Animals of the Driftless: Exhibit by Matt Wagner at WAC

Opening Reception
Sunday | April 3 | 2-4 pm | 3 pm Gallery Talk & Printing Demonstration
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org

 

The Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., is pleased to present “Animals of the Driftless,” an exhibit of relief prints by Matt Wagner. The exhibit will run from April 3 through May 27, 2022, with gallery hours on Sundays from 1-4 pm and Wednesdays from 3-6 pm. An opening reception will be held on April 3 from 2 to 4 pm. There will be a gallery talk at 3 pm, followed by a printing demonstration.

 

The Animals of the Driftless exhibit contains 12 black and white relief prints showcasing different animals of the Driftless region. Ranging from common to rare, each animal/organism was selected for its importance to the ecology of our beautiful and unique region. Animals were selected with the consultation of local environmentalists and prairie enthusiasts, with a special thanks to Gabe Ericksen for his contributions.

 

The topic of animal relief cuts came to Wagner after the birth of his son in the spring of 2020. After reading a lot of board books, he found that animals were a common theme for children’s books, but didn’t see as many focused on local animals. Researching “animals of the Driftless region” quickly showed a void of local children’s picture books and artwork on the subject matter. This led to the application for and award of an emerging artist SEMAC grant in the summer of 2021. After many months of drawing, carving, and printing, Wagner is pleased to offer the Animals of the Driftless exhibit.

 

According to Wagner, printmaking provides the opportunity to dedicate time to intricate details while carving, with the reward of creating editions and sharing work with others beyond a singular piece. Relief printing also demands that the carver work in only positive and negative space.

 

Wagner is a visual arts teacher and currently teaches at Winona Area Learning Center, part of Winona Area Public Schools. He is a 2008 graduate of Winona Senior High and has a BA in art education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, both from Winona State University. Wagner’s teaching philosophy focuses on letting students explore as many art materials as possible, with the hope that after graduating they continue making and enjoying artwork. As a curious and life-long learner himself, he encourages students to continue making art beyond high school because it can require no degree or specialized training, only practice.

 

The Animals of the Driftless exhibit is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the MN State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

 

Please note: The Winona Arts Center does require face masks at all events. For more information on this exhibit and other events happening at the Winona Arts Center, please visit www.winonaarts.org.

Images by Matt Wagner: Brook Trout (top); Cerulean Warbler (bottom).

 

The Winona Arts Center is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.