Isolation of 2020 Culminates in Exhibit of Recent Paintings
The public is cordially invited to an exhibit of recent works (and one older piece) by Stephen Henning, Evansville, and Kim Embretson, Fergus Falls.
Where: Evansville Art Center, 111 Main Street, Evansville, MN
When: November 5 - 27, 2021
An Artists’ Reception will be held Friday, November 12, 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
Wine and refreshments will be provided.
Landscape by Kim Embretson
Artists sketching along Bluebird Trail.
Historical Context
After retirement, Kim Embretson decided to pursue his artistic interests and enrolled in some classes at M State Fergus Falls campus. When classes were canceled in the spring of 2020, he approached me for some virtual critique sessions as he continued to paint. After a few sessions, I suggested it might be fun for both of us to get off the computers and do some sketching in the field - we would be outdoors, and work at a safe social distance from each other. Thus began a summer of fun and fellowship as we explored a variety of locations in and around Evansville.
Kim Embretson painting en plein aire.
Stephen Henning sketching on location.
Every other week or so, from May into September, Kim would pack up his plein aire gear and drive to my studio. After loading my sketchbook and drawing utensils we’d have a quick discussion and head for the hills. Sometimes quite literally. Dave Anderson, another friend who has taken oil pastel workshops with me, would also join us on some of our outings.
Enlarged detail of painting by Stephen Henning
Fast forward to spring of 2021. Kim conceived the idea of a 2-person show, and talked me into an exhibit here at the Evansville Art Center. Just two problems: our video production business has been extremely busy this year, and I haven’t been actively painting on a regular basis for quite a while.
Karen Howell, EAC President, was very gracious about the exhibit idea, and was also willing to push the show back a couple months from our original plan to November. I also want to thank artist Ruth Hanson, who was willing to swap exhibit dates with us.
Pages from my sketchbook, not included in the exhibit…
