Photo Contest Winners

The Natural World
First Place: Emily Cunningham, Hancock, “Running River”
Honorable Mention: Ted Goldstein, Morris, “Senses”

Global community
First Place: Phyllis Joos, Hancock, “Community Progress?”
Honorable Mention: Lindsey Freeman, Morris, “Unititled”

Purple
First Place: Samantha Massmann, Osakis, “Petals of Purple”
Honorable Mention: Jill Stevens, Benson, “Guardian of the Monastery”

Abstract
First Place: Ann Grandy, Glenwood, “Prairie Smoke Detail”
Honorable Mention: Leah Zierke, Hancock, “Frosted Tracks”

Wetlands
First Place: Jennifer Hope, Starbuck, “Winter Morning”
Honorable Mention: Samantha Massmann, Osakis, “Day’s End”
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Future Generations_
First Place: Barbara Burke, Morris, “Young Perseus”
Honorable Mention: Ann Grandy, Glenwood, “Sharing a Love of Prairies”

People’s Choice
Van Gooch, Morris, “Storm Coming”

The seed for this exhibit was planted years ago when Hodgson realized that a still life, a bowl of peaches, painted by artist John Ingle, then professor of studio art at the University of Minnesota, Morris, serendipitously captured the essence of a poem she had written . She sent her poem to Ingle with a note sharing with him how she wished she could paint. Ingle responded by affirming Hodgson’s gift, stating that she, too, was creating art, a still life with words.

Like Ingle, many others encouraged Hodgson to write, from her fourth grade teacher in Wheaton where she grew up to Dwight Purdy and the late Jim Gremmels, English professors at the University of Minnesota, Morris from which she graduated in 1986. Living on the prairie also inspires the poet.

“When I write, I find that place is very important,” reflects Hodgson. “I love the prairie. It is like the ocean, a vast surface and another world going on underneath. It’s beautiful. We need to surround ourselves with beauty and then share it. I love words, and I feel good about life. That’s what I try to capture and share.”

Hodgson identifies three kindred spirits in the wildlife photography of Walker and the paintings of Connolly and Conroy. The PRCA exhibit will feature her poetry with their paintings and photographs that reflect the content and theme of her poems. While she has written “volumes” over the years, Hodgson states this particular project has been developing as an intentional and cohesive undertaking for about the last year.

Hodgson, Conroy, Walker, and Connolly, along with Bob Christianson who framed nine of the pieces, will all be present at the opening reception, which is free and open to the public.

The PRCA exhibit of poetry, paintings, and photographs will be available for viewing until Saturday, September 11, 2010, at the PRCA Gallery located at 630 Atlantic Avenue, downtown Morris. Regular hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 320-585-5037 or e-mail prca@prairierenaissance.org.

The nonprofit PRCA’s mission is to advocate, promote, and coordinate arts, heritage, and cultural activities in Stevens County and the surrounding area.

Dr. Ben Arlen Johnson surveyed more than 6,000 people and gathered answers to these questions. His book, We Are Not Alone: Evidences of the Supernatural Among Ordinary People, is a reflection on his investigation of experiences that convince others of the reality of another world.

If you are curious about this topic or have your own stories to share, Johnson will be at the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance on Sunday, July 18, 2010, from 2 until 4 p.m. for a book signing. At 3 p.m., he will lead a conversation about his book and the stories he has gathered. The public is invited to this free event and reception.

Johnson, a theological professor, is a graduate of Harvard University and Gustavus Adolphus College. He currently serves as interim pastor at Chokio Lutheran Church in Chokio, Minnesota.

Please call 320-585-5087 or e-mail prca@prairierenaissance.org for more information about the event. The PRCA is located at 632 Atlantic Avenue in Morris. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., or by appointment.

The nonprofit PRCA’s mission is to advocate, promote, and coordinate arts, heritage, and cultural activities in Stevens County and the surrounding area.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to offer scholarships for Prairie Camp thanks to donors in the community who support the PRCA and understand the value of a ‘hands-on’ arts experience for elementary children,” says Ferolyn Angell, PRCA president. “Families should feel free to contact the PRCA to inquire about full or partial scholarships to make it possible for their children to attend this very special summer event.”

Prairie Camp is scheduled for June 14–19, 2010, at the Morris Area Elementary School. Camp hours are from 9:15 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for ages six and seven, and 9:15 a.m. until 3 p.m. for ages eight through twelve. The six days are filled with painting, drawing, writing, music, and dance.

For more information, please contact the PRCA at 320-585-5037 or e-mail prca@prairierenaissance.org. Located at 630 Atlantic Avenue, PRCA hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., or by appointment.

Natural World
Future Generations
Purple
Abstract
Wetlands
Community

One photo per category per person. Submit unframed and unmatted photos no smaller than 4 x 6 and no larger than 8 x 11.

Photos will be displayed in the PRCA Gallery from June 19 through the end of July. Photos will be judged and winners announced during Prairie Pioneer Days.

Drop your photos off the at the PRCA Gallery at 630 Atlantic Avenue or contact the PRCA for more information at prca@prairierenaissance.org or 320-585-5037.