Nelson County Arts Council Winter Art Auction

NCAC Winter Art Auction
March 13, 2011

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#04
Susan Olson
Binford ND
Title: Better Than Average
Medium: Mosaic

The Nelson County Arts Council
would like to thank all the online
bidders that participated in the 2011
Winter Art Auction. We hope that
you enjoyed the experience as much
as we appreciated your involvement.
Through the online auction and the
live auction we raised $5975.00
to help finance the
Stump Lake Fine Arts Youth Camp.

#01
Anna Jacobson
Grand Forks
Title: r.Iron.o 10108
Medium: Red Iron Oxide Monoprint
Dimensions: 19 x 15” Framed

#03
Josh Hagen
Michigan, ND
Title: Who’s Watching Who
Medium: Photography
Dimensions: 13 x 16” Framed

I became interested in mosaic about 10 years ago when I smashed a light fixture then proceeded to try to mosaic a small gourd.
There were many curves in the glass and little knowledge on my part so it was not a fine project in the end. It earned the name
"Suicide Pear" because there were so many sharp edges one needed to handle it w/ care or get out the bandaids. Since then I've
discovered numerous found items to apply tesserae. This time it is a bowling ball. It is much better now then when it was used to try
to increase my bowling average every week. Thus the name......"BETTER THAN AVERAGE".

Landscapes give me such serenity that I am compelled to try to take them with me through my paintings.

#02
Mary Weaver
Grand Forks ND
Title: Little River
Medium: Oil
Dimensions: 11 x 13 Framed

Having horses of my own I don't have to look far for inspiration in my artwork. Horse culture has played a big part in North Dakota's
history and continues to enrich the lives of many of our great states' inhabitants.

#05
Andrew Knudson
Towner ND
Title: The ole gray
mare…
Medium: Mixed, Oil on
Feather
Dimensions: 13 x 19”
Framed

#06
Elizabeth Stromme
Kloten ND
Title: Seta Experiment #1
Medium: Mixed, Silk and
flour paste
Dimensions: 6 1/2" x 6"
diameter.

This is just me in February, experimenting with Silk. Instead of a papier-mache vase, the question was- could I come up with one
made only of silk, flour and water. After making three different forms and completing one of them the answer was yes. The silk-mache
base is collaged with scraps of painted silk and varnished. Elizabeth is a small studio artist, mostly self-taught, who works in various
art disciplines that stretch from fiber to painting. Experimenting with the melding of the two has been her focus for the past few years.
She is currently the Vice President of the NCAC.

#09
N. Boyd Hagen
Michigan
Title: What Secrets
Yet Lie Round the
Bend
Medium: Watercolor
Dimensions: 13.5 x
16.5” Framed

#08
Jackie Uthus
Grand Forks ND
Title: Steely Night Tapestry
Medium: Fabric, Crystal
Beads
Dimensions: 28” H x 18.5” W
When hung, approximately
38” long

#07
Josh Hagen
Michigan
Title: Ghosts of the
Past
Medium: Photography
Dimensions: 13 x 16”
Framed

#10
Jennifer Parker
Tolna ND
Title: Dragon Flower
Medium: Colored
Pencil
Dimensions: 11" x 14”
Framed

Art was a passion as long as I can remember…why did I need schooling. Being raised on a farm, I had everything I needed – coloring
books, mud for sculpting and the occasional can of spray paint that caused a few uneasy moments for me with parents and
grandparents. If it was on the farm, I could find a creative use for it.
My early schooling was in the Tolna ND public school, Lustre Christian School and at home. While in high school, I took an art course
from the Art Instruction School in Minneapolis and attended the International Music Camp for visual art. After high school graduation, I
enrolled in the Northwest Technical College in Moorhead MN for commercial art and then attended Collins College in Tempe AZ
to study visual art.
Over all…nothing has taught me as much as being out in the nature of this beautiful ND prairie!

#11
N. Boyd Hagen
Michigan
Title: Looking for
Lunch
Medium:
Watercolor
Dimensions: 15 x
19” Framed

#12
Betty Breckheimer
Pekin
Title: Untitled Garden
Art
Medium: Found
Objects
Dimensions: 26” H X
10” Diameter

Over the years, I have purchased several yard sale items such as dishes, vases, lamps – you name it, I bought it. Not knowing exactly
what I wanted to do with them, they were placed in storage in my basement. As a collector and one who appreciates art in all forms, I
knew that within that pile of stored items there was a piece of art waiting to be created. Garden art is seen in all shapes, sizes and forms
using found objects. I have found it to be a fun use for my collection of yard sale items – sometimes they come together to create an
interesting piece – sometimes not, but they are always a conversational piece of art in the garden.

