Pirjo Berg Named Next Mayor’s Choice Award Recipient

MAY 9TH OPENING RECEPTION

LOCATION: 255 NORTH 4TH STREET, GRAND FORKS, ND 58201

Pirjo Berg's artwork is a captivating fusion of her Finnish heritage, deep appreciation for landscapes, and profound fascination with geology. Through her art, she seamlessly weaves together elements from her childhood, such as traditional Finnish decorations like striped rugs and woven hangings, which imbue her work with layers of nostalgia and longing. As an immigrant distanced from her homeland, Pirjo's longing for the past is palpable in her paintings, watercolors, and clay work, where she endeavors to encapsulate the essence of geological time and the ephemeral nature of memories.

In her exploration of geological formations, Pirjo masterfully translates the vastness of geological time into tangible forms, skillfully capturing the intricate essence of strata in her paintings and clay work. Her lines exhibit a unique dynamism, at times appearing nervous and diagonally adrift, while clusters of electric blue color evoke imagery ranging from glaciers to vast oceans. Through her signature lines, Pirjo conjures up vivid depictions of nature's forces, from swirling clouds to crashing waves, creating a visual symphony akin to seismographic vibrations.

While Pirjo's style leans towards the more traditional and European, she avoids appropriation, instead channeling a pastoral and romantic sensibility inspired by the natural world. Her art becomes a form of visual music, resonating with viewers through its evocative portrayal of nature's beauty and the passage of time. Through Pirjo Berg's artwork, viewers are invited to embark on a journey of reflection and contemplation, connecting with their memories and the timeless rhythms of the earth.

Pirjo Berg was born in Helsinki, Finland. In 2000, she received her BFA from the School of Art and Media, Tampere, Finland. The same year she established her studio practice in Seattle, WA. In 2005 she graduated from the Artists Trust EDGE-Program. She now lives in Grand Forks, ND.

Public Arts Commission Presents "Topophobia" by artist Micah Haji-Sheikh.

OPENING RECEPTION WAS HELD APRIL 11TH

Alerus Center
1200 South 42nd Street, Door #6
Grand Forks, ND

CURATED BY VICKIE ARNDT

"Maurice Sendak - 50 Years”, a retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Where the Wild Things Are”, hosted by the North Dakota Museum of Art on March 14 – May 12, 2024.

Curated by Vickie Arndt and Kimberly Forness Wilson

"The Wild Project" brought to you by Arts for Vets and Public Arts Commission Show opened on April 4th runs through April at ArtsForVets Gallery 215 N 3rd, Grand Forks .

Inspired by Francis Alys's renowned "The Fabiola Project," we encouraged artists to explore their unique styles while incorporating two of Sendak's beloved monsters. The resulting artworks promise a dynamic display of creativity within a shared framework.

Drawing from Alys's approach, the exhibition will be curated to present a unified visual experience. Like the clusters in "The Fabiola Project," each artwork will be arranged to form a cohesive whole, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the collective narrative.

A unifying element of the exhibition is the use of an Indigo blue background, a nod to Ayls’s original imagery. This consistent backdrop ensures a harmonious visual impact while allowing diverse interpretations of the source material.

Please join us for an evening of art, imagination, and community as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Maurice Sendak and the boundless creativity of our local artists.

Questions: Contact People
● Vickie Arndt at Public Arts Commission: 347-721-2875 or arndt60@gmail.com
● Kim Wilson at Arts for Vets: 701- 330-3072 or artsforvets@gmail.com