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Kaddatz Galleries announces the opening of two new exhibitions exploring themes of history, legacy, and mortality. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM CST. "From Contraband to King: The Life of Prince Albert Honeycutt" by Charvis Harrell explores the life and legacy of Prince Albert Honeycutt, a man who escaped slavery as a child and eventually made his way to Minnesota. Honeycutt became a productive member of society while helping to form a baseball team in 1873, becoming the first Black professional ballplayer in the state of Minnesota. He remained in Fergus Falls for the rest of his life, operating a barbershop and even running for Mayor. The exhibition showcases themes of hard work, loyalty, and the beauty of resiliency as a tribute to the wonderful life of Prince Albert Honeycutt. Charvis Harrell is a painter from Macon, Georgia who now lives in rural Minnesota. He is renowned for artworks that shed light on often-overlooked aspects of life, particularly within the context of Black history. His pieces aim to inspire viewers to challenge their perceptions and deepen their understanding of the world. In 2021, Harrell served as an artist-in-residence at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in Minnesota, where he worked on a large-scale painting depicting Olli Kinkkonen, a Finnish immigrant lynched in Duluth in 1918 for his "un-American" views. This project exemplifies Harrell's commitment to highlighting significant yet often overlooked historical narratives.  "A Death In 3 Parts - Part One: Disposition (2025)" by Kate Swenson features a grouping of paper mâché works that address not only various types of disposition but also questions that demand to be spoken, such as: Do we all end up in the same place at the very end? What does my culture tell me about disposition? Where do I find myself stretching over into a desire to fetishize another group's disposition values and practices? How does control play into my choices and language around disposition? Is there an innate violence in disposition? Kate Swenson is an emerging artist and sculptor based in rural Minnesota, with a background in funeral direction, hospice care, and tissue recovery. Her work uses paper mâché, found materials, and objects that might otherwise be discarded—transforming them into thoughtful, expressive sculptures. With a process that is slow and deliberate, Swenson's work explores the craving for a new way to interact with death and dying while amongst an unsupportive personal and cultural paradigm that has a lack of depth and language surrounding death and dying. Since 2013, Swenson has worked as a funeral director and embalmer, gaining firsthand experience with various death cultures and rituals, both in institutional settings and in personal practice. This deep connection to the death care field informs her art, which often focuses on the emerging patterns and shifting approaches to death in modern society. Through her work, Swenson pushes the edges of what we are ready to confront, seeking to create space for conversation and connection about death and its place in our lives. Both exhibitions will be on display March 18th through April 26th; this activity is made possible, in part, by voters of Minnesota through a grant from Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Kaddatz Galleries is open Tuesdays - Saturdays from 12pm - 5pm and Thursdays from 12pm - 7pm; Admission is always free. 
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 Nancy X. Valentine, Artist & Executive Director of Kaddatz Galleries (Minnesota), delivers some remarks during a discussion panel at the White House Rural Innovators event, Eisenhower Executive Building, Room 474, Washington D.C., Dec. 18, 2024. Kaddatz Galleries is proud to announce that Executive Director Nancy X. Valentine has been named one of 14 Rural Innovators across the nation by the Biden-Harris Administration. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who are making significant positive impacts in their rural communities. Valentine was honored at a special White House ceremony alongside fellow Rural Innovators from across America. The event was led by White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, White House Office of Public Engagement Director Stephen Benjamin, and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, highlighting the administration's commitment to investing in rural communities. "This recognition reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of rural artists and everyone at Kaddatz Galleries," said Valentine. "We're committed to making art accessible and meaningful in rural Minnesota, and this honor reinforces the importance of individual artists and cultural institutions in building vibrant rural communities." Valentine was selected from a nationwide pool of nominees who were identified for their contributions to ensuring their communities thrive for generations to come. The Rural Innovators recognition program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader initiative to strengthen rural communities across America. For more information about the Rural Innovators program and its recipients, visit Rural.gov or click here.   