BY Susana Kuehne, Contributing Writer
Tuesday, the Sherburne County Historical Center hosted their first Becker Art Festival to display 2D and 3D fine art works.
Last year, the Becker Community Center gave local artists and high school students a chance to display their work. While it was a great opportunity for the participants, many felt there was not enough room, so they contacted the Sherburne County Historical Center (SCHC) in hopes of reserving a larger space next time.
Members of the Becker Area Community Arts Committee brought the idea to the programs coordinator at the history center, Karah Hawkinson, who helped them organize the art festival this year. Michael Brubaker, executive director at the SCHC, said many people supported the launch of this event including community education leaders.
Barbara Gulbrandson, facilitator on the arts committee, commented, “The purpose of starting all of this is that we wanted to bring a local culture of art to Becker so people didn’t have to go to St. Cloud or Minneapolis just to see or buy pieces. It was also our hope that by choosing the SCHC as the location for the art festival, we would make the community more aware of all the wonderful exhibits in the history center.”
Six participants proudly shared their work at the Becker Art Festival: Michael Brubaker (photography), Susan Dunbar (paintings and stoneware), Barb Gulbrandson (oil paintings), Joanne Kraft (oil paintings), Jodi Pederson (acrylic paintings), and Tom Sheldon (wood carvings).
“My favorite part is being around the mixed media and different artists,” said artist Susan Dunbar. “When we meet, we can enjoy a variety of art and get to know each other better.”
The Becker Art Festival kicked off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday with an invite-only reception, then was open to the public at 6 p.m. that evening. For the rest of the week, the area was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (different hours on Saturday) for visitors to come take a peek at the talent and purchase items. The Clear Lake Lions gifted funds to help with advertising costs and food for the reception; they also generously assisted with planning.
The Becker Area Community Arts Committee formed almost three years ago and welcomes all with an interest for art to join their group. If they continue to receive support, the Becker Art Festival will be back around next year!
