Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Art enthusiasts stroll through the art on display during the 2016 Pekin Days Art Show. Now in its 25th year, the show in small town Pekin is the largest art exhibition in the state.
Pekin, North Dakota, population 66. At least, that's what it was in the 2016 census. Yet, it's a tiny town with a big vision, for this little town lays claim to hosting one of North Dakota's finest art shows. This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Nelson County Art Council's (NCAC) Pekin Days Art Show, the largest judged art show and sales event in North Dakota. Artists from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana feature a variety of works including paintings, drawings, pottery, glass, sculpture, photography, textiles and more. In addition, the Pekin Days Art Show and highlights works from high school students from Dakota Prairie, Lakota, Larimore, Warwick and Fort Totten schools, along with home-schooled students and the Stump Lake Fine Arts Youth Camp.
The 25th Pekin Days Art Show begins on Wednesday, June 20 with a ticketed artist's reception. Artwork can then be viewed at the Pekin Auditorium from Thursday, June 21 through Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. With the wide variety of artwork that is available for purchase, the NCAC website claims the Pekin Days Art Show has become a "melting pot of artists and hotspot for collectors that allows it to be a show for everyone to enjoy."
The Pekin Days Art Show will be judged by fine arts professor Linda Olson, who currently teaches at Minot State University. Her artwork has been displayed in galleries throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana and her work has been in nationally known juried exhibitions and in public collections including the Slovenian and Nepalese Embassy in Washington, DC; the Skien, Norway Art Center; the University of North Dakota; North Dakota State University PEARS Collection; Minot State University and many private collections. She is well known for her rock art documentation. Olson was raised in McHenry and graduated from Drake High School and then Minot State University. She also earned a Master of Arts from the University of Montana and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota.
Olson will judge 11 division categories, including paintings, drawings, pottery/glass, sculpture, photography, mixed mediums, textiles, traditional (a work based on a traditional culture), diversified (works that don't fall under the other categories), jewelry and printmaking. The awards this year include the 25th Anniversary Award, which is chosen by the NCAC Board. Olson will choose the Best of Show with awards given for first, second and third place, and the Brenda Bjorlie Honorary Award. There will also be a People's Choice award chosen by the general public.
The weekend events kick off with a 5K Color Run/Walk starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday near the Pekin Elevator. Throughout the weekend, there will be art vendors and food vendors in the Pekin Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along with live bands. The Saturday afternoon musical line-up includes the Devils Lake Elks Community Band, Ryan Avdem of Thompson, N.D. and Penumbra; with the Lossie May Combo from the Tolna/Pekin area playing on Sunday.
Artists will give demonstrations in the park throughout the weekend. Jon Offutt, from Fargo will be giving glass-blowing demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday and Patrick Luber, from the University of North Dakota, will be giving a bronze pouring demonstration at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Other events you might not want to miss on Saturday include a horseshoe tournament, taco in a bag feed, ice cream social and a dinner at the Fire Hall Saturday evening.
Of course, there are special events for the kids too. Be a part of the Chalkart competition that lines the sidewalks in Pekin by registering at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, or you might want to take part in the popular Peter the Slug activity at 1 p.m.
The Pekin Days Art Show committee was formed in 1993. After repeated successful art exhibits during the annual Pekin Days celebration and a growing interest from all Nelson County residents, the committee applied for and received a 501(c)(3) non-profit status under the name of Nelson County Arts Council in 1999. The Board of Directors is composed of residents representing communities throughout Nelson County and extended area. Nelson County Arts Council has received the North Dakota Governor's Award and the Leadership Award.
Although the Pekin Days Arts Show is the biggest event for the NCAC, these volunteers are busy all year. Their calendar of events list Soundfest in January, Community Theater in February, Winter Art Auction in March, Student Art Show in April, the annual rummage sale fundraiser in May, Pekin Days Art Show in June, Fine Arts Youth Camp in August, Volunteer Gala and Annual Meeting in October, and the Veteran's Art Exhibit and One Act Dinner Theater in November.
The mission of NCAC is to ensure the presentation and preservation of the arts throughout Nelson County and the extending states by presenting programs and events that will enlighten, instruct and entertain our citizens.
