ArtWise Gallery & Creation Space
History of ArtWise
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ArtWise was incorporated as a non-profit elementary arts organization by parent volunteers in 1993 to support
elementary visual arts programs in the Greater Grand Forks area.
In 2021, the Artist in the Classroom program ended. ArtWise moved to a new location, changed its mission, and continues serving the Grand Forks community.
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Support of ArtWise
The Greater Grand Forks community generously supports ArtWise through individual memberships, business sponsorships, and grants. ArtWise has
Institutional Support through the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
If you are interested in helping support ArtWise you can donate online with PayPal or Venmo or fill out a membership form. Go to our Homepage to fill out our volunteer form. Or contact ArtWise at 701-885-1711 or artwisegf@gmail.com.
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Mission of ArtWise
The ArtWise mission is to enhance the Greater Grand Forks community through educational visual art programs and exhibition space.
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ArtWise Programs
ArtWise has continued the Annual Art Show for Students' at the Greater Grand Forks area public and private schools. Also, the ABC (Art By Children) Lease outreach program, in which children's artwork is professionally matted, framed, and leased to Grand Forks businesses.
ArtWise holds Art Camps for kids in collaboration with the Muddy Waters Clay Center, other art organizations, and local artists.
Gallery artists hold workshops for children and adults.
The ArtWise Gallery and Creation Space, in Columbia Mall, has rotating gallery exhibits and a gift shop that shows
more than 20 artists; the artists are all locally based.
At the gallery, ArtWise has free art packs for children that families can do together in the gallery or take home. This is part of the Take'n'Make partnership with the Grand Forks Public Library and the North Dakota Museum of Art.
ArtWise brings artmaking to community festivals throughout the year.
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Staff and Management:
Rita Haag, Executive Director
Erica Haag, Marketing
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ArtWise Board of Directors 2024-25:
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President: Mary Kulas
Art Teacher at Sacred Heart​
Vice President: Andrea Lorentz
Program, Coordinator East Grand Forks Library
Secretary/Treasurer: Johnathan Repoyo
Early Childhood Educator & RBT, Brainy Ink
Directors:
Joni Gilbertson, GFPF Para Educator
Carrie Sapa, Art Teacher at Sacred Heart
Andrea Lorentz, Program Coordinator EGF Library
Martha Keifenheim, Artist, Community member
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ArtWise Board Meeting
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is meeting at ArtWise Gallery and Creation Space at 5 p.m. every last Monday of the Month except July. If there is a conflict with the holiday, the meeting will be held on the third Monday of the Month.
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