The first exhibition of 2017, Portals is a juried theme show including a wide range of artistic media. The exhibition opens January 17th, 2017 and runs til February 25th, 2017 with an artist reception on Saturday, February 25th from 2-4pm. All artwork to be considered must be dropped off at the FCAI gallery on January 13th between 3-6pm unless other arrangements are made. Please contact Info@FreebornCountyArtsInitiative.com with questions.

Clay artist Michelle Kaisersatt embraces each day at her rural Minnesota studio, designing and creating handcrafted ceramic and bronze cast vessels. If she is not at her studio, she is sharing her passion for clay with enthusiastic students at surrounding schools, clay centers, and at her own studio. Asked how Michelle would describe her work, she admits that’s a bit of a challenge, due to the uniqueness of her vessels. However, she offers “nature-driven, celebratory, organic and classic” all, as good descriptors. She adds “These vessels reflect a deep respect for life and of how we live and how we love.”

We, at the Arts Initiative want everyone to know how much we miss her and, like all of her friends and family, we will not forget her. Sophie’s favorite artist Dee Teller, of Faribault Minnesota, will be featured, and is offering a commemorative print at a greatly reduced price in Sophie’s honor. Many artists from the community have created equine art specifically for this remembrance exhibition. The Kid’s College kids will show their horse themed artwork, in the hallway, in tandem with the FCAI Horses exhibition.

The poster design for this show features one of Sophie’s favorite horse drawings created at Kid’s College near the end of her brief life. This drawing shows spirit and energy that expresses her nature beautifully.

Reggie is a visual artist who composes with the concepts and philosophies of Street Art and Graffiti culture in mind, using a combination of aerosols, stencils, acrylic paints and graphic design elements to produce human portraiture and illustration. The aim of his work is to dismantle the negative elements often associated with Street Art culture, as he paints with colors and techniques that express vibrancy and a complex degree of work, extending beyond the misunderstood concepts of “tagging” and “vandalism”.

Reggie’s show will be at the Arts Initiative Gallery from July 18th – September 2nd, 2017, with an artist reception from 6-9pm on July 22nd.

Reggie has participated in three of our recent group exhibitions including Going Places, the Wind Energy Pop-Up show and Who Dun-it? He is versatile in his subject matter which often includes portraiture and textual elements. His distinctive layering technique and dynamic color choices create explosive drama and he does not shy away from quasi-political themes or issues of social justice.

Reggie’s work can be found online at www.RAL86.com

Celebrating Indigenous art throughout the ages. Featuring the work of Marlena Myles, Holly Young, and Hilary Abe.

September 14th – October 29th, 2017

Artist Reception: 7:00 – 9:00pm Friday October 29th, 2017

March 8th – April 23rd

Artist’s Reception – March 24th at 5-8pm

Adam Glowaski resides in Ventura, Iowa.  A graduate of Iowa State University, he has built much of his photography and videography business, Box5 Media, in the corporate marketing industry.  Photography was a hobby that started in high school, and his passion for aviation was born at an early age after seeing films like Top Gun, prompting him to later learn how to fly and obtain his pilot’s license.  Over the past several years, Adam has turned those passions into a profession, refining his skills to take pictures that other photographers aspire to.  Access to the airplanes and experiences has all been through the incredible network of friends and acquaintances met from being a part of the tight-knit aviation community.  Adam is thankful and feels blessed for all those that have allowed him to be a part of this aviation world, and wouldn’t have been able to capture these moments in time without those people

Ming Chiao, or Minnesota Bridge, signifies a link between East and West. The name reflects a connection to the numerous lakes and mighty rivers in Minnesota.

Ming Chiao is a chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America, a non-profit educational organization founded in 1963 by Motoi Oi with the mission:

• To foster and encourage an appreciation of East Asian brush painting techniques through publications, workshops, lectures, and exhibitions.

• To serve as a cultural bridge between East and West.

• To furnish information to all persons who wish to learn about this art.

www.MingChiaoSumie.com

This Show Rocks! – a solo exhibition by Susanne Crane

September 6th – October 29th

“This Show Rocks” is one painter’s exploration of nature’s foundational building blocks.

Human civilization was built of stone. The ancient wonders of the world, the castles of Europe and the bridges that connect us, rely on the strength of stone, but according to artist Susanne Crane, rocks are most awe-inspiring when found in their natural landscape.

“I have been obsessed with rocks since I was a child, fascinated to learn the names of the stones I held in my hands. Later, I worked with semi-precious stones in jewelry settings and later still, with bricks and mortar, tile and mosaic. I also like to hike and climb and feel a very close bond with the bluffs and coulees of my childhood”, she said.

Susanne’s paintings are vast and dream-like and take you on a heartfelt journey to distant places. She has been painting for over 30 years, showing extensively in the mid-west and also leads art enrichment programs in Minneapolis and Albert Lea.

*You are invited to bring your pet rock to the building on Saturday, Sept. 10th at 5:00 to celebrate how Albert Lea Rocks!

*Show runs Sept. 6th – Oct. 29th. Artist’s reception is Sat. Sept. 10th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Special features in this show include – rock gardens and cairns, some beautiful stone jewelry pieces and references to ancient wonders (some of them from our National Parks!) And according to Susanne, “some of my frames were made locally by Layne Cabinetry. They’re beautiful. They fit perfectly to the artwork.”

What’s next? – Susanne is currently working on a piece for a Smithsonian sponsored exhibition and getting ready for her MacNider show. She’s also looking forward to the Pop-Up Art event, right here in Albert Lea, at the FCAI, the first week in November.

About the poster – She said, “I don’t really play the guitar. It was play on the word “Rocks” to amuse my friends. We thought it would be fun to do a vintage looking take on a Rolling Stones magazine cover with me as a Janis Joplin-esque rock star. I’ve gotten quite a few calls about this poster art and possibly a few gigs. Maybe I’ll take up the guitar yet. They say it’s never too late.”

November 15th – December 20th

For our 2nd annual all-member art show, the FCAI will test your knowledge of our membership artists. We will number the artwork (We provide a cheat sheet for those who may not be familiar with our exhibitions and/or choose not to play the game).

Study the paintings, photographs, and sculptures without their titles, prices or artist’s names. What you would call them, who do you think made them, and how much you think they cost.

Turn in your guesses at the gallery with your name and phone number. You may win a prize!

March-April: Pets on Chairs – Julie Fakler Solo Exhibition (w/ Humane Society)

May-June: Immigrant Art – Group Show

July-August: Heart of the Heartland – Group Exhibition

September-October: Asia Speaks – Dee Teller Solo Exhibition

November-December: All Member Group Holiday Show

September-October:  Body Art  Group Show

November-December:  Night Photography  Group Exhibition