Pirjo Berg Named Next Mayor's Choice Award Winner

MAY 9th Opening Reception

LOCATION: 255 North 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Pirjo Berg's artwork is a captivating fusion of her Finnish heritage, deep appreciation for landscapes, and profound fascination with geology. Through her art, she seamlessly weaves together elements from her childhood, such as traditional Finnish decorations like striped rugs and woven hangings, which imbue her work with layers of nostalgia and longing. As an immigrant distanced from her homeland, Pirjo's longing for the past is palpable in her paintings, watercolors, and clay work, where she endeavors to encapsulate the essence of geological time and the ephemeral nature of memories.

In her exploration of geological formations, Pirjo masterfully translates the vastness of geological time into tangible forms, skillfully capturing the intricate essence of strata in her paintings and clay work. Her lines exhibit a unique dynamism, at times appearing nervous and diagonally adrift, while clusters of electric blue color evoke imagery ranging from glaciers to vast oceans. Through her signature lines, Pirjo conjures up vivid depictions of nature's forces, from swirling clouds to crashing waves, creating a visual symphony akin to seismographic vibrations.

While Pirjo's style leans towards the more traditional and European, she avoids appropriation, instead channeling a pastoral and romantic sensibility inspired by the natural world. Her art becomes a form of visual music, resonating with viewers through its evocative portrayal of nature's beauty and the passage of time. Through Pirjo Berg's artwork, viewers are invited to embark on a journey of reflection and contemplation, connecting with their memories and the timeless rhythms of the earth.

Pirjo Berg was born in Helsinki, Finland. In 2000, she received her BFA from the School of Art and Media, Tampere, Finland. The same year she established her studio practice in Seattle, WA. In 2005 she graduated from the Artists Trust EDGE-Program. She now lives in Grand Forks, ND.

University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) Call for Artists - Mural at Skidmore Park in Grand Forks, ND

Dear Artists,

The University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) is thrilled to announce the next opportunity

for local artists to collaborate with the Grand Forks community on public murals. This is

a collaborative effort with the Skimore Park Revitalization project team .

We are seeking skilled individuals to create a mural that will not only beautify Skidmore

Park, located on the northeast side of Grand Forks just off Gateway Drive, but also

engage budding youth artists in a collaborative process. Our plan is to foster a sense of

community through the creation and appreciation of public art and to help young artists

gain knowledge and skills.

Desired themes for incorporation into the mural design include environmental education

and sustainability awareness of north Grand Forks history.

Skidmore Park will become the home to a community veggie garden, an indigenous

medicinal plants garden, and accessible picnic areas for the community to enjoy.

Themes celebrating the diverse interconnected community of north Grand Forks are

welcome.

Proposal Deadline: May 1st, 2024

Design Specifics:

Location: On the northwest wall of Accurate REI (1130 N 5th St) facing Skidmore

Park in Grand Forks, ND

Mural Size: Dependent on artist’s design

Budget Allocation:

Artist Fee: $1000 - $2250 (Depending on experience and complexity of design)

Materials: $2000

Mounting and public unveiling: $500-750

Total Budget Range: $3500 - $5000

Materials To Be Used

High-grade artist acrylic paints (e.g., professional brands like Golden or Liquitex)

Aluminum Composite Board

Professional-grade brushes and tools

Premium sealant for enhanced protection

Additional high-quality supplies (e.g., mixing palettes, cleaning solutions)

Collaborative Process

The chosen artist will work as part of our Budding Creatives in the Park programming.

The Budding Creatives participants, a group of 5-10 people aged 10-14, will be involved

in the painting of the final mural along with the artist.

Painting will need to be completed in the final week of June and/or first week of July.

The artist will be selected by the project team, and the final design will be developed

with input from UPN, our community partners, and the building owner.

Project Vision and Implementation

The chosen mural will be the second in a series of murals in the north Grand Forks

community. Each piece will offer a unique perspective on learning, growth, and

community. We encourage artists to consider designs that incorporate particular themes

such as environmental education and awareness, or the history of north Grand Forks

into the mural design.

