Both art aficionados and laymen alike will find their travels in North Dakota enhanced by all that the state has to offer in the visual arts arena. Artwork of all eras and in all media can be seen throughout North Dakota at museums, galleries, festivals, and shows. If you plan to travel with children, you can make your vacation easier with hours of art activities to occupy their attention and broaden their minds.
Museums
There are only a few large visual arts museums in North Dakota. However, what the state lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality.
Located in the former Union National Bank building in Minot, the Lillian and Coleman Taube Museum of Art is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum houses art exhibits that rotate every four to six weeks, and serves as a support center for artists and art education. There are several events held by the Museum that kids especially will enjoy. For instance, at the program Goodnight Art children wear their pajamas to the museum to hear a bedtime story and create a piece of art to take home with them.
The North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks is the official art museum of North Dakota. Here visitors will find a permanent collection of artwork from the 1970s onward. The collection includes contemporary, international, and Native American art. Rotating exhibits are commonplace. The museum also tours certain exhibits to rural areas throughout the state, so even if you won't be in Grand Forks, you may still be able to see a portion of their collection at a locale near you.
In Fargo, visitors can tour the Plains Art Museum. Its permanent collection contains 3,000 pieces of art, comprised of Native American pieces, traditional folk art, and regional and national contemporary works. Artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries are featured through 12 special exhibits each year. The museum is also an educational facility. Guided tours with the option of hands-on art activities are available, as are a number of classes and events open to the public. In addition, the Plains Art Museum operates the Rolling Plains Art Gallery, a traveling exhibit housed in a semi-trailer which visits many North Dakota communities during the year.
For information on exhibits and activities taking place during your stay, check the area's listings upon your arrival to North Dakota.
Galleries, Centers, and Studios
In addition to museums, vacationers can get their fill of visual arts by visiting one of North Dakota's many art galleries, centers, or studios. The activities at these facilities vary, and each type of location generally has a different purpose. Galleries showcase artwork available for purchase, and hold openings for artists to reveal their latest creations. Art centers foster creative expression through education and access to studio space; plus, they generally include galleries dedicated to work by community artists, and sometimes those with wider renown. Finally, studios are where artists create their pieces. Some artists display and sell their work at their studios as well. Galleries are more prevalent throughout the state, especially in Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot. Get a feel for North Dakota's culture by stopping in and seeing work by local artists.
Festivals, Events, and More
A wonderful way to view artwork and meet the artists is by attending art fairs and festivals. In addition to browsing and purchasing artwork, you'll often find food and entertainment. Plus, artists sometimes share their creative processes by performing demonstrations. These events are a breath of fresh air, and they're a typically family-friendly way to enjoy the arts. Some good festivals to check out include the Grand Cities Art Fest in Grand Forks and Artfest in Minot.
Art shows are another fine way to view the work of local artists. These events are generally indoor displays, though there are exceptions, such as Pekin Days and Art Show. The Minot State Juried Art Show is another such event, at which pieces by Minot State University art students are displayed and judged. For an excellent social event, check out the Grand Forks Art and Wine Walks, held on the third Saturday of each month from May to October.
Public places sometimes offer art displays as well. A number of parks in Grand Forks, for example, showcase art work. If your travels take you near Dunseith, head to the junction of highways 3, 5, and 281 to see the Wee'l Turtle, a massive turtle statue constructed from thousands of old tire rims.
Kids and the Arts
If you're traveling with children, North Dakota has plenty of opportunities to get their creative juices flowing. ArtWise in Grand Forks is one particular facility dedicated to children and the arts. ArtWise holds classes and art shows at which children can show off their artistic talents, as well as participate in a variety of activities. And if you're going to be staying in North Dakota for an extended period of time, they hold annual week-long children's art camps.
No matter what medium of art interests you – painting, sketching, sculpture, or photography – North Dakota's art facilities have it on display for you to enjoy.
