An original show, Through A Child’s Eyes, opens in the gallery at the Cultural Center in New York Mills on Wednesday, August 1. The exhibition presents the work of two regional artists, Alice Blessing of Bemidji, MN and Renee Danz of Fargo, ND.

Blessing’s oeuvre is fingerpainted portraiture and Danz’s body of work consists of figural assemblage sculptures often featuring doll parts. Both artists will showcase work from the last few years and debut a few new pieces from 2017. Pairing two-dimensional paintings with three-dimensional sculpture allows viewers a fuller visual art experience.

Having eschewed brushes long ago to paint with her fingers instead, Blessing has displayed her portraits in galleries around Minnesota, and in private collections around the United States. She received her B.F.A. in painting from Bemidji State University, and resides in Bemidji, Minnesota. She has received many awards and grants for her work, including a fellowship and a wonderful opportunity to study painting in France. Blessing has also taught Painting, Drawing, and Color Theory classes at Bemidji State University.

She says of her work, “Women of color, trans women, non-binary, and disabled women (among others) don’t always see themselves represented in a fair and realistic way, so I’m working to combat those inequalities in my portraits.”

Born near Battle Lake, MN, Danz has haunted auction sales, flea markets, estate sales and antique shops ever since she was 15. However, her love for making art began when she started drawing in the fourth  grade. This interest brought encouragement from her parents, an identity, and a plan to follow. Danz has degrees in art from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and University of Oregon, Eugene. During her 17 years in Sioux Falls, SD she participated in several group shows and held three solo exhibitions.

Danz says, “My sculptures are about animating the human spirit–I want to demonstrate a lighter side of reality,
knowing that each of us has our own identity and experience, and that no one is perfect.”

A gallery reception featuring an artist talk with light refreshments is on Friday, August 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to all.

See Alice Blessing’s work by clicking here.