The final design will be selected through a community engagement process.

Submission Requirements

Please provide the following to universityavenuegf@gmail.com:

1. Portfolio: Please submit a portfolio showcasing your previous design work or

relevant projects.

2. Letter of Intent: This project will involve working closely with community

organizations. Your letter of intent should offer a brief description of how you plan

to accomplish this and include any experience you have had working with the

public on art projects.

3. Mural Experience: To be considered for this project, you must have previous

mural experience, and be available to work in a collaborative environment during

the summer of 2024.

Selection Notification: May 2nd, 2024

This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which

receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This program is also supported by a grant from the Knight Foundation Donor-Advised Fund at

the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region.

Public Arts Commission Presents 2023 City Update and 2024-25 Goals

On Monday, March 25th, Jill Nelson, Vice Chair of Public Arts Commission, presented an update on PAC achievements and goals to the City Council. To view the presentation, please click here.

Public Arts Commission and Arts For Vets present “The Wild Project”

Public Arts Commission and Arts For Vets present “The Wild Project”

In collaboration with the North Dakota Musem of Art

"Maurice Sendak - 50 Years”, a retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Where the Wild Things Are”, hosted by the North Dakota Museum of Art on March 14 – May 12, 2024.

You're cordially invited to the opening reception of "The Wild Project: Monsters of Sendak" on April 4th from 5 - 7 pm at Arts for Vets location, 215 North 3rd Street Suite #100, Grand Forks, ND. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant interpretations of Maurice Sendak's iconic "Monsters" by talented local artists.

Inspired by Francis Alys's renowned "The Fabiola Project," we encouraged artists to explore their unique styles while incorporating two of Sendak's beloved monsters. The resulting artworks promise a dynamic display of creativity within a shared framework.

Drawing from Alys's approach, the exhibition will be curated to present a unified visual experience. Like the clusters in "The Fabiola Project," each artwork will be arranged to form a cohesive whole, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the collective narrative.

A unifying element of the exhibition is the use of an Indigo blue background, a nod to Ayls’s original imagery. This consistent backdrop ensures a harmonious visual impact while allowing diverse interpretations of the source material.

Please join us for an evening of art, imagination, and community as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Maurice Sendak and the boundless creativity of our local artists.

Curated by Vickie Arndt and Kimberly Forness Wilson

Public Arts Commission Presents "Topophobia" by artist Micah Haji-Sheikh. At Alerus Center on April 11, 2024, reception from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Curated by Vickie Arndt.

The Public Arts Commission is thrilled to announce an upcoming art exhibition that promises to challenge perceptions and ignite introspection: "Topophobia" by the talented artist Micah Haji-Sheikh.

But what is "Topophobia"? It's a term that delves into the realm of fear and anxiety associated with specific places or spaces. Whether it's the fear of heights, confined spaces, or open areas, topophobia manifests in various forms, all stemming from a sense of vulnerability or discomfort in particular environments.

Micah Haji-Sheikh's work delves deep into this concept, drawing viewers into a visual exploration of claustrophobia through circular boundaries, dynamic color schemes, and intricate play between positive and negative space. Her sculptures, characterized by their aggressive yet captivating aesthetics, prioritize aesthetic value over utility, offering viewers a modern sensory experience that challenges conventional norms.

But Micah's art goes beyond mere visual spectacle; it delves into the complexities of gender, culture, and the human experience. Through technical experimentation and conceptual depth, she breathes life into her sculptures, inviting viewers to engage with the intricacies of identity, societal constructs, and personal narratives.

Each of Micah's sculptures serves as a vessel for dialogue and introspection, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions and understandings of the world around them. By pushing the boundaries of aesthetic expression, she invites us on a journey of discovery, prompting us to confront the complexities of the human condition head-on.

