North Dakota Museum of Art to hold Opening Reception forMaterial Abstractions, featuring Talk by featured artist, Lauren Fensterstock

The North Dakota Museum of Art invites the public to an exhibition opening reception on July 16, 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Join us to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition, Material Abstractions. The exhibition includes the work of twenty-four artists whose work explores a diverse representation of abstract art. One of the featured artists, Lauren Fensterstock, will provide commentary about her work starting at 5 pm. Curator Anna Sigrídur Arnar will also speak on the theme and give an overview of the exhibition. The history of abstraction has typically focused on a sequential progression of heroic individuals in Western art “discovering” abstract art in the early 20th century. By contrast, Material Abstractions acknowledges the global and diverse traditions of abstract art, many of which predate Western developments.

The gallery talk and reception, including hors d’oeuvres and beverages, are free and open to the public. Parking is available, at no charge, in front of the Museum located on the University of North Dakota campus. The exhibition will continue through October 4, 2026.

The exhibition also features works of fiber art including weavings, quilts, and fabric constructions. Such works are often inherently abstract in their underlying structure or bear decorative abstract motifs yet have traditionally been excluded from the narratives about abstract art because of their status as a decorative art or craft. Above all, Material Abstractions highlights abstract art that embraces the unique communicative power of materials including paint, wool, wood, hemp, bamboo, clay, metal oxides, glass, leather, mirrors, repurposed books, animal bones, and seashells to name but a few examples. These materials appeal not only to sight, but also to touch and sound to invoke a multisensory experience. For many artists featured in the exhibition, the historical traces or personal stories embedded in materials release information that fundamentally shape understanding of a work of art.

All works in this exhibition come from the permanent collection of the Museum and provide an overview of the depth and range of artists in the collection.

The North Dakota Museum of Art is located at 261 Centennial Drive on the campus of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Exhibition hours are weekdays, 9 am - 5 pm and weekends, 1 - 5 pm. Admission to the Museum is free of charge, donations welcome. For more information, 701-777-4195 or ndmoa@ndmoa.com. Visit ndmoa.com to discover more about Museum exhibitions, Cafe, programs, concerts, and events, and membership opportunities.

Upcoming Curator Tours:
Tuesday, August 4, 4 pm

Friday, September 11, 12 pm

Sunday, September 13, 2 pm