Betty Bloomquist, 1119 Sunset Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Pat Danielson, 2502 6th Ave. N. #B, Grand Forks, ND 58203 Marian Sletten Gates, 3482 28 Ave. So., Grand Forks, ND 58201 Therese Masters Jacobson, 912 9th Avenue SE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721-2304
Betty Bloomquist is a happily retired former teacher and former health care administrator. She enjoys taking classes
during these years of freedom, and spends time drawing and painting with a small group of like-minded friends.
Her preferred medium is watercolor, but ventures sometimes into collage. She likes pure, vibrant color.
Her favorite subjects are her grandchildren.
A life-long citizen of North Dakota, I have been educated in art by my love of paint, paper, pencils, pastels and all
sorts of art-related stuff. I've also been encouraged and taught new skills by generous local artists as well as by
attending a few workshops along the way. My most recent works are watercolor, pastel, pen and ink.
Marian Sletten Gates is a watercolor artist and retired elementary school teacher. Occasionally she works with mixed
media and acrylics. She enjoys painting florals, old rustic buildings, and creating her own still life arrangements.
She works from personal photos that she and her husband take on vacation trips. Marian is also a quilter and does Swedish
weaving.
Marian received a BS degree from Minot State College and a MS degree from the University of North Dakota. She is a
member of the River Forks Watercolor Society, Nelson County Arts Council and the Red River Watercolor Society.
Marian has attended watercolor workshops sponsored by RFWS and has participated in out of town classes as well. She has
exhibited at art shows in ND, SD and MN. Marian created a watercolor of Lewis and Clark School for the 50th anniversary
celebration. Cards of that were printed and sold for a scholarship fundraiser. The painting remains at Lewis and Clark
in memory of Ben Bjertness. After retirement, she served on the Art Wise board for three years. Marian was one of the
winners in the Lewis and Clark Banner Contest in 2002 sponsored by Bismarck Art and Galleries Association.
Marian continues to sell giclee prints of her coneflower watercolor entry. Also in 2007, Marian created a quilt which
became part of the Patchwork of Possibilities exhibit sponsored by the Community Foundation, benefiting the Women’s Fund.
Art Educator - East Grand Forks’ Senior High and Central Middle School, East Grand Forks, MN 2004 - Present
The middle child of seven, I began drawing under my mother’s tutelage when I could hold a crayon. Mother said I
drew shapes, never scribbled. From art lessons as a young child I graduated to art school at the Chicago Academy of
Fine Art from 1968 to 1970. Later, watercolor became my medium of choice as I studied under Jini Coolidge, and
Bruce G. Johnson in Indiana. After raising my three children, I graduated from Bemidji State University in 2002 with
degrees in Art Education and Elementary Education. Teaching art to students yearning to express themselves is the most
satisfying career; but creating paintings of acrylic, pen & ink, or my favored watercolor continues to be my primary
source of enjoyment.
The natural world always provides the best subjects for me. Fruits are as delicious to the eyes
as the palate. My attempt to keep their beauty this summer resulted in these small watercolor apple renditions and
a few others before I had eaten the entire still life subjects.
When our first green garden vegetables appeared this summer, I marked the moment by painting a
portrait of sweet peas gathered in a checkered napkin, contrasted by a strawberry. Just as they do on variegated vines,
the pea pods hid among green-checkered folds of the napkin. That is the way life can be: precious things we wait for
often hide in plain sight waiting to be seen.
State Parks forbid the taking of natural objects as souvenirs. So when I hike I gather interesting
objects, then remember them in watercolor at my campsite before leaving the objects within the park.
Paula Kallinen, 1635 8th St SE, EGF, MN 56721
For many years I've enjoyed painting with watercolor and in recent times I've added acrylic paints to my pallet.
I have a keen sense of my surroundings and find inspiration in many different areas. I like to capture a variety of
subjects for future paintings and frequently stop to take photos. I find abstract painting to be the most relaxing
and once I start to paint, I get completely lost in my thoughts. When I am not in my studio I can be found working
as a decorating consultant and manager for Meadowbrook Home Furnishings of Grand Forks and Fargo. Also one day each
week I teach children's art at Holy Family/St. Marys Catholic School in Grand Forks. I feel fortunate to have found
a way to surround my life with creativity and to have a supportive family to encourage me. These have been instrumental
in my growth as an artist.
Phyllis Kalliokoski, 1304 20th Street NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Since retiring from teaching art I have had time and energy to develop my ideas through painting. I paint to satisfy
my inner self but also to communicate feelings and ideas for which language is inadequate. I have had the opportunity
to exhibit locally at the Empire Arts Center, Campbell library, Grand Forks City Hall, and at Scott's Music during the
Art and Wine Walk. A sample of my work is included in the Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet sponsored by the
Northwest Regional Arts Council.