We cordially invite you to join us at the exhibition opening, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Micah Haji-Sheikh's thought-provoking artwork and engage in meaningful conversations about fear, identity, and the human experience.

Alerus Center on April 11, 2024, reception from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The exhibition will run from April 2024 to December 2024, and we encourage everyone to explore and experience the remarkable artwork created by this talented artist.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit the Public Arts Commission website or email info@publicartnd.org .

University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) and Dakota Science Center Call for Artists - Utility Box Vinyl Wraps at Skidmore Park in Grand Forks, ND

Dear Artists,

The University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) and Dakota Science Center are thrilled to

announce the opportunity for local artists to collaborate with us, Grand Forks Parks, and

Blue Zones Project on vinyl wraps for utility boxes in Skidmore Park.

We are seeking skilled individuals to design two vinyl wraps that will spread a message

about environmental awareness and beautify the space for park visitors. Through

environmental education slogans, we aim to increase public awareness of

environmental concerns and inspire individuals to take action towards a more

sustainable future. We are also open to designs that highlight the connection between

ecological sustainability and the mental and physical wellness of people in that

environment.

In particular our collective is interested in centering the voices of Indigenous people and

African immigrants in this artwork. Artists from those communities are especially

encouraged to apply.

Proposal Deadline: March 10th, 2024

Design Specifics:

Artist will design two designs for utility boxes in Skidmore Park. Specific dimensions will

be provided to the selected artist.

Budget Allocation:

Vinyl Wraps: $1300

Artist Fee: $700

Total: $2000

Project Vision:

The chosen designs will be printed and installed on two utility boxes in Skidmore Park.

We encourage artists to incorporate environmental education slogans, such as (but not

limited to): Keep It Green Keep It Clean; Bee the Change You Want to See; Pollinators

Matter; We are Stewards of the Earth; or Bee: Beneficial Environmental Enthusiast.

Through art, our goal is to promote a sense of place, support local artists, and promote

wellbeing for both humans and the environment. We are interested in designs that

explore art around healing our natural spaces as well as our human mind/body.

Submission Requirements

Please provide the following to universityavenuegf@gmail.com:

1. Portfolio: Please submit a portfolio showcasing your previous design work or

relevant projects.

2. Letter of Intent: This project will involve working closely with community

organizations. Your letter of intent should offer a brief description of how you plan

to accomplish this and include any experience you have had working with the

public on art projects.

Selection Notification: March 12th, 2024

Call for Artists Request for Proposals DOWNTOWN MURAL East Grand Forks, MN

The Downtown Development Association (DDA) alongside the RiverWalk Center, City of East Grand
Forks, and other partners are working together to beautify downtown and promote the exceptional people,
places, and things that make up our thriving region through the creation of murals. The project should
result in public artwork that lasts for years and create a landmark for those who live here and visitors
alike.

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS & CONSIDERATIONS
This project will showcase the connection between East Grand Forks and the Red River. Mural must
include imagery that weaves in fish that inhabit the river and compliments an Instagrammable canoe
cut-out. (A separately commissioned canoe cut-out will be placed in front of the mural to provide a photo
opportunity. This canoe will be modeled after the native populations of the region, and feature a land
acknowledgement statement.)
This project will be done under the oversight of the DDA and its consultants. It will be housed under the
DDA’s insurance and will follow all East Grand Forks City Requirements. DDA consultants may assist in
implementation of the project from start to finish.

