“Art is a unifying force for the community and has the power to transform and inform,” stated Alan Ochocki, who is the Museum Exhibitions Coordinator and Facilities Manager. “The Rourke Art Gallery Museum has played a unique and valuable role in the cultural landscape of the Moorhead area for more than fifty years. As a community art institution, the Rourke sustained our shared artistic and cultural heritage. We are proud and honored to be a part of the Moorhead community.”
The Rourke was founded as an art gallery in the 1960s by James O’Rourke dedicated to showcasing regional talent. In 1996, the organization moved to its present location, the former Moorhead Post Office, and the Moorhead City Office Building on Main Avenue. The move allowed for an increased roster of artists with connections to the region, and also artists with more national and international profiles. The museum’s permanent collection now encompasses approximately 4,000 pieces. The collection includes a significant regional art collection, important 20th century artists, and global collections.
Ochocki has served in his present position as the primary liaison with the artists and to develop the exhibits since November 2011. He is a homegrown Moorhead resident, graduating from Moorhead High School and from MSUM with a BA degree with an emphasis on sculpture. Prior to joining the Rourke, he worked at a group home for developmentally disabled adults. In his last year of college, he volunteered as a Rourke gallery attendant and discovered his true passion for art.
His older brother shares Ochocki’s interest in art, and graduated from UND with a Fine Arts degree and presently lives in California. Ochocki’s parents are now retired and still reside in Moorhead, but enjoy their passion of traveling and exploring the beauty of what the world has to offer.
In his role as Exhibitions Coordinator, Ochocki coordinates the aspects of the exhibition and collaborates with the communications and educational staff on materials and outreach. In addition, he oversees the physical organization and installation of exhibitions. As the Facilities Manager, he is responsible for the general maintenance of the 100-year-old building that houses the Museum.
The Rourke offers many opportunities for local businesses to partner with the museum. The business community should not underestimate the power and importance of art because arts organizations contribute a tremendous amount to the economic health of a community. There is a distinct and undeniable link between creativity and the quality of life in a community, as well as between commerce and art. Having a strong arts community makes an area more desirable for businesses and citizens alike, because arts patrons spend 137% more in the community. Moreover, tourists who come to a town specifically for an arts event spend twice as much during their trip than average tourists.
Businesses can become involved in many different ways. Business sponsors can rent art pieces from the permanent collection for exhibition at their business location. Museum curators will visit the business, discuss the company’s brand, goals, and the kind of environment desired and help with the selection to fulfill the desired atmosphere. Event sponsorships are also available through concert series or exhibits.
The Rourke staff hopes that our citizens see the Rourke as a resource that exists for them. All are welcome. “Art is for everyone,” said Ochocki, and “it really can be quite interesting and fun.”
Alan Ochocki
Rourke Art Museum
521 Main Avenue
Moorhead, MN 56560
218.236.8861
