A Creative Home
A local arts hub inspires
Story by JAMIE BIESIADA
Artist Sandy Fabian wants more people to appreciate the arts, which may be as simple as recognizing a lamppost. “Sometimes we don’t realize how we are influenced by our world around us. The texture in our community, in our art forms, in our lampposts and all kinds of stuff that you take for granted,” she says. Sandy, of Sartell, is a potter who makes functional pieces ranging from dinnerware to egg bakers, and she loves designing porcelain jewelry. She also dedicates time to photography and writing. She displays her work in Morris through the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, known as the PRCA. She is also a board member of the nonprofit dedicated to connecting the community through art.
ADVOCATING FOR THE ARTS Fiber artist Diane Trew is the PRCA gallery coordinator. In addition to its gallery, Prairie Art & Gifts, the PRCA regularly hosts exhibitions, community events and classes. The PRCA started in 1998, when a group of local artists and community Sandy Fabian creates many ceramic designs, from coffee mugs to bottles for olive oi members decided to bring a greater emphasis on art to the community. They met to talk about the idea for a few years, and then opened the PRCA in 2002. “Their mission was to advocate, promote and coordinate arts heritage and cultural activities in Stevens County and the surrounding area,” Diane says. They wanted a physical space to serve as an information center for cultural events— they also issue a quarterly newsletter. The gallery provides a place for artists to display their work and hold on-site classes and workshops. Diane became acquainted with the PRCA in 2007, when she opened a weaving studio. In addition to classes and workshops, the PRCA offers a bimonthly art bar. Four artists present four projects and encourage participation by those who in Benson and started connecting with other artists. She says the PRCA today stays true to its roots. The nonprofit is largely volunteer-based, with a dedicated board of directors and a group of volunteers who help run the gallery and form various committees.
‘ART BAR’ ON TAP When it comes to filling the PRCA’s gallery space, the alliance seeks both local artists and those from the surrounding community. The group also looks for up-and-coming artists, including local high school students, who offer fresh perspectives. “That’s an ongoing thing for us, and we’re still growing that,” Diane says. pay a small fee. Recent projects include watercolor painting, collage and fabric printing with leaves. “We have, really, a lot of talented people who will come and share a different project,” she says. Diane encourages residents to become members. “We really survive on our membership, and we encourage people to become a member of the gallery and support the arts in their community,” she says. “It’s a really easy way to do that.”