Fishing, Painting and Nature: A Beautiful Combination in Bigfork

The newest artist on display at the Edge Center Gallery won the Minnesota fish stamp competition four times. Stuart Nelson’s “Something Fishy” exhibit is so life-like that you may either feel like you are swimming with the fish or on the other end of the line trying to catch them.  Maybe both.  They are beautiful and colorful examples of why fishermen from around the country keep coming back to our lakes for the fresh water challenge of a trophy catch. From October 30 until November 29, original paintings and limited edition prints by Stuart Nelson will be exhibited in the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork.  You will be able talk to Stuart about paintings or fishing at the Opening Reception on Friday, October 31 from 5PM to 7PM. The Edge Center Gallery is next to the Bigfork School and is open from 10AM to 4PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There is no charge for the gallery or reception.

This is a good time for the exhibit because 2014 was a big year for this nature painter.  His paintings won both the Minnesota Trout & Salmon Stamp Award and the Walleye Stamp Award.  It was the second time for each award.  In 1999 he won first place for the Trout & Salmon Stamp and in 2011 for the Walleye Stamp.

Stuart grew up on Big Lake, just west of Cloquet, Minnesota.  He says, ”When you live near the water all your life like I have, fish and fishing naturally become a large influence on your life.”  He graduated from the School of Associated Arts where he studied graphic design and illustration.

With this background, the Minnesota Fish Stamp Competitions were a natural fit.  However, it took 10 to 15 years after he first entered in the late 1970s before he got a second or third place award.  After all these years he understands what makes a winning design.

 “The fish has to be accurate.  The color has to be accurate,” he told Sam Cook for the Duluth News Tribune.  “But you need something to separate you from the rest of them.  So, it has to be a pretty picture, too.”    The stunning work showing in the Edge Center Gallery has it all, realistic detail, lots of action, beautiful settings and superb composition.  Stuart’s ability to portray the mood of the fish and its environment is what really makes his work so captivating.  You’ll see why his work has been featured in numerous wildlife magazines.

The Stuart Nelson exhibit “Something Fishy” is on display at the Edge Center Gallery from October 30 until November 29 with the Opening Reception from 5PM to 7PM on Friday October 31. And don't worry about the "Tricks"...you may even get some "Treats" from some of the members of our volunteer gallery committee. The Edge Center Gallery, next to the Bigfork School, is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10AM to 4PM until November 29. The prints and mugs with the winning designs will be for sale and make great holiday gifts for fishing fans.