The Public Arts Commission is delighted to announce the upcoming Mayor’s Choice Award Winner: Pirjo Berg

Award Reception:

Thursday, May 9th
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
at Grand Forks City Hall

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.

 
History: Mayor’s Choice Artist Award

“The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before” ——Neil Gaiman

The Mayor’s Choice Artist Award was established by Mayor Dr’s. Michael Brown and Ann Brown in 2010 to show the city of Grand Forks’ commitment to and involvement with the arts. Mayor Brown and Ann both recognized the human value of creating art, as well the tremendous impact of art on a community — its people, culture, sense of place and economy.

Presented throughout the year, the Public Arts Commission and the current Mayor honor an outstanding local artist for an exhibition that will grace the walls of City Hall.

Each artist is given a reception with the Mayor and his/her artwork is presented for the public to celebrate this wonderful artistic achievement. Art works may be available for purchase.

PAC is proud to keep this tradition going with Mayor Bochenski and First Lady, Jenny.

Congratulations to all recipients of the Mayor’s Choice Artist Award Winners!

2023 Senta Lauren Grazdielewski | Muddy Waters Clay Center Monday Member Challenge

2022 North Star Quilters Guild and The River Forks Watercolor Society

2021 Madelyne Camrud | Todd Hebert | Grant McMillan

2020 Arts for Vets | Mary Kay Reitmeyer

2019 Beth Spencer | Carolyn Meisel

2018 Jessie Thorson

2017 Jeff Sprecher

2016 Hillary Kempenich

2015 Alisha B. Whitman | Britt Dalice | Courtney Olson | Judy Sorum

2014 Miranda Roen | Mountainbrook | Dyan Rey | Dave Bruner

2013 Jeanne Griffin O’Neil | Kathleen Ness | Therese Masters Jacobson | Beth Wold

2012 Jessica Pribula | Deborah Hanson | Heather Sabian

2011 Kim & Sue Fink | Caylan Van Larson | Jackie McElroy | Maria Thompson

2010 Xavier Pastrano | Kimberly Forness Wilson