Artist reception to be held on Sept. 29 in New York Mills

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is excited to announce its current gallery show “A Lifetime of Art” featuring the paintings of two regional artists, Boyd Sharp and George Gloege.  This must-see show is on display now through October 7, with a reception planned for Friday, Sept. 29 from 4-6 p.m.

This show is a tribute to two painters who spent a lifetime expressing themselves through art. Their styles and subjects are quite different but the joy of painting and dedication to their art is evident in this show.  

Boyd Sharp was born in 1938 and grew up in an artistic family where his entertainment was drawing and coloring. Sharp is mostly a self-taught artist with a wide range of interests in his subjects. The paintings in this show range from landscapes to portraits, and Native American dancers to abstracts. 

Sharp garnered national attention with his painting “Don’t Tread on Me,” which he created after seeing the news about the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. This painting was made into posters that helped raise money for New York City Fire Departments. The original painting, along with his somber painting “Silence” which depicts the Twin Towers, are both part of the exhibit at the NY Mills Cultural Center. Signed prints of “Don’t Tread on Me” are also available for sale at the Cultural Center. Sharp continues to paint in his home studio in Osage, Minn.

George Gloege’s paintings are a retrospective of his art spanning 50 years. Gloege’s daughter Kristen recently described his art and life: “George Gloege (born March 5, 1937, died December 19, 2021), along with his wife Lee, was a canoe outfitter on the Crow Wing River, a self-taught artist, a conservationist, a history scholar, and a life-long athlete. Between 1970 and 2021, George created hundreds of paintings—oils, acrylics, and watercolors—most of them signed and titled but none dated, and he honed an artistic style marked by playful and imaginative expression, frequent use of vivid colors, and a scholarly approach. George painted for the sheer love of the artistic process.”

Visitors to the gallery will want to take their time viewing the varied subjects and styles by these two artists. The common thread between Sharp and Gloege is their interest in life, the expression of their work, and their lifetime dedication to their painting. 

At the reception on Friday, Sept. 29, Sharp will be on hand to discuss his work and George’s family will also be present to speak about George’s art. The reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. and is free to attend and open to all. Artist talks will begin at 5 p.m.  Refreshments will be available.

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 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 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.

These activities are made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an operating support grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

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