At the heart of downtown, the Kaddatz Galleries’ ArtREACH program is proving that art is a powerful tool for personal growth, healing, and community connection. Since its founding by Amanda Callahan, ArtREACH has provided a creative outlet for some of Fergus Falls’ most vulnerable residents, offering a pathway to self-expression and confidence through the arts. The program serves individuals from local organizations, including The Matthew House, Barbara’s House, A Place to Belong, Productive Alternatives, and the Area Learning Center. Participants, ranging from youth to adults, engage in classes led by professional teaching artists in ceramics, printmaking, painting, and mixed media. For many, these classes are an opportunity not just to create, but to connect, reflect, and grow. A Safe Space for Self-Expression "The beauty of ArtREACH is that it’s more than just art classes," says Michael Weatherly, a teaching artist who leads printmaking workshops. "It's about helping people express their ideas, experiences, and emotions through creativity. We create a space where everyone can feel heard and valued." Naomi RaMona Schliesman, who specializes in printmaking and mixed media, highlights the confidence-building aspect of the program: "When students connect with their art, they experience a sense of accomplishment and self-awareness. It’s incredibly empowering to see them embrace their creativity and feel proud of what they’ve made." For Jona Brown, who leads painting classes, the impact is mutual. "I’m often learning from my students too. Their creativity and resourcefulness inspire me, and together we explore new ways to express ourselves through art." A Pathway to Confidence and Community One student from Barabara’s House said “participating in art at the Kaddatz has been meaningful because it provides a creative outlet that helps me express myself, connect with others, and feel part of the community. It fosters personal growth and allows me to explore new ideas and perspectives in a safe and welcoming space. Without access to programs like those at the Kaddatz, many people might miss out on the opportunity to discover or develop their artistic talents.” ArtREACH provides more than just technical skills—it’s a means for participants to express themselves, build life skills, and gain a sense of belonging. The program culminates each year in an exhibit at the Kaddatz Galleries, where students’ artwork is showcased and celebrated, raising awareness about their talents and experiences. Thanks to grant funding and support from donors, ArtREACH continues to evolve, serving a growing number of individuals. These resources help ensure that more people in our community can experience the life-changing benefits of creativity. Funding for ArtREACH was provided in part by the West Central Initiative’s Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund and the Floyd and Harriet Miller Endowment Fund; This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Through ArtREACH, Kaddatz Galleries is not only fostering artistic talent but also creating stronger bonds within the community, proving that when people are given the opportunity to express themselves, they can thrive. For more information about ArtREACH and how you can help sustain this program, contact the Kaddatz Galleries at (218)998-4405 or via email at: [email protected].  Kaddatz Galleries is excited to announce the opening of two new exhibitions on November 4, 2024 by artists Carla Benjamin and Blazye Buseth that will be on view through December 21, 2024. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, November 7, from noon - 2:00 pm, featuring artist remarks at 1:00 pm.
In the Main Gallery - Carla Benjamin: Veneration - Honoring the Space That Surrounds Us Carla Benjamin, a long-time resident of rural Pillager Minnesota, brings the simple splendor of the Northwoods to life through her innovative use of encaustic painting. Her work is deeply influenced by the textures and tactile qualities of bark, lichens, stones, and leaves. Through her art, she explores themes of awareness, healing, growth, and renewal, inviting viewers to see the familiar natural world from a new perspective. In Studio K - Blayze Buseth: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Pottery In this exhibition, Fergus Falls artist and co-owner of Creation Shop Blayze Buseth explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the creative process of pottery. Viewing AI as a collaborator rather than a threat, Buseth uses AI to expand the boundaries of design exploration. His work demonstrates how AI can assist in generating new visual ideas while maintaining the essential role of the artist’s hand in the creation of each piece. Buseth’s artist statement states: “AI opens a vast playground for design exploration. With a few simple text prompts, I can unlock thousands of new design possibilities, each one slightly or dramatically different from the last. Every word acts as a key, unlocking variations in medium, form, and decoration. The vessel’s form—whether tall and elegant, short and sturdy, or curved and abstract—can be reshaped and reimagined in ways that would take far longer through traditional sketching or modeling.” Regional artists interested in exhibition possibilities at Kaddatz Galleries will have their opportunity to submit their artwork for consideration in the upcoming “Whimsy & Wonder” multi-artist exhibition taking place in January - March 2025. Kaddatz Galleries invites artists to submit artworks that embody the essence of joy through Whimsy and Wonder—capturing moments of boundless elation or the quiet contentment found in everyday life. This Call for Artists is currently open and accepting applications now through November 15th, 2024 at 11:59pm CST. For full details, visit: https://www.kaddatzgalleries.org/whimsyandwonder.html The Kaddatz Galleries is thrilled to announce "Evolving Forms: New & Known Works by Public Sculptor Jon Kamrath," an engaging exhibition that runs from July 9 to August 17, 2024. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore Jon Kamrath's creative journey through a diverse collection of his sculptures, both familiar and new. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 5pm - 7pm with artist remarks scheduled for 6pm.
