12020 Exhibition Program
2LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENTThe North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival acknowledges that our festival is held on Indigenous peoples’ traditional homelands, including the Anishinaabe, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara, and the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples. These proud, Indigenous Peoples are not only a part of our past. They are an essential part of North Dakota today. Our festival recognizes the ever-present systemic inequities perpetrated against these cultures in our state, and we commit ourselves indefinitely to respecting and reconciling this long history of injustice.
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4Cover and official poster design: “Year in Review” by Jescia HopperWelcomeAs we looked into 2021, we weren’t sure what to expect. Looking into 2021 and the pandemic’s continuing impacts, it was hard to determine what the future had in store for us. And it was made even more dicult because this year’s festival spans across eight months and six dierent museums and galleries. We open in January at the Plains Art Museum and then travel to Grand Forks, Bismarck, Jamestown, Minot. Williston wraps up the festival in August. In terms of the pandemic, what it looks like in January could be very dierent from what it looks like in August. We also weren’t sure what level of engagement the art world would have with the festival. It’s been a challenging year financially for artists. But we also recognized all that has happened. 2020 has seen the rise of mental health needs in our society and our health care systems’ deterioration and strain. It has seen the rise and cultural acceptance of white separatism and nationalism. It has seen a Presidential Administration that has embraced and emboldened systems of racism that continue to create and maintain racial inequality in nearly every facet of life for people of color. We’ve seen bigotry extended in North Dakota with hundreds of Republican lawmakers voting to accept anti-LGBT language within their NDGOP resolution. We’ve also seen inequities expand due to the pandemic, with human rights issues such as access to food and housing being daily subjects in the media. But there has also been hope. Our nation’s collective consciousness that supports equality, equity, and inclusion has risen against these injustices: From the continued Indigenous-led Water Protector movement that shields our environment from corporate interests; to the Black Lives Matter movement, which is demanding reform from our police and criminal justice systems; to the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and the acknowledgment of the Supreme Court that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex; and to the Get Out the Vote movement that has inspired a new generation of voters to elect leaders that represent the best of who we are as a nation. As artists and activists for human rights and social change, there was much to speak to. We decided to move forward to see what the artist’s response would be. If we had submissions, we’d move forward. If we didn’t, we’d postpone for a year. To help artists financially, we waived submission fees for local artists and, in individual cases, oered help to pay for shipping to and from Fargo. The art in the festival this year captures the heart of the challenges and hopes that have defined 2020. It is, I believe, one of the most important curations of art our Jury had crafted since our beginnings in 2017. This year, artists have shared their experiences with isolation created by the pandemic, their domestic violence experiences, and their experiences with colonialism and white separatism. The exhibition captures and highlights the fear, the angst, and the hope that 2020 has come to define. On behalf of the entire team, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the fourth annual North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival. Thank you for supporting the work of these artists and the humanitarian eorts they document. We hope you leave the festival inspired by the individuals working to protect our fundamental human rights.With love and respect,Sean Coman2021 Festival Director | NDHRAF4
5THE EXHIBITIONArtists ReceptionsAs part of the festival, Artists Receptions will be scheduled and held at each venue. Receptions provide an opportunity for the public to meet with and discuss works and issues with artists. Due to the pandemic, certain receptions may be hosted online instead of as an in-person event. To learn more about the dates, times, and locations for artists receptions in your area, visit www.NDHRAF.org.AccessibilityClosed-captioning is available for certain films and for pre-recorded panel discussions and artists Q&As.To request specific accommodations, email ADA@human-family.orgConnect with usWebsite NDHRAF.orgEmail NDHRAF@human-family.orgPhone (701) 205-0248 FAX (701) 212-4197How to Join UsAll exhibitions are free and open to the public. See the exhibition space for specific viewing hours.January 9 – 30The Plains Art Museum704 First Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102www.PlainsArt.org(701) 551-6100February 3 – March 4UND Art Collections at the Empire Arts Center415 Demers Ave. Grand Forks, ND 58201https://und.edu/about/initiatives/art-collections/empire.html(701) 746-5500March 11 – April 10 Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative222 North 4th St.Suite 202 Bismarck, ND 58501www.bismarckdac.com(701) 391-8803April 22 – June 5The Arts Center115 2nd Street SWJamestown, ND 58401https://jamestownarts.com(701) 251-2496June 10 – July 15The Taube Museum of Art2 N. Main StreetMinot, ND 58703www.taubemuseum.org(701) 838-4445August 1 – August 27James Memorial Arts Center621 1st Ave. WestWilliston, ND 58801www.thejamesmemorial.org(701)774-3601E D QSale of ArtworkCertain artists have choosen to host their work for sale as part of the exhibition. Proceeds of the sale go directly to the artist, with a small percentage supporting the hosting gallery.For more infromation on which peices are for sale and the purchase price, visit www.NDHRAF.org.
