The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Fresh Voices – Celebrating 30 Years of Photography in Crookston, an exhibit featuring photographs by Crookston Latino community members at the Historic Fournet Building in downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 16 pieces of art by 14 artists. All are photography and digital work, including portraits, self-portraits, and family portraits.
About the exhibit, In Progress Director Kristine Sorenson said, “Having this exhibit at the Fournet provides an opportunity to see Crookston through the lives and experiences of its Latino community. These photographs and stories remind us that Latino families have been part of this community for generations — working, raising families, serving others, and helping shape the place we call home. It is important that these stories are seen, remembered, and recognized as part of Crookston’s history.”
The exhibit includes Felipe Hernandez’s digital collage titled “My Life As A Boxer.” He shared, “This is what is most important to me: my life as a boxer, my faith, and my heritage. Staying as a resident of Crookston allows me to give back to my community, stay close to my family and get a good “home cooked” meal from my mom.”
Morgen Arguelles and Xavier Tavera submitted their photograph, “Service” – a Portrait of McKenzie Schmiedt. They explained, “McKenzie Schmiedt joined the National Guard while still in high school. Since then, she has trained, served communities in crisis, and responded during times of turmoil. Her service continues a long tradition of military service within her Latino family. Born and raised in Crookston, McKenzie now raises her own child in the community.”
An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet on Saturday, October 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. The event will include light snacks and live music.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit, open through December, at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor, where the gallery is located in the atrium. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8;00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to visit the exhibit.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/BqgRLunumAo or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Call 218-745-8886, ext 1 to reach our office during regular business hours.
