Montevideo MN Artist Events

Montevideo Artists Article 4-25-2024

ARTISTS, DO YOU STRUGGLE TO FIND ACCEPTANCE AS A CREATIVE? GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION!

I know a young woman who is a bundle of creative energy who works her way into the world through filmmaking, music, visual arts, writing/blogging, home remodeling, and more. She is not a Montevideo artist but has a story about resilience in the face of constant rejection.

“As I get ready for an artist’s residency I’ve been going through my artwork and choosing which art I want to highlight and share. This particular piece “Possum” is very special to me. It is the first art I’ve ever sold and it has an interesting story.

When I first moved to the prairie, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, I was so excited to apply for art grants to help me to create new work and get necessary supplies for my art. I was making cool art and I didn’t really have any doubts about putting myself out there for a grant. So I applied and the judging day was broadcast live so we could watch the judges’ critiques.

I applied with seascapes in oil and some hand drawn illustrations. Work I was proud of. However, during the judgement some of the judges tore me to shreds. One saying my art was so bad that I shouldn’t have even applied and another saying I make “highschooler art.” Luckily, I had written my own thoughts on my art down in a journal before the judgement, so my own opinion wasn’t rocked by this, but I left the broadcast extremely hurt, deflated and questioning myself. Highschooler art? What does that even mean?

I was starting to feel bad about myself, but I wondered what would happen if this were true. If I was only ever going to be capable of highschooler art. So I decided to lean into it. I made a whole series of art called “Highschooler Art” and it’s the first art of mine I’ve ever sold.

The possum plays dead to protect itself. I feel like this is pretty symbolic of my creative career and ventures. Anyways, breaking through that horrifying critique and continuing to make art and apply for grants despite the rejection has been very rewarding. I have a residency coming up soon and a short film of mine is airing on television in May.

I’m happy I didn’t give up and I still remind myself to follow my inspirations despite any fear or external blocks that might arise- including a lack of support. Anyways, don’t let people get to you or try to tear you down. Keep going.”

"Solitude to Inner Peace" Nicole's short film has been selected to air in Pioneer PBS's Postcards on May 9 at 7 PM CST. Full feature on Nicole: Pioneer PBS POSTCARDS - Episode | 28m 45s | 2024/04/13

Nicole will be an artist in residence at the YES! House in May with an artist salon on May 18th from 6-9 PM. Meet her and be inspired! 726 Prentice Street, Granite Falls, MN

Photo credit: Dana Conroy

ABSTRACT PAINTING CLASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE WITH M E FULLER

Many have asked if I would be their painting mentor as they explore abstract styles. I now offer one-hour mentoring sessions for individuals. Please get in touch with me to schedule an introductory session.

 

COMING IN JULY - GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Don’t forget the Southwest MN Arts Council offers grant opportunities for adults, organizations, and youth. The new grant cycle begins in July. Monthly quick grants are available, too. Look for information on the website: https://swmnarts.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • April artist, Java River – Jeffery Johnson

  • Apr 26 – Malena Handeen, Java River Fireside Room, 6-8 p.m.

  • May artist, Java River – Miranda Raposa

OUR ARTISTS OUT OF TOWN

  • Mar 14 – May 4, Malena Handeen, A Sampling of Paintings, Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, 630 Atlantic Ave, Morris, MN.

  • Mar 14 – May 11, G’ette Jones and Lee Kanten (Mad Hatters), 2nd Saturdays, Blue Nose Gopher Public House, Granite Falls, 7-9 p.m.

M E Fuller is an artist and author living and creating in Montevideo, MN. Fuller represents Chippewa County on the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council board. This article is also published at mefuller.com