6WITH GRATITUDEThank YouThe North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival would not exsist without the support of organizations and venues through out North Dakota. Thank you for your investment in the arts and for supporting the discussion of human rights, social justice and civil rights issues.Finacial SupportThis project is supported in part part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.Exhibition dates in Fargo, North Dakota, are supported in part by a City Arts Partnership grant administered by tThe Arts Partnership, with support from the cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.JJames Memorial Preservation Society
7CONTENTSLand Acknowledgment 2Welcome 4The Exhibition 5With Gratitude 6Invited Artist 8The Artists 10
8INVITED ARTISTIn 2021, the North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival is introducing an Invited Artists program. The exhibition will seek out those artists creating relevant social justice work and invite them to display in the exhibition. Invited artists receive a honorarium in support of their work and humanitarian eorts.The first Invited Artist to the festival is DC Houle.DC has been painting professionally for nearly forty years and, not content with one singular style, has become an artist of many mediums. DC has taken his abilities to all avenues of “Art” and sees no limits as to what a person can accomplish.DC sees his artwork as a tool that is borderless and has the deeper purpose of bringing understanding and clarity to the viewers about “universal” thinking. Meaning there are really no borders or restrictions on the freedoms of healthy living and becoming.DC describes himself as a “Universal Artist”; meaning his expressions in artwork have a place for everyone.DC is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mt. Band of Ojibwa, from northern North Dakota, and is of mixed blood-lines. French ancestry is common among the Ojibwa in the area DC is from. DC openly accepts who he is and has become a man able to bridge many gaps in his life by achieving and exhibiting “balance” through his reflections in any medium.DC is a self-taught artisan who has never let others decide what to paint or create. DC’s prayer is to share life’s experiences with the world and share openly and honestly. DC is a constant evolution and looks forward to creating continuous beauty with you and for you.
“Miscarriage of Judgement ” | DC Houle | 2019
10Excerpt from “A Cup of REesitance ” | Brandi MalarkeyThe Artists
11EXHIBITED ARTISTSACRYLICChriscell BedardBeth BradleyKayla BranstetterKimberly ChristiansonRhoda ElmiJoseph LarsonAnna N LassondeDRAWINGBrett LysneTed Martin Timothy PeekBeth TwomeyFABRICLaura M. ForgieSister Nancy Gunderson Rebecca OehlerEXPERIMENTAL FILMSamira BarraganMarc CartwrightPamela FalkenbergJessica LinKarman RheaultRasika RuwanpathiranaPhoebe WongINTERACTIVE FILMClaudia Reig ValeraINSTALLATIONSLisa ArnoldAngie SwiecMIXED MEDIABeth KelleyMelissa Kugler Ali LaRockLeigh NelsonPaul NootDelia ToucheOILTom BlockIsaiah JohnsSusan MorrisseyLiz PawlakPHOTOGRAPHYShane Balkowistch Anastasia de CelleAnnie Prafcke Frances TaylorPRINT MAKINGMarissa J PhilippPOETRYLiz MinetteNita K Ritzke Katie Ryan-Anderson Emily Vieweg SCRIPTYael DeynesSCUPTUREJeremy ColbertRebecca MartensJon B OuttDonald PaulWATER COLORBrandi MalarkeyVIRTUAL REALITYClaudio Casale
Lisa Arnold is a teaching artist from Saint Paul, MN, specializing in art and social change. She likes to create work that connects us in the quest for social justice and human rights and challenges the status quo. By questioning authority, perspective, and privilege, her work implicates, and empowers us in injustice issues and pushes us to make a change: to see dierently, understand anew, feel deeply, take action.12LISA ARNOLD“THAT NIGHT” | MIXED MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY | ST. PAUL, MNThis work will be travel as part of the festival March - AugustFacebook @xolaartsandobjects Instagram @XolaoutloudENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST
13Website http://sharoncol.balkowitsch.com/wetplate.htmFacebook @nostalgicglasswetplateInstagram @balkowitschTwitter @balkowitschENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTEach day the world is filled with millions and millions of digital photographs with no value, character, significance, or physical form. That is not the case with a wet plate. The wet plate process is magical, and the end result is tangible and precious. Digital photography of today relies on technology. Wet plate photography relies on 160-year-old chemistry, a bit of magic, and some luck. I think it is essential that as technology moves forward, we embrace and continue to celebrate and not forget important processes from the past. Wet plate photography is one of those processes. I am very proud to be one of five artists pouring wet plates in the state of North Dakota at this time. Every time I show someone the wet plate process, they are absolutely amazed. The process gives us a photograph from some chemicals and pieces of glass that I cut by hand. SHANE BALKOWITSCH“NORTH DAKOTANS DEPARTED” | 11” x 14” GLASS REPLICA WETPLATE | BISMARCK, ND
A young woman reflects on how gentrification has changed her neighborhood and wiped out the people who have worked there and lived there for years.14SAMIRA BARRAGANDIRECTOR, “GENTRIFICATION” | 6 MIN | ROSS, CA
15Love art and sharing my love to create with others. The First time my doctor called to tell me I had breast cancer, I was in the middle of teaching a painting class for kids in my home. The second time cancer came for a rematch, I put up my paint brushes and created “City Girl.” CHRISCELL BEDARD“CITY GIRL” | 11” x 10” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | WOODBURY, MN
16TOM BLOCK“KARLA FAYE TUCKER” | 20” x 10” OIL ON CANVAS | WOODSIDE, NYWebsite ihraf.orgFacebook @ThomasAlanBlockENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTTom Block is a playwright, author of five books and 20+ year visual artist. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others. He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). Tom has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. All of his work carves out a space at the intersection of mysticism and contemporary society.
