Visual Arts — Feb. 16 - Brainerd Dispatch | News, weather, sports from Brainerd and Baxter

By Dispatch staff report

February 16, 2022 10:30 AM

AITKIN
Jaques Art Center
121 Second St. NW

Come see the Francis Lee Jaques Art Exhibit with new additions that is on display until March 5. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Jaques Art Center is across the street from the Aitkin County Courthouse. For more information, call 218-927-2363 or visit www.jaquesart.com .

BRAINERD
Brainerd Public Library
416 S. Fifth St.

Carla Benjamin is exhibiting regionally-inspired photo encaustic works through March at the Brainerd Public Library. Many artworks will be available for purchase with a portion of the sales benefitting the library.

“Original photos combined with paint containing beeswax, resin and pigment fill the exhibit space with enchanting and intimate views from our region,” according to Laurel Hall, branch manager.

A life-long artist, Benjamin has studied photo encaustic with Minnesota artist Jodi Reeb and continues a biweekly mentoring engagement with Reeb. Benjamin is a recipient of 2019 Individual Artist grant from Five Wings Art Council.

This project is made possible by a grant provided by Five Wings Arts Council with funds from the McKnight Foundation. In 2021, Benjamin received an Individual Creative Support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

The artist can be reached through her website at www.carlabenjamin.com and at carlabenjaminartist@gmail.com .

Crossing Arts Alliance
711 Laurel St.

“An Original Angle: A Modern Take On Japanese Kumiko” features the abstract wood art of artist Vince Cook .

The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 26 at the Crossing Arts Alliance gallery at 711 Laurel St. in downtown Brainerd. Hours are 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Based on the ancient Japanese craft of Kumiko, Cook's pieces begin with a latticework that is created and filled with intricate designs made from small pieces of wood, which are precisely hand cut and angled so they fit together based solely on tension.

Using traditional patterns and combining them to create overlapping designs, he forms geometric shapes of squares and hexagons, designs that represent plants and animals, and others that have deep meanings of prosperity, happiness, etc.

Abstract wood artwork by Vince Cook — "Convergence" is an artwork by Vince Cook. Based on the ancient Japanese craft of Kumiko, Cook's pieces begin with a latticework that is created and filled with intricate designs made from small pieces of wood, which are precisely hand cut and angled so they fit together based solely on tension.

Each piece illuminates the beauty of geometry and joinery, through both their design aspects as well as the various colors and textures of woods that are used.

Traditionally the craft of Kumiko was used as decoration in shoji screens, the wall dividers in homes and offices in Japan; and now it is also found in furniture and artwork.

This exhibition features around 30 pieces created in this unique craft and ranges from simple designs to more elaborate and complex ones.

For more information, call 218-833-0416 or email info@crossingarts.org .

LITTLE FALLS
Great River Arts
122 First St. SE

“Rebirth” by Melissa Kugler will be featured in the front gallery through the end of February.

Using puzzles as starting points, Kugler creates vibrant and colorful images.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call 320-632-0960 or email info@greatart.org .

If you would like your event listed in the entertainment guide, contact Frank Lee at frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com, 218-855-5851 or mail to Frank Lee, Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401. (Please include time, date, place, admission price and contact information.) Deadline is 11 a.m. Monday for Wednesday publication.

Related Topics: ARTTHINGS TO DO BRAINERD

By Dispatch staff report

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Visual Arts — Feb. 16

The calendar lists art exhibits on display, as well as art workshops and activities.