Display pays homage to art teacher, wildlife artist

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center has announces its new gallery exhibit: “Borgreen’s Butenhoff Boys” in the gallery from March 6 through April 6. This show features the art of three artist brothers, whose mediums include painting, printmaking, and ceramics. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2-4 p.m., with artist talks at 3 p.m.    

The art and the title of this show pay homage to art teacher and wildlife artist, Jim Borgreen.  Borgreen taught art from 1974-2010 at Fergus High School in Lewistown, Mont.  Three brothers: Peder, John, and Charles Butenhoff, all had Borgreen as a teacher during their high school days. They directly credit him for their career paths as they all became artists and educators. They say “Jim Borgreen helped students discover their individuality and inner artist. He inspired students with his creativity, humor, and genuine care.”

The influence of wildlife, the outdoors, and nature is a theme seen in the three Butenhoff artist’s work. Peder Butenhoff has been teaching for almost 30 years and is the current art teacher at Perham High School. This show features both Peder’s ceramic work and his watercolor paintings. Peder’s work is inspired by nature as his paintings feature landscapes and wildlife, while his ceramic work is fluid and textural.  

His brother Charles taught art and special education in the Monticello and Brainerd School Districts for a combined 33 years. Charles has many wildlife-inspired prints in this gallery show from wolves to loons that show careful attention to detail, line, and color.  

John Butenhoff taught industrial technology in Minnesota and Montana, and for the last 20 years taught pottery/sculpture and technology, and coached wrestling at Walla Walla High School in Washington state.  John’s paintings and pottery, including raku and horsehair pottery, are also inspired by natural forms and the outdoors.

This show and the connection between the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in Minnesota and Mr. Borgreen in Lewistown, Mont., is even more special as Cultural Center Artistic Director Cheryl Bannes co-taught with Jim Borgreen for several years, and her children also had Mr. Borgreen for an art teacher toward the end of his career. Cheryl knows first-hand the influence Mr. Borgreen had on the hundreds of students he taught during his tenure. The influence of his love of wildlife and attention to detail can be seen in the artwork of Peder, Charles, and John Butenhoff currently on display in the Cultural Center Gallery, and for sale, from March 6 through April 6.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Gallery is free to see and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Private viewings can be arranged anytime by calling Cheryl Bannes at 385-3339 or emailing cheryl@kulcher.org.

Visit www.kulcher.org or call the Cultural Center at 385-3339 with any questions.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.