17Beth Diane Bradley took some art history and photojournalism classes as a college student. She has written about art and artists for local publications, is a photo enthusiast, and has always been a “gallery rat.” But she never thought she could paint. In November of 2018, she finally got the courage to pick up a paintbrush, and now she can’t put it down. Her biggest goal is to make a dierence in the world with her art.Beth’s hope is that the North Dakota Human Rights Art Festival will change minds and hearts, and she is humbled that her paint-ing is part of that collective eort. Serving, like the crow, as a messenger of hope for a better tomorrow. BETH BRADLEY“AND IT BECAME BLOOD, LIKE THAT OF A DEAD MAN” | 16” x 20” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | FARGO, NDFacebook @BethBradleyFargoInstagram @boomerblissTwitter @boomerblissENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST
18KAYLA BRANSTETTER “CHAOS” | 11” x 17” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | PURDY, MOFacebook @KaylaBranstetterENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTKayla Branstetter is a wife, mother, educator, artist, and writer from Missouri. Her artwork, photography, and writing have appeared in journals throughout the world. She holds a Master of Liberal Studies in Art, Literature, and Culture from the University of Denver. As an educator, she has been exposed to both the positive and negative sides of humanity. She uses these stories to inspire her to paint and write.
19MARC CARTWRIGHT“ORBITAL DISCOURSE” | 8 MIN | STUDIO CITY, CAWebsite GlassCabinFilms.comFacebook @GlassCabinFilms | @MarcCartwright01Twitter @GlassCabinFilms | @McPhotogInstagram @GlassCabinFilms | @McPhotogENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTMarc grew up in New York on Long Island’s East End. Partially raised by his grandparents, who were avid fans of Hollywood classics, he developed a passion for the entertainment industry. A graduate of NYU, Marc runs a successful photography business, where he photo-graphs established, as well as up-and- coming talents in Film and Television. With his experience behind the camera as a photographer, Marc founded motion picture production company Glass Cabin Films to direct and produce short and feature-length content.
20CLAUDIO CASALE“OM DEVI: SHEREOS REVOLUTION” | 20 MIN | ROMA, ITALYWebsite sibillafilm.comFacebook @omdevisheroesInstagram @sibillafilmENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTBorn in 1986, after graduating in Economics, he moved to Asia and lived between India and Southeast Asia, where his passion for documentary began. Back in Rome, he gradually approached directing and made his first independent documentary, Piccolo Mondo Cane (2017). In the same year he attended a directing course at the New York Film Academy in New York city.In 2020, his documentary Om Devi: Sheroes Revolution is in ocial selection at the 77th Venice International Film Festival in the `Venice VR Expanded section.
21KIMBERLY CHRISTIANSON “HEALING CIRCLE” | 36” x 35” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | BISMARCK, NDFacebook @Christianson.Studio ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTKimberly Christianson is an artist, essence / nature photographer and photojournalist. A native of North Dakota that has returned to her roots after traveling extensively as a career flight attendant. The opportunity to travel and discover dierent cultures has left her interested in environmental concerns and a sincere desire for equal rights and inclusion of all people. Kimberly is a member of Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative. She was a participant in the 2019 ND Human Rights Art Festival, and 2019 Bismarck Library The Art of Books.Kimberly is known for often adding precious and semi-precious gems and minerals along with Missouri River sand to her artwork.
