Prints by Michael Weatherly: “Behind the Door”

Now at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery

NEW YORK MILLS, MN, September 14, 2022– The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has on display and for sale in its gallery the artwork of printmaker Michael Weatherly of Elbow Lake, MN. The show entitled Behind the Door will be featured in the Gallery September 14 – October 15, 2022. A reception is planned for Friday October 14, 2022 from 4-6pm.

Michael’s artwork is thought-provoking and evocative. The prints have strong lines, and bold themes. He works with several printmaking methods including linocut, wood cut, multimedia prints, and poly plate lithography. Michael describes his work as contemporary, but also says he designs and prints what he likes, which sometimes leads to diverse subjects.

Behind the Door tries to address things that we as people would rather keep secret and behind closed doors, such as addiction and abuse. The door also symbolizes a portal that people might be trying to escape. With the surging rates of opioid addiction, overdose, and abuse, we are experiencing one of the greatest public health crises our nation has ever faced. Michael hopes that this work will help start a conversation about these issues and bring awareness. He is interested in how artists address themes that are tragic, scary and painful, and how as an artist to grapple with the human condition.

Michael Weatherly is a Minnesota-based contemporary printmaker. He has been the recipient of several artist grants including theMcKnight Foundation Artist Grant, Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants and Individual Artist Grants from the Lake Regions Arts Council. He has exhibited his work nationally and internationally and has been featured on the cover of 500,000 Evangelical Lutheran Church bulletins.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s Gallery is always free and open to the public. Open hours are Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 10am-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-3pm. Special showings at other times can be arranged by contacting Cheryl Bannes at 218-385-3339 or [email protected].

A closing reception will be held Friday, October 14 from 4-6pm. This event is free to attend and open to all. View the artwork, hear an artist talk by Michael Weatherly, and enjoy light refreshments. The Cultural Center continues to observe COVID safety guidelines; please stay home if ill.

These activities are made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an operating support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Visit kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 with any questions.

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 shop 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.