Watermark announces Call for Art for water-themed exhibit

BEMIDJI, MN – Watermark Art Center is seeking artists of all medias to submit work for an upcoming group exhibition. “Nibikaang – From the Water” will celebrate the importance of water in our everyday life. The premise of the exhibit is to have artists living within the Mississippi Watershed, Great Lakes or Red River of the North submit work about their relationship to water: interactions, observations, history, concerns, etc.

Rivers and watersheds are a metaphor for how we are all connected. This exhibit will bring together diverse perspectives and shared experiences that have been formed in this region, where water is so fundamental to our way of life.

“Water is important to all of us and we are proud that both Native and non-Native organizations of this region have taken a lead in matters concerning our waters,” said Karen Goulet, Miikanan Gallery Program Director at Watermark Art Center. “We know there are many exceptionally talented people who live in places because of their love and connection to water. We encourage artist who wants to remind people about the importance and value of our waterways to submit work.”

Jurying the exhibit will be two regional artists. Aaron Spangler and Hillary Kempenich are both award-winning artists who live and work in places influenced by water. Spangler is an internationally-recognized sculptor and printmaker currently living in Park Rapids; his work has been shown in prominent galleries throughout the country, including the Walker Art Center. Award winning artist Hillary Kempenich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, currently resides in Grand Forks, ND. Kempenich is an established studio artist and advocate for the arts, education, social justice and Native issues.

Submissions for “Nibikaang – From the Water” will be accepted online only. To enter, go to watermarkartcenter.org. Deadline to submit work is April 19. There is no submission fee to enter.

“Nibikaang – From the Water” will be on display at Watermark from July 8 – September 22. More about the show, including eligibility and requirements, as well as a full prospectus, can be found at watermarkartcenter.org.

Watermark Art Center is a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging the growth and development of art. They provide gallery space for exhibitions, author readings and workshops, featuring work by national, regional and local artists. They are located at 505 Bemidji Ave N, downtown Bemidji.