22JEREMY COLBERT“I CAN’T BREATHE” | 18” x 6” x 6” CAST IRON, CAST BRONZE, STEEL, ROPE | LEXINGTON, KYInstagram @jeremydale74ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTBorn and raised in southern Oklahoma among the rivers, rolling hills, and beautiful land, I was taught to respect nature and to embrace my rich Native American heritage of the Chickasaw Nation. My connection to the Chickasaw tribe has always been important to me, although, for many years, I avoided using the Native American content in my work. My grand- father, a Chickasaw Legislator, taught me to be proud of my heritage, my people and would tell many stories about the Chickasaw Tribe and its importance to the American Nation. He shared lessons about our culture, traditions, and stories of our family. These lessons and stories were precious to me, and I was afraid of allowing them to become cliché through my artwork. As I have become more comfortable with myself, my art, and my content, I have found it important to face the challenge of exploring my Native American heritage through sculpture
23ANASTASIA DE CELLE “HEALING CIRCLE” | 36” x 35” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | REILES ACRES, NDFacebook @AnastasiaDeCelleInstagram @decelle.bnw ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTAnastasia de Celle is a Visual Arts student at North Dakota State University who works in Photography and other media. She is passionate about mental health. “Cognitive Distortions” examines how inaccurate thinking can aect our behavior by reinforcing negative perceptions of ourselves and others. Her work is a reflection on how recognizing our broken thinking can heal our behavior, emotions and relationships with others and ourselves.
YAEL DEYNES “S.T.A.R” | SCRIPT | CALIFORNIAYael Deynes entered the film industry in 2015 with his first screenplay, “175”, a historical drama inspired by real survivors who opened up to Deynes about the persecution of the LGBTQ community during the Holocaust and after. The script led to a signed deal with a top Hollywood talent agency. His work also caught the eye of Marsha Posner Williams, a two-time Emmy and three-time Golden Globe-winning producer. Williams produced his directorial debut, “My Secret Lake,” which picked up an SFAAF Award and is distributed on Amazon Prime Video. While working as a writer for several stream-ing networks and film studios, Deynes has consulted and held seminars for universities, writer’s groups, and non-profit organiza-tions. In 2017, due to the damage of Hurri-cane Maria, Deynes was unable to reach his mother in Puerto Rico for two agonizing weeks. This inspired him to create a cinemat-ic message of hope for the island entitled, “Who We Are”, which won an award at the My Hero International Film Festival and a Telly Award. Entirely self-taught, Deynes attributes his knack for storytelling to his grandmother’s vivid tales as well as the everlasting desire to do the right thing.24
RHODA ELMI “DOMINANCE AND DESPONDENCY” | 16” x 12” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | FARGO, NDFacebook @RhodaElmi ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTRhoda Elmi is an entrepreneur, artist, and a strong proponent for women and children. She has been actively involved in community work in all the places she has lived, including the Middle East, Canada, and the USA. She is originally from Africa. She is a mother of four. The wealth of experience and diverse perspective over the years lead her to start a child care center in Fargo, ND. Rhoda is the founder and director of Jasmin Child Care and Preschool, where we prepare kids to succeed in a multilingual and multicultural environment. Her vision is to prepare children for success and support low-income new American families to access quality child care. She is a passionate advocate for her community and has big dreams for the future. 25
PAMELA FALKENBERG & JACK COCHRAN “I WANT TO BREATHE SWEET AIR” | 11 MIN | AUSTIN, TXFacebook @outliermovingpicturesTwitter @outlierpicsInstagram @outliermovingpictures ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTPam is an independent filmmaker who received her PhD from the University of Iowa and taught at Northern Illinois University, St.Mary’s College, and the University of Notre Dame. Jack is an independent filmmaker who has produced, directed, or shot a variety of experimental and personal projects. As a DP he has extensive experience shooting commercials, independent features, and documentaries. For over five years, they have been making personal films together again under the name Outlier Moving Pictures. They hope their work will prove worthy of the name: avoiding the usual patterns and approaching their subject matter from the margins (which sounds better than saying that as filmmakers they’re oddballs and cranks).26
LAURA M. FORGIE“DRESS FOR COWBOY CRUISING” | 38.5” x 28” x 20” WEARABLE ART | MOORHEAD, MNInstagram @la.mifo ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTLaura M. Forgie is a mixed-media artist specializing in needlepoint, collage, and photography. Within these mediums she explores topics of sexuality and gender issues. Raised in Eastern Iowa, she has been working out of the F-M area for the past 6 years.27
