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In 2023, the Kaddatz Galleries and many other partners in the area honored the legacy of Charles Beck, acclaimed painter and woodcut printmaker who would have turned 100 in January 2023. This year-long commemoration was designed to bring the full scope of Beck’s work to the forefront, and to celebrate his contributions to West Central Minnesota.
This is definitely a passion project for the Kaddatz, as Beck was the original inspiration for the creation of the Kaddatz Galleries, and has remained a featured artist throughout our years. The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead, and M State in Fergus Falls, which were both essential collaborators in Beck’s life as an artist and educator, teamed up with the Kaddatz for this year of tribute. Folks were invited to join us throughout the year, and enjoy all of the unique collections and special glimpses into this remarkable artist’s career. |
at the kaddatz
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January 12 – April 1 – C. Beck: Beginnings
Sketches, drawings, paintings and portraits from Beck’s earliest years as an artist give insight into his creative development. Drawn from the Beck family and close friends’ personal collections.
Early drafts, sketches and paintings offer a view into the creation of some of Beck’s most well-known murals and signs around Otter Tail County and beyond.
A special event at the Kaddatz, featuring Charles Beck’s work as a printmaker, with a variety of printmaking activities for all ages. May – July – Printmaking Classes & Workshops A series of printmaking workshops that will guide students step by step through the process of creating original work on the Kaddatz’s Printmaking Center’s presses. July 5 – September 2 – C. Beck: Blocks & Prints Illustrating Beck’s printmaking technique, showing the woodcut blocks that Beck carved and printed from, and corresponding layers of prints. Original sketches and paintings, drafted in advance of the creation of the blocks, will also be featured, giving a behind-the-scenes view into Charlie’s creative process. Also on display, the Beck family’s collection of his one-of-a-kind carved shorebirds.
October 12 – December 23 – C. Beck: Rarities & Masterworks Works on loan from the family and other collectors: gems and unique prints, or works exploring different mediums than Beck’s usual forms.
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AT THE BECK & WAAGE GALLERIES AT M STATE
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May 15 – September 15 – Charles Beck & His Students M State showcases favorites and rarely seen pieces from its collection of Charles Beck’s paintings, prints, and carvings; as well as current work by five of Beck’s students. M State alumni Chuck Christianson, Mary Guttormson Erickson, Jim Fletcher, Scott Gunvaldson, and Bruce Thompson are featured. The Fergus Falls Public Library will host a smaller exhibit, drawing from the M State showcase. On display throughout the summer.
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AT THE ROURKE GALLERY + ART MUSEUM
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At the otter tail county historical societyJune 6 - December 29, 2023 - Charles Beck: Love for History This exhibit brings together works by Charles Beck that are in the private collections of members of the Otter Tail County Historical Society. OTCHS has also updated their 2013 “Tribute to Charles Beck" digital slideshow which will be available to view in the gallery throughout the run of the exhibit. |
EXHIBITION TOUR
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Artist + Muse: 24 Charles Beck woodcuts from the Timothy Murphy Collection
Touring throughout North Dakota in 2023:
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The Kaddatz Galleries' A Year of Beck is made possible, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund; and support from the Frank W. Veden Charitable Trust and the Dell Trust.
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