Top entries of "Americas 2011: All Media" favor muted palettes and subtle detailing in two-dimensional expression -- although there are indeed a few surprises.
The Northwest Art Center at Minot State University opens this season's exhibit Aug. 22 in the Hartnett Hall Gallery, running through Sept. 29.
Some 370 entries were submitted from across the United States and around the world -- along with entries from artists in Canada and Japan, the gallery received inquiries from an artist in Iran as well.
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Terry J. Aman/MDN - - “Intruder” by Naijun Zhang of Morgantown, W. Va., has been selected as part of the “Americas 2011: All Media” exhibit, opening Aug. 22 in Minot State University’s Northwest Art Center Hartnett Hall Gallery.
The entries were then winnowed to the top 36 for display by juror Douglas Kinsey, formerly of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and professor emeritus from the University of Notre Dame.
Even where the artists employ no color, the eye is drawn to deep patterns. Past best-of-show winner Victoria Goro-Rappaport of Kearney, Neb., has taken the title once more this season with her monochromatic abstract titled "Runner Up II."
Where color is used, it is occasionally vibrant. While Naijun Zhang of Morgantown, W.Va. and Patricia San Soucie of Clackenmas, Ore., favored muted tones in their entries, sculptor Casey Hochhalter of Moorhead, Minn., bucked the trend with a vivid blue entry titled "Upsurge." That piece reveals new layers of complexity as it is viewed from different angles. And "Dirty Money," an entry by Hall Groat II of Endwell, N.Y., stands out with a rich splash of red against a backdrop of grays and cool colors.
Fact Box
Public reception
A reception is set for Sept. 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
The Northwest Art Center's Library Gallery will feature an exhibit by Mindy Herrin, named "Best of Show" winner from "Americas 2010: All Media" for her sculpted work in metal and mixed media titled "She Beast." Her exhibit is currently set to open Aug. 18 and run through Sept. 22.