SISTER NANCY GUNDERSON “SAVE THE CHILDREN” | 24” x 24” x 23” MIXED MEDIA | BISMARCK, NDSister Nancy is a Benedictine sister of Annunciation Monastery, where she taught in the School of Arts and Science at the University of Mary. She is primarily a self-taught artist who loves to “dabble,” as she calls it, in fibers and color. As Sister Nancy states, “Both nature and spirituality have been rich sources of creative energy for me. I seek to create works with meaning that invite people to come closer and enter a world I have opened – to discover its mysteries and intricate beauty.” Sense of place would describe what influences many of her works from what she sees out her window or on her walks. Sister Nancy has used her art as a teaching tool in her classroom and has used her art in retreats combining art and spirituality where participants made creations of their own.28
ISAIAH JOHNS “SITTING FOR PEACE” | 36” x 36” OIL, ACRYLIC, SAND | WEST FARGO, NDInstagram @ijohnsfineartThis piece is on loan from the collection of Renae Reinardy Spiry.ENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST“Sitting for Peace” is references the most photographed native in American History. What many may be surprised to know is that he sat for peace. He sat for photographers hoping that these images would contradict the highly published “cartoon savage” that many newspapers back east would use in their publications. Even though deep down he knew this would not aect the move west by settlers from all over the world, he still sat in hopes that they would see a human, and not a concept or cartoon creation.This portrait represents those of us who know strength but are humbled. Those who know pride but have been defeated. Those who know love but have hated. Those who know the truth but have lied. Those who teach but do not follow. Those who want peace but have destroyed. We are all the same.29
BETH KELLEY “CIRCLE OF SACRED HEALING” | 8” CIRCLE MIXED MEDIA | EDMOND , OKInstagram @beth7thENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTBeth is a Gaelic Oklahoman who is thankful for the roots of her ancestors. Her work focuses on finding the words for healing the broken heart. With this piece she began with the poem, which she hopes speaks to the humble hearted women, asking them to know that if they do speak from their hearts they will be heard. Continuing on she worked in media and motifs that spoke to her and are strongly in her wheel house. Bringing plenty of healing to the circle of life. Beth spent 4 months, labor day weekend to new year’s eve, as a loving member of the tribe of people who made the Oceti Sakowin encampment their home. She worked as a spiritual healer, working out of her Gaelic, Tsalagi, and Christian roots.30
MELISSA KUGLER “WE CAN DO IT” | 24” x 30” MIXED MEDIA | PLYMOUTH, MNInstagram @bymelissakuglerENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTI find when I create I’m able to be me, painting takes me to a place of peace and joy. 31
ALI LAROCK “LET THE MONUMENTS INSIDE YOU FALL” | 12” x 24” MIXED MEDIA | BISMARCK , NDWebsite www.alilarock.comFacebook @alilarock Twitter @AliLaRockENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTAli LaRock is a visual artist living in Bismarck, North Dakota. She received her B.F.A. in painting from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 1998. She works in the areas of painting, drawing, and mixed media. Ali grew up in New Town, North Dakota. Ali has been exhibiting her artwork around the United States for the last 15 years. She is a founding and active member of the Bis-marck Downtown Artist Co-op, where much of her art is on display. Ali’s work can also be found at the Toasted Frog in Bismarck and the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo. In addition to creating and exhibiting her art Ali teaches art through various artist in residence opportunities throughout the state in schools, art centers, and summer camps. She has worked with organizations such as the North Dakota Council on the Arts, International Music Camp, and Sleepy Hollow Summer Theatre and Art.32
JOSEPH LARSON “PRIDE BOUQUET 2020” | 9” x 12” ACRYLIC ON CANVAS | MOORHEAD, MNPastor Joe Larson of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, has created art throughout his life, including hanging murals and mosaics commissioned by Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer (in Minneapolis, Minnesota) and other congregations and organizations. Larson has a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College, where he minored in art. Larson has served as pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church since June 2016. Previously, he worked as Executive Director of The Aliveness Project in Minneapolis, Minnesota for 14 years. 33
ANNA LASSONDE “CONCEALING THE PAIN” | 12” x 24” MIXED MEDIA | DETROIT LAKES , MNFacebook @ jollybirdstudioInstagram @jollybirdstudioENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTAnna Lassonde is a Minnesota artist that uses acrylics and water-based mediums to create paintings, collages, and murals. She works out of her studio in Detroit Lakes, MN.Her work focuses on animals (particularly horses), portraits, and landscapes. One of her favorite things to create is mini collages with favorite quotes or witty sayings. When she isn’t creating portrait commissions, she is usually painting what she sees around her. Her farm very inspires her in rural Detroit Lakes. One of her accomplishments include creating and coordinating a 126’ x 10’ mural for a clinic in Lubango Angola Africa. She flew to Africa and coordinated the project to create the mural. Currently, Anna is working on putting classes together to share the creative process with people in the community34