Characteristics should include:
● A unique, appealing, and memorable art design that weaves in the Red River and fish that inhabit
the river
● A design(s) that complements the surrounding historic area, and has local relevance
● Materials that are durable and resistant to vandalism and are appropriate for the space

SELECTION PROCESS
The submission materials listed below will be reviewed by a committee that may include representation
from EGF, Downtown Development Association (DDA), mural consultant, and building owners among
others. Selections will be made based on the quality and organization of presented materials, portfolio of
previous work, resume of current artist (and any applicable help), art design, and the overall project
approach.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS
1. Letter of intent from the artist, including contact information, that describes your interest in the
project, how it relates to your body of work, the approach you envision, and the team you will form
to complete it.
2. A brief concept proposal that describes your ideas for the mural; sketches are required.
3. Resumes of the lead artist/designer and core team members; include narrative describing the
role(s) of team members.
4. Portfolio showcasing past projects/artwork. Include relevant information as to how they relate to
the proposed mural: similarities in material, scale, site, etc.
5. Budget – a corresponding budget to include the artist’s desired fee, estimated materials costs,
and any travel costs (if necessary)

BUDGET
Up to $4,500 including materials has been budgeted for this project. The successful artist/team is
responsible for all costs associated with design, research, engineering, materials, fabrication,
shipping/transportation, installation, taxes, insurance, and any other costs necessary to complete the
project. A contract and easement application will apply.

PAYMENT
If an artist’s design is selected for a mural site, the artist will work in partnership with DDA staff, and the
mural consultant to identify materials needed. Materials will be purchased by the DDA. The remainder of
the payment will be given upon project completion.

TIMELINE
February 15,2024 Call for artists/RFP issued
April 1, 2024 Deadline for concept proposals
April 30, 2024 Finalist Confirmed
May/June 2024 Project begins
July 2024 Project Complete

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. The deadline for submission of concept proposals is 5 p.m. on April 1, 2024.
2. Please direct inquiries to:
Downtown Development Association
Jill Proctor - jill@gfdda.com
23 N. Third Street, Suite 2, Grand Forks, ND 58203
p. 701-757-4051 | c. 701-741-5085
3. Submissions can be sent via postal mail, email, or dropped off to the contact information listed
above.
4. The DDA reserves the right to waive irregularities, to reject any or all submissions, to re-solicit
submissions, and to negotiate with selected respondents if such action is deemed to be in the
City’s best interests. The DDA retains the right to negotiate modifications to all submissions.
5. Mural developed pursuant to this request will be owned by the building owner and the artist(s) will
retain copyright ownership.
6. No board member or employee of the DDA shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any
resultant contract or the proceeds thereof.

Mural Location - corner of Demers Ave and 2nd Ave NW,
Downtown EGF approx. 10’x10’
https://downtownforks.com/murals
https://www.gofoundation.org/grants.html

Examples of photo opportunity with object in front of mural.

Example of life-like fish mural.

ND Artist Training Cohort - Outdoor Installations

NDCA has received funding for ten North Dakota artists in each of the eight regions of the state to participate in an ND Artist Training Cohort program. It will be led by established artists who are installing large scale, permanent public art through Arts Across the Prairie (AAP). There will be 3-4 rounds of training.

Each selected artist in the ND Cohort will receive training online and on site as well as a $1,500 stipend, plus travel, lodging, and per diem for the duration of the training cycle (2024-2026).

The goal of the ND Artist Training Cohort is to provide training for up to 80 ND artists to increase skill levels and capacity for public art production and therefore make them eligible for additional funding opportunities, both in North Dakota and nationally.

Eligibility:

ND Artists are eligible to apply for all 8 artist training sessions offered in 3-4 rounds; however new applicants will be considered first. Trainings will occur in all 8 Regions of the state. When weather is amenable, travel will be required.

*Applicant must be 18 or older and cannot be enrolled as a full-time student.

Criteria for Review:

Representatives from NDCA will review applications and materials submitted. Eight artists will be selected for each region.

Applications will be scored on:

• completeness of overall application

• artist’s statement

• past work as evidenced on resume

• goals

*Selections will be made without regard to race, religion, sex, disability, marital status, age, or national origin.

Program Format

1. Regions 1 & 4

   1. Beginning March 2024, the first sessions (Thane Lund, Region 1 and James Peterson, Region 4) of this program will take place online, 1-2 hours each session.

