any people might not think of the Red River Valley as a destination for nationally renowned artists and their art, but thanks to the Red River Watercolor Society, that is not the case. The 21st annual National Juried Watermedia Exhibit is upon us; and that means area residents will have the opportunity to take in exquisite art from all over the world. According to the exhibit’s director, Donna Chalimonczyk, the event is the only time international art is brought to the F/M area. Chalimonczyk and Assistant Director Anne Kaese act as the women behind the scenes to create what has become the flagship event for the RRWS.
The RRWS was founded in 1989 when three Fargo artists with a desire to learn more about watercolor painting decided to start an art organization in Fargo. Previous to the society’s inception, area artists had to travel quite a distance to attend an art workshop. Now, the RRWS has grown from that first seed to an organization of approximately 190 members representing twenty-one states and Canada. This nonprofit volunteer organization serves to promote the interest, display, and education in watercolor and other water-based media both regionally and nationally.
The National Exhibit comes off seamlessly every year, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t take months of preparation and work. Known internationally for its organization and merit, the exhibit is a culmination of the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. “Work begins one year ahead of time,” Chalimonczyk explained, adding that over 25 volunteers are required to make the event happen. “These guys really know what they are doing,” she said. “People keep stepping up.”
The Exhibit is designed to not only showcase amazing art, but also to expose the society’s members to a nationally renowned artist. Each year, the exhibit’s juror also teaches a five-day art seminar. The 2014 juror is Michael Reardon, a watercolor painter from Oakland, California. Reardon has been painting for over twenty five years. According to his website, he is an avid traveler and uses watercolor to “record his observations, convey a sense of place and light, and communicate his impressions of the built, natural, and imagined worlds.” Reardon is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West, and the California Watercolor Association. More information and examples of his work can be found at www.mreardon.com.
One of the goals of the exhibit is to expose the general public to a variety of art. “We like to mix it up and keep it fresh,” explained Kaese. Indeed, the diversity of the entrants is one of the things that make the event so special. It is the largest watercolor show in the area between Minneapolis, Seattle, and Denver. “It is a very unique opportunity,” Kaese said. The exhibit does not exclusively focus on international art, however. The show’s accolades include a “Red River Award,” which is given to a local artist. “It is celebration of local as well as national art,” Kaese said.
Education and awareness have always been priorities for the Society. According to Chalimonczyk, the participation of the public is vital to the success of the show. “We want to make sure people are educated and exposed,” she said. The National Exhibit includes an awards reception on June 17th from 6:00 to 8:30pm. The general public is invited to attend. Chalimonczyk would like to encourage the public to participate in the event. “It is a time for people to visit with the artists themselves, not just view the art,” she said. Kaese echoed those sentiments, “We want the exhibit to be an experience, not just a picture on the wall.”
Kaese has been leading school children through the exhibit for several years as part of Fargo’s summer enrichment program. She asks children three questions, each of which can be used to facilitate dialogue between visitors of all ages.
· Which painting do you think is the best?
· Which painting is your favorite?
· Which painting do you wish you had painted yourself?
Fostering an environment that encourages discussion and creates a dialogue based on art awareness and appreciation is the goal of the RRWS.
The 21st National Juried Watermedia Exhibition runs from June 16 to July 26 at the Hjemkomst Center Gallery in Moorhead. Docent tours led by RRWS artist volunteers are available June 29, July 13, and July 20 from 1:30 to 3:00pm.
In addition, “Splashdown!” will be taking place on July 15. As part of the exhibit, the public is invited to paint alongside a RRWS artist. Participants will be provided with a pre-drawn image, paints, and brushes. A RRWS artist will paint the same image while giving specific instructions on color mixing and how to apply the wait. The goal of the event is for everyone to walk out with a completed watercolor painting.
The Watermedia Exhibition will likely once again be spectacular thanks to the work of all the volunteers involved. Special recognition, however, needs to go to Chalimonczyk and Kaese. Without their selfless leadership and commitment, the exhibit would likely be a very different event.
