Monochrome: Fridley Exhibition Explores the Power of Color
Featuring over twenty local artists, the latest exhibition at North Suburban Center for the Arts—Monochrome—invites visitors to contemplate the power of color in art. From its symbolism, its restrictions, and its multitudes, color is the star of the show. Arranged by hue, the gallery takes visitors on a kaleidoscopic journey through the artworks, from vibrant magenta to lush green—and everything in between.
Color holds special meaning in each of the pieces included in the show. For example, ceramicist Katie Ferguson’s piece Gridlock, a round handled vase in a vibrant green, was inspired by springtime agriculture. Growing up on a small dairy farm, Katie (the artist behind local favorite, Sidecar Ceramics) used green to symbolize a sense of new growth, while the vessel’s graphic elements evoke the patterns left in fields by large farming machinery.
Like Ferguson, the use of color was intuitive for many. For example, Minneapolis-based artist Marge Buckley’s self portrait features several shades of blue. The reason is simple, but relatable: “My studio is in my basement and blue feels basement-y.” While Alex Prince, who selected purple as the main hue of her composition, was informed by years of working as a tour guide at Paisley Park. Pairing an image of a guinea pig with a motif from a vintage playing card, Prince’s sweet screenprint has an organic and comforting appeal—in no small part due to the shade of purple she selected.
Labels throughout the gallery allow visitors to learn more about how color plays a role in each artist’s process, from developing their initial idea to bringing it to life.
At the opening reception, awards were announced for Best in Show and Honorable Mentions. Surelle Schewe was awarded Best in Show for her work Andromeda, while Izzy Shinn and Becka Rahn received honorable mentions for their pieces, 7 AM and Tribbulations, respectively.
The exhibition closes Sunday, June 25th. If you’d like to see the show before it ends, please visit the art center during their summer open hours: Fridays 10am-4pm, and 12pm-4pm on weekends.
There are activities for all ages in the gallery and a locally-sourced makers market filled with handcrafted treasures too!
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