The Back Track to Art

The tiny little mini-Blockbuster exhibition of artwork for the Arts Guild’s Auction for the Arts is up NOW–so, don’t waste any time in getting down to the Center for Arts (on 304 Division Street) to see this stellar collection of art. The work will be up now through about 1 pm on Friday afternoon (March 14), whence it moves over to the Theater for the Auction later on that night (at 7:30)(social hour starts at 6:30).

For those of you who will miss the opportunity to come down to the Guild’s gallery, not to worry, never fear. For your viewing pleasure we have mounted an exhibition of (the vast bulk of) the work on our website. I’m sure you’ll agree, after checking this stuff out, that the work is on a par with the best art in the state (I’m endlessly impressed with this year’s generosity and talent!).

And, should you agree with me, don’t forget too that all of this art is for sale! All you have to do is come down to the Auction on March 14.  We promise it’ll be a buon tempo!

Don’t miss this year’s NEW take on a favorite event, the Annual Auction for the Arts. To be held on March 14 at the Northfield Arts Guild Theater, “The Eds of March” auction (named in honor of our esteemed auctioneer Ed Kuhlman) will feature all things “la vita dolce”—Italian wines, Mediterranean and Italian foods, entertainment interludes and cameo appearances of song, dance, and so on, and much more. It’ll be a veritable Roman feast! And let us not forget the auction of fantastic art by your favorite local artists, as well as wonderful prizes — singing telegrams, sailing trips, cocktail parties, intimate dinners, and much more — provided by your Northfield friends and neighbors.

And the best part? It’s all for a good cause, as proceeds go to supporting your favorite community arts organization!

Did I mention gifts? There’ll be lots and lots and lots of gifts–just perfect for your holiday shopping needs–at this year’s Festival of Trees.

 Here’s the full scoop:

Coinciding with Northfield’s annual Winter Walk, the Northfield Arts Guild will host its ninth annual Festival of Trees beginning Thursday, December 6 and running through Saturday, December 8.

The Northfield Arts Guild’s Festival of Trees is a homegrown holiday tradition that shines with community spirit. Wonderfully whimsical, the Festival of Trees is an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding creative and artistic talent of the Northfield community—and to provide holiday shoppers with a fantastic assortment of one-of-a-kind gifts. Attracting up to 1,000 visitors each year over its three-day run, the Festival of Trees also helps the Arts Guild raise essential funds in support of its year-long arts programming. In previous years, the event has raised up to $5,000.

“We deck the halls of our Division Street arts center with specially-decorated trees and wreaths, along with a wide selection of hand-made ornaments and gift items created by area artists and crafters,” explains Northfield Arts Guild executive director Michael Fallon. “Then, beginning with Northfield’s city-wide Winter Walk, the public is invited to stroll through our gallery and take in the beautiful sights of the season. It’s a wonderful way to kick-off the holidays.”

The Festival of Trees culminates with a fun and festive party Saturday evening, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. At the party, all of the items on display will be available for purchase by way of a silent auction running through 7:30 p.m. and a live auction beginning at 8 p.m. “There will be live music, specially-prepared treats to nibble on—and of course, lots of holiday frivolity,” promises Fallon. In addition to large trees, table-top trees, holiday wreaths and hand-crafted decorations, partygoers will also be able to bid on a wide variety of gift items, gift certificates and services, and tickets for in-demand Twin Cities theater and sporting events. “It’s your chance to find the perfect holiday gift for Uncle Bob and Aunt Helen,” notes Fallon.

Admission to the party is $10 and tickets will be available at the door. Advance tickets can also be purchased at the Arts Guild office. As a special bonus to those attending the Northfield Youth Choirs winter concert also scheduled for December 8, a $3 discount off the party ticket price will be offered for those who bring along their concert program.

The Northfield Arts Guild Center for the Arts is located at 304 Division Street South. Admission to the Festival of Trees display is free. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. December 6, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 7 and 8. The Festival of Trees party then takes place on December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a $10 admission.

A little wine and cheese, conversation and warmth, and art.

Come to the Wine and Cheese for Scholarships event tomorrow (Friday, 11/9) night at 7 pm. Cost is only $28. The money helps us provide scholarships for needy kids who would like to participate in the Arts Guild’s programs. You can also bid on artist-designed wine-glass sets!

For more details, call 645-8877.

The Minnesota State Arts Board has asked for help finding qualified candidates for another new position they are creating:

We [the State Arts Board] are seeking an arts program associate whose principal responsibilities will be to direct the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Arts Board programs that involve collaborations with other state agencies, specifically the Percent for Art in Public Places program and the Art of Recovery program.

This is a full-time position, open immediately.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply online through the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations.

We’ve posted a link to the full position description and to the online application site in the Employment section of our Web site: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm