Arts News
Repurpose, Preserve, and Rejuvenate Artist Reception for Sherri Kruger-Kukowski at Warroad RiverPlace January 18
Everyone is welcome to celebrate and experience Warroad RiverPlace’s first-ever solo art exhibit, “Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate,” at a gallery open house and artist reception for northwest Minnesota mosaic creator Sherri Kruger-Kukowski on Saturday, January 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
The public is invited to view the art, meet the artist, and socialize over light refreshments at this free event.
For the past 30 years, Kruger-Kukowski, a retired Badger educator and founder of Winding River Mosaics, has refined the art of multimedia mosaics, creatively incorporating various elements from antlers to snowshoes to rocks, even giving new life to second-hand materials like tables and chairs. Her work and arts advocacy have earned her numerous awards, grants, and media features. (Full biography at: warroadriverplace.org/events)
“Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate” consists of a diverse array of the artist’s collection, featuring pieces that reflect the beauty of nature — like local flora and fauna — and others that express a sense of community and shared identity.
“I hope this exhibit, which blends the old world art of mosaic with my personal twist, will leave you inspired and rejuvenated,” said Kruger-Kukowski.
“Sherri is not only a talented artist, she is also a great ambassador for the arts in northern Minnesota — one who educates and enthusiastically invites all into a shared space for creation and ideation, cultivating creative expression for our local communities. We invite you to explore her exhibit and take the opportunity to visit with her at this event,” said John Davis, executive director of Warroad RiverPlace.
The exhibit is open at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery from January 10 to March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
MACALESTER AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE
The artist reception will be followed by a free concert at 7:00 PM. with the Macalester College African Drum Ensemble, hosted by the Warroad Elementary School Music Department. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.
For more information about Warroad RiverPlace and upcoming events, visit the new arts, culture, and events center Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM. to 5:00 PM. The art gallery and tours of the space are free and open to the public. Contact the center at arts@warroadriverplace.org or (218) 986-0001. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.
Warroad RiverPlace invites the public to a welcoming celebration October 5
Warroad RiverPlace is Opening October 5
The public is invited for a day of festivities at the new
arts, culture, and events center
Warroad RiverPlace, an arts, culture, and events center, will be opening on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The public is invited to a free, family-friendly “Grand Welcoming,” a day of festivities celebrating community and creative expression at the state-of-the-art facility located along the bank of the Warroad River (104 State Ave., Warroad).
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 20,000-square-foot, multipurpose building designed to be a welcoming space for everyone in the region to connect, learn, and thrive. The center will be home to an art gallery; a 320-seat performance hall for theater, the performing arts, and social gatherings; a classroom for multigenerational learning; a fireside area; a commercial kitchen for culinary arts courses and catering services; and a patio for outdoor events and picnics.
A local art exhibition, live music, children’s activities, and art demonstrations will animate the center and its outdoor spaces. A full schedule will be announced in September.
“This is an exciting milestone for the entire Northern Minnesota region and the community of Warroad,” said Executive Director John Davis. “I’ve seen firsthand how art, culture, and events centers can transform small, rural communities and economies in ways that were never thought imaginable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Board of Directors and the local community to bring the vision to life. RiverPlace is for everyone, and I want to extend an invitation to join us at our ‘Grand Welcoming’ on Saturday, October 5."
The inaugural season of programming will begin in 2025. Visitors can expect to experience performances, exhibits, and fireside chats by a range of local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, as well as enriching educational opportunities for all ages. A free gallery will be open daily.
To stay connected with Warroad RiverPlace, follow the center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (@warroadriverplace) or visit warroadriverplace.org.
ABOUT WARROAD RIVERPLACE
Warroad RiverPlace is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to become a welcoming place for everyone and a way of life that will promote inspired living through creative expression, art education, human connectedness, and appreciation for beauty throughout the region.
Traveling Art Exhibit Stops in Warroad
Traveling Art Exhibit Stops in Warroad
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Warroad Public Library until August 6. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Beau Bakken, Hallock, “Sunday Evening Classy Entertainment” (Acrylic Painting)
Kelly Chisholm, Gary "John Lennon” (Drawing)
Tammy Hansen, Newfolden, “Flower and Feather” (Acrylic Painting)
Denise R. Jenson, Badger, “Found Lying Together” (Photography)
Steve Bernard, Erskine, “Candlelight Dinner” (Oil Painting)
Sarah Solberg, Plummer, “Canyon X” (Photography)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Sunny” (Drawing)
Izzy Swensen, Lancaster, “Purple Iris” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student Merit
Kerstyn Lindsey, Borup, “Sprinkles” (Ceramic Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West School
Brigitta Novacek, Roseau, “The Pink Cloud Replica” (Acrylic Painting) Roseau High School
Geneva Gartner, Fertile, “Flying Around” (Mosaic) Fertile-Beltrami School
Mary Jane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Beauty in Self Image” (Drawing) Red Lk Falls School 3rd place
Ava Halvorson, Goodridge, “Sundown in Star Township” (Acrylic Painting) Goodridge School
Kinsley Oslund, Grygla, “Perfect and Deep Love” (Watercolor Painting) Grygla School
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May to June 11 Crookston Public Library, Crookston
June 11 to August 6 Warroad Public Library, Warroad
August 6 to September 24 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
September 24 to November 19 Godel Public Library, Warren
November 19 to January 21 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
January 21 to March 4, 2025 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
March 4, 2025 to Annual Exhibit TBD Ada Public Library, Ada
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Popcorn Players offers summer theater opportunity in Warroad
Do you have a child interested in acting? Join Warroad Summer Theatre this summer for Popcorn Players. 🥳🍿 The first day of practice is June 17. Children will audition during practice (everyone gets a role!) and will need to be in attendance the whole time. Pack a snack and a water bottle and get ready for a great time.
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers. Tickets are available.