#13
Michael Dunn
Fargo
Title: Rooster Study I
Medium: Pastel
Dimensions: 16 x 22”
Double Matted

An artist can grow only if he or she is willing to empty their cup of knowledge and refill it by creating new challenges. These challenges
allow one to explore and study the nature of multiple mediums.
I am fortunate to be an art educator and a practicing professional artist. As a visual arts educator, it is my responsibility to understand
multiple mediums and apply that knowledge in my teaching. As an educator, I have the opportunity to share my art experiences with my
students. Sharing my artistic challenges, as well as celebrations, allows my students to see me as a pupil as well as an instructor. It is
a valuable reflection of learning for them as well as for myself

#14
Jon Offutt
Fargo ND
Title: North of
Jamestown 2010
Medium: Blown Glass
Dimensions: 4.25” H
x 4.25 Dia

#15
Jessica Christy
Valley City/Grand Forks
Title: The Living Room’s
Picasso Blue
Medium: Lithograph
Dimensions: 11 X 10”,
Framed

In The Living Room’s Picasso Blue, the subject becomes representative of societal habits within American culture. Aspects of the
subject's life are sorted and displayed in a manner that blends basic necessity with material hopes. The imagery not only magnifies the
context of society, but alludes to the patchwork of American life.

#16
Linda Whitney
Valley City ND
Title: Sunkawankan Tonca
Medium: Intaglio/Mezzotint
Dimensions: Framed,
double matted
17' x 15"

New Intaglios is a body of work consisting of full color intaglios and mezzotints. Thematically the images are connected but do trek off in
two different directions. Technically each edition involves considerable attention to detail and time. The color intaglios consist of five
plates each inked with a different color and printed in a dedicated order. The mezzotints are developed on hand rocked plates.

Thematic content, in the color intaglios and a number of the mezzotints, is derived from a collision of childhood memories of fairytales
and early television shows with the political ramifications of those experiences. In my childhood ruminations I prefer the character
actors rather than the stars of the tale or show. Tonto, Natasha, the Queen of Hearts, and even the Wicked Witch of the West hold far
more interest for my young sensibilities than the Masked Man and the other heroes of the stories.

The Horse mezzotints are born from research, developed with a lot of wishful thinking, and then filtered through a contemporary point of
view. I am intrigued by societies rich in imbedded belief systems and texture of ritual. I am fascinated by the way groups, historically
and contemporarily, structure the day upon ceremonies, beliefs, and rituals. I appropriate interesting images or concepts from these
various cultural fabrics, add a bit of contemporary color, and weave it all into my idea of a cultural horse image.

Although seemingly disparate, work created from childhood memories and from adult research spring from similar place. In both the
images and my remembrances are appropriated and darkened with contemporary political meaning. The narrative is realized in full
color intaglio or mezzotint printed on BFK Rives Heavyweight.

#17
Tam Goodman
Wisthoff
Towner
Title: Barefoot II
Medium: Oil
Dimensions: 23 x
19 Framed

#18
Michael Dunn
Fargo ND
Title: Near Grama’s Place
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 22 x19”
Matted

#19
Monte Yellow Bird
Black Pinto Horse
Great Falls MT
Title: Red Star Arikara
Scout
Medium: Colored pencil on
General Store Ledger, cir
1805,Wareheim, MA
Dimensions: Framed
15" x 20"

#20
Doug Pfliger
Minot ND
Title: Doug’s Dogs
#179 Up/Down
Medium: Mixed, wood,
metal, paint
Dimensions: Up, 5.5”
length, 9” high, 5” wide
Down, 8.5” length,
8.5” high, 5” wide

#21
Jeffrey Hoff
Jamestown ND
Title: Tundra
Swans
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions:
Framed
12" x 14.5"

#22
Monte Breckheimer
Pekin ND
Title: Russian Folk
Medium: Oil and
Acrylic
Dimensions: 18 ½
X 16” Framed

#23
Bill Rivas
Lakota ND
Title: Hey,
Shredded Wheat
Medium: Oil
Dimensions: 16”
x 20” Framed

