Arts North International Featured in Hopkins
Arts North International Exhibition, a juried arts exhibition that began as “Arts in Harmony” in Elk River 25 years ago, has grown into a much anticipated event at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
“This is Arts North International. It’s an international juried exhibition. It’s in its 25th year,” began Jim Clark, Visual Arts Manager at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
I hate to sound sensational, but, of all the art exhibitions I’ve covered lately the one currently up at the Hopkins Center for the Arts is truly the most dynamic, diverse and high quality show I’ve seen in a long, long time.
“This year we had more than 900 entries and of those 173 where chosen for display by the jurors,” said Clark.
The level of competition was stout and the overall quality of the exhibit bears that out.
“There’s work on display from Alaska to Florida, from Hawaii to New Hampshire, as well as three provinces of Canada and five countries overall,” said Clark.
I chose to cover the opening night last week and was prepared for the brie and croissant, flash and fanfare. But, I wasn’t prepared for the shear volume of truly excellent works across all disciplines. Christine Tierney who paints in the tradition of the masters, rightfully had an award winning piece on display.
“It’s amazing. I didn’t know what to expect. And there are all sorts of styles and mediums represented here. It’s an amazing show it really is. Very exciting,” said Tierney.
Christopher Lane had a piece accepted and made the trek in from South Carolina.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what I was walking into. I had a concept of it. But to come in here is just, the artwork. I mean the talent here is pretty incredible. I’m kinda intimidated by it,” said Lane .
The Arts North International Exhibition will be on display through February 15th. Admission is free.
