories so prevalent to those who have ever enjoyed a ride through the Midwest.

By Layl McDill

About the Exhibit

Using small found objects, polymer clay, her own sketches and more; Layl McDill creates both large and small scale artwork. This show in particular focuses on stories and the complexities or wonders within. Animals and people are hidden in every work, but they all come together to create a larger picture and meaning.

The exhibition has interactive elements of writing stories to display with the work and a scavenger hunt for all to participate in. Viewers are encouraged to look closely at every detail while still seeing the larger representations.

Once upon a time each of us was a little kid. Everything was nonsense. We tried to figure it out. We wondered about everything. We wondered what was in the cupboard, the drawers, and boxes. We wondered how the calculator worked, or the dishwasher or a watch. We wondered what our stuffed animals did at night. We wondered what all the symbols at on the top row of the keyboard were for. We wondered what it would be like to live in a tree, underwater or in outer space.
For me making my art helps me keep this magical doorway to wonderment open. I am drawn to imagery that sparks that feeling of unknown and mystery like cupboards, drawers or placing everyday objects (like a keyhole, a lollipop, a chair etc.) in an incongruent setting (a flower, a fountain, a fish etc.). I like to create metaphors such as “Just think How Books are Like Bird Houses”- are they? I leave you thinking they are but you get to come up with your own reasons why.

McDill on her artistic process

An artist talk will be held from 2-4pm on April 9th.

McDill will also be hosting a Polymer Clay Workshop from 10:30am – 12:30pm on April 30th.

This exhibition was made possible by a grant from the Hanson Family Foundation

About the Artist

“Some people come to my work thinking it is great for children but I really make my work for adults. I make it for everyone that loves to revisit that feeling of wonderment, magic and mystery that we all had as kids.”

McDill

Visit her website at laylmcdill.com.

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About the Exhibit

The North Iowa Student Art Exhibition welcomed schools from Cerro Gordo and the surrounding counties to enter their student’s visual artwork to be shown in our Hanson Gallery. Kindergarten through High School Seniors are represented by their artworks made in school over the past year.

We are honored and amazed to have so many wonderful artists in the region. Thank you to parents and guardians for encouraging your student to create art, and thank you to art instructors for supporting those students throughout the school year.

The Reception Open House will be on Saturday, March 26th from 10am – 4pm. This will be a great opportunity to visit with the artists, educators, and everyone who helped make this show possible.

This exhibition was made possible by a grant from the Hanson Family Foundation, Circle of Giving members Jan and Tom Lovell, and the students and staff of the schools represented.