I choose the hay bale as subject matter because they are a ubiquitous part of the North Dakota landscape as well as a reminder of what
time in the year it is. Without the prairie's bounty of grass and crops there would be no hay bales and therefore no us on the prairie.
It is one painting from a series, for several years now I have been doing paintings of the round hay bales. Sometimes they are an
element in a bigger landscape and sometimes like the one in the auction they stand pretty much alone. The textural quality of the shaggy
bale attracts me first and foremost. The round shape is always appealing to me and one I use frequently in my sculpture work. The
many colors in the bales coupled with great shadows give me plenty of contrasts to work with.
Using a pallet knife with oil paint is my way of rending an object or subject. Each painting starts as a blank white canvas and we have a
stare down until I finally begin filling in the blanks. The choosing of a subject to paint can be a lengthy process and deciding when the
painting is complete always changes.
I appreciate the opportunity to help the NCAC in its mission. Art in whatever form can be underrated or overrated but the fact is we can't
live without it and be complete as humans.

#24
Josh Hagen
Michigan
Title: Light From Above
Medium: Photography
Dimensions: 13 x 16”
Frame

#25
Susan Morrissey
Valley City ND
Title: Man With Pipe
Medium: Mixed
Dimensions: 31" x
21", Framed

#26
Robert Kurkowski
Fargo ND
Untitled
Medium: Raku Fired
Clay
Dimension: 8” H

#27
Adam Kemp
Grand Forks ND
Acrylic
Title: How Cold Is It
Dimension: 24 X 30”
Unframed

One of the first observations I made during my first winter in North Dakota was the brightness of the savage winter – amazingly beautiful
bright light. Over the past ten years, I have often walked the woods along the Red River near Grand Forks and have tried to capture the
beauty of the winter light on the trees in my painting. I think I “nailed” it with this one – got lucky and didn’t over paint it. I worked on
location during a cold fresh morning and as I painted I had a real sense of celebration of the trees and light. I returned to the studio to
complete the work knowing I wasn’t going to have to walk through the trees again for this particular painting.

#28
David Paukert
Michigan ND
Title: Snow Fence
Medium:
Photography
Dimension: 12’ x 16”
Framed

#29
Guillermo Guardia
Grand Forks ND
Title: Blue and Red
Puppy
Medium: Ceramics
cone 6 underglazes
Dimensions: 12” x 9”
x 7”

When I started playing with clay, I was just a little kid, trying to have fun creating my own little world of monsters, warriors, spaceships,
heroes and villains. It wasn’t real clay for ceramic, it was only oil clay but more than enough for me to create and to keep me interested
in this media for most of my young years. I was and am still very influenced by the renaissance years, the great masters of that time,
and by my Peruvian heritage, the ancient pre-Colombian cultures like Nazca, Chimú, Mochica.
My desire to learn more about ceramics brought me to U.S.A. In 2005 I earned my MFA at The University of North Dakota, and now I work
for the ND Museum of Art in Grand Forks.
My artwork ranges from what I call Baby Devils and the Puzzles Pieces sculptures. Each one deals with different issues from social and
political statements to more personal experiences.
I also work in a relative new series of figures. They are llamas, dogs or cats. They are much more simple in appearance compared to
the baby devils or the puzzles, but allow me to say something different. They have a more simple form, and are easier and more relaxing
to make, but it doesn’t mean they are boring. Their cartoonish look makes them friendlier and more approachable to the viewer. I believe
when I put them together in a group they make me think of them as people, and how people behave or react when they are in a group. I
began with puppies, cats and now I am making a large number of llamas. Blue and Red Puppy is one in these series of figures in 2010.

#30
Theresa Paul
Edgeley
Title: Cocoanut and
Walnut
Medium: Mixed
stones, cocoanut,
walnut
Dimensions: 19” long
w/3” extender,
pendant is 2” round,
2.5” drop from ear

#31
Michelle Lindblom
Bismarck ND
Title: Riverbed
Untamed II
Medium:
Monotype
Dimensions: 17 x
22”, Framed

#32
Linda Olson
Minot ND
Title: Gray Bottle Vase
Medium: Porcelain
Dimensions: 6.5" tall
6" diameter

#33
Donna
Chalimonczyk
Fargo ND
Title: Setting
Sun
Medium:
Acrylic
Dimensions:
14.5 x 28.5”
Framed

#34
Don Paul
Edgley ND
Title: Flaming
Chalice
Medium: Mixed,
Copper, Brass,
Scoria Rock, Tibet
Wood
Dimensions: 11” w x
7” deep x 8” h

My new series of work, “Dakota Horizons”, is a response to my travels through the region. The bold horizon line of the prairie allows for
an examination of the nuances of light and perspective. The vastness of the sky demands a sensitive depiction of atmosphere. The
longer one looks at the topography of the sweeping grasslands the more they will notice their subtle richness.

