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10.14.26 Xavier Tavera Castro
Xavier Tavera is a Mexican photographer and artist. Since 2001 he has traveled to Crookston once a year to work with In Progress teaching media to youth. Right now, he has work in the Fresh Voices exhibit at the Fournet Building.
Xavier spoke about the digital works in the exhibit and how they are a reflection in time. The photographers were his students who have grown and their kids are being taught by Xavier. He worked with Morgen Arguelles to capture the image “Service” – a Portrait of McKenzie Schmiedt for this exhibit. “McKenzie Schmiedt joined the National Guard while still in high school. Since then, she has trained, served communities in crisis, and responded during times of turmoil. Her service continues a long tradition of military service within her Latino family. Born and raised in Crookston, McKenzie now raises her own child in the community.”
Xavier’s photographs are inspired by interactions with strangers on the street, neighbors, and family members. His portraits emphasize individuals who are often marginalized, and he frequently focuses on members of the Latinx community. His work is based in prolonged engagement with his subjects. in his theory of photographic experience in which the process begins when the artist conceives an idea, continues over the course of multiple conversations with the intended subject (sometimes involving long-distance travel, culminating in one or more photography sessions, complete with the image post production. Xavier feels that the final image printed on paper is a byproduct or record of the photographic experience.
During the interview, Xavier and Phil discussed Xavier’s background, military service, photography, Crookston, and so much more. Xavier explained,“Our stories are getting diluted. This is the opportunity for us to tell our own story, how we are contributing. “
You can find Xavier’s work online. Google his name and you can find a website and his photographs that are displayed throughout the world.
Listen to learn more, visit the exhibit, and take in the Artist Reception and 30th Anniversary activities!
7.22.26 Ross Hier & Beau Bakken
Artists Beau Bakken of Hallock and Ross Hier of Crookston were the featured artists this week. Their work is featured in the exhibit Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest is open through August at the Historic Fournet Building.
The Artist Reception will be on August 13 from 6 to 7:30 PM. Lake Bronson Violinist Eden Johnson will be playing. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The exhibit will close after the reception.
For this exhibit, Ross concentrated on birds. He prefers to use watercolors on paper. Beau’s work is in acrylic on canvas. His work focuses on buildings and vehicles — old trucks, tractors, machinery, and elevators— that capture interesting scraps of light on metal. Both artists discussed their practice, process, our region, and more! Many pieces of the art is for sale.
2.4.26 Sarah Pester
Crookston Artist Sarah Pester spoke with Phil McKenzie about her artwork and her current exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” at the Historic Fournet Building in Crookston. Sarah is a painter and a yoga instructor. She discussed her background and philosophy, how she came up with the title of the exhibit, her process, and much more! She’s offering 2 yoga classes at the exhibit — Art in Motion on Feb 17 and March 3. There’s an Artist Reception on March 19 at the Fournet that is open to everyone.
10.15.25 Therese Jacobson
Alvarado Artist Therese Masters Jacobson is currently featured in an exhibit Drawn from Observation at the historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. Therese spoke about how she got started painting, drawing, and other visual arts and the process of creating art. Drawn from Observation includes 29 pieces in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil featuring nature, peace, her granddaughters, wheat, vegetables, animals, and more. These pieces are all for sale. Much of Therese’s inspiration comes from everyday life. Therese talked about living an artful life and what she observes all around her. Therese has a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and has a piece of art in our Artists of NW Minnesota exhibit at our gallery at NCTC. Therese has served on the NWMAC Board of Directors and worked for the NWMAC as the Exhibit Specialist besides being a regular exhibitor. Listen to hear this fun conversation and stop by Therese’s exhibit in Crookston!
7.2.25 Jill Levene
Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor spoke about her art and inspiration, how she became an artist, and her exhibit Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S. Levene at the Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston. Jill likes to feature the outdoors and animals in her art. She works a lot in fabric. The exhibit includes 2 fabric pieces, one that is usually at Tettegouche State Park’s lobby. The exhibit is open through August. There will be an Artist Reception at the Fournet on July 31. Listen to the conversation to learn more!