In the Gallery
Apr 26 – May 24, 2025
Photographer Jon Solinger
Reception Fri, May 2 @ 4-6PM
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to announce its new gallery exhibit, “Natural Dialogs,” in the gallery from Saturday, April 26, through Saturday, May 24, 2025.
A Gallery Reception will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artist along with some of the individuals featured in the project, view the artwork, and enjoy refreshments. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome.
Natural Dialogues: A Collaborative Project by Photographer Jon Solinger
During the summer of 2024, Jon Solinger worked with residents of his rural neighborhood to produce Natural Dialogs, an exhibition of visual art and writing. He chose these nine participants because they have something to say about cultivating an intentional relationship with the natural world through gardening, foraging, or another path that brings them closer to our living planet.
The nine were photographed in their significant places; and each wrote an open letter to someone of their choosing, revealing the why behind what they do. Exhibiting the photographs and letters side-by-side builds more complete portraits, and gives the viewer a deeper look into the subject’s motivations.
Solinger photographed each person you see in this exhibition during a conversation about how their work with the natural world shapes their lives. Together, they made portraits with unguarded realism, recording a gesture in motion or a fleeting expression. With their writing, the participants contribute deeply personal perspectives and lyrical voices to the conversations we are having in our rural community about the environment and our relationship to the natural world.
Please join us at the Artist’s Reception for Natural Dialogues: a collaborative project by photographer Jon Solinger, May 2, 4-6 pm. There will be a talk by Jon Solinger and some of the participants at 5:00 pm. Project participants include:
- Cheryl Bannes
- Anna Lee
- Lou Ann Muhm
- Ron Roller
- Kent Scheer
- Naomi Ramona Schliesman
- Candace Stock
- Mike Tauber
- Dax Wiersma
Jon Solinger Artist Bio:
Jon Solinger makes portraits of people and places in his rural neighborhood, using photography, interviews, and subject-produced artifacts.
He has exhibited his work regionally, including at the North Dakota Museum of Art, Rourke Art Museum, Plains Art Museum, New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, galleries in Minneapolis, Fargo and Fergus Falls, and numerous public libraries. His work has been supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board, Lake Region Arts Council, Sustainable Farming Association, and The Arts Partnership of Fargo-Moorhead.
Jon resides with his family in Lida Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, maintaining a studio there and working as the third-generation owner of Solinger’s Resort on Lake Lida.
Plan Your Gallery Visit:
The Cultural Center Gallery is always free to see and open to all, thanks to the generous support of our members and donors.
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.
Call 218-385-3339 or email cheryl@kulcher.org with any questions or to schedule a private gallery viewing.
Don’t miss the Gallery Reception for Natural Dialogs, held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artist along with some of the individuals featured in the project, view the artwork, and enjoy refreshments. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome.