Jon Kamrath, a dedicated public sculptor, has spent the past decade installing 7-15 rotating sculptures each season throughout the Upper Midwest. His work ranges from large outdoor installations to smaller indoor sculptures, each piece encouraging viewers to explore and interact with the space around them. Based in Mahtomedi, MN, Kamrath creates from his home studio, where his process is deeply influenced by his surroundings and daily life. Sponsored by Design Intent Architects, P.A., the exhibition "Evolving Forms" showcases Kamrath's transition from large-scale public pieces to more intimate, accessible works. Historically, his work has required distinct materials and techniques for outdoor and indoor sculptures, resulting in two different styles. However, he is now focusing on scaling down his larger public pieces to create smaller works that can serve both as prototypes for larger concepts and as finished sculptures suitable for home or garden display, or along a public rotating sculpture trail. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the evolution of Kamrath's artistic approach, from initial concept sketches and maquettes to pedestal-sized prototypes and full-scale public sculptures. This shift in his creative process reflects a new direction in both form and scale, making his art more accessible to individual viewers. Also on view this July and August will be “Kaddatz Galleries’ Permanent Collection: Selected Works” exhibited in Studio K. This exhibition will feature a curated selection of both 2D and 3D artworks acquired by the Kaddatz Galleries from 2009 - present. Kaddatz Galleries welcomes visitors from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12 pm - 5 pm, and extends its hours on Thursdays until 7 pm. There is never a charge to enter Kaddatz Galleries to see the exhibitions on view. To learn more about these exhibitions visit www.kaddatzgalleries.org; to learn more about Jon Kamrath's creative process, you can watch his TEDx talk "Imagination is a Muscle," or visit his social media pages @kamrathsculpture and his website www.kamrathsculpture.com. Fergus Falls, MN - May 9, 2024 - Kaddatz Galleries is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibitions, "Artful Women & Friends: After the Classroom," and “NEXT GEN: Kaddatz Galleries’ First Annual Regional Student Exhibition.” Artful Women & Friends showcases the talents of a group of lifelong artists and retired K-12 Minnesota educators. Next Gen showcases artwork from students in their final years of studying art in higher education. The exhibitions will run from May 14 to June 22, 2024, with a joint opening reception on May 16th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
"Artful Women & Friends" celebrates the creative journeys of twelve life-long artists, united by their shared passion for art and education. The featured artists include members of "The Artfuls" - Roberta Farrell, Kathy Grundei, Stephanie Nowak, Karen Rossbach, Diane Scully, Pam Teorey, and the late Barb Yandt - along with their esteemed friends: Deb Aune, Judy Christofferson, Fern Keniston, JoAnne Reske Kirkman, and Crystal Thorson. About Artful Women & Friends: In 2002, the founding members of The Artfuls embarked on a journey of camaraderie and creativity during a summer retreat on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Bonded by their shared experiences as educators and artists, they formed a decades long connection rooted in mutual support and inspiration. Despite the challenges of time and distance, their friendship endures through weekly Zoom visits, keeping alive the spirit of creativity and community. The artists featured in "Artful Women & Friends" have been instrumental in advocating for arts education and leadership since the 1970s. Through their diverse leadership roles and collaborative efforts, they have helped shape the landscape of arts education in Minnesota, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. "Artful Women & Friends" offers a glimpse into the multifaceted artistic styles and creative journeys of these inspiring women. From vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures, each artwork reflects the unique perspectives and experiences of its creator, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of Minnesota's artistic heritage. About NEXT GEN: An exhibition spotlighting emerging talent from Fargo, ND, to St. Cloud. This show supports early career artists, providing a platform for these young artists to share their unique perspectives and creative visions with the community. From captivating paintings to interesting sculptures, NEXT GEN offers a diverse array of artistic expressions that reflect the passion and dedication of the next generation of artists. Don't miss the opportunity to experience "Artful Women & Friends: After the Classroom" at Kaddatz Galleries. Kaddatz Galleries, a vibrant nonprofit art space in downtown Fergus Falls, invites you to immerse yourself in three captivating exhibitions featuring the works of Laura Youngbird, Erika Frikken & Jess Torgerson, and Katy J. Olson. With their distinct voices and compelling narratives, these artists bring forth thought-provoking reflections on identity, environmental consciousness, and societal challenges.
