NE North Dakota News

The Northwest Arts Center is showcasing an exhibition titled "The Great Open: Photographs from North Dakota" at the Walter Piehl Gallery. The display, running from August 9 to September 21, features work by renowned photographers Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb. This exhibition is part of the North Dakota Museum of Art’s Rural Arts Initiative.

In 2019, the artists were commissioned by the Museum with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts to capture images that reflect North Dakota's landscape and culture. Their project combines their unique styles to create a comprehensive portrayal of the state.

Rebecca Norris Webb focuses on capturing intimate aspects of North Dakota's natural environment. Her photographs explore themes of change and memory, drawing inspiration from landscapes such as the badlands and sites affected by historical events like the 1997 Red River flood in Grand Forks.

Alex Webb brings a global perspective, photographing urban settings within North Dakota during his visits. His work includes scenes from cities like Fargo and Bismarck, as well as cultural events such as festivals and powwows across the state.

While "The Great Open" is on display in Minot, several events are scheduled. These include a public reception on September 5 with both artists present, lectures on September 6 as part of the Art Seminar Series, and photography workshops on September 7 led by Minot State Professor Ryan Stander.

The exhibition is accessible to visitors Tuesday through Saturday at specified hours in the Walter Piehl Gallery located within Minot State University’s Gordon B. Olson Library. Admission is free.

This initiative has been made possible through support from various organizations including the North Dakota Museum of Art, Rural Arts Initiative, North Dakota Council on the Arts, and Minot State University's Cultural and Intellectual Engagement Council.

For further information or inquiries about this event series or related programs, individuals can contact JoHannah Grosz or Greg Vettel at Northwest Arts Center or Ryan Stander at Minot State University.