JESSICA LIN “BEYOND THE MODEL” | 7.5 MIN | ROSS, CAAfter the assaults and discrimination of Asians because of COVID-19, this film shines a light on what it is like be a “model minority” in an increasingly divided America. 35
BRETT LYSNE “THE LOWER FORTY-EIGHT (A HOUSE WITH TWO DOORS)” | 16” x 20” DRAWING | FARGO, NDInstagram @brett.lysneENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTBrett Lysne is an artist and graphic designer who lives in Fargo and currently teaches drawing and printmaking at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Through his detailed creative projects that muddy the territory between science and poetry, he aims to reconsider the conventions of language, mapmaking, and other systems of knowledge.36
BRANDI MALARKEY “A CUP OF RESISTANCE” | 8” x 10” WATERCOLOR | FARGO, NDFacebook @ItsAllMalarkeyInstagram @ItsAllMalarkey ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTMy name is Brandi Malarkey, and I am a creative from Fargo, North Dakota.According to my allergist, the outdoors is trying to kill me. So, naturally, I am primarily a nature artist. I work in a variety of mediums, depending on what I am trying to accomplish, including resin, ink, paint, glass, photography, and botanical illustration. I love to focus on the small things that exist around us that can remind us that we are surrounded by little miracles.37
REBECCA MARTENS “2020” | 12” x 22” x 1” METAL SCULPTURE | FARGO, NDFacebook @rebecca.martens.969Instagram @shop_girl_artENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTRebecca Martens is a sculpture student who specializes in metal artwork. Martens’s ceramic teapot was accepted into the spring student juried show at Minnesota State University of Moorhead. Currently, she has two pieces at the Rourke Art Gallery and Museum. Martens will be graduating in the spring of 2022. She has a local studio that allows her to make and sell work while attending school full-time. Martens is always working to expand her metal working skills in order to sell her artwork fulltime in the future. 38
TED MARTIN “UNTITLED” | 25.5” x 35.5” DRAWING | FARGO, NDTed Martin is retired and living in Fargo, ND. He moved to Fargo in to be near family. He draws as a hobby, usually using ink pen, markers and Crayola crayons.39
To be fed up withviolence, so muchthat one neverpicks up a gun,never touches abullet.To plot peacefrom one's roomsurrounded byscented candles,dark chocolateand poetry.And from this placework the dreamsof tolerance and unityinto being.Yet,if one's bloodis shed alongsome lonely roadin the name of –to at least havethat blood uniteeveryone to livein peace.~ in memory of Hevrin KhalafFacebook @liz.minetteTwitter @Liz_MinetteENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTLiz Minette lives in Esko, Minnesota. The poem “To be fed up” was inspired by the January 2020 Rolling Stone article “The Betrayal of the Kurds” by Jason Motlagh.LIZ MINETTE “TO BE FED UP WITH” | POEM | ESKO, MN40
SUSAN MORRISSEY “DRUID DREAM” | 25.5” x 35.5” DRAWING | FARGO, NDFacebook @SusanMorrisseyInstagram @SusanMorrissey ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTI’ve been making art for over 50 years. You can imagine how many avenues one is likely to take in that amount of time.With family, I’ve lived in four separate US states and Britain. I studied art in three of those states at dierent times of my life. I am married, have children and grandchildren.My work most often begins with something going on about me, though it may not seem so. Once started, the imagery takes on its own life, at times leading to a surreal quality as in this particular piece. 41
Greg TardiWebsite gregtardiemusic.comLucas CilbertiWebsite lucascilibertifan.wixsite.comFacebook @LucasCilibertiFansTwitter @lucasloves2singInstagram @Lucas_SingerENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTSGreg Tardie, is an independent song-writer who has written for a number of award-winning artists. He is a native of Caribou, Maine and is a 4th-generation military veteran. He works closely with music producer Curt Ryle of Big Matador Recording and Black Ribbon Records. Greg is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Texas Country Music Association. Lucas Ciliberti is a talented 20yr old singer/songwriter, and musician, with a heart of gold, and a voice to match. He was raised with family values, working hard on his 4 Generation Family Farm, in Enid, Oklahoma.He got his start in Nashville, TN when his Grandma sold a cow, to pay for his trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, to compete in the North American Country Music Singers Association International Competition. Lucas’s roots are in his Native American Heritage. He was recently chosen, as the youngest Artist to Win “Debut Artist of the Year” for the Native American Music Awards, held at Niagara FallGREG TARDIE & LUCAS CILBERTI“TRAIL OF TEARS” | SONG | NASHVILLE, TN42
