In Focus: Northern Artist Association Lets Community Explore in Free Classes

Northern Artists Association in Bemidji is dedicated to promoting art and activities to the community. We got the chance recently to sit on a class in their Community Artistic Adventures series.

The organization was founded in 1970 by a group of local artists that wanted to spread their knowledge of art and provide activities for the Bemidji area.

“We sponsor art education through free classes, speakers, demonstrations, and we exhibit at the Bemidji Public Library,” explained Northern Artist Association President Grace Garland.

After receiving a grant through the Region 2 Arts Council, Northern Artist Association partnered with the City of Bemidji in offering the free Community Artistic Adventures classes. Since then, there have been full houses at those classes with people interested in learning more about art.

“The class we did today was called “Capturing the Sun with Acrylics,” and we did a lake view with the sunrise over the water,” said Northern Artist Association member Annette Meyer. “We had 12 different students and 12 very, very different sunrises happened. But yeah, it’s been fun.”

In every class, the artist isn’t just teaching, but they are learning from their students.

“I love being able to teach and and I learn a lot, too, when I’m teaching,” added Meyer. “I learned a little bit more patience. …You got to have patience to teach.

Each class provides a different art experience and gives community members an opportunity to try new things and learn from them.

“These classes bring an opportunity for everybody to try something that they haven’t tried before, at no cost to themselves,” said Garland.

Students receive supplies to participate in activities and can take them home with them after completing their project.

“Also, the kit that I give them includes brushes, some paints and a little “my rules for painting” cheat sheet,” elaborated Meyer. “And so hopefully it just will help them learn to appreciate painting and paint more. And the take-home kit is [made] possible by the grant that we received. And that’s that’s pretty awesome.”

Those interested in the classes can sign up for them on the City of Bemidji website.