On view in the Main Gallery - Laura Youngbird, a seasoned mixed media artist and former Director of Native American Art Programs at Plains Art Museum, invites viewers into the intricate layers of her world with "Inde’Wiisagendam (My Heart Hurts)." Through multilayered monotypes using the dress as a metaphor, Youngbird addresses social issues, injustices, and biases. Drawing inspiration from her personal journey and family history, Youngbird explores the powerful symbolism of the dress, weaving together threads of identity, assimilation, love, and illusion. On view in Studio K - Erika Frikken and Jess Torgerson collaborate in "For the Birds: A means to create, not waste," an installation born out of the Springboard for the Arts’ Guaranteed Minimum Income for Artists pilot. Using recycled materials and supported by guaranteed income, the installation ingeniously transforms discarded materials into a captivating installation, echoing themes of resourcefulness, community, and the potential for renewal. Frikken and Torgerson's creation serves as a tangible response to the need for income support in the artistic community, offering a visual exploration of sustainability, creativity, and the transformative power of guaranteed income. On view in the Community Room - Katy J. Olson's "The Weight of Woman" challenges perceptions of femininity, environmental stewardship, and the complexities of modern existence. Through mixed media pieces, Olson leverages the Lakes Area Plastic lab as a resource to create embellishments to adorn her plaster torso portraits. Each torso tells a unique story, exploring the intersectionality of environmental crisis, gender inequality, and the objectification of women. Olson's work serves as a call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own connections to these pressing issues. All three exhibitions open Tuesday, March 19th and will be on view through April 27, 2024. A joint opening reception will take place on Thursday, March 21st from 5-7 pm with artist remarks scheduled to take place at 6 pm; this event is free and open to the public of all ages with light refreshments provided. The Kaddatz Galleries is pleased to announce they have been awarded an Arts Education grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board (MSAB) to support a newly launched fine arts education program for adults ages 16 and up.
Support from this MSAB grant enables Kaddatz Galleries to offer educational courses aimed to expand adult students’ skills, bolster confidence in their creative abilities, and foster community connections. This series will consist of six diverse courses varying in length from 4-8 weeks, with classes occurring on a weekly basis. Courses will include: Foundation Drawing 1 & 2, Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Oil Painting, and Mixed-Media Color Theory. All classes will be led by area artists established in each specific medium and will take place at Kaddatz Galleries in the ADA accessible classrooms located in the lower level of the historic Kaddatz Hotel Building (111 W. Lincoln Avenue). Registration for each course is offered at a sliding scale fee to allow individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds access to creative education, fostering inclusivity and equitable opportunity for artistic expression. To learn more about Kaddatz Galleries art classes or to register, please visit: www.kaddatzgalleries.org and click on the “Classes” tab. This activity is made possible 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. 
Kaddatz’s new Art Reach program is an outreach program designed to enrich the lives of underserved populations within our community with vibrant arts experiences. Currently, programming serves a youth support group, The Matthew House (a transitional home for men) and Productive Alternatives (an organization serving adults with disabilities). Artwork created through each of these Kaddatz Art Reach programs is included in Art Reach: Exposed.
Relationships between participants, artists and Kaddatz staff have been fostered through recurring classes as well as private gallery tours and artist talks. Creating connections between participants and community members through the arts is at the heart of Art Reach programming. Not only has the program enriched the lives of the participants, it has deeply impacted the lives of the artists and staff involved as well. The exhibit, Art Reach: Exposed, aims to expose the broader community to the incredible individuals and organizations served through this program, raise awareness about the existence, impact and need for these organizations and services and foster connections between participants and community members. This programming was made possible thanks in part to funds from the Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund as established with West Central Initiative for the benefit of the Fergus Falls area & grant funding from the Frank W. Veden Charitable Trust. June 28, 2019 -- Minneapolis-based artist, basket maker and nurse Martha Bird. Alumni Hinge Artist, announces a joint exhibition of new and retrospective work at Kaddatz Galleries and Otter Tail County Historical Society in Fergus Falls, Minnesota from Wednesday, September 11 through Friday November 1, 2019!
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