Art lovers can meet nearly 100 artists and explore 30 sites during the 2023 Art Leap driving tour.
Visit studios and other cultural sites in this free event sponsored by Heartland Arts, an umbrella organization for 16 arts and cultural organizations in the greater Park Rapids area.
Several loops lead visitors through fall’s scenic beauty in any direction.
This year’s open studio tour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24.
The public is invited to learn about the creative process at sites in Hubbard, Wadena and Becker counties.
2023 Art Leap introduces artists skilled in a variety of expressions: sculptures, paintings, mixed media, pottery, photography, mosaics, wood and metal work, fiber and paper arts, jewelry, beading and other Native American work.
“The Upper MIssissippians” will kick off Art Leap with a concert at the Armory Arts & Events Center (AAEC) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22. Unlike other Art Leap sites, AAEC is charging a fee at the door. The full band will perform an evening of swing from the 1920 to 1950s.
New this year, the AAEC hosts a pop-up exhibition organized by the Animikii Print Club, a collective of indigenous artists based in Mahnomen. Exhibiting artists are Joseph J. Allen, photography, Courtney Bunker, prints and jewelry, Kent Estey, paintings and prints, Nedahness Greene, photography, and Emily Klarer, screen-printing.
The gallery at the Armory will also be open for the weekend, displaying artworks in a variety of media, including sculptures, photography, oils and watercolors.
Contributed/Heartland Arts
Grants helped the Hubbard County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) develop a fine arts program to support artists with disabilities and pervasive mental illness. Their work will be shown at the Hubbard County DAC Fine Art Studio, Park Rapids’ first makerspace. It’s located at 1008 Park Ave. The Tin Ceiling Gallery, found on Main Street, also showcases artwork by DAC artists.
Also new this year is Bam’idizowigamig Creator’s Place. Indigenous artists of the Pine Point area create traditional Ojibwe art here year round.
Village of Pine Point murals, designed by Terri LaDuke and Annie Humphrey and painted by volunteers and Pine Point youth, can be seen on a short drive in the neighborhood north of PowWow Highway.
Contributed/Heartland Arts
Doreen Schik will demonstrate the fused glass process at Spirit Lake Gift Shop in Menahga. Visitors will also find laser-engraved woodworking, fiber arts and vessels.
Tanner Talbot of Monticello will bring his handmade pottery to Wine Not?.
Event guides are available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, Park Rapids Area Library and other locations. The guide is also available to view and for download at www.heartlandarts.org.
Heartland Arts sponsors Art Leap with funding provided, in part, by Itasca-Mantrap’s Operation Round Up, Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and West Acres Cares. This activity is also funded by a Region 2 Arts Council Grant through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.
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