“Rural Heritage” Gallery Exhibit Opens July 2

NEW YORK MILLS, MN, June 26, 2024—The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce its new gallery exhibit: “Rural Heritage” on display from July 2 through August 3, 2024. A reception will be held on Thursday, August 1, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

This gallery show features the paintings of Michelle Roise and the decoys of Rick Whittier, combining for a unique artistic celebration of rural life and lifestyles. This gallery show is part of New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s celebration of rural lake country living through its 10th annual Fish House Festival which will be held Friday, July 12, 2024.

Michelle Roise has been an artist her whole life. She says, ”I honestly can’t recall a time when I didn’t love the feel of a pencil or the smell of a crayon in my hand. Thankfully, I had encouraging parents and caring teachers who recognized and affirmed this farm girl’s artistic interest and budding skills.”

Michelle’s paintings reflect her love of and the influence of the northern prairies and show her attachment to the rural lifestyle and landscapes. Visitors will be drawn into the beautiful scenery with a feeling of having been at the location at some time or reminded of days gone by. Michelle states, “Though I currently reside in an urban setting, it is most often my rural images and impressions that call for expression—whether representationally or in abstract. Nostalgia for the past, delight in the present, or visionary hopes for the future all come out to play. Inextricable ties and undying gratitude inform every thought and brushstroke. I treasure my rural heritage and am excited to share it with you.”

Fish decoys are a large part of both fishing traditions and folk art that will also be featured in the gallery alongside Roise’s paintings.

Rick Whittier of Lidgerwood, North Dakota creates decoys that are well-known throughout the fishing world. He carves and paints nearly 400 different species and sub-species of fish, ranging from salmon to sunfish. Rick is proud to create high-quality decoys that are swim-tested, fully functional, and also collectible for all fishing enthusiasts. His decoys and workshops have been featured on several TV shows and written about in many magazines.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery is free to see and open to the public. Summer Gallery Hours are Tuesdays 10am-5pm, Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 10am-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-3pm. Private viewings can be arranged anytime by calling Cheryl Bannes at 218-385-3339 or emailing [email protected].

The public is invited to a Gallery Reception on Thursday, August 1st from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Meet artist Michelle Roise and hear an artist talk, enjoy refreshments, and make connections with neighbors and friends. Free to attend and open to all!

Visit kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 with any questions. This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Lake Region Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About the Cultural Center The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift store featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Cultural Center has been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.