·:[ Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance ]:·
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The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance located at 630 Atlantic Ave in Morris is now exhibiting works from Glenwood artist Sandy O’Brien. Sandy’s work will be exhibited at PRCA from December 22, 2008 to January 31, 2009. PRCA hours are Tuesday – Friday 11:00-5:30 and Saturday’s from 10:00-2:00. Sandy O’Brien will be hosting a reception at PRCA on Saturday, January 17th from 10:00-2:00. This is a free event and all are invited and welcome. This is an excellent opportunity to come and meet this amazing artist!
Sandy O’Brien is a self taught artist with over 29 years painting experience. Her subject matter is influenced by the great Minnesota outdoors and her love of animals.
O’Brien is the Editor and Coordinator of the Glacial Ridge Artists, an art club of 50 members located in West Central Minnesota.
Sandy is the curator of the Bremness Gallery on the grounds of the historic Ann Bickle Heritage House in Glenwood, MN.
She also creates cartoon illustrations for the Horizontal Bowhunter magazine, the official publication of the American Crossbow Federation.

It took twenty-seven years but author Michael J. Larson finally realized a dream….the publication of his children’s book “Nature’s Christmas Story”.

Please join the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance in welcoming Author Michael Larson and Illustrator Janine Ringdahl Schmidt to the Center on Saturday, December 13th. The pair will be at PRCA, 630 Atlantic Ave. Morris, from 10:00-11:30 am where they will read from “Nature’s Christmas Story” and autograph the books. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome, especially children.

Enter the PRCA Winter 2008 Drawing Contest:
What gives you winter wonder?

Who can enter? Kids in pre-school through 6th grade

When is the contest? Please turn in your drawing by the end of the school day on Tuesday, November 18th. Bring your family and friends to see your work after the Morris Parade of Lights, 6pm, November 20th ! The drawings will be displayed in our art gallery from November 20th – December 15th.

Where should I turn in my drawing? Bring your completed drawing to the PRCA, downtown Morris. Please include your name, parent name, age, grade in school, and phone number on the back of your drawing.

What should I use to make a drawing? Feel free to use pencils, crayons, colored pencils, or chalk. Suggested paper size is 8 ½ x 11 inches.

What should I draw? Suggestions to spark your creativity include an outdoor winter scene, winter holidays, winter activities, etc.

Are there prizes? Yes! We will have a prize for the top drawing among pre-school and kindergarten kids, 1st and 2nd graders, 3rd and 4th, and 5th and 6th. We will call you if you win!

How do I get my drawing back? You may pick up your drawing at the PRCA beginning December 15th.

Saturday, November 22nd:

One day only! Richard Walker Photography!

On Saturday, November 22nd, noted area photographer Richard Walker will be at PRCA for a one day sale. Please join us from 10:00am -2:00 pm on Saturday to purchase/view work including a new technique, printing on canvas. This is a great opportunity to meet and visit with this wonderful area photographer.

Richard Walker grew up on a farm in Stevens County in west central Minnesota where he developed an interest in the natural world around him. He studied at UMM and from there entered into a career in agricultural production. A few years later he added an aquaculture enterprise. Many of his photographs tell a story that is self evident and in others the title gives you a clue as to the artists intent. You may also find some display a distinctive mood or emotion. To view, go to www.richardwalkerphotos.com.

2 local artists, Della Conroy from Hancock and Clarice Dieter from Chokio, team up for a one day sale. The sale is on Thursday, November 20th at PRCA, 630 Atlantic Ave, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Della is best known for her prairie inspired landscapes in pastel, watercolor, and oil, but she also has a good number of interesting and colorful abstract works in acrylic as well as floral, still life, and collage pieces. (You can check out Della’s link on the PRCA website which is www.prairierenaissance.org.) There will be paintings for everyone’s budget whether you are looking for a series of large artworks for an office or home, or a small gift for a friend. Stop in and view her most recent paintings including oil pastel on black velour, and soft, colorful experimental watercolors on heavy Indian paper.

Clarice, master rosemaler, has won numerous awards in art competitions, including a Blue Ribbon and Best of Show at the Terrace Mill Foundation Art Fair and the Stevens County Fair. She also received a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council to study the Os style of Rosemaling. Her art can be seen in the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Center in Morris, the Scandanvian Shop in Alexandria and the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake.

Visit with these artists, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, watch demonstrations, and it’s FREE!

The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, again this year, is having a Silent Auction. We are inviting all who are interested in art, music, fun and supporting arts and culture in this community. The theme for this year’s auction is Chair-ish art. (as in cherish art). A variety of artists and community members have painted on or decorated old chairs to auction off this year. Other great items include pastels, watercolors, photography, jewelry, elegant meals, a pie or a dessert a month, live music for your occasion, tickets to area and Twin Cities theaters, and much more! The event will take place on Thursday, November 13 at the Old #1 Southside from 7:00-9:00 pm. There will be a variety of musical talent, great desserts, many auction items of a wide variety and fun had by all. Just $5.00 at the door. Start your holiday shopping by supporting the area’s only non-profit organization that supports our culture life! See you there!

Spiffy new 2009 PRCA fund raising calendars are on display and available for pre-order in the PRCA Gallery. They make wonderful holiday gifts and support a great cause!

The photos on this year’s calendar are reflective of life in West Central Minnesota as seen through the lens of Nic McPhee.

The calendars have excellent quality printing on heavy card stock (the same as previous calendars) and cost $19.95 each.

Read on for a gallery of all 12 images from this year’s calendar…

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Basic Bead Stringing Techniques with Sara Gronfeld. Ages: 8 to adult (younger children OK with an adult assistant) Cost: $8 for tuition & basic supplies; additional beads available during the class or bring your own beads. Class starts at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 25.
Participants will learn the basic techniques for bead stringing with beading wire and securing ends with the crimp bead technique. Jewelry design will also be discussed during the class. Supplies include a sterling silver clasp, crimp beads, and beading wire to string a necklace or bracelet or anklet. A wonderful variety of quality beads available during the class at additional cost or bring your own beads to use! All tools needed for the class will be available to share.

Don’t Get Lost! Save On Cost! The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance
invites you to experience Meander 2008: The Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl in the comfort of a touring bus Saturday, October 4 starting at 8:00 am.
Park at the PRCA and join us for a day of touring art galleries and studios in Granite Falls, including exhibitors at the Upper Sioux Agency State Park, Granite Falls Golf Course, and many more. Lunch at Prairie’s Edge Casino in Granite Falls. The price of the tour is $25. You pay for your own lunch this year. Contact the PRCA at (320) 585-5037 or prca@prairierenaissance.org for more information or to register for the tour.

ADAIR, DELLA, and FRIENDS: A benefit concert for the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance will be held on September 4, 7:00 p.m. at the Morris Area Concert Hall. Tickets are $6.00 children 12 & under FREE. Tickets available at the door or at PRCA, 630 Atlantic, Morris. The theme for this year’s “Adair, Della, and Friends” is TIMELESS TUNES AND OTHERS. 2 pianos, instrumentalists, singers, dancers, and more! Again this year, “Stars & Stripes Forever” for 8 hands on 2 pianos! ALL PROCEEDS GO TO PRCA. Don’t miss this event!!