Our last home was graced by trees that dropped a daily abundance of twigs. Before each mow, a twig pickup was required and the
twigs seemed to be a friendly art material. Man with Pipe, is one from a series in which I used the twigs to create form in a less
conscious way than my usual approach.

I applied the twigs randomly to a support, then coated the entirety in black. I let the major lines I saw in the composition of the twigs
direct me to this abstraction of the man, which I would not have come to in another way.

Whether Tam Goodman Wisthoff is painting in her flower gardens, in the fields of North Dakota or in the Tuscany Vallley in Italy, she
brings her love of nature into her paintings and her love for life. To show her appreciation, she has hidden scripture in all of her original
pieces.
"Barefoot II" is calling you to walk this mysterious, winding path to find a sparkling waterfall at the end of it's trail. Paths are hard to
resist following, they seem to call you. This one is in Montana's gorgeous Glacier National Park.

My work has always been about color, movement and texture. This is how I prefer to visually respond to the environment in which I
live. These elements continue to supersede any need to portray particular and literally translated subject matter. I often abstract the
subject matter either subconsciously or consciously in order for the color, movement and texture to be seen, felt and experienced at
first glance. Viewers can then formulate their own conclusion as to what they perceive beyond that initial impression.
Michelle Lindblom was born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota. Her formal education includes a Bachelors Degree in Art (Visual
Art) from the University of New Orleans, LA; a Master’s of Science Degree (Educational Administration) and a Master’s in Fine Art from
the University of North Dakota. Besides working as a professional artist in her downtown Bismarck studio, Michelle is an Associate
Professor of Art and serves as the Chair of the Arts and Communication Department. Michelle lives in Bismarck with her husband
Doug Eggert, daughter Mckenzie and three dogs Dixie, Ginger and Sophie.

Being from the flat plains of rural North Dakota, I have learned the value of the simple beauty. My work is not filled with complex details. I
focus on the textures and line of the landscape around me. I grew up on a small family-owned organic farm. The family farm lifestyle
and the fundamentals of organic farming have been ingrained in me by parents and are thus the basis of my work. Organic farming is a
process that works with nature’s cycles. It is a holistic management of the land, which ideally ensures that the land and the animals on
that land can support each other for generations. The family farm is where I learned the value of nature – from the biology lessons with
animals to studying astronomy by watching the constellations in the star-scattered sky. Growing up in such an unconventional lifestyle
found its voice in the imagery and process of my work.

Dr. Hagen has been practicing medicine in Nelson County for 40 years and was born and raised in Devil’s Lake. His ancestors came
from Norway and those of his mother’s (the Bryns) homesteaded near Grand Harbor in 1883.
Doc Hagen feels a strong tie to the land, the land ethic and the creatures who reside there. He renewed his interest in watercolor
though the Nelson County Arts Council and a class given by watercolorist Michael Dunn of Morehead, Mn.
To Doc, Albert Einstein’s words ring true, when he said...”the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; it is the true
source of all true Art and Science.”

This tapestry is woven from a variety of yarns and ribbons, both natural fibers like wool and cotton, and synthetic fibers like acrylic and
nylon. I chose colors that are significant North Dakota landscape colors in mid-winter: white, gray, blue and shades and variations
thereof. I wove it on a standard upright tapestry loom and used a silver plumbing pipe as the horizontal support across the top. I knitted
two of the fibers, a wool and a glittery ribbon, together as I-cord to serve as the hanger. Clear crystal beads and steely blue and gray
beads are also incorporated. My initial thought was that this be used as a window dressing as it will afford some measure of privacy,
but also allow light through.
My inspiration for this piece came from my winter surroundings along the Red River in North Dakota…bone chilling cold, dark, long
periods of time that are punctuated occasionally by sun that causes the snow to glitter and sparkle.
I create a variety of art and use many mediums in my studio in Grand Forks, ND: pottery, fused glass, paintings, weavings and feltings.
My favorite themes are related to home and family.

