Featuring 40 artists from across the state of Minnesota, Essential Art is a showcase of mature artwork selected by curator Tricia Heuring. The exhibit is a theme-less exhibit that explores the dedicated practice of our community’s creative producers. "Being the sum of a hybrid identity, Tricia Heuring is drawn to relate to diverse peoples and situations and a belief that by accepting our own complexity, we find depth and common ground with others." In difference, the annual Essential Art exhibition discovers cohesive forces in the space between varied artworks. As part of the reception, there will be an award ceremony where 6 artists will be recognized for their exemplary work in two categories, 2d and 3d.

As a compliment to the visual artwork exhibited in the Paramount Gallery, the recognition ceremony will include an experimental collaborative performance. Set against an atmospheric musical ambiance, a digital illustrator will paint a sprawling array of moving bodies. Expect surprise! The performance will be improvisational and interdisciplinary, a collaboration between the Minnesota Dance Ensemble, the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, and local digital illustrator, Jesse Switters.

EXHIBIT DATES: JANUARY 19 – MARCH 5, 2017
RECEPTION: Saturday, January 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Central MN Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.