Karol Knudson, 711 North 25 Street, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203
My husband and I came to Grand Forks in 1970. I transferred from the Minneapolis School of Art and Design to UND to
complete my fine art major. I finished my Bachelors Degree and went to work for the North Dakota Geological Survey
where I worked as a cartographer and graphic artist for 9 years. I stayed home for several years with my two sons and
became involved with the Community Art Association. I started a business called Art and Learn in 1986. My business
sells art supplies and also teaching supplies. I am now a 3 year member of River Forks Watercolor Society and serving
as its President.
Eunice Renee Kuhn, 6701 Lake Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201
A graduate of UND, with a BS majoring in art, I taught art for 33 years in public schools at Kokomo. Indiana (1965),
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (1969), and East Grand Forks, Minnesota (1974-1999).
My art reflects the similarities between the beauty of nature and the flow of music. I like to
paint subjects I am familiar with, such as my pets, flowers from my garden, wildlife, and scenery. I use both realistic
and abstracted objects in my works.
Carolyn Meisel, 11296 46th Ave. N., Grand Forks, ND 58201
Carolyn Meisel is an artist and a retired counselor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts and a Master’s
degree in Counseling at the University of North Dakota. The artist was born in Chicago, Illinois. She, her husband
Jim and the “family dog” Skeeter live in Grand Forks. They enjoy traveling and love spending time with their children
and grandchildren. On their frequent trips, she gathers resources for future paintings.
Carolyn began drawing as a teenager. Since then, she has had the opportunity to visit museums and
galleries all over the United States and in Europe. Inspired by what she saw, she began to paint. Though she worked
initially with oils and pastels, Carolyn now works primarily in watercolor, sometimes enhancing her work with other
mediums.
Carolyn has attended numerous workshops on watercolor painting, taking full advantage of opportunities
offered by top watercolorists who share their skills. She exhibits her paintings at regional shows and various
businesses and is a member of the River Forks Watercolor Society (Grand Forks, North Dakota) and the Red River
Watercolor Society (Fargo, North Dakota).
Through her business “Creative Resources,” Carolyn has conducted numerous presentations, workshops,
retreats and team building experiences using “expressive art” techniques. She also fabricates jewelry, and hand-knit
items. Husband Jim provides custom framing. Past experience includes being an instructor for the Grand Forks Public
Schools “Artist in the Classroom” program.
Kathleen Ness, 906 Belmont Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Kathleen Ness's favorite medium is watercolor. She likes to work wet-into-wet, because the paint and water flowing
together can create interesting and surprising effects. At the same time, she also enjoys the challenge of precise,
hard-edged designs. Topics represented in the show include her husband's antique car, irises from her garden, and a
musical instrument. A native of North Dakota, Kathleen earns her living as an itinerant school psychologist. She finds
painting as a way to find balance in her life, and appreciates the encouragement provided by her fellow painters in the
River Forks Watercolor Society.
Patricia Rodgers, 2144 S. 38th St., Grand Forks, ND 58201
My purpose in painting is to take a small part of nature and reinterpret it. To me, this is the heart of creativity.
The viewer may then enjoy an alternate way of seeing a familiar object or scene.
Jean Thompson, 5302 N Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58203
Jean Thompson started painting several years ago. She enjoys attending workshops and participating in local exhibits.
Jean works primarily with watercolors, occasionally incorporating collage elements into her art.
Janice Tingum, 1317 Chestnut St, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Janice (Overmoe) Tingum grew up in Traill County, graduating from Mayville State University in 1980 and the University
of North Dakota School of Law in 1983. She is married to Kirk Tingum and they have three children. Janice and Kirk
practice law together in the firm of Caldis, Tingum & Tingum, Ltd.
Janice paints primarily with watercolor and acrylics. “Painting,” she says, “is a wonderful way to
communicate an idea or emotion. Reflections on Saxophone, for example, is a painting of the instrument my son played
through middle school and high school. At first glance, one sees the reflections of light and the nearby flowers on the
instrument. At a deeper level for me, though, the scene also reflects memories of my son’s years of practicing, band
lessons and school concerts. As the painter, I don’t know whether the viewer will recognize everything I am saying
through the painting, but I find it rewarding that the painting has the potential to trigger memories, stir emotions
and inspire the viewer, as well.”
Janice publishes a website for artists called Watercolor & More at Watercolor and More
and has written two instructional e-books about painting: “The Beginner’s Watercolor eBook: Start Painting Today” and
“Creating Texture with Watercolor & YUPO Synthetic Paper”.