“I’m just a man who makes pots”. This piece is just that, a pot. I made it with the aesthetic intent of making something useful,
pleasing to view and give delight to its owner. Simple goals, but, like all simple things, surprisingly difficult to achieve. My hope is
you find it as I intended.

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$125

Reserve: $75
SOLD!
$90

Reserve: $50
SOLD!
$80

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$225

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$275

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$100

Reserve: $50
SOLD!
$75

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$80

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$225

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$50

Reserve: $100
Current Bid:
SOLD!
$125

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$60

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$100

Reserve: $100
Current Bid:
SOLD!
$150

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$100

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$150

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$175

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$275

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$150

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$500

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$325

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$200

Reserve: $50
Current Bid:
SOLD!
$60

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$325

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$75

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$225

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$100

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$150

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$125

Reserve: $100
SOLD!
$200

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$75

Reserve: $50
Current Bid:
SOLD! $150

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$250

Josh Hagen was born and raised in McVille, ND. Josh Studied at Jamestown College and later received his Masters at the Savannah
College of Art and Design where he also met his wife to be, Michelle Lynch. They then moved to Los Angeles where Josh began
working mainly in film as a storyboard artist, a conceptual illustrator and a sculptor. Later they moved back to North Dakota where
osh continues to work in film and television. Josh has always had a fascination with finding unique moments either through his
artwork or photography.

Combining basic natural materials into simple shapes using a minimum number of steps can produce elegant decorative and/or
functional results. Some of my work incorporates copper, brass, bamboo, mica, and wood in a manner which emphasizes each
materials most interesting characteristics while complimenting the other elements. Alternatively, a single material can be manipulated
into multiple forms and shapes through the use of various processes with each process building upon the previous one.
My recent foray into the field of Fold-Forming copper is leading me into new and interesting processes which result in one-of-a-kind
sculptural pieces. I am eagerly exploring this challenging new art form and plan to pursue it as far as possible.

Nelson
County
Arts
Council

Waterfowl have always been something I enjoy to paint. Getting out in the field and observing the wildlife in their natural habitat is
something I can never get enough of. A few years back, I was fortunate to get the opportunity to observe some Tundra Swans on a
refuge near the coast of North Carolina. “Tundra Swans” is a painting that I had completed as a result from that trip.

How often are we gifted a sunset so spectacular that we are overwhelmed by its majesty. Traveling along a local highway one evening
just before twilight - I was presented with such a gift. Of course, no camera! When I arrived home, I quickly sketched what I could
remember and over the next few days I was able to come up with what my memory was able to recall. The highlights on the buildings
and landscape are what impressed me the most - along with the rolling and tumbling landscape. Hopefully, this painting will recall
similar gifts of nature for you.

Artist Statement:

I express my love for working with and creating beautiful things through designing jewelry. I especially love the flow and sense of
movement which can be achieved by sculpting pieces from silver, copper and gold filled wire. Combining these designs with a wide
variety of beads and semi-preciou stones, I strive to contribute to the art of adornment with delicate, dramatic, fun and unique jewelry.
My present enjoyment is experimenting with making fun and funky
jewelry. By using beads made from coconut, fresh water pearls, gold fill
and gold plated chain and bit of walnut I've combined a tribute to things
from nature of with my love of the Caribbean. My hope is that each piece will serve as wearable art, to be constantly enjoyed by the
person wearing it.

Artist Statement:

This series of “Doug’s Dogs” was started in 2005, and originally called “Scrap Pile Dogs”. The use of found objects in their
construction adds to their intentional folksy quality and gives them their unexpected role as faithful friend and companion is clearly
defined. To date more than 175 dog forms have been created but now and then a cat and bird have been creeping in. Dog-shaped
household object such as oil lamps and purely decorative figures of dogs were popular in ancient Roman homes, and the very
Roman tradition of an image of a dog inscribed with the words ‘cave canem’ or ‘beware of dog’, persists today. Doug’s Dogs have
been released to good homes as they do not bark or bite, require only an occasional dusting, and will not chew up your favorite pair
of shoes.