   2. In late spring and summer 2024, the ND Artist Cohort will meet with Region’s 1 and 4 installation artists onsite, in person, over three days to participate in the fabrication process.

2. Subsequent Regions

   1. Additional trainings will be scheduled as regional artists are selected (2024-2026).

ND Artist Training Cohort Stipend

• $1,500 plus travel, lodging, and per diem for the duration of the training cycle (2024-2026)

• No matching funds are required for this program

For Questions or Assistance

Contact Program Officer Melinda Padilla Lynch | melinda.lynch@nd.gov | (701) 440-0469

University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) Call for Artists - Mural Project at Valley Middle School, Grand Forks, ND

Dear Artists,

The University Park Neighborhoods (UPN) is thrilled to announce the first of four opportunities for local artists to collaborate with the Grand Forks community on public Murals.

This first mural will be a collaborative effort with Valley Middle School. We are seeking skilled individuals to create a mural that will not only beautify the space but also inspire and engage students and community members alike. Our plan is to foster a sense of community through the creation and appreciation of public art.

Proposal Deadline: Feb. 15th, 2024

Mural Specifics

Location: Valley Middle School, Grand Forks, ND

Mural Size: 4 feet by 8 feet

Budget Allocation:

Artist Fee: $1000 - $2000 (Depending on experience and complexity of design)

Materials: $2000

Miscellaneous (Sealant, Brushes, Primer etc.): $300

Mounting and public unveiling: $500

Total Budget Range: $3500 - $5000

Materials To Be Used

High-grade artist acrylic paints (e.g., professional brands like Golden or Liquitex)

Aluminum Composite Board

Professional-grade brushes and tools

Premium sealant for enhanced protection

Additional high-quality supplies (e.g., mixing palettes, cleaning solutions)

Collaborative Process

This mural project is envisioned as a collaborative effort that will actively involve community members and students. The chosen artist will have the opportunity to engage with the school and local community to gather insights, incorporate diverse perspectives, and create a sense of ownership over the artwork.

Project Vision and Implementation

The chosen mural will be the first in a series of potential murals in the Grand Forks community. Each piece will offer a unique perspective on learning, growth, and community. We encourage artists to consider themes that align with the school's values of diversity, inclusivity, and creativity. 

The theme of this piece will come from the Valley Middle School students, and the chosen artist will propose three mural options that will align with the theme developed by the students. Students are currently considering the following themes: pride, royals/crown (our mascot is Valley Royals), school stuff, and a bright look. 

The artist is expected to work with students and their school liaison and community members at different times during the painting, which will take place at the school.

Valley Middle School will have final say on acceptable subject matter. In general school policy states: derogatory sayings depicting hate speech or targeting specific groups; containing double meanings involving sexual, illegal, or violent connotations; or advertising alcohol, tobacco products, or other substances are not allowed.

Submission Requirements

1. Letter of Intent: This project will involve working closely with students and the community. Your letter of intent should offer a brief description of how you plan to accomplish this and include any experience you have had working on with the public on art projects.

2. Portfolio: Please submit a portfolio showcasing your previous mural work or relevant projects.

3. Mural Experience: To be considered for this project, you must have previous mural experience, and be available to work in a collaborative environment during the winter/spring of 2024.

Artist Selection Process

Proposal Deadline: Feb. 15th, 2024

Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee of representatives from UPN and Valley Middle School. The chosen artist will be notified by Feb. 29th, 2024

Timeline

February 2024: Selection of artist and thematic development

March - April 2024: Painting with community involvement

April - May 5, 2024: Final mural appearance and weatherproofing 

May 15, 2024: Final installation

May 2024: Public unveiling

Budget

Up to $5000, depending on materials, location, and size.

Contact Information

For questions or to submit a proposal, please contact: universityavenuegf@gmail.com

We look forward to receiving your creative proposals and to the collaborative journey that will transform Valley Middle School through art!

Sincerely,

University Park Neighborhoods (UPN)