Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera

An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of

Christine Foster and Bert Foster

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through Friday, March 3

Artist Reception Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera -- An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of Christine Foster and Bert Foster. The exhibit is open through Friday, March 3 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

The exhibit is composed of paintings created by Christine Foster and photographs taken by Bert Foster. Christine Foster has a masterful way of painting light amid everyday life. With rural scenes from NW Minnesota, Christine Foster’s work feels like you’re back on the farm. Of the photography in the exhibit, Bert Foster explained, “This exhibit is comprised of photos taken over the past four years. All the places, people, and animals you see are in Minnesota. These images come from the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Itasca State Park area, the Park Rapids lakes area, and my own backyard outside of Thief River Falls –- some of my favorite places in our beautiful state. My selection of color and black and white images capture scenes that inspire me and will hopefully inspire those who view them.”

Bert is a long-time photographer. He said, “I have been taking photos for about as long as I can remember. I recall snapping my first pics at age 8 using my parents’ Kodak Instamatic. In middle school I bought my first camera, a Kodak that produced instant prints, like a Polaroid. In high school I got my first 35mm SLR camera, and it’s been on and on from there...

My favorite subject to photograph is Nature. I greatly enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. While I am experiencing beautiful and interesting places, I love to capture images of what I see. Through my photos I seek to portray Nature in a way that is both familiar and unique, engaging, and inspiring.”

Bert appreciates the photography workshops that he’s taken with the help of grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. Through the workshops, he learned new skills and was inspired to try new things as an artist.

Christine Foster is a visual artist who enjoys seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. “When I discover that moment, I feel compelled to capture it. Capturing the light is essential! When I am in the process of creating, I feel timeless -- at one with my Creator and free. My favorite way of painting is plein air, where I paint outside directly at the site -- the sounds I hear, the weather I feel, and the sights and smells I experience all influence the artwork. Art is about the communication between the artwork, the Creator, and the artist, and the artwork, the Creator, and the observer. Art is not just the end-product itself. Art is an expression, an experience, and a communication.”

Christine specializes in drawing, oil, and watercolor. She has been a working artist for over 30 years. She graduated from Bethel College (University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Art Education and had the privilege of mentoring under Dale Johnson. Dale taught her vision, visual expression, and artistic inspiration. She then had the honor of being mentored by Joe Paquet, a nationally renowned artist, for 7 years. Joe taught her how to see, as well as how to capture value, light, atmosphere, and color. He also showed her how to find unity and connectedness in her painting.

You won’t want to miss this interesting exhibit!

Please join us for an Artist Reception with Christine and Bert on Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm at the gallery.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.