The University of North Dakota and Grand Forks community is filled with unique opportunities to view and create artwork. One of the most accessible ways for students to view art is to visit the North Dakota Museum of Art, located right at the heart of campus. New exhibits are always coming and going, and it can be an exciting experience to see new works of art as they change throughout the year.
Along with the art displayed in the museum, there are also various works of art on display throughout campus, especially in the newer buildings. The Memorial Union, Hughes Fine Arts Center, Nistler Hall, and Merrifield Hall are a few examples of places that are filled with artwork curated by the North Dakota Art Museum.
Along with this, UND’s permanent art collection is housed at The Empire Arts Center in downtown Grand Forks. This collection includes works by Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol and is rotated every few months.
Located just down the street from the Empire’s gallery is Browning Arts Gallery and its neighbor, “You Are Here” Gallery. Browning Arts Gallery showcases the art of over fifty different local artists all varying in their choice of medium. Similarly, the “You Are Here” Gallery features various local artists’ work, finished and in progress. It is also home to the work of the well-known local artist, Adam Kemp.
Just around the corner from these galleries you can find the Alley of Love. This is an art filled alleyway that is dedicated to local chef, Kim Holmes. It is also located near the beloved Urban Stampede coffee shop and connects the various small parks of downtown that are all lined with local artwork. This unique area is important to bringing art and nature into the downtown area.
If you have spent any time downtown Grand Forks, you may have noticed big metal light pillars with squiggled lines and blue markings on them and may have wondered where they came from. These are the works of Bandman Design Bd Mixed Metals and are meant to represent the Red River and what it means to the Grand Forks community along with marking the highest point of the 1997 flood. Badman’s Design is owned by David Badman and has been a staple location in the Grand Forks art scene for over thirty years creating unique pieces through metal working.
Although the art scene downtown and on campus is flourishing, there are also other places around town to view or participate in the making of artwork, such as Muddy Waters Clay Center. They have an art gallery that showcases the works of local artists as well as various classes for those interested in learning how to create their own unique pieces.
These are just a few locations to create art or simply view local and regional artwork in the Grand Forks community. The community is constantly growing or holding various events such as the annual summer Art Fest. It can be exciting to explore new places and learn about the art that is created there while supporting local artists.
Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
