White Bear Center for the Arts Newsletter

Suzi Hudson making a glass bead using lampworking techniques

Newsletter

Fall 2008

“THE WORLD IS DYSFUNCTIONAL, BUT ARTISTS TRY TO MAKE IT FUNCTIONAL BY INTERPRETING IT.”

::: Kinji Akagawa :::

This past summer, the world watched as the 2008 Olympics inspired us with unforgettable stories of the human spirit and the desire to build bridges rather than walls. The artistry and pageantry of the opening ceremonies held us in awe as more than 15,000 individual performers created visual and musical magic; all in a stadium named the Bird’s Nest. While the spotlight of the world was on China they highlighted their ancient heritage in the arts to communicate a message of hope and harmony. The arts continue to be the universal language of the world.

This fall, the WBCA is proud to launch EcoArt classes and lectures. These special classes are cosponsored by Tamarack Nature Center. These classes are sprinkled throughout the catalog, so look for the “eco-green” highlights. As part of this initiative we are presenting a free EcoArts Lecture Series, bringing some of our decade’s most pressing and creative challenges into our “bird’s nest” for discussion. This series will provide three distinctive artists’ perspectives on working with nature, ecology and the environment.

We are honored to have the renowned artist Kinji Akagawa, as our first guest speaker in September. Awagawa’s artistic career in Minnesota spans over four decades as a sculptor and creator of public art and was awarded the 2007 McKnight Foundations’ Distinguished Artist Award. He is well known for his work in the sculpture garden of the Walker Art Center and many public installations throughout the state.

Our second lecture in October will feature professor of art history and artist Neil Johnston, who will present and discuss the WBCA’s philosophical approach to what we title “EcoArts.” In trying to define the term “EcoArts,” we have often found ourselves with more questions than answers. We hope you will come join this lively and intriguing dialogue.

Our third artist is Minnesota poet, John Caddy. John’s life as a naturalist and artist will highlight the interconnection and interdependence we share with the earth and how our environments are cause for celebration, and call for our protection. (Please see page 8 for specific dates, times and additional details.)

So as we move through our changing seasons in Minnesota, I invite you to join us at the White Bear Center for the Arts. Our classes will inspire, challenge and develop your artistic language no matter what “season” in your life you’re experiencing. Join us in the reach for harmony!