Artists & Brothers:
Borgreen’s Butenhoff Boys
In the Gallery March 6 – April 6, 2024
Reception Saturday, April 6 @ 2-4PM
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce its new gallery exhibit: “Borgreen’s Butenhoff Boys” in the gallery from March 6 through April 6, 2024.
This show features the art of three artist brothers, whose mediums include painting, printmaking, and ceramics. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 2-4PM, with artist talks at 3PM.
The art and the title of this show pay homage to art teacher and wildlife artist, Jim Borgreen. Mr. Borgreen taught art from 1974-2010 at Fergus High School in Lewistown, MT. Three brothers: Peder, John, and Charles Butenhoff, all had Mr. Borgreen as a teacher during their high school days. They directly credit him for their career paths as they all became artists and educators. They say,
“Jim Borgreen helped students discover their individuality and inner artist. He inspired students with his creativity, humor, and genuine care.”
The influence of wildlife, the outdoors, and nature is a theme seen in the three Butenhoff artist’s work. Peder Butenhoff has been teaching for almost 30 years, is the current art teacher at Perham High School, and resides in New York Mills. This show features both Peder’s ceramic work and his watercolor paintings. Peder’s work is inspired by nature as his paintings feature landscapes and wildlife, while his ceramic work is fluid and textural.
Peder’s brother Charles taught art and special education in the Monticello and Brainerd School Districts for a combined 33 years. Charles has many wildlife-inspired prints in this gallery show from wolves to loons that show careful attention to detail, line, and color.
John Butenhoff taught industrial technology in Minnesota and Montana, and for the last 20 years taught pottery/sculpture and technology, and coached wrestling at Walla Walla High School in Washington state. John’s paintings and pottery, including raku and horsehair pottery, are also inspired by natural forms and the outdoors.
This show and the connection between the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in Minnesota and Mr. Borgreen in Lewistown, MT, is even more special as Cultural Center Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes co-taught with Jim Borgreen for several years, and her children also had Mr. Borgreen for an art teacher toward the end of his career. Cheryl knows first-hand the influence Mr. Borgreen had on the hundreds of students he taught during his tenure.
The influence of his love of wildlife and attention to detail can be seen in the artwork of Peder, Charles, and John Butenhoff currently on display in the Cultural Center Gallery, and for sale, from March 6 – April 6, 2024.
All are invited to a closing reception planned for Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 2-4 p.m., with Artist Talks beginning at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be available. Reception is free to attend and all are welcome.
Gallery Hours:
- Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Closed Sundays/Mondays/Tuesdays; private viewings available.
The Gallery is always free to see and open to all. Call 218-385-3339 or email cheryl@kulcher.org with any questions or to schedule a private gallery viewing.
