Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Nicole Fredrickson’s Winterscapes Featured at the Edge Center Gallery

Many people come to this area for the crisp cold, open spaces and vast possibilities of a Northern Minnesota winter. All of these things are celebrated in Snow Blind, the exhibit in the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork from May 27 to June 26. The oil paintings of Nicole Fredrickson are based on her experiences visiting Bigfork in the winter to see her grandmother, Teresa Fredrickson, and other family. She says, ”The sense of isolation offered by a frozen Minnesotan landscape instilled within me the deepest feelings of serenity” and the paintings reflect these feelings. Vast areas of quiet, snow covered fields or woods are shown, but many of the Winterscapes include people off to the side as observers or as small intruders.

Nicole Fredrickson was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating from Drew University in 2008. She is presently a graphic designer with Hooper Holmes in New Jersey. It is from a visitor’s prospective that she loves and paints Northern Minnesota, appreciating the beauty and isolation in contrast to hectic everyday life. Viewers of the paintings may experience the quiet as well.

Meet the artist at the Opening Reception is on Friday, May 28 from 5:00 to 7:00. The exhibit runs through June 26. You can also find out more from her website: www.ntfredrickson.com.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Arts on the Edge By Patricia Feld

After eight big events at the Edge in April, May brings eight more! Four are Bigfork School non-arts events. The school is using the lovely setting of the Edge Center for the Prom’s Grand March, Academic Awards, Senior Reception, and the Athletic Awards.

The two school arts events are the High School Band and Choir Concert on Wednesday the 19th of May at 7pm and the Drama Class Productions on the 27th of May in the early afternoon and at 7pm. (Check with the school, 743-3444, for the exact time of the afternoon performance).

The Drama Class will present Trifles, a one-act mystery, and Mmmbeth, a MacBeth parody. Twenty of the twenty-five students will be acting! Please plan on attending to support our young community members’ artistic endeavors.

BEMIDJI TRIO PLAYS CLASSICAL CONCERT

Once again Dr. Stephen Carlson will play the fine Edge Center grand piano. This time he brings with him two colleagues from the music department of Bemidji State University, violinist, Michelle Laliberte, and cellist, Patrick Riley. Dr. Carlson loves the Edge, its piano, and the warm reception of our volunteers and audiences, so he wants to treat us to the sound of an elegant trio. Their program will include major works by three composers, Mozart, Beethoven, and a crowd-pleaser by Russian composer, Anton Arensky. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $3 student rush. They are available at the door.

BIGFORK’S 13 VIOLIN STUDENTS PERFORM

Yes, thirteen young people from our area are taking violin lessons from the Itasca Orchestral Society’s Debbie Losik both during and after school. Monday May 24th at both 12:30 and 7pm they will perform recitals with some students from Grand Rapids. Their accompanist will be Elizabeth Ophoven playing the Edge grand grand piano.

The students are Greta Anderson, Kristen Anderson, Lexi Becker, Zoe Butler, Andie Chase, Ryan Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Jaden Meyer, Jenna Meyer, MacKenzie Pearson, Liam Prato, Jada Tendrup, Anders Westman, and Erik Westman. Admission is free and refreshments will be served in the Gallery after the evening recital.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with 3 “Revolves”

We will have our first professionally designed set for an EdgeWild Production, and it will feature three lazy susan-like devices, called revolves or revolving stages!! Tom Barrett, the Technical Director at Macalester College and designer for many Twin Cities’ theatres, is sketching the plans for the set of Fiddler right now. After we approve those, he’ll send us the first 3-D model of a set we’ve ever had, then the designs for our talented crews to build from.

The excellent cast has begun rehearsals, most of the orchestra is selected (local and Itasca Orchestra members too), costumes are being found and/or sewn, and
tickets will be $15 for Preferred Seating, $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $3 student rush seats. Tickets will be available at Two Rivers Cenex Convenience Store, online at www.the-edge-center.org, and at the door (if we’re not sold out)!
Performances will be the 24th -27th of June, (Thursday through Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm), and we look forward to seeing you there!


DEAR SEASONAL RESIDENTS,

Where do you want us to reach you? Each year Dr. Korstad sends out her inspiring membership letter to all the people who we know want to support the Edge Center’s mission. We are bringing visual arts and live performing arts to the lives of young and old alike in the woods. Help us to reach you WHERE you would prefer to be contacted. We love to see you whenever you come. You are important to us. Drop us a note at info@the-edge-center.org or call 218-743-6670 and leave a message.

COMING EDGE EVENTS
• 16 May – Violin, cello, piano concert, Bemidji Trio plays, 2pm.
• 24 May – Recital of violin students from Bigfork,12:30 & 7pm.
• 27 May – Bigfork’s Drama Class performs two one-acts, early afternoon & 7pm.
• 24-27 June – The EdgeWild Players present Fiddler on the Roof, 7pm & 2pm Sunday.
• 16-18 July - Willy Wonka will be brought north by Stages Theatre Company.
• 14 August - The Piano “Bar” with Northern Lights Trio return for dancing on the stage.
• 28 August – John Perkins returns to sing of the Northwoods, 7pm.
• 12 September - “The Pretenders,” our rockin’ buddies play, 2pm.
• 26 September - Celtic music with Laura McKenzie, 2pm.
• October – The Twin Cities acclaimed modern dance company, TU Dance comes.
• 12 December – The LaPlante Family Bluegrass Christmas Concert, 2pm.
• …and keep watching for more as they become finalized!