LEIGH NELSON “WE GROW OLD” | FOUR 25.5” x 35.5” MIXED MEDIA | DETROIT LAKES, MNInstagram @leigh.createsENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST“We Grow Old” visually explores constructs of identity through a synthesis of print, typography, design, and abstract mixed media evolving into a narrative discourse of self through the elasticity of time. Fevered, physical compositions shift between layers of past, present, and future – a voyage interweaving the old and the new, the familiar and the unknown, the physical and ethereal.The interplay of anthropomorphic and preternatural forms among a rhythm of geometric figures explore the imaginative and surreal in immediate presence and juxtaposition with the conventional and predictable. The human experience traverses timeless landscapes through fragmented and nostalgic representations of self, transcending viewers beyond the bounds of the present, invoking self- reflection and curiosity, while maintaining the certitudes of life – a visual paradox of the mundane and miraculous, the definite and obscure, the immortal and ephemeral.43
Website bismarckdac.comFacebook @Paul.Noot.Artist Twitter @paulnootENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTPaul Noot received his BFA from the University of North Dakota and his MFA from Brooklyn College in New York. He is currently the department headof Bismarck High School. In 2014, his art toured galleries inNorth Dakota.PAUL NOOT “LOST AND FOUND” | 8” X 11” MIXED MEDIA | BISMARCK, ND44
REBECCA OEHLER“BLANKET STATEMENT (DO YOU FEEL SAFE YET?)” | 6’ x 5’ SCREENPRINT | FARGO, NDInstagram @rebecca.oehlerENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTI am a visual artist living in Fargo, ND and a recent graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead. I utilize printmaking, photography, and drawing, along with sculptural elements, to create artwork about women’s rights and mental health. I use repetition throughout my work, both as a way of dealing with my own anxiety and mental health, but also to create feelings of anxiety and unease among viewers. 45
Website outt-glass.myshopify.comFacebook @jonoutthouseofmulciber ENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTJon Outt plays with fire. At his glassblowing studio in Fargo —named after the Roman god of fire Mulciber — he uses roaring, 2,000 degree heat as a tool to transform molten glass into beautiful, award- winning glass vessels and sculptures.Jon earned an M.F.A. in glass from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and he passes along his knowledge to new students of glass. He also demonstrates his craft for the public and to a new generation as he travels with his Mobile Studio.Contact information: 4824 12th Street South Fargo, ND 58104 701-298-3936 mulciberglass@hotmail.com JON OFFUTT “WHAT YOU SEE DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LOOK” | 5.5” X 5” X 5” BLOWN GLASS | FARGO, ND46
DONALD PAUL“HERE I AM” | 14” x 20” MIXED MEDIA | EDGELEY, NDI love to make sculptures from found object pieces.47
Twitter @stewieis4Instagram @lbpawlakENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTLiz Pawlak is a St. Paul, MN oil and acrylic artist who paints subjects that she is pas-sionate about. Alejandra’s Story: Estoy Sola is the third painting in the series is called The Refugees. Alejandra represents the 545 children separated from their parents at the border. The sunrise portends the promise of opportunity and freedom; the bars the loss of that dream. Liz believes that the plight of the refugees is the responsibility of all nations, that borders are obstacles to peace, and that these children are ours responsibility.LIZ PAWLAK “ALEJANDRA’S STORY: ESTOY SOLA” | 20” X 20” OIL ON CANVAS | ST PAUL, MN48
TIMOTHY PEEK“GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME COVID” | 6” x 10” DRAWING | FARGO, NDFacebook @TimothyPeekTwitter @TimothyPeekInstagram @TimothyPeekENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTI am a self taught Artist living in the Fargo/Moorhead Area.My work often looks to capture light and shadow play in a exploration of the human form.49
I am 19 years old and grew up in Horace, ND. I am currently attending my first yearof college at NDSU, majoring in Art Education. I have always had a passion for art growing up. To me, the powerful thing about art is its ability to express a feeling or say something you otherwise couldn’t in words. MARISSA J PHILIPP “DELIVERANCE ” | 18” X 24” MIXED MEDIA | HORACE, ND50
ANNIE PRAFCKE“READY TO STAND” | 6’ x 5’ SCREENPRINT | FARGO, NDFacebook @annie.prafckeTwitter @AnniePrafckeInstagram @annieprafckeENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTAnnie Prafcke is a journalist from Fargo, ND who enjoys exploring photography and film. In 2018, she graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Through her work, she investigates issues of culture, race, identity, and power. 51
Claudia Reig Valera (Valencia, Spain, 1990) has a degree in audiovisual communication from the University of Valencia. Her career as a camera operator, editor and filmmaker has developed at Barret production company. “Birth in the 21st century” is her third transmedia documentary as a director, after “En la brecha” (2018) and “Que tiemble el camino.” She has also directed the feature documentary“Trans resistance” (2019)CLAUDIA REIG VALERA“BIRTH IN THE 21ST CENTURY ” | INTERACTIVE FILM | SPAINWebsite http://lab.rtve.es/webdocs/parto-respetado/en/ENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST52