Artist Statement:

While browsing around in my junk box, I found a book entitled Zhostovo Style Russian Folk Art. I noticed that the technique was a lot like
Rosmaling, a style that I have worked with in the past and enjoy. I decided to give it a try and found that it was a lot of fun watching the
flower petals and leaves pop out in vivid color. It is certainly a folk art style I may try again.

Artist Statement:

#35
Judi Koemstadt
Fargo ND
Title: Lookin ‘Em
Over
Medium: Watercolor
Dimensions: 16” x
20” Framed

I got inspired by the shapes of these old racecars and made them my own. The addition of the old gas station persona is from my
memories as a child.

Current Bid:
SOLD!
$125

Artist Statement:

David Paukert, Michigan ND landscape photographer, has been an art educator in the ND public schools for the past twenty-eight years.
He retired in 2009 to further develop his prairie note card and gift business, Pastime Prints. As a North Dakota native, David has always
found the prairie to be an inspiration in his photography. The ever-changing colors, textures and seasonal beauty of the prairie provide
limitless “wonders” to capture on film. As artist and historian, David's mission is to create a greater awareness and appreciation for the
aesthetic beauty of the North Dakota prairie. Through his photography, he continues to document what remains of North Dakota’s rich
cultural past. Country barns, churches, prairie landscapes, rural landmarks and country still lifes are featured in his Pastime Prints
"Visions of the Prairie Collection".
David Paukert’s award-winning photography has been featured in numerous North Dakota magazines and publications including Horizon
Magazine, Gifts Dakota Style and the 2010 North Dakota Agriculture text book. He has been commissioned for works by the Grand Forks
Air Force Base, Altru Hospital, Stadtler Center, West Acres Mall, UND Foundation and the National Farmers Union Office in Washington,
DC.
David still keeps close to the classroom. He is currently completing his third year as Artist–In-Residence at Larimore Elementary School.
He also teaches adult drawing classes sponsored by the Nelson County Arts Council. David and his wife, Amy Jo operate Heritage Arts
Gallery and Gifts in Michigan, ND. It is a cooperative of over sixty artists, authors and musicians, celebrating its tenth year in business this
past November.

Artist Statement:

TOP

Artist Statement:

As an artist, educator and storyteller, I feel it important to share the beauty of our traditions and culture with all generations. I do so
using a vibrant application of paint in the form of First Nation icons, more specifically of the Plains tribes, adding three-dimensional
elements such as shells, feathers, beadwork, etc, as well as creating drawings using colored pencil on old ledgers and historic
documents- indicative of the popular 1800’s era of Native American self expression- ledger art. Working with these media allows
me the opportunity to express myself (my thoughts and my feelings) displayed in a pictorial narrative. I am motivated by a
passionate desire to build connections between the past and present with a hopeful eye towards a brighter future between diverse
communities of which the nation is comprised.

The themes of my work speak to all generations about the essence of life; for example, the Tree of Life, the Sacred Water and the
“Holy Dog” or horse. In the Arikara language there is no specific word for horse; the combination of the words Holy or sacred and
dog make up the word for Horse (Holy Dog). In this way, I pay tribute to my spiritual roots; the traditional teachings of the First Nation
people. Color Representation also plays an integral role in telling the stories; I use blue to express, “heavenly”, “sacredness” or
“comes from heaven”, red means “protection” or the “blood of the people”, and green for “growth”. I sign my paintings using the
name I have been given through ceremony, Black Pinto Horse. My English name is Monte and my family name is Yellow Bird. I am
Arikara and Hidatsa from the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.

Artist Statement:

Linda Olson currently teaches ceramics at Minot State University, where she has taught since 1990. Olson serves as Chair of the
Division of Humanities at MSU, and as director of the North Dakota Art Gallery Association.
Linda Olson was raised in McHenry County, North Dakota. Olson graduated from Drake High School with Honors, and from Minot
State University Cum laude with majors in art, English and psychology. Olson earned a Master of Arts, Magna cum laude, in 1987
from the University of Montana and a Master of Fine Arts, Magna cum laude, from the University of North Dakota in 1990. She makes
her home in Minot, North Dakota.
Galleries throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana, have exhibited Olson's artworks. Nationally known jurors have included
Olson's work in juried exhibitions. Olson has work in several public collections including the Skien, Norway Art Center, the University
of North Dakota, North Dakota State University PEARS Collection, and Minot State University, as well as many private collections.
Olson is well known for her rock art documentation, and several of her artworks have been included in publications.

Artist Statement: