Click on any photo below to begin a slideshow of some of the original art pieces that was available for raffle at the Family Reunion on Saturday, February 6th!

See below for information about the artists.

Original Art Raffle Artists

Ann Ringness—Handmade Leather Travel Bag
As a leather artisan since 1974, a natural rhythm has developed in my work. Before hand cutting, each piece is examined thoroughly. As I lay out my designs I choose which part of the hide will work best to enhance each piece I am working on. Then each seam is guided carefully on an industrial sewing machine to insure quality and longevity. My leather bags are classic and functional and are in constant change. My recent work includes burning dot impressions into the surface of the leather where I achieve a positive-negative effect, sometimes creating pictographs. After the image is burnt onto the leather it is backed with quilting material, which is then stitched by machine and by hand for enhancement.

Flora Shinkle—Framed Painting
This painting is one of a series that is design oriented. It is the geometric shapes of barns and silos that I’m interested in. I refer to my method as breaking up of the picture plane and the subject matter. I’m concerned with recording the old barns of my mid-west life that are disappearing. As my husband and I have traveled this area to collect photographs, I began to pay attention to the many different styles. In this series I am attempting to record those shapes.

Marly Keller —Photo Cards
I bought my first camera in 5th grade with 50 cents and a Wheaties box top. I love to make images permanent that catch my attention. Most of my best photos are unplanned and unexpected. The permanent ingredients are carrying a camera, curiosity and visual alertness. New sights on my retina create positive energy and mood. Winning a few prizes and being included in juried shows is encouraging.

Sophia Heymans —Original Painting
My name is Sophia Elizabeth Heymans. I am currently a Sophomore at the Rhode Island School of Design where I am studying painting. I have always been strongly influenced by nature and growing up on a farm in the beautiful land of Central Minnesota has definitely affected my work and made me into the artist I am. I am also interested in the emotions that are associated with portraits and people have always been my favorite subjects to paint.

Carol Weiler —Framed Photographs
Carol Weiler was born in Williamsville, New York, and a holds a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute. She is a photographer, graphic artist and Web designer. She has also served as an arts educator from the elementary to the college level. Carol has exhibited black and white and digital photography in Web-based, national, regional and local juried and invitational shows since 1981.

Eve & Gary Wallinga —Original Painting
Our paintings are inspired by the dot paintings of Aboriginal People of Australia. We paint with sticks, with which we apply dots of acrylic paint. We work simultaneously, usually sitting on the floor with the painting between us.

Char Hopela —Belt Art
I use recycled leather belts in my woven pieces. I was inspired by seeing belts used to replace the worn seat of a chair. This creative reuse motivated me to try my hand at weaving belts together as pieces of art. I love tooled western belts and studded black biker belts and all sorts of funky and fringed styles from the seventies. Oftentimes I fall in love with my finds, so my personal collection of off-beat belts is quite large! A collection of my work is now on display at the St. Cloud Civic Center.

Dan Mondloch —Print
Dan Mondloch was born, raised, and currently resides in St. Cloud, MN. He comes from an artistic family and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the SCSU Art Department in 2007. For over ten years he has exhibited his paintings throughout dozens of Central Minnesota galleries and businesses. Having volunteered and served many local and statewide arts organizations, Dan has been an active member of the local arts community. When you look at one of Dan's paintings, it is his hope that it draws you in so that you begin to feel what it is like to actually be there. These paintings are not just to be enjoyed, but also experienced.

Maureen Welter —Original Oil Painting
My current work focuses both on children and the awkward and joyful moments they experience growing up,  and on rural-inspired themes.  I like to paint using a primitivism, naive slant, being influenced by and admiring of many Outsider artists.

Kathy Zstormyskye— Paintings with Jewelry The name of my company is "Earth and Sky Photography and Inspired by Nature Jewelry" .  My work has been at "The Loft" downtown, currently is at The Meeting Grounds and "On a Lark" in St. Joe.  I've participated in several juried art shows as well.
 
Dede Leither —Original Oil Painting
Painting plein air is always dicey. One must consider the weather, the bugs, the changing light, and the location. The variables are mind boggling. But there is nothing I’d rather do!

Mick Benson —Print
Mick Benson has a Masters Degree in Art from St. Cloud State University. He has participated in workshops throughout Minnesota ,and taught watercolor classes in Norway and Denmark . Some of his awards include: juried best of show in several watercolor exhibitions, works in various collections throughout the United States, works juried into the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition ,works juried into Midwest Watercolor Society Exhibitions ,a one man exhibition at the Danske Bank, Aalborg, Denmark ,Commissions Accepted.

Chuck Norwood —Framed Photograph
Chuck Norwood is from the east coast but has resided in Minnesota for the past thirty years. He makes his home in St. Cloud where he has raised two daughters, Kristi and Brittany. Chuck is employed by the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud as Technical Director. He also does freelance lighting designs for various theater and dance companies. Chuck has pursued photography since 1983, beginning with film and now working with digital images. He photographs in Minnesota and believes the beauty of nature anywhere represents the beauty of nature everywhere, like the photography of Ansel Adams in Yosemite and Shinzo Maeda in northern Japan.

Diane Woit —Watercolor Painting
Diane Woit is one of the area’s premier watercolor artists. She is known for her florals as well as her landscapes and Tuscan scenes. Steve Fines —Nature Photography While the subject of a photograph is certainly important, for me it is the quality and character of the light on the subject that makes it interesting. With my photographs I try to capture the often fleeting moments where the light perfectly compliments and defines the subject.

Ellen Nelson —Stained Glass Piece
Ellen has worked in stained glass for over 30 years, creating works of all sizes. She currently teaches classes at the Paramount Visual Arts Center and is Manager of the Paramount Gallery.  "I love the magic of the colors and textures as the light flows thru the glass.”

Sandy Piano —Original Watercolor
Although not a Minnesota native, I enjoy the variety of scenery, trees and water available to paint. Seasons here provide lots of sketching possibilities. Plein air painting is fun and stimulating, trying to catch the right lights and moments. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s always film.

Rosemary Roehl—Hand-woven Pillow
I am a self-taught weaver who has focused on learning the weaving techniques used in traditional Norwegian weavings. In 1992 I earned my Gold Medal of Honor competing in the Vesterheim Exhibits of Weaving in the Norwegian Tradition held annually each July during Decorah, Iowa’s Nordic Fest. (Weavers win ribbons and points; eight points are required for the Gold Medal). In addition, I have earned blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair, at arts shows held in St. Cloud and Moorhead, Minnesota and at the International Sons of Norway Folk Art Show.

Sister Dennis Frandrup—Pottery Jar
Sister Dennis Frandrup is a member of the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict. Her entire professional life has been in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and her MFA with emphasis in Ceramics and minor in jewelry. She taught at the College of St. Benedict in the art department. Throughout the years, she has received grants to continue her studies and has been awarded honors for her achievements.

Jo Severson —Ceramic Vase
I love to make pots. I find inspiration in the fact that my pots will be put to use in the simple traditions of everyday living, such as setting the table, sharing meals with friends, arranging lowers in a vase. I hope my pottery can add bit of beauty to these everyday rituals. My goal as a potter for the past thirty years has been to create pots with a genuine sense of pleasure in use. My pieces are strong, simple pots designed for beauty and function in the home. I throw, and sometimes alter, forms using a combination of contemporary and traditional surface designs. I perform all the processes involved in making each piece. My pots are thrown on a potter's wheel. I use stoneware clay and glazes fired to 2300 degrees in a gas reduction kiln. I mix all my glazes from raw chemicals. Over the years, I have found the most important aspect of being truly creative is to always grow. It is so easy to become stagnant. I am continually trying various forms and surface glazing techniques.

James Loso —Ceramic Vase
James Loso has been creating innovative designs in clay and porcelain for decades in the St. Cloud area. Jim just retired as an art teacher at Elk River High School. His work has won awards at national and regional craft shows.

Mic Stowell —Pottery

Mic Stowell graduated with an M.F.A. from the University of Minnesota. His work has been included in both national and international exhibitions. Since 1987 he has been teaching at Central Lakes College and is a resident of Sartell where he maintains a studio.