KARMAN RHEAULT“THE YARN SCULPTURE PROJECT” | 5 MIN | FARGO, NDWebsite snowfirestudio.comFacebook @SnowfireStudio ENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST“I draw my inspiration from multiple aspects of life: relationships, mother-hood, nature, femininity, and spirituality. Comparable to nature, I aspire for each of my pieces to be unique and reflect the reality of the natural world where nothing is an exact duplicate. Through my art is how I feel my biggest connection with others and I put my heart and soul into every piece. “ Using a plasma cutter and welder, Kar-man Rheault creates 3-Dimensional sculptures from new and recycled metal. She makes a wide range of work from jewelry, to indoor sculptural pieces and large scale outdoor work all depending on where inspiration takes her. Karman uses the inherent colors of the metal and adds color and contrast with paint, by heating it with a torch, or rust-ing it to produce rich natural patinas.53
Nita Ritzke lives and works in Bismarck with her adult daughter/roommate and Mojo, the chihuahua-pug ambassador of peace.“Mucho Gusto” is a conflation of several instances when Ritzke, long-time North Dakota resident, met people from warmer climates who marveled at snow.NITA K RITZKE“MUCHO GUSTO” | POEM | BISMARCK, NDFacebook @NitaRitzkeENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST54
RASIKA RUWANPATHIRANA“GIVE US THE FREEDOM” | 17 MIN | BALTIMORE, MDWebsite https://www.flickr.com/photos/96902742@N04/Facebook @rasika.ruwanpathiranaInstagram @rasika_ruwanpathiranaENGAGE WITH THE ARTISTOn Wednesday,, February 1, 2017, inmates from James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna, Delaware took three correctional ocers hostage, demanding better conditions and cessation of abuse by violent prison guards. The siege ended the next morning when police breached the building and rescued a female sta member who was unharmed. The police claimed that they found a correctional ocer dead. The following are two audio recordings sent by an inmate from James T. Vaughn Correctional Center who is serving a 94-year sentence. He describes the conditions inside the prison.55
“When I say nothing” is a poem about regret. It’s also about our obligation as straight, Christian-ish, white people – even in small town Dakota – to combat racism and bigotry. We see it, all the time. Let me count the ways. So, what can we do about it? And what happens when we do nothing at all. My name is Katie Ryan-Anderson and I live in Marion, N.D. with my husband and two children. KATIE RYAN-ANDERSON “WHEN I SAY NOTHING” | POEM | MARION, MNFacebook @katie.ryanandersonTwitter @ladyk80Instagram @ladyk80ENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST56
ANGIE SWIEC“PRO-LIFE? ” | 5 MIN | BISMARCK, NDAngie Swiec is a visual artist, yogi and mom of two who lives in Bismarck.She creates art that she hopes inspires and makes her audience question their perspectives. She is privileged to live with her family without fear of her children being ripped away from her. 57
My name is Frances Taylor. I am a junior at the University of Mary majoring in Media Productions. As someone who has not only experienced depression but has also witnessed severe depression in others, the suicide crisis is something that is very important to me. In this photo, I wanted to capture the intensity of that moment, where our self-concept is so negative that it almost splits into dierent personalities. FRANCES TAYLOR “US VS. THEM” | 8” x 10” DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY | BISMARCK, NDInstagram @frances.taylor4ENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST58
DELIA TOUCHE “BEFORE AND AFTER” | 8” x 6” x 46” MIXED MEDIA | FARGO, NDMy name is Delia Touche I am from Fort Totten, ND. I primarily work in printmaking. My work is stems from the impact being surrounded by colonized spaces, assimilating into white America as well as rediscovery of my indigenous culture. Instagram @deleeahhhENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST59
I am a West Coast transplant and have lived in Fargo for the last 8 years. It’s been dicult to be separated from family during these dicult times, especially when my young nieces were exposed to tear gas in their own home during the protests that occurred inPortland, OR this last summer. This piece is for them. #BLM!BETH TWOMEY “PORTLAND FOR JOZ AND INDIE” | 14” x 31” DRAWING| FARGO, NDTwitter @bethtwomeyENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST60
EMILY VIEWEG “AN UNUSUAL CURE” | NARRATIVE | FARGO, NDEmily Vieweg is a poet originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Her debut full-length chapbook, but the flames is set to publish in January 2021 by Finishing Line Press. She is a single working mom managing two children on the autism spectrum, as well as a cat with hyperactive nighttime rituals. She lives in Fargo, ND. Facebook @EmilyViewegWriterTwitter @EmilyJViewegInstagram @EmilyJViewegENGAGE WITH THE ARTIST61
PHOEBE WONG “AURORA” | 1 MIN | BROOKLYN, NEW YORKI am an animation student from Hong Kong, now studying at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. I love filmmaking, photography and sculptures.2020 is a very unique experience to me. While the world is busy fighting against the pandemic, this year has a very dierent meaning to me. I chose to collaborate with friends from Hong Kong because we are the ones that share this unique and bizarre experience together. With the National Security Law imposed in July, more and more people are being prosecuted because of political beliefs, it is increasingly dangerous to protest on streets or even voice out, the government is making use of pandemic policies to quiet down social unrest.We are not losing our hopes and belief, but 2020 is definitely the long darkness before dawn.62
63Human-Family.org