Figures of Ghosts & Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through November 29

Artist Reception Wednesday, October 18 from 6-8 PM

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. This exhibit is open through Wednesday, November 29 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Stephanie Olson is a public-school English teacher in Goodridge and lives with her husband and kids in rural Thief River Falls. She holds a Writing MFA degree from Hamline University. Her visual work has appeared in several group shows, including past exhibits with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, two This Week Only exhibits at the North Dakota Museum of Art, and a group show at the Vine Arts Center in Minneapolis.

Figures of Ghosts and Dreams includes 42 pieces of watercolor on paper, India ink on paper, and acrylic on wood, cork, and canvas. Stephanie explained, “This exhibit reflects the art that comes to me. When I sit down with an idea, with a plan, my art fails almost every time. But when I sit down with no intention, it's like a door is left open. In the beginning, my art was more abstract: lines, color, depth. Now, I have these figures. Sometimes they seem peaceful, as if visiting from a dream. Sometimes they remind me of loved ones who have passed on, like visiting ghosts. There are undeniable motifs that I can't escape: houses, snakes, dogs, cats, women. I must let it all come as it is, like the weather. I wouldn't say it's like the notion of a muse taking over, not at all. It's more like a house filling up with guests. I'm never sure how long they'll stay, but this is what I find when I manage to steal time to sit down and paint. It's always a surprise. Try it! You never know who might show up, who you might meet.”

Experience the exhibit virtually with this video https://youtu.be/nkG_lKjq71o

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live music and refreshments and Stephanie will be painting during the event. Come and see Stephanie creating art while viewing her large group of expressive pieces! Stephanie’s art is available for purchase.

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. 

For more information about this exhibit or 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. 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.