Discovering your Inner Van Gogh: Ways to Be Creative in Grand Forks

Whether paint on canvas, live music, sculpture, or other creative outlets, I have always envied the immense talent of the artistic community. I, being the closeted creative type, decided to adventure forth into the Grand Forks region to see if I could learn from some of these talented humans. I found an amazing community of people willing to not only share their art, but also to teach others how to embrace their inner artist. If you would also like to bring out your inner Van Gogh, here are the places you can Gogh.

My first stop was someplace you wouldn’t first expect to find artists. One Tuesday evening, an artist-in-residence was teaching a class on letterboxing. Artist Jill Levine enthusiastically talked with tables of eager students, explaining the art of letterboxing and how to create stamps. If you aren’t familiar with letterboxing, think of it as geocaching with stamps. You carry your own stamp and tablet, find hidden boxes that also have a stamp and tablet, and leave your mark with your own personally created stamp. I think I’ve found a new hobby!

Campbell Library offers several art classes during the year and monthly “Art in the Park” events during the summer months. All classes are free, and all supplies are provided.

If you are looking for more inspiration, the Campbell Library also hosts art exhibits throughout the year. They also have an artwork collection that you can check out and display in your home or office for a few months, just like a book!

Looking for more inspiration, I went to a gallery opening benefitting the people of Ukraine at the Arts for Vets Gallery in downtown Grand Forks. All the artwork was sunflower themed and absolutely gorgeous! Again, I was blown away by the amazing talent of artists in this community!

Arts for Vets is a group of veterans, active-duty personnel, their family members, and community members. They provide events and programs, classes, exhibits, projects, and social activities. It’s a vibrant group of people welcoming to artists of all talent levels. They have open studio hours with an artist in residence every Tuesday and you can show up to learn new art skills or just get your paint on.

While at the Sunflowers for Ukraine art show, I began chatting with Amanda Rengstorf, a local artist who had a few pieces in the show. She told me all about another amazing group for budding artists, Artists Underground. Artists Underground meets once a month and works to give visual artists a network for connection, support, learning, and collaboration.

For my next artistic adventure, I traveled to Muddy Waters Clay Center. Mary and Brenda greeted me and were so excited to show me everything the studio offers.

As I walked into the center, I was instantly taken in by an amazing gallery of clay art. Pots, vases, platters, mugs, and figurines of all shapes, sizes, and colors adorned shelves in their store showcase. This is a non-profit studio and operates 100% with volunteers. Any artist of any skill level can become a member.

Mary and Brenda walked me through the entire center, showing me the process of creating a piece from a lump of clay into a work of art. They had just taught a class on creating no-drip teapots, and I was lucky enough to chat with Martha, who was getting her teapot ready for the kiln.

Muddy Waters is not just a space for artists. They offer classes for people of all skill levels. I already have my class space reserved for this fall! In the meantime, I found this amazing mug by artist Don Miller to sip my coffee in the mornings as I dream of my own Demi Moore moment.

The Grand Forks region hosts some amazing art festivals each year. If you are searching for inspiration, the hundreds of artisans and vendors sharing their wares will likely give you more than you ever imagined. ArtFest, held each June, and the Downtown Street Fair, held each August, both have so many things to see, touch and taste. Northwood also hosts an Art and Wine walk every other year during their Old Fashioned Days festival.

ArtFest, organized by the Public Arts Commission, takes place in beautiful University Park. Hosting artists and artisans, food vendors, and entertainers, ArtFest caters to art lovers and festival-goers from around the region with two full days of art, food, family activities, live entertainment, and free art projects.

The Downtown Street Fair, hosted by the Downtown Development Association, lines the streets of downtown Grand Forks with artists, vendors, food trucks, and musicians. With countless activities for the whole family, it’s a great way to spend the weekend.

If you haven’t taken a trip to the adorable town of Northwood, be prepared for one of the most charming small towns. Each summer, Northwood hosts Old Fashioned Days and every other year they host one of the best art and wine walks in the region. Current residents and artists with ties to Northwood take over the historic main street shops and local businesses serve up appetizers with regional flair.

There is no shortage of places to feed your inner artist in the region. The thriving arts community is full of very talented, passionate people who are more than happy to share their enthusiasm with anyone searching for inspiration.