By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
The Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault will host an opening reception tonight for the unveiling of several art galleries. Multiple artists will have their work on display among the Paradise’s four galleries, including work by the Minnesota Mosaic Guild, painter Dana Lacina, assemblage artist Trudi Schaefer, oil painter Marissa Shackleford, and acrylic painter Monica Wilder.
Among the art on display is the work of Northfield photographer Aramis Wells. If you are curious, yes, Aramis is my father, and his donation of both equipment and teaching time to me has been instrumental in enabling KYMN News to produce high-quality pictures.
Wells is an astro and landscape photographer, with a large collection of pictures of the Northern Lights, stars, and three solar eclipses. His journey as a photographer started at a young age on a trip with his grandparents while he had a small point-and-shoot camera:
“And as a kid I got to use this little Kodak pocket instamatic 110 camera it’s kind of a point and shoot cassette film camera and the first photos I ever took were at Mount Rushmore and the photos I got back from that little trip were kind of amazing and kind of a great way to sink your hooks into photography.” – Aramis Wells, Local Photographer & Owner of Flashover Photo (KYMN News Audio File)
Pictures by Aramis Wells (Top) a scene of the Northfield Fire Fighters during the October Fire Prevention Month Open House; (left) star trails and the northern lights at the KYMN Radio tour north of Northfield; (right) Northern Lights over the Waterford Historic Bridge.
Among the work the Wells will have on display will include a series of pictures about Winter on Lake Superior. He stated that he hoped the pictures were inspiring and encouraged people to see some of the amazing natural sites in Minnesota:
“They are hanging on the wall with the intent of trying to get people to look at them and go man I wish I were there I wish I could do that and you can and so it’s it’s kind of a kick in the butt to go hey let’s go out and explore the same places because they’re really amazing and we live in Minnesota surrounded by all these really cool amazing places like the North Shore and yeah get out and enjoy them.” – Aramis Wells, Local Photographer & Owner of Flashover Photo (KYMN News Audio File)
You can see more of Wells’ work on his website flashoverphoto.com, and we will have posted information about all of the artists and their work on our website in today’s news.
The reception is tonight from 5pm to 7pm and is free and open to all. The current galleries are open at the Paradise until August 9th.
Information About all of the Artists in the Paradise
Minnesota Mosaic Guild
Established in 2004, the Minnesota Mosaic Guild brings together people interested in mosaic art to celebrate the medium, pursue educational opportunities, and share our work. Guild members span a variety of artistic backgrounds and experience levels, and live throughout the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, and in surrounding states. We exhibit our work regionally, attend mosaic conferences nationally, and travel for mosaic workshops and tours abroad.
If you are interested in making mosaics, whether as a complete beginning crafter or as an advanced artist, we encourage you to contact us. We host in-person meetings with virtual access, and are always excited to connect with others to promote the joy of mosaics!
mnmosaicguild@gmail.com
www.minnesotamosaicguild.com
Dana Lacina
Hi, my name is Dana Lacina. I’m 75 years old and live in Victoria, MN with Ollie, my 5-year-old Havanese.
I grew up in Minnetonka, MN, and graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1967. As crazy as it may seem, nearly 60 years later, I’m still hanging out regularly with my three high school besties!
My husband passed away two days before Christmas in 2022. After he passed, I struggled to find a purpose or a sense of accomplishment in my daily life… I felt stuck.
Out of nowhere came a random thought that I should start painting. I researched how to watercolor paint, watched watercolor artists, practiced, and learned some of their techniques. It wasn’t long before I was creating humble paintings of my own.
Now I know that the casual idea to start painting wasn’t “out of nowhere”. The excitement, passion, and pure enjoyment I felt came directly from the Lord. I like to pray as I create, sometimes surprised at the outcome…I must admit, not always is that “outcome” a good surprise! I am grateful every time I sit down to paint. It’s a blessing that brings me JOY every single day.
My style? I guess I don’t really have a style. I find pleasure in painting everything from whimsical to spiritual, from wide-eyed silly characters to flowers and angels. It all makes me happy.
Thank you for viewing some of my artwork. I hope you feel blessed by the experience and leave the gallery with a warm heart and a big smile.
God Bless!
Marisa L. Shackleford
Marisa Shackleford is an artist based in Faribault, MN. Marisa creates colorful pieces using the wet-on-wet technique with oil paint. Her style is casual and laid-back, reflecting her upbringing here in town. She believes that art should be approachable and relatable, which is why she strays away from traditional, stuffy techniques. Marisa’s education in art has been a journey in self-discovery, allowing her to develop her own unique style. Through her art, she hopes to bring joy and a bit of playfulness into people’s lives. She started painting with oils in 2023. Marisa has sold several paintings online.
Trudi Schaefer
Trudi is an assemblage artist. She collects things. Be it beads, bones, clock works or chandelier parts. Trudi collects old wooden cheese boxes and sewing machine drawers.
She also collects words and phrases. When one inspires her, she begins sifting through all of her treasures, finding things that connect with those words and with each other as an “interpretation”.
Trudi loves getting lost in the treasure hunt and fine-tuning all the parts until they speak as one.
Monica Wilder
Dedication
The best compliment I have ever received is “you remind me of your grandma.” Kathleen (Kathi) Wilder accomplished so much in her life. Yet, unknowingly, I achieved very similar things. My grandma was a painter, a librarian, a teacher, a prop maker, a costume designer, and much more. If you know me, a lot of those adjectives might be familiar. Although she can’t see this gallery in person, she is with me every time I pick up a paintbrush. This gallery is in memory of you, “Gramma” Kathi.
Artist Statement
My favorite part of painting is recreating beautiful things I see in everyday life. I love to capture life’s fleeting moments, like a common dormouse eating pollen in a tulip. An image I found online (Same Place, Different Times by Alex Hyner) inspired me to attempt watercolor instead of my normal acrylic medium. Even though the finished product is not perfect, I learned several techniques by completing it. I also love painting scenes from my favorite movies, like Rapunzel’s Tower from Disney’s Tangled. This project helped me discover that I enjoy adding the smallest of details to my pieces.
Painting provides immense joy in my life. Being able to create anything I want for myself and the people I love is a privilege I am so glad to have. For my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding, I painted the Cathedral of Notre Dame in the style of the Disney movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This painting meant so much to them because my brother met his wife in the stage production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame on the Paradise stage. For my mom’s birthday this year, I decided to paint the various birds she gets at her feeder. These paintings were such a blessing to her. That is the best feeling in the world. To be able to share my talents with those around me.
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