“After years of mixing fiber and wood collages with abstract paintings, I began experimenting with assorted metals. These works combine found metals and objects with new and used hardware. These combinations are applied to canvas, wood and other hard surfaces, and then integrated with abstract compositions. This has led to different methods of recycling and manipulating various materials which have a raw and industrial feel.

The exploring of aluminum, stainless and galvanized steel sheets with rusted and deformed found metals and wood has led to several other directions. I am altering these materials with acid etching, grinding and torching to reshape, color and add texture. This process is blended with paints, gels, solvents and adhesives.

The shapes and materials have an affinity to architecture and engineering that translates to the space, color and texture of my compositions.

The artwork is not concerned with what it might symbolize or represent; the materials and methods are as important as the concept. Hopefully, the viewer is intrigued, and that will stimulate an interpretation that connects with them.” – Richard Simonsen

Calendar of Promotions 2012

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to enter a juried art show at the Hutchinson Center for the Arts. This is an opportunity for students to have their work displayed in a public art gallery to boost their self confidence in developing their art skills. Ribbons will be award at each grade level. Each student may submit up to 3 pieces of original work. Work will be accepted in all mediums – painting, drawing, photography, sculture and mixed media. There is no entry fee for the students.

No pre-registration is required. Just bring your child’s work to the HCA at 28 Main St. North in downtown Hutchinson (next to Carly’s Shoes), Feb. 1 through the 13th, Monday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. We are often open in the evening hours as well. To make arrangements to drop off work outside of normal hours, just email Kathy@HutchinsonArts.org.

All entries must have the students: name, age, grade, phone no., address, and parent’s email address taped to the back of artwork. Artwork can be picked up the first week in March.

Email Kathy@HutchinsonArts.org any questions, or call 587-7278.

This activity is funded, in part, by a grant from the SW MN Arts and Humanities Council through appropriations from the MN State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund, and its arts and cultural heritage fund that was created by vote of the people of MN on Nov. 4, 2008.

Alison Price has been an artist as long as she can remember. Early artistic endeavors involved melting crayons on warm lightbulbs, dripping food coloring on the family’s supply of tissue, and plucking interesting patterns on her Mom’s prized chenille bedspread. The family survived these creative forays, and actually encouraged more! Alison is always looking for intriguing uses of color and light and how it relates to human emotion. The muse often strikes near any body of water, and winter does not hinder her quest. Alison tents and sketches on the shores of Lake Superior year round, as she finds its mercurial temperament a constant source of inspiration. Her art is the combination of all her passions: travel, light, color, the environment, meeting and befriending new people worldwide, Alison believes “it is our similarities which make us comfortable, and our differences that make us interesting”. This belief about human connections is readily apparent in her work. Alison holds a BA degree in Studio Art from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and is in pursuit of her MFA. She recently returned from an artist residency in New Mexico, where the exquisite light of the southwest further inspires her work.

Enjoy an Italian feaste with all the trimmings including comedic entertainment by Luigi’s family, and live music with Leslie Korngiebel Zeiss singing “That’s Amore” and some guitar favorites by Stacy Halter after dinner.

Advance reservations required – a limited number of seats available – call 320-587-7278 or email Kathy@HutchinsonArts.org, or visit the arts center at 28 Main St. North.

Tickets are only $25 per person. All proceeds benefit the Hutchinson Center for the Arts.

Congratulations to our people’s choice winners and thank you to everyone who entered the contest.

Plans are underway for the contest for next year. A class will be held in November to teach tricks of the trade for making elaborate gingerbread houses and to get creative ideas flowing.

As a reminder – there is no Open Mic Nigh in December. The next Open Mic Night is Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.

Upcoming events at the arts center include:

Open Studio Thursdays, Jan. 5 and 12 from 2-4 p.m.

Music Class for Children, Saturday, Jan. 7 at 2 p.m.

Mosaic Garden Stone Class Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to noon

Annual Meeting and Member Reception, Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn to make a pinata in a two part class, Saturdays, Jan. 14 and 28

Intro To Watercolor with Joyce Young, Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Berber Rug Painting Class, Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

Italian Bistro Night, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.

Industrial Jewelry Making Class Thursday, Jan. 26

In this class you will embellish a cement graden stone with stained glass to display in your yard, garden or walking path. You may use your own design or take design ideas from the instructor that have really looked great in the past. Students will be cutting and nipping glass for their projects. We will complete the application of the glass in class and the instructor will give you materials and directions to finish at home a week later. Garden stones may be left outside during the winter months. Glasses or safety glasses required. All materials are included in class fee. For ages 16 and older.

Pre registration required. Call the arts center at 587-7278 or email info@hutchinsonarts.org to sign up by Jan. 5.

Everyone is welcome to attend – for free – but donations are accepted and help support the arts center.

Guest artists are invited to perform – vocals or instrumentals. Stop by